Chaplain's Easter Message
Dear Sisters in the Risen Christ,
As Christian women we are witness to the power of the Resurrection.
We may not have traveled with the women as they made their way to the tomb early that first morning, but we are equally awe-struck by the sense of profound anticipation, loss, incomprehension and ultimate joy of the events they encountered that day and in the days that followed.
This was a pivotal moment for them – as it is for us. The death of Jesus on the cross and the release from the tomb gave way to a new experience of Christ as the Risen Lord. I can only imagine the confusion they felt that day. Yet, there is something so powerful in the message that I am compelled to make it my own.
So, how do I make sense of it all?
As Christians we witness and acknowledge the Resurrection every day of our lives as we live out our baptismal covenant, experiencing new life in events and relationships, and deepening our faith in every activity. It’s my faith that I live by, and my faith is what leads me forward. But, faith is not merely a belief in the Resurrection. It is also a dynamic force that brings a responsibility for me to act.
As Anglican Church Women we are committed and faith-filled women performing many tasks: Worshipping together; caring for others; raising funds; and bringing the Church community together. We can look back and see the strength we have brought to the Church in all that we have done. Now, at the time of the Resurrection, we are being called beyond our works, beyond even our belief in Christ. We are called, also, to live out our faith in the way that Jesus commissioned the disciples. When he appeared to them that first evening, he said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.”
Our faith is more than a belief or trust. It is a gift from God and a responsibility. At the Resurrection Jesus handed over the reins to the disciples and ultimately to us. We are called to witness to the Resurrection, to proclaim the Gospel and to invite and include others in the glory of the Kingdom of God.
The life of Jesus was given to us so that we may come to understand the Kingdom of God here on earth. The Spirit of God has been given to us in our baptism so that we may have the power to continue in God’s glorious message. Now we are called to “make disciples of all nations.” I believe that’s how we live out our faith.
Christ died so that we may have the power of the Spirit born of our faith in the Risen Christ, bestowed on us by our baptism and lived out in our daily events and encounters.
Christ is Risen, Alleluia!
Reverend Lyn Oldale, Chaplain
As Christian women we are witness to the power of the Resurrection.
We may not have traveled with the women as they made their way to the tomb early that first morning, but we are equally awe-struck by the sense of profound anticipation, loss, incomprehension and ultimate joy of the events they encountered that day and in the days that followed.
This was a pivotal moment for them – as it is for us. The death of Jesus on the cross and the release from the tomb gave way to a new experience of Christ as the Risen Lord. I can only imagine the confusion they felt that day. Yet, there is something so powerful in the message that I am compelled to make it my own.
So, how do I make sense of it all?
As Christians we witness and acknowledge the Resurrection every day of our lives as we live out our baptismal covenant, experiencing new life in events and relationships, and deepening our faith in every activity. It’s my faith that I live by, and my faith is what leads me forward. But, faith is not merely a belief in the Resurrection. It is also a dynamic force that brings a responsibility for me to act.
As Anglican Church Women we are committed and faith-filled women performing many tasks: Worshipping together; caring for others; raising funds; and bringing the Church community together. We can look back and see the strength we have brought to the Church in all that we have done. Now, at the time of the Resurrection, we are being called beyond our works, beyond even our belief in Christ. We are called, also, to live out our faith in the way that Jesus commissioned the disciples. When he appeared to them that first evening, he said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.”
Our faith is more than a belief or trust. It is a gift from God and a responsibility. At the Resurrection Jesus handed over the reins to the disciples and ultimately to us. We are called to witness to the Resurrection, to proclaim the Gospel and to invite and include others in the glory of the Kingdom of God.
The life of Jesus was given to us so that we may come to understand the Kingdom of God here on earth. The Spirit of God has been given to us in our baptism so that we may have the power to continue in God’s glorious message. Now we are called to “make disciples of all nations.” I believe that’s how we live out our faith.
Christ died so that we may have the power of the Spirit born of our faith in the Risen Christ, bestowed on us by our baptism and lived out in our daily events and encounters.
Christ is Risen, Alleluia!
Reverend Lyn Oldale, Chaplain
CHAPLAIN’S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE – 2010
Rev. Lyn
“Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38)
As I prepare for Christmas in this season of Advent, I find myself reflecting on the story of Mary...
We often romanticize Mary and the story of the birth of our Lord. We place nativity scenes around our homes among other pretty decorations of the season. We watch cute little children in pageants in our churches. We reflect on the joy of new birth. We give gifts with festive anticipation like the shepherds and magi did so many years ago. However, we often fail to remember the struggle and suffering that brought Mary from Nazareth to that stable in Bethlehem. It was a harsh time, and Mary’s journey was very different from anything we would experience today.
The part of the story that I find most compelling is the very beginning – the stirring of the life of Jesus within Mary. “… The angel, Gabriel, was sent by God…” (Luke 1:26) and the angel said to Mary, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And now you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus.” (Luke 1”30-31)
I can only imagine the confusion Mary felt. On the one hand she would have experienced joy and excitement. After all, she was the one chosen. On the other hand, she would have felt the fear of the enormous responsibility and many doubts about the impossibility of a virgin conception and birth. Yet, even with all those mixed feelings, Mary responded with something that we can all learn from. She said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38).
As I reflect on these words, I’m always struck by the fact that Mary didn’t say, “I’ll do whatever you want.” Rather, she said, “Let it be with me.” So often I get caught up in doing what I think God wants of me, when what God wants is for me to simply be and let God work in me.
I believe this story of Mary speaks for all of us. I believe God is bringing Christ to life in each of us. The symbolism of Mary’s story is rich and the message is profound. So, how can I let it be with me according to God’s word? How can we let it be with us?
I wish I could say that letting it be would be easy. It won’t. As we know, Mary had a long and difficult journey ahead of her. When she returned to the town of her ancestors she gave birth, not in the comforts of a home, but in the humble surroundings of a stable. Yet, in that humility and vulnerability came the birth of our Lord and the Light of Christ came into the whole world.
So, the story shows us what our response to God will be – even knowing the struggle that lies ahead. It tells us that we will be led to a place of humility and vulnerability where we will experience the Light of Christ.
How can we, then, say to God, “Let it be with me according to your word”? How can we endure and accept the difficult journey and let God bring us to that vulnerable place of humble surroundings birthing Christ within us?
Gracious God, let it be with me according to your word. Amen
