Clergy Notes — Holy Cross, September 15, 2024

This past Wednesday, our bible study group reflected on 1 Corinthians, specifically how our faith is rooted in ‘the foolishness’ of the cross.

What wonderful, rich language St. Paul uses! And how fitting for us today in this age of reason, when we are very likely to have colleagues and friends and neighbours who wonder whether we, rational reasonable people, ‘really believe in all that stuff?’ Indeed, it may be tempting for us to brush it off or to avoid that uncomfortable conversation altogether, but I would urge us all to think twice before doing so.

Several participants gave examples in their lives of how their acquaintances, just by observing their behaviour, became curious about their faith. Yes, they claimed, people thought them odd for going to church, or believing ‘that stuff’ but – even if they could not explain WHY they did so – over time, the witness of their lives made a difference for those around them.

How wonderfully fitting that we also celebrate three baptisms this week, and what a testimony to them in the beginning of their new life as part of Christ’s body! For, even when – inevitably – the patina of their newborn faith wears off and the refined silver of discipleship begins to emerge in its place, the reminder that our Christian lives as a whole are witnesses to Christ’s glory, will be refreshing and sustaining.

May they, with all the baptized, find fresh strength and hope in Christ crucified: the foolishness of God which is wiser than human wisdom.

Mother Amanda

Download the Liturgy at Home booklet for Sunday, September 15, 2024.