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Simplicity is the key

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Wisdom from Eastern Point

The Beacon, October 2007

Simplicity is the key

How many of you have ever dwelled on the fact that time marches backward in a shortage? If I'm so poor that I don't know when I'll be eating my next meal, I sure don't give much thought to what may happen in the world five years from now. Most of us are rich enough that that example is simply theoretical. However, most of us can remember back to the mid-1970s, when we drove from station to station looking for gasoline.

Or, to a lesser extent, two years ago when we went searching for a flu shot when vaccine was scarce. Many of us went to bed for the night thinking, "Will I find gas (or a flu shot) tomorrow? and what happens if I can't?" Jesus, of course, says in the scriptures that we are not to be anxious about tomorrow, that the present day's troubles are sufficient. But sometimes it's difficult not to worry about the immediate future.

One of the rectors whom I worked for while in seminary had been a banker before being ordained as a priest. His Easter sermon three years in a row equated the rolling away of the stone in front of Jesus' tomb, with the opening of a new bank. Even though I tried, I never could get the analogy. He did, however, go on to talk about his belief that our Christian witness gains deeper meaning in times of shortages, and it is because our very life-styles are changed during such times. When gas is scarce, we don't use our automobiles nearly as much as we do when gas is plentiful. Instead, we stay home more, which can lead to greater family times and communication. Better yet, it gives us time to talk with our neighbor across the street or even next door, maybe about our church or our faith!

Christian witness though is about more than just talking; it's about living. How do we live in times of shortages? Do we complain like a spoiled child about what we're not getting, or do we live with simple trust in the ultimate Providence of God? Do we believe that God will still take care of us when times are difficult? Are we able to share with others out of the little that we ourselves have? Back in the mid-1970s, how many of you gave your neighbor a gallon of your car's gas. Did you in an emergency, loan him/her/them your car because your gas tank was full, while his/her/theirs was empty?

To live a simple life at the level of basic needs is a true Christian witness. David McKenna, in his book, Contemporary Issues for Evangelical Christians says, "A Christian witness comes in many forms, but the most effective always cuts across the grain of the times: Love in the midst of hate; peace in turmoil; and joy in sorrow. Simplicity is the key. In the midst of shortages, simple needs, simple trust, and a simple life will fill our horn of plenty.

Faithfully, Fr Bill

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Divine Forgiveness

I try to keep up with three daily readings: The Catch of the Day, The Purpose Driven Life, and Forward Day by Day. The first two are available online, the third is a small pamphlet available in the Narthex at St Stephen's. I am indebted to John Fischer for this month's column. He writes a daily meditation which you can subscribe to at The Fisch Tank. You should check it out. Here is what Fischer writes for September 25, 2007:

I have some really good news for everyone today, but it's not just good news; it's preposterously Good News. I found it as I was reading in Isaiah this morning.

"I, the Lord, made you, and will not forget to help you. I have swept away your sins like the morning mists. I have scattered your offenses like the clouds. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free." - Isaiah 44:21-22

Here it is: God forgave us first; then He invites us home. It could just as easily have been: Return to me and I will forgive your sins. That would have been remarkable enough. But instead, it's: Come home because you've already been forgiven!

This was precisely the case for the prodigal son. He was forgiven before he ever reached the front driveway. That's why his old man was running to meet him. There was no discussion. No lesson. No: "I hope you learned your lesson." He needn't even ask for forgiveness, for it had already been granted.

This is our message to the world: You have already been forgiven, so come home. Christ has already paid the price to set you free. He has removed the barrier between God and us. How can anyone resist so great a love? No wonder Paul calls it Good News. Can you imagine anything better when it comes to God and our sin?

We know we are guilty. Our consciences tell us that. We know the demands of the law. We have the commandments for that, and we aren't doing very well by them. We know that if we mess up in just one thing, we are charged with breaking the whole law. God does not grade on the curve. Instead, He offers us a blanket pardon - the only thing that could ever save us.

"Oh, return to me, for I have [already] paid the price to set you free."

Preposterous, isn't it? So, take comfort; all is not lost. Come home.

Peace, Fred Philcox

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Spiritual vision

For many years now, I have had the privilege of delivering the flowers from our Sunday services, to our parishioners, who are not able to make it to church.

This was actually one of my first ministries in the church. As a young teenager, I had served on my church's junior altar guild. One of the things we were asked to do was to deliver the flowers to shut-ins, many of whom were in nursing homes. With that, a seed was planted in me. As a result, I have been a nursing home visitor for most of my life.

When the position came up at St Stephen's, I gladly volunteered. This has been such a blessing in my life. It has helped me to stay in touch with dear friends who are sick or not able to make it to services any more. It has also enabled me to meet parishioners, who because of age or health problems, stopped coming to church before I moved here. They possess a wealth of information about our church and have shared wonderful memories of St Stephen's early days with me.

God has always directed me as to who to take the flowers to. Since I am a Lay Eucharistic Visitor, I usually bring the flowers on my monthly visit. Other Sundays, I rely totally on the Lord. He gives me a name and it is always the right one. A recent delivery was especially memorable for me.

The lady that I took them to is a resident in an Assisted Living Facility. When I arrived she was enjoying some refreshments with a number of other residents, in the large activity room.

All heads turned when they saw me walk in with the beautiful flowers. I pulled up a chair to visit with my friend, the recipient of the bouquet, who was now the center of attention. For nearly 45 minutes, they studied the flowers, asked what kind each one was and remarked on each ones individual beauty. Several people asked me to turn the vase, so they could see each particular flower. Over and over they remarked on their beauty. When I explained that they were from her church, one lady remarked that they were holy flowers, blessed by God.

As I looked around at these seniors, most of whom were wearing glasses, I realized that although their physical vision was failing, their spiritual vision was superior! I saw the wonder and joy in their eyes and was reminded of Jesus words:

"Unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of God." - Matthew 18:2

We live in a very busy and materialistic world. I think it often blocks our vision of the holy in life. As we near the end of this life, when the busyness and material things are stripped away, our possessions may well consist of not much more than a bed and a bureau. It is then that we see with clarity the holy. In the words of St Paul:

"Having nothing and yet possessing everything" - 2 Corinthians 5:10b

May the abundance in our lives never mar our vision of the joy and wonder of His creation.

Blessings Always, Phyl Endicott

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Wisdom from Eastern Point

This poem was written by Bishop Gordon Scruton and submitted to the Beacon by Don Shapleigh

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