Loving our enemies is one of Jesus’ teachings that is vital, yet difficult. At its core, loving one’s enemy demonstrates the belief that no person is entirely reducible to their worst acts, and that reconciliation is possible. The refusal to hate and dwell in vengeance preserves the integrity of
Near the beginning of my undergraduate studies, I had the opportunity to go on a study tour to the Holy Land. We visited many churches, archaeological sites, and museums in both Palestine and Israel. We also talked with many people—Jewish, Muslim, and Christian—to learn about their lives. On one hand,
‘All my hope on God is founded; He doth still my trust renew. Me through change and chance He guideth, Only good and only true. God unknown, He alone Calls my heart to be His own.’ This hymn by Joachim Neander (English translation by Robert Bridges) is a most popular
My simple answer to the question, “What is hope?” is that hope is a belief about the future that combines expectation and desire. In other words, it is a belief that a positive outcome is in the offing, with at least some assurance that the hoped-for outcome will indeed come
What is hope, and how does it shape our lives? As we return to the “Faith Matters” series, our three new authors—Melissa Ritz, Obren Amiesimaka, and Zoe Matties—seek to offer insight into this question. While all of them have their own unique perspectives on this subject, they directly or
The 20th-century poet T.S. Eliot first gained popular attention with the publication of his poem “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock.” Often cited as one of the key touchstones in the creation of the modernist style, Eliot began to develop a paradox of articulate inarticulacy that would pervade his
This issue contains an Advent message from Bishop Naboth, reflections on a year of the Anglican Poetics Project by Ryan Turnbull, and reader-submitted poetry. Some poets who submitted have been writing for years, spending a great deal of time and energy on honing their craft. Others have just started—maybe in
We live between the feeding and watering grounds of migrating Canada Geese—one of many resting places on their way to the south. From early September until now, these birds have been an intimate part of our daily life. They crowd the skies, filling them with the pulsing energy of
The premise of this article is to articulate and present a cogent submission on prayer and our need to pray. Furthermore, it will explore what our prayers should be and whether God answers them. The conclusion will endeavour to connect with my previous articles on attending the church and partaking
All Saints (521 Broadway Ave) Sunday, December 21, at 11:00 am: Choral Service of Lessons & Carols. Wednesday, December 24, at 4:00 pm: All Ages Family Service. Wednesday, December 24, at 11:00 pm: Candlelit Choral Midnight Mass. Thursday, December 25, at 10:00 am: Christmas Eucharist. St. Aidan’s (274 Campbell
I often think of the words of Christ, “But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”[1] Do not be like the “hypocrites, for they love to stand
In order to know why we pray, it is important to understand what prayer is. Prayer is an act of communicating with our higher power. Many people have a lot of different names for this higher power—Yahweh, Allah, Abba, and so on. I refer to this higher power by many
As we conclude the first three-part series of Faith Matters, exploring why we pray (and what prayer is), I would like to reiterate the purpose of this endeavour. Every person who reads this magazine has some kind of relationship with God and with the Anglican Church in the Diocese of
Several years ago, when I was a catechist in an Anglican parish, I had the privilege of working with an eight-year-old boy who wanted to be baptized. This was a common phenomenon in the parish where I worked. Congregants had come to the parish from other denominations, including some from
In my previous article, responding to the question “Why go to church?” I argued the following: The church provides a loving, caring, and like-minded community for the participant. There might not be a clear demarcation between the sacred and the profane, since the whole universe is God’s creation. Every human
By now, you, the reader, have come to understand that I enjoy eating meals with people. At this point in my life, it is the only way I can spend time with people without having to pick up a new hobby. It’s a great chance to meet people in an
The word Eucharist itself comes from the Greek word meaning “thanksgiving,” and I am so very thankful that I received knowledge of the meaning of the Eucharist when I was confirmed at age twelve. I understood that we do this in memory of Jesus dying on the cross for our
As our four authors, Amanda McKenzie, Ben Girgis, Edmund Laldin, and Kirsten Pinto-Gfroerer, continue this series titled “Faith Matters,” this issue focuses on why we celebrate the Eucharist. While theological discussion and historical outlines are a wonderful thing, the purpose of asking this question to our authors goes beyond traditional
In this issue, Rev. Andrew Colman begins by elaborating on how we are at our best when we allow the work of the Holy Spirit to shine forth in our lives, gifts, and talents. Then, Rev. Jamie Howison shares what he has learned in his almost 40 years as a priest, and now that he has retired, he reflects on how his experiences have changed throughout his life in full-time ministry. Next, Bishop Rachael Parker uses examples from her recent experience, as well as well-known tales, to highlight how discerning God’s call and following it is the best way to lead our lives. Following this, Donna Royer shares parts of her journey of how her relationship with Christ has changed and developed over the years. Lastly, the Synod Committee has provided some important information regarding the upcoming 121st Session of the Synod of the Diocese of Rupert’s Land.
