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Epiphany 2 January 16, 2022
As we gather, we recognize that we live, work and play in the traditional lands of the Cowichan Tribes and Coast Salish People.
We continue to commit ourselves to the work of reconciliation and relationship-building with our First Nations neighbours.
Welcome.
Call to Worship:
Jesus manifested his glory, and his disciples believed in him.
John 2.11
O come, let us worship.
Opening Hymn:
Holy, Holy, Holy!
Public Domain
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee;
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty,
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!
Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore thee,
casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee,
which wert, and art, and evermore shalt be.
Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide thee,
though our sinful human gaze thy glory may not see,
only thou art holy; there is none beside thee
perfect in power, in love and purity.
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty!
All thy works shall praise thy name in earth and sky and sea;
Holy, holy, holy; merciful and mighty,
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!
Gathering:
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.
And also, with you.
Almighty God,
to you all hearts are open, all desires known,
and from you no secrets are hidden.
Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by
the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
that we may perfectly love you,
and worthily magnify your holy name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Collect of the Day:
Almighty God,
your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, is the light of the world.
May your people, illumined by your word and sacraments, shine with the radiance of his glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth;
who lives and reigns with your and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
The Proclamation of the Word
1st Reading:
Isaiah 62.1-5
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Psalm 36. 5-10
Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the skies.
Your righteousness is like the highest mountains,
your justice like the great deep.
You, LORD, preserve both people and animals.
How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!
People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
They feast on the abundance of your house;
you give them drink from your river of delights.
For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light we see light.
Continue your love to those who know you,
your righteousness to the upright in heart.
God of justice and of mercy,
open the eyes of sinners that they may see the light of your truth,
know the power of your love, and share in the bounty of your heavenly table;
through Jesus Christ, our Saviour. Amen.
2nd Reading:
1 Corinthians 12.1-11
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Gradual Hymn:
Spirit of the Living God
Copyright protected. Unable to post lyrics.
The Lord be with you.
And also, with you.
The Good News of Jesus according to:
John 2. 1-11
Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
The Gospel of Christ,
Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.
Sermon: The Venerable Brian Evans
May the words of my mouth and the meditations of our hearts
be ever acceptable to you, O Lord. Amen.
Why Did Jesus Turn Water into Wine?
I know, because the wedding feast had run out of wine.
Possibly not.
Who thought, come January 2022, we would still be talking Covid lock-downs, people still doubting the vaccine, and then, once again, to be reminded of the incident on Capital Hill in Washington. (Curious how that event took place when the Christian Calendar in the West observes The Epiphany of our Lord.)
There are some who would observe, ‘The Epiphany was when the world woke up to a very different time and place.’
At the same time, we are living in a time when the world appears to be living in increasing partisanships: political, health, school, science. There are parts of the world where we witness simple anger, at all levels.
Why, it is even filtering through the pews of many churches. What is right? What is wrong? What does the Bible really say? Who has the sound doctrine? Are we to be liberal or conservative, lowercase ‘l’, lower case ‘c’.
My observation: the Church, (yes, upper case “C”) appears more interested with political and social conversation, and correctness, than with a personal commitment to Jesus Christ.
Often, this leads to huge divisions within parishes and communities.
At the same time, we are reminded in Leviticus 19:34: “You shall love the foreigner as yourself, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt”.
At the same time, do we believe God still acts in the world?
There are times when, from my observation, we believe we have that privilege over God.
At times I think, or my observation would suggest, we act within the church without serious biblical or theological reflection. All of this brings about great division.
Reflected in the life of the Church today is, what I would call, populist theology: searching out the church community which agrees with us, politically and socially.
In this, we often lose track of, what I would call, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
The Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church in the USA (when beginning a sermon in this manner) will often, say at about this moment, words like:
“hold on, stay with me for a few more moments and I will get to the point”;
or, as I have titled my remarks this morning, WHY DID JESUS TURN THE WATER INTO WINE?
First, before we get there, we need to take a look at the early church in Corinth, and travel there with Paul today.
In some ways, it is rather, Déja-vu.
The lesson from Corinthians sets up the Gospel message.
Divisions are running deep within the community.
Paul steps back, or steps forward, and reminds the community, this New Christian Community:
“there are varieties of gifts, but the same spirit; there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; there are varieties of activities, but the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”
(1 Corinthians 12:4-7)
What about this "common good"? Are we as concerned about the ‘common good’ as we should be?
Many at this time are asking this very serious question about our society.
“Is it about me, or is it about the common good?”
More often, we are saying, “it is my personal freedom”. Or, “can I really trust science”, or, “can I really trust the possibility of my church leadership knowing something greater than I, or even the political leaders of the day”?
“Personal freedoms” are standing in the way of the common good.
This was a major part of Paul’s message to Corinth.
Paul could see where the community was going, and it was not in the direction of the Gospel of Good News.
There are those who would say, “we are free in Christ. We have been forgiven our sins”. There are those who say, “we are not bound to any one or any thing”.
At the same time, I believe Paul is saying to us, we are bound to our neighbour, in Christian love. Like these words:
Bind us together, Lord Bind us together
With cords that cannot be broken
Bind us together, Lord Bind us together
Bind us together in Love
There is only one God,
There is only one King
There is only one Body,
That is why we sing.
Bind us together, Lord…….
Fit for the glory of God,
Purchased by His precious Son
Born with the right to be free
For Jesus the victory has won.
Bind us together, Lord…….
We are the family of God
We are the promise divine
We are God’s chosen desire
We are the glorious new wine.
Bind us together, Lord…….
Paul would say, look to Jesus in Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
When we know this, and trust, then we know we have been to the wedding feast with the Lamb of God, where Jesus provides wine for all the guests. The very best of wine. Not only the very best, but overwhelming in abundance and vintage.
We hear this also, in our Psalm today, as the writer sounds forth on the covenant-love of God:
“Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends beyond the heavens and your faithfulness to the clouds. Continuing, the Psalmist comments how fortunate we are to be able to feast on the abundance of your house and you give them drink from the river of delights.’ (Psalm 36:5,8)
God is a God of generosity.
WHY DID JESUS TURN THE WATER INTO WINE?
As we often say, the world—or history—has shown us, does not change that much.
I believe, Jesus saw the world needed to know the generosity of his love.
The Word of God is meant to teach and direct us.
The question then, "where does this leave us today?"
Possibly: we who claim Christ as our God, claiming we are children of a generous God, and disciples of Jesus Christ, we can not, nor should we, give in to cynicism, greed, despair, grumpiness, remembering God is still with us.
Where did we start today?
We started (I started) on a bit of negative note: speaking of divisions with church, divisions within society, differences within political systems.
THEN, then within the context of the Holy Word of God today, we discovered, or were reminded, there is another way: to love one another, and to show this love in how we live our lives, in generous service—accepting we have a responsibility to serve each other generously.
Even if it means turning water into wine!
These great words come to mind:
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)
Thanks be to God, Amen.
The Apostles Creed:
Let us confess the faith of our baptism, as we say:
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. T
The Prayers of the People
Let us call on the name of Christ, asking for grace and peace.
Our response today:
Christ Jesus, hear our prayer.
For the church consecrated for service on behalf of the reign of heaven;
may it witness to Christ, the Lamb of God, as the source of universal salvation.
We pray: Christ Jesus, hear our prayer.
For those who help others rebuild lives devasted by tragedy and disaster;
may the kindness and goodwill of so many, be an inspiration to all.
We pray: Christ Jesus, hear our prayer.
For the elderly and physically disabled who are homebound by winter ice and snow;
may their needs not be forgotten by relatives and friends.
We pray: Christ Jesus, hear our prayer.
For police officers and firefighters;
may those who serve to protect citizens from harm be distinguished for their personal dedication.
We pray: Christ Jesus, hear our prayer.
For developmentally disadvantaged persons;
may the Spirit of God provide them with every special grace and blessing.
We pray: Christ Jesus, hear our prayer.
For those in our Parish: we pray for God’s healing touch upon them.
We pray for: Roy & Gail; Daryl & Sue; Maureen; John; John & Diana H; Steven; Sheila; Joseph; Mark, and those on our hearts and minds.
We pray: Christ Jesus, hear our prayer.
Gracious God, receive our prayers and help us to live as your holy people.
We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Confession and Absolution
Dear friends in Christ,
God is steadfast in love and infinite in mercy;
God welcomes sinners and invites them to the table.
Let us confess our sins, confident in God’s forgiveness.
Most merciful God:
We confess that we have sinned against you
in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone.
We have not loved you with our whole heart;
we have not loved our neighbours as ourselves.
We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.
For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us,
that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways,
to the glory of your name. Amen.
Celebrant
Almighty God have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins,
confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and keep you in eternal life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Distance-Sharing of The Peace
The Celebration of the Eucharist.
Offertory Hymn:
She Comes Sailing on the Wind
Copyright protected. Unable to post lyrics.
Prayer over the Gifts
Living God,
you have revealed your Son as the Messiah.
May we hear his word, and follow it,
and live as children of light.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.
Eucharistic Prayer #3
The Lord be with you.
And also, with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Blessed are you, gracious God,
creator of heaven and earth;
you are the source of light and life for all your creation,
you made us in your own image,
and call us to new life in Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Therefore, we praise you,
joining our voices to proclaim the glory of your name.
Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
We give thanks to you, Lord our God,
for the goodness and love you have made known to us in creation;
in calling Israel to be your people;
in your Word spoken through the prophets;
and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus your Son.
For in these last days, you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary,
to be the Saviour and Redeemer of the world.
In him, you have delivered us from evil,
and made us worthy to stand before you.
In him, you have brought us out of error into truth,
out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.
On the night he was handed over to suffering and death,
a death he freely accepted,
our Lord Jesus Christ took bread;
and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it,
and gave it to his disciples, and said,
“Take, eat: this is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
After supper he took the cup of wine;
and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said,
“Drink this, all of you: this is my blood of the new covenant,
which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Whenever you drink it, do this in remembrance of me.”
Therefore, Father, according to his command,
we remember his death,
we proclaim his resurrection,
we await his coming in glory;
and we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, Lord of all;
presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine.
We pray you, Gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts,
that they may be the sacrament of the body of Christ and his blood of the new covenant.
Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we, made acceptable in him,
may be sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
In the fullness of time, reconcile all things in Christ, and make them new,
and bring us to that city of light where you dwell with all your sons and daughters;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation,
the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation;
by whom, and with whom, and in whom,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory are yours,
almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
As our Saviour taught us, let us pray,
Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those that trespass against us;
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
The Breaking of the Bread
We break the bread of life,
and that life is the light of the world.
God here among us, light in the midst of us,
bring us to light and life.
The gifts of God for the People of God.
Thanks be to God.
The Administration of Communion
Communion Hymn:
Spirit of Gentleness
Copyright Protected. Unable to post lyrics.
Prayer After Communion
God of glory, you nourish us with bread from heaven.
Fill us with your Holy Spirit, that through us,
your light may shine in all the world.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen
The Doxology
Glory to God,
whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more
than we can ask or imagine.
Glory to God from generation to generation,
in the Church and in Christ Jesus, forever and ever. Amen.
The Blessing & Announcements
Closing Hymn:
Christ Be Our Light
Copyright Protected. Unable to post lyrics.
Dismissal
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God. Alleluia!
The recording ends.