In the Holy Land Seeking the Solace of the Cross
For many years, I have believed that as Christians we must read the Gospels, as we must read our own lives, in the light of the resurrection. We are called to return to every moment in the life of Jesus, no matter how small: his walks along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, the bread he broke amongst friends, his prayers whispered beneath the olive trees – and see within them a hidden hope, waiting to be revealed. That is what it means to find the joy hidden among ordinary things. That knowledge of resurrection has served as my source of strength in many times of difficulty.
Yet it is only now, after so many years of living in proximity to war, violence, and displacement, that I have come to believe that we might also learn to read the Gospels, and so our own lives, in the light of the crucifixion. This also is a source of strength.
We can return to every moment in the ministry of Jesus – the Sermon on the Mount, the calming of the storm – carrying within our hearts the certainty of Jesus, crucified. And this knowledge will give us not only pain, but also solace, and the fortitude to live.
Yes, it is only in these most difficult years that I have come to know the solace of the cross, the solace of God who never stops loving us. It is in the moments of exhaustion, on more occasions than I can count, that I have remembered Jesus in his last moments, hung in agony, with his arms outstretched and nailed to wooden beams. In this moment he is only love. Deeply himself. Jesus, fully human and fully divine, who sees us. That is the Jesus I have come to seek, a man of absolute tenderness. I have watched him, in his last hours, quietly making choices. Attentive, present, steady, a witness to the constancy of love. He notices everyone around him. Even as he suffers and dies, he keeps offering his life in love. Jesus on the cross, who forgives those who crucified him, calling out: “Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do.” Not only remembering them, but loving them, watching out for them.
Jesus, who speaks tenderly to the thief hanging beside him: “Truly, I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” And in doing so not only hears him, but accompanies him, offering encouragement in his greatest hour of agony.
Jesus, who says to John: “Behold your mother.” And to his mother: “Here is your son.”
Jesus, who prays the psalms.
Jesus, who cries out. Who is thirsty.
Jesus, who says simply: “Into your hands I commend my spirit.”
It is this Jesus on the cross who comes to me in these dark times. All compassion. All goodness. Jesus, who in his torment remains fully available, connected. Who reads the hearts of those around him, as he reads ours.
Starting from there, I can return and re-read the Gospels in a new way, for I know that his teachings, even the most difficult ones, are not only true in quiet times. For isn’t it easy to speak of hunger when we have food, of forgiveness when no one has wounded us? But Jesus teaches everything again by living it on the cross, simply in being himself, in that place, at that hour.
Love your enemy. Do good to those who hate you.
Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who abuse you.
Turn the other cheek. Love your neighbor as yourself.
Do good to others as you would have them do unto you.
His words remain true. And in being true, they are not only solace. They are also miracle.
Truly, this was the son of God.
Watching him, I know that this is how I want to attempt to live in the world, strengthened with the love of God. Carrying the knowledge that cruelty and violence have lost their power. Even in wartime. Even if everything else should be destroyed. I want to remember that it is possible to still be kind. It is possible to love. It is possible to forgive. It is possible to remain present to the needs of others.
And so, knowing this solace of the cross, the urge comes to live in the world with a little bit more compassion. To offer to lift someone else’s heavy bags. To open a door. To bandage a wound. To smile. To call someone by name. To place one’s head at the foot of a child’s bed after an exhausting day, and sing a lullaby. The urge comes to love not only in response to the violence of the world, but as an end in and of itself. Because that is God loving with us and in us. And I can notice those around me, living this kindness against gravity, day after day, largely unnoticed, and I can recognize the miracle in it.
This is my prayer, that in carrying the solace of the crucifixion, it might be possible to move in the world with a little less fear. The freedom of the cross is in this – that God has made it possible to love, even in the face of violence and war and hatred, and death itself. In this knowledge, darkness, at least for a moment, loses its power, for it cannot destroy what is dearest to us. What is true is true and will always be true.
So, we return to the beginning of the Gospels and read the words again in the light of the cross, strengthened in trust that it will guide us.
Forgive, and you will be forgiven
(And this is true, even on the cross)
Give and it will be given to you
(And this is true, even on the cross)
Do not worry about your life
(And this is true, even on the cross)
Love one another, as I have loved you.
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Many thanks to Rev. Jan Hieminga for filling the pulpit during Pastor Eric’s mission trip to Guatemala. It is always a pleasure to have Jan back in our midst as he brings us the word of the Lord during worship.
World Day of Prayer Thank You
This event at Graceview last Saturday was a great success due to the participation of many people. A special thank you to Earl Nixon, Harry Learoyd, Iris Lee, Norma Hendershot, Nancy McPherson, Rachael Chen, Margaret Munene, Nancy Green, Carol Hyndman, Dorothy Anderson, Janet Ottewell and Jackie Taylor. As you can see it does take a small village to make it all work.
We collected $970. for the Women’s Inter Church Council of Canada which sponsors many great causes around the world and in Canada. This year’s program from the Cook Islands was different from most and very moving. You can watch it on Graceview’s website if you missed it.
Pancake Supper
Over 60 people attended the Pancake Supper last week and they enjoyed a delicious meal. Special thanks go to Kathy Twynam and Janet Ottewell who prepared the Down East Pancake batter and to Chef Dave Taylor who assisted the hard-working members of Outreach in cooking the bacon and sausages. Many thanks are owed to Earl Nixon who helped set up the tables, arranged extension cords, prepared the tea and coffee and operated the elevator for our guests. Once again, Harry Learoyd led the sing-along and provided us with very interesting commentary about some of the songs. He was accompanied by Boris Treivus who also played lovely music for us during supper. The residents and staff from the Wellesworth community home had a wonderful time and were happy to be included with our gathering. Thanks to the generosity of all the people who contributed to the Free Will Offering, we will be able to send a donation of approximately $500 (representing the net proceeds) to the St James Food Basket.
Loonies for Lent
This year Outreach is asking you to set aside loonies and toonies or other monetary donations in order that we may send a large donation to the St James Food Basket. The money that we send will be spent on such basics as tuna, canned tomatoes, tomato paste and vegetable soup which will be distributed to their client families. Each year the number of people who rely on food banks continues to grow and the uncertain times that we are currently living in will only further increase this need. Outreach is asking our members to send their monetary donations to the church (loonies/toonies in containers, cash, cheques or e-transfers) to support this initiative. Please mark your envelopes for “Loonies for Lent, Outreach” and include your name and envelope number. We would appreciate receiving your contributions by April 20th.
St Patrick’s Day Luncheon.
We are pleased to announce that Outreach will be hosting a St Patrick’s Day Luncheon on Monday, March 17th at 12 pm in the downstairs hall. Chef Dave Taylor will be preparing an Irish stew for the lunch and will demonstrate how to make it for us. Every guest will receive a copy of his recipe. We are looking forward to another lively presentation and an opportunity for those in attendance to ask “Chef Dave” questions about the stew. Irish music will be provided and there will be lots of green to decorate the hall. Feel free to wear some green in honour of the day! There will be a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the front foyer. Please plan to attend and invite your friends to join us. Free Will Offerings will be gratefully accepted. The net proceeds will be donated to Outreach projects.
Mzuki Wa Inüili (An Afternoon of East African Music and Food):
Mzuki Wa Injili (An Afternoon of East African Music and Food), set to be held in Spring 2025
pending council approval, is an all-around celebration of East African culture with a particular focus on Kenyan Gospel music and food. Along with a social hour with Kenyan food, coffee, and snacks, the event will feature Kenyan gospel artist, Ruth Matete and her band as musical guests.
Date:
April 6 Time: 2:30pm – 4:00pm
Location:
Humbercrest United Church (Sanctuary or Heritage Hall)
Impetus and Outcomes:
Through the ministry of Rev. Diane, we, as the congregation of Humbercrest United Church, have the opportunity to offer new and unique experiences to the community around us.
Rev. Diane’s intimate connection to and knowledge of the East African community in Toronto is a particular asset in this regard. Thus, we feel that an authentic, respectful, and joyful celebration of Kenyan culture at Humbercrest United would be a genuine opportunity to touch and engage with various communities around us, in a meaningful and intentional way. The primary goal of the event is to establish a meaningful and working relationship between Humbercrest, the East African Community of Toronto, and the Indigenous community Namares.
The event will be ticketed (Eventbrite) to raise funds to cover the costs of hosting the event. All proceeds beyond this threshold will be donated to Namares.• Tickets: $20