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Lent 2 March 13, 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:
I do not glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I, to the world.
Galatians 6.14
O come, let us worship.
Opening Hymn:
All Glory, Laud and Honor
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All glory, laud, and honour
to thee, Redeemer, King,
To whom the lips of children
made sweet hosannas ring.
Thou art the King of Israel,
thou David’s royal Son,
who in the Lord’s name comest,
the King and blessed one.
All glory, laud, and honour
to thee, Redeemer, King,
To whom the lips of children
made sweet hosannas ring.
The company of angels
are praising thee on high,
and we with all creation
in chorus make reply.
All glory, laud, and honour
to thee, Redeemer, King,
To whom the lips of children
made sweet hosannas ring.
The people of the Hebrews
with palms before thee went;
our praise and prayer and anthems
before thee we present.
All glory, laud, and honour
to thee, Redeemer, King,
To whom the lips of children
made sweet hosannas ring.
To thee before thy Passion,
they sang their hymns of praise;
to thee now high exalted
our melody we raise
All glory, laud, and honour
to thee, Redeemer, King,
To whom the lips of children
made sweet hosannas ring.
Thou didst accept their praises;
accept the prayers we bring,
who in all good delightest,
thou good and gracious King.
All glory, laud, and honour
to thee, Redeemer, King,
To whom the lips of children
made sweet hosannas ring.
Gathering:
In this time and place
We gather on the ancestral lands of Kwakwake’wakw; Nuu-chah-nulth;
Coast Salish peoples, and
the Cowichan Tribes.
From many places and peoples,
we come to this house in prayer.
In this time and place,
We are not alone
For we meet in the presence of the living God.
For we meet in the presence of the living God.
In this time and place,
We are not alone
For the Risen Jesus stands in our midst
The Risen Jesus stands in our midst.
In this time and space,
We are not alone
For the wind of the Spirit moves in and through us.
The wind of the Spirit moves in and through us.
In this time and in this space,
We are not alone for we gather with the whole company of heaven,
In this time and in this space, heaven and earth are one.
In this time and in this space, heaven and earth are one.
In this time and place,
Together, one people, in Jesus Christ.
In the name of God,
Creator, Saviour, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Collect of the Day
Almighty God,
whose Son was revealed in majesty
before he suffered death upon the cross,
give us faith to perceive his glory, that being strengthened
by his grace, we may be changed into his likeness, from glory to glory;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The Proclamation of the Word
1st Reading:
Genesis 15. 1-12, 17-18
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Psalm 27
The Lord is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
When the wicked advance against me
to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes
who will stumble and fall.
Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then I will be confident.
One thing I ask from the Lord,
this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord
and to seek him in his temple.
For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent
and set me high upon a rock.
Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the Lord.
Hear my voice when I call, Lord;
be merciful to me and answer me.
My heart says of you,
“Seek his face!”
Your face, Lord, I will seek.
Do not hide your face from me,
do not turn your servant away in anger;
you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
God my Savior.
Though my father and mother forsake me,
the Lord will receive me.
Teach me your way, Lord;
lead me in a straight path
because of my oppressors.
Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
spouting malicious accusations.
I remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord.
Blessed are you, strong Shepherd of your people.
You hear us when we lift up our hands in prayer,
and through your Son Jesus Christ,
you give us the promise of an eternal inheritance.
Blessed are you forever. Amen.
2nd Reading:
Philippians 3.17-4.1
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Gradual Hymn:
Tree of Life and Awesome Mystery
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The Lord be with you.
And also, with you.
The Good News of Jesus according To:
Luke 13.31-35
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.
‘Fifty-Seven Words That Change the World’
“Make Yourself Real”
Rule without Rival
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, on earth as it is in heaven.”
What about, “hallowed be your name” in the world today?
What do those words mean in our ‘secularized’ world of today? (I am always hesitant to use that term, as I am not sure it is fair to place generalized judgement on the world in general.)
As much as some may think, “why was it important for Jesus to begin with ‘hallowed be your name’— why would he not have thought of moving directly to ‘your kingdom come’”?
Truth told: Jesus begins here, for himself, to be specific about the name of God, and the place of God, within the big picture, as I call it.
Second, Jesus teaches us to pray, “Father, hallowed be your name,” because that is what Jesus prays. After all, the disciples’ request to their master was: teach us how to pray.
By these few words, we have at the outset, the focus of Jesus’ prayer life. You will see this over the next few weeks with each petition. Each could be simply set in a separate sentence beginning with, “Our Father in heaven…”
What about this word, ‘name’ and the significance of a person’s name; not only in biblical times, also to this day.
Johnson refers to some names in the Bible. Of particular interest he highlights:
- Nabal, meaning fool. Reading1 Samuel, you quickly realize his name is fulfilled;
- Isaac means laughter;
- Peter, possibly the most familiar to all of us, the rock.
Names highlight stories of character, personality, or reputation.
In modern times, we may think of police-checks, or credit-ratings. These provide personality profiles.
Proverbs 22.1, tells us that “a good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”
Now let us turn to this word, ‘Hallowed.’
Johnson tells us, this is interpreted: ‘to holy-fy’—in simple sense of the verb ‘holy’.
Therefore, the “Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, on earth as in heaven.”
‘Name’ equals character, attributes, personality, glory, fame, reputation.
Name means who God is and what God is like. ·
- “Hallowed”: holy-fy, treat as holy, honour, exalt, magnify, glorify.
- “Hallowed” means reveal, manifest, make known, make real.
Johnson says, we might, then’ pray the following: Father in heaven – Father our Lord Jesus, our own Father – make real your character and magnify your name on earth as it is in heaven. Father, make yourself real on earth, as you are real in heaven; enhance your reputation in all earth.” P.31,32
What is interesting for us: we do not pray, ‘let us, or give us power to ‘hallow’ your name’. When you begin to pray, be straight up, say what is truly true about God – Hallowed Be your name.
We begin by saying, and believing in, the power of God--as seen witnessed throughout scripture.
In our selection from Genesis, God, in speaking to Abram, says: trust me, do not be afraid, I am your shield – you will be rewarded. Then God takes him outside and says, ‘look at the heavens and count the stars – if you are able to count that high! That is how great your kingdom will be!’
Then Abram counters with, “O Lord God, how am I to know that I shall be so rewarded?”
As we have the ‘rest of the story’, we know God’s promise is fulfilled. Abram and his descendants do inherit the land: “from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates…”
Following these affirming words--and fulfilling of a promise--we hear the Psalmist making this declaration:
“The Lord is my light and salvation.” Ps. 27
This is followed by the Psalmist declaring, ‘so, how can I be afrai? Even if an army should encamp beside me, I have no fear.’
The Psalm ends with these words of encouragement: “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take refuge; wait for the Lord.” v.27
Johnson quotes from the Prophet Ezekiel 36.22-23 –
‘Therefore, say to the Israelites, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: It is not for your sake, people of Israel, that I am going to do these things, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you have gone. 23I will show the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the Sovereign LORD, when I am proved holy through you, before their eyes.
Why this first petition?
Jesus is inviting us to enter into the deepest passion of God’s heart; Father, hallowed be your name.
God is present with us and for us.
God is as accessible as, “Father, hallowed be your name.”
We might ask, is it that easy? Yes, it is.
On this 2nd Sunday of Lent 2022, the Lectionary presents before us a small portion of Jesus’ journey toward Jerusalem.
Jesus is encountered by the Pharisees, warning him to turn back saying, ‘Herod is waiting for you and to kill you’.
To which Jesus responds ( I love this quote)
“Go and tell that fox for me, ‘Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today, and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work.” In the intervening time, I will continue to do my work.
This is followed by this great symbol of parenthood, with the example of a hen gathering her brood under her wings:
His desire for the community to believe just how passionate he is about his ministry, his work as the Son of God, the one whose name is hallowed.
In Jesus, the Father’s name is finally, and fully, hallowed.
These words come for us from Christ at the end of Gospel reading for today: “See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” (13:35)d
This use of the image, of a hen gathering her chicks under her wings, is truly a good place for us to understand why Jesus taught us to pray, beginning with these words; allowing God to be God.
“O Father be all that you are on earth that you are in heaven.”
Then, God points us to his Son, Emmanuel, God with us.
It is in this moment: God is made real for us.
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.
The Prayers of the People
Sisters and brothers,
our covenant with God, in Christ, brings new life.
In the name of God’s Beloved, let us pray for the life of the world.
Our response today:
“Saving God, hear us.”
In the saving mission of Christ, the Law and the prophets are perfectly fulfilled.
Enrich the church with your Spirit, that Christ’s mission of mercy
may flourish in every age.
In Jesus’ name, we ask:
Saving God, hear us.
On the holy mountain, the disciples were called to listen to Jesus.
May those who are approaching baptism
be filled with a love for the gospel of Christ.
In Jesus’ name, we ask:
Saving God, hear us.
God promised Abraham descendants, more numerous than the stars.
May we not withhold ourselves from the gospel that promises endless life.
In Jesus’ name, we ask:
Saving God, hear us.
Christ endured the cross, so as to reveal God’s great love.
May all who carry the cross of suffering
be given every grace and consolation.
In our Parish we pray for:
Roy & Gail; Daryl & Sue; Carole; Maureen; Sheila; Joseph; Mark;
and those who are on our hearts.
In Jesus’ name, we ask:
Saving God, hear us.
Faithful God,
we pray for those who seek to discern your voice, and fulfill your will:
Anna, our Bishop;
Rev. Christine Muise - St. Columba, Pt. Hardy, & St. John, Pt. Alice;
Archbishop Lynne McNaughton - Diocese of Kootenay;
and our Rector Brian.
In Jesus’ name, we ask:
Saving God, hear us.
Nothing separates us from God,
except our failure to love in accord with God’s will.
Help love to abound, more and more,
in every human heart.
In Jesus’ name, we ask:
Saving God, hear us.
God, ever rich in mercy,
grant that the love of Christ may dwell in us,
and that our prayers be acceptable to you.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, our intercessor with you.
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:
Be Thou My Vision
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Be thou my Vision,
O Lord of my heart;
naught be all else to me,
save that thou art,
thou my best thought,
by day or by night,
waking or sleeping,
thy presence my light.
Be thou my Wisdom,
and thou my true Word;
I ever with thee,
and thou with me, Lord;
thou my great Father;
thine own may I be
thou in me dwelling,
and I one with thee.
Riches I heed not,
nor the world’s empty praise,
thou mine inheritance,
now and always:
thou, and thou only,
first in my heart,
high King of heaven,
my treasure thou art.
High King of heaven,
after victory won,
may I reach heaven’s joys,
O bright heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart,
whatever befall,
still be my vision,
O Ruler of all.
Prayer over the Gifts
God of wisdom,
may the light of the eternal Word, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,
guide us to your glory.
We ask this in his name. Amen.