The evolution of the movement Black Lives Matter over the past seven years must not be regarded as a threat to our communities or as a “terrorist” group, as some in very prominent political positions would want us to believe. Rather, Black Lives Matter is a movement that has attracted not only Black people but many others who genuinely are concerned about the injustices inflicted on Black people in our communities. It is a movement that has determined that the “time is up” and no longer would there be silence in the face of racist behaviour towards people of colour. It is noted that the movement has seen millennials being in the forefront of protests. Many businesses and individuals are endorsing and giving support to the movement.

The concerns shared by our younger generations – equality for all, gender equality, closing the gap between the rich and the poor, climate change, the right to marry whom you love, and removing the barriers posed by systemic racism – challenge us to commit to building communities of hope and justice for all. There is a wind of change taking place that we, as Church, need to be a part of. It is a change that compels us to be silent no more about those who are marginalized and treated unjustly because of the colour of their skin.

We in the Church need to ask ourselves if we are acting consistently with the values of justice and equality that our scriptures and teachings call us to observe. There are many in our communities and churches who are ignorant of what non-White people experience daily. The experiences of our Indigenous brothers and sisters, Black and Brown people, and new immigrants are often heartbreaking and downright appalling and unjust.

White privilege would never allow for a White person to suffer such indignities. Every day, when many people of colour walk out of their front doors, they are viewed with suspicion, simply because of the ebony grace with which they have been blessed. If the Church is to be true to what it claims about its mission and being an agent of transformation, then it is my hope that every Anglican in our diocese will embrace the work that is being implemented around anti-racism, sensitivity training and anti-Black racism. It would require a commitment from all of us to do the hard work in dismantling unjust structures in society and the Church. Andrew, our diocesan bishop, has called for this work to be done and I join him in challenging the clergy and people of the diocese to see this work as integral to God’s mission and the witness we must bear.

As I prepare to transition into retirement, I am filled with gratitude for the many blessings I have received. I do not know that any of us could ever fully express to Almighty God our heartfelt thanks for His infinite love, mercy and goodness. Nor do I believe that any of us can fully express thanks to God for the love, support, encouragement of family, friends, church community and colleagues through the years. Nevertheless, it is with profound gratitude and humility that I offer thanks to God and to the many who have shared in my life and ministry.

While I have met with challenges along the way, which are realities of life, ordained ministry has been a blessing in the midst of joy and sadness, disappointment and encouragement, fear and hope. I have had the honour and privilege of working with dedicated men, women and young people for 45 years of ordained ministry. I will be forever grateful for the many with whom I have journeyed in parish ministry, in diocesan ministry and as area bishop of York-Simcoe. I look forward to retirement in anticipation of what God will invite me to do, just as he has for the 45 years of active ministry. I shared with you in the past that engraved on my Pectoral Cross which I wear as a bishop are the words from Proverbs 3:6: “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” I continue to hold to these words in the confidence that God always leads and that we can trust his promise to be with us in whatever we do and wherever we go.

I believe that Jesus is always going before us every day, leading, empowering and enabling us in our daily lives. Let us grasp every opportunity to experience new beginnings in the name of Him who is alive and reigns forever.

I offer Aaron’s blessing: The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

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Just as spring provides such hope and opportunities, Easter provides the promise of a rich and new life in Christ. This has been the gospel message for more than 2,000 years. After the death of Jesus, all who had been with him or knew of him wondered what the future held for them. They could not fathom what life would be like without him.

In John’s gospel, we are told that Mary Magdalene went to the tomb, only to discover that the stone had been removed from the entrance. She did not go in, but ran and told Peter and John, who went to the tomb to find that the body of Jesus was not there. It was on seeing the empty tomb that they came to believe that Jesus had risen from the dead, as he had told them he would. Mary, on the other hand was so distraught that she remained there weeping. She did not recognize Jesus at first, until a very familiar voice said to her, “Mary.” She was commissioned to go and tell the disciples that he was alive. It was Mary who first broke the news to the disciples that she had seen the risen Lord.

One may imagine how that news was received by the close friends of Jesus. According to John’s gospel, the disciples remained locked in a room until Jesus made his first appearance to them. In that meeting, Jesus offered them peace and breathed his spirit upon them, as he commissioned them for future ministry. I believe that was a moment of transformation, joy and a real reason to hope and not be afraid anymore.

In our lives, there are many things that can happen that can break our spirit or make us want to give up. Fear, hopelessness, despair and despondency can easily beset us amid loss, brokenness, betrayal, illness or the death of someone close to us. There can be an emptiness, maybe like that which the disciples experienced when Christ was crucified. Until something happens that reverses those feelings, we may remain doubtful, fearful or even paralyzed.

In the gospel stories, those who met the risen Christ all experienced change in their lives. Christ was alive and offered peace and hope to them. They were offered new beginnings, just like at springtime. Our Lord’s resurrection meant overcoming sin and death. Therefore, every human flaw may be corrected, weakness overcome, and we can be redeemed. Easter offers the assurance that we can overcome the many obstacles, difficulties and challenges that life presents, from time to time. We live in a world that at times is cruel, uncaring, unforgiving, and seemingly void of hope or second chances. The risen Christ makes possible for all of us to have second chances, new beginnings, new life and hope.

Sometimes our behaviours are not consistent with our values, healthy lifestyles or of showing neighbourliness, love and respect for others. Jesus loves and values each and every one of us, even with our faults and shortcomings. He offered to those who offended and hurt him, as he does to us, forgiveness, new life and hope for the future. There is healing and hope to be experienced in Him who came that we might have life in all its fullness. Jesus says to us as he said to the women who went to the empty tomb and to the frightened disciples in the locked room, “Do not be afraid” and “Shalom-Peace.” We are encouraged not to be afraid because of the loss of a job, the death of a loved one, a pending surgery, a meeting with someone with whom you are seeking reconciliation, a difficult decision to be made or a new venture to be started. Jesus offers hope and guidance in all situations, through the power of his spirit.

The Good News is that Jesus is going before us every day and promises to be with us, always. We have the opportunity of a second chance, being forgiven and being reconciled with another. Let us grasp every opportunity to experience new beginnings in the name of Him who is alive and reigns forever. Christ is alive! Alleluia! Have a blessed and happy Easter.

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In a pastoral letter to the clergy and people of York-Simcoe, I wrote that my recent illness was a life-altering experience for me. When we face such challenges in our lives, we tend to view life in a very different light than before. I am learning to pay very close attention to the signs and signals that I receive from my body. I encourage others to do the same. Paul reminds us that our bodies are “temples of the Lord.”

Sometimes we receive gifts from family, friends, neighbours and even strangers. Those gifts may vary in quantity and quality, but they are given, in most cases, with a degree of care and generosity. It is important how we receive such gifts, which often are given selflessly and with a genuine desire to be thoughtful and kind. We are reminded of the “widow’s mite” in the gospel story, in which she gave of her all, and although a small gift, it was sacrificial and out of the little that she had. The giving of everything, the sacrifice made, is probably of more value than the giving of much out of abundance. We may thank the giver by words, cards, emails, letters or a telephone call. It really is just as important what we do with the gift, the value we attach to it and the appreciation we have for the generosity of the giver.

At this time in our Christian liturgical calendar, we celebrate the greatest of all gifts: the gift of salvation in the person of Jesus Christ. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life” (John 3: 16). This gift of salvation comes to all of us out of unconditional love, not for a few, but for the world, for all who would receive it. In John’s gospel we also read, “but to all who received him, he gave power to become the children of God… born of the will of God” (John 1: 12 ff).

God’s will is that we receive the gift of salvation in the person of Jesus Christ, the Way, the Truth and the Life. In receiving Christ and following in His Way, His Truth and His Life, we are given power to love unconditionally as he loves, to forgive as he forgives, and to be compassionate as he is compassionate.

We may claim and own this wonderful gift of salvation in the name of Jesus Christ by living that salvation daily in our lives, work and witness, daily loving others for their sake, going the extra mile to make something work, and by being Christ-like.

God has come among us in order that we might have life in all its fullness. He chose to come among us, our Emmanuel, to share in our humanity. God has come among us in Christ, in order to reconcile the world to himself. God has come among us in Christ, in order that we may become reconciled to each other. Christ dwells among us to share in our joys and our sorrows, our ups and downs in life, and that we may know that we are all loved by God.

Every day is a God-given opportunity to be reconciled with God and each other. It is an opportunity to tell loved ones, friends, co-workers and the many with whom we share our lives, that they are loved, appreciated and valued by us. Let us not regret missing the chance to share with those whom God has placed in our lives, our heartfelt thanks and gratitude for all they are and have shared, and all that they mean to us.

My hope this Christmas season is that we would be intentional in expressing thanks to Almighty God for life and the gift of salvation in his Son Jesus Christ. I also hope that we would show and express gratitude to those whom we can so easily take for granted: family, friend, co-worker, neighbour and the person who may never be able to give us anything in return.

While tributes to loved ones and friends at retirement functions and funerals are fitting and appropriate, let us not lose the opportunity to tell them while they are with us, how much they are loved and cherished.

In this season of love, peace, joy, hope and goodwill, as we gather to celebrate the birth of Christ in our churches, at meals with family, friends and others, may we be reminded that we are called to love God and neighbour, as we love ourselves.

A blessed and happy Christmas to you and all with whom you share your lives.

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Thomas’s inability to accept the incredible news that Christ had risen should not be a surprise. He needed evidence and remained skeptical of what he had heard. Only when Jesus appeared a second time did he believe and made the confession, “My Lord and my God.” We may think that he should have believed when he heard the news on the first occasion.

One may well ask, what kind of follower or disciple was he? Or, how different is Thomas from us? Did Thomas’s doubt make him any less a follower of Jesus Christ? Jesus did not rebuke him for his unbelief. Rather he spoke of how blessed are those who have not seen but believe. We were not witnesses to Christ’s resurrection either, but through the scriptures and testimonies of many, past and present, today we confess that Christ lives.

As Christians, there are many things we do not understand. We have doubts about our faith and embrace “healthy skepticism,” not because we lack faith or even have a weak faith, but because we’re seeking a deeper understanding. There’s nothing wrong or unusual when one struggles with questions about religious faith.

Thomas was singled out as doubting, but he was not alone. Matthew’s account of another post-resurrection appearance exposed some of the other disciples. The account says that when the Risen Christ himself stood with the eleven on a mountaintop in Galilee, “some doubted” (Matthew 28:17). We ought to have the audacity to acknowledge that there are things that we may never understand or believe.

It is a healthy spiritual exercise when Christians wrestle with doubt and uncertainty. It may be said that a faith unquestioned and untested is no faith at all. The poet Lord Tennyson wrote, “There lives more faith in honest doubt, believe me, than in half the creeds.”

We ought to be wary of making the claim that we know everything that there is to know about God and God’s world. Accepting our limitations is important and healthy. Anne Lamott, the political activist and novelist, wrote, “The opposite of faith is not doubt, but certainty.” Being able to express uncertainty is acceptable as long as we continue to discern God’s purpose and will for us.

It has also been said that “doubt was the essence of faith, and not faith’s opposite.” sermons or what other people say to us help to put things in perspective. They assist us in arriving at a point where we are inclined to believe or become more comfortable with what remains an unfathomable mystery.

Our Christian praxis is not about having faith in faith alone. The Greek word for “faith” (pistis) is a derivative of the word for “persuasion” (peitho). Our faith is not just a mindless, unquestioned acceptance of the things we were taught about God and the Bible. It is a “confidence” grounded in the “evidence” of God’s love revealed in the person of Jesus Christ and experienced in our daily lives. In the book of Acts, Paul sings the praises of the Jews of Beroea, who, after hearing him preach, “searched the scriptures every day to see whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11).

If we are going to grow our faith and make it our own, it will require lots of work. It requires that we, in our own way and at our own pace, become the curious enquirer and eager disciple, studying the scriptures, testing the validity of its historical claims, and comparing its assertions with those of other religions and philosophies. It will also mean pursuing opportunities to put the words of Jesus into action.

Uncertainty is not a disqualifier from being called to be a disciple of Jesus. Just as he commissioned those who doubted when he stood with them on the mountaintop in Galilee, he says to us, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20). Like the man in the story of the “Healing of the Boy with a Spirit,” we can say, “I believe, help my unbelief” (Mark 9:24).

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It has been suggested that such an observation was first celebrated in Toronto by railroad porters within the black community by 1950, who had learned about it on their travels in the United States. In 1979, the Ontario Black History Society (OBHS), founded in 1978, petitioned the City of Toronto to have February proclaimed Black History Month. Interest grew in the community and the OBHS successfully lobbied the federal government to have February declared as Black History Month. Following a motion introduced by Grenadian-born the Hon. Jean Augustine, the first black Canadian woman elected to Parliament, the Parliament of Canada officially recognized February as Black History Month in December 1995.

It is believed that Mathieu Da Costa was the first black person to arrive in Canada in the early 1690s. He served as a translator for French and Dutch traders and explorers. Following Mr. Da Costa, many persons of African descent have made Canada their home. As in other parts of the world, black people were once enslaved in Canada. They, their descendants, and new African-Canadians have made and continue to make significant contributions to the development of Canada.

The list of African-Canadians who have made invaluable contributions to Canada is long! Harry Jerome, a three-time Olympian, won the bronze medal in the 100-metre race in 1964; there is now an awards ceremony named in his honour. Donovan Bailey became the world record-holder and the fastest man in the world at the Atlanta Games in 1996. Other black sports stars include hockey player, P.K. Subban, a significant donor to a Montreal hospital.

The list is also growing in the field of politics, in which women have played a leading role. Rosemary Brown, confronted with racism and sexism, was the first black female member of a provincial legislature and the first woman to run for leadership of a federal party. Immigrating from Jamaica, she became well known as a political commentator and activist, co-founding the Vancouver Status of Women Council. Barbadian-born Anne Clare Cools was the first black person to be appointed to the Senate of Canada. Haitian-born Michaëlle Jean broke many barriers, including her role as the first woman to be Secretary-General of the Organisation internationale de la Francophone. She was appointed Governor General of Canada by Queen Elizabeth II in 2005. The face of Viola Desmond, of Nova Scotian descent, both an activist for desegregation and a pioneering businesswoman, now graces Canada’s new $10 bill.

Lawyer Lincoln Alexander had many “firsts.” He was the first black member of Parliament, cabinet minister, and Lieutenant Governor for Ontario. Having served in the Royal Canadian Air Force before attending law school, he held his seat for four successive elections before resigning to serve as chair of the Ontario Workers’ Compensation Board. He served as chancellor of the University of Guelph for a 15-year term, exceeding that of any of his predecessors.

It is no secret that there are many African- Canadian members of the Anglican Church of Canada who have made, and continue to make, invaluable contributions to the life and witness of this Church. Our Church must not take their presence and desire to continue contributing to its life and witness for granted. We must continue to work towards increasing the participation, representation, empowerment and inclusion of black people in lay and ordained leadership roles in the full life of our Church.

The story of Canada has been enriched by a story of a people that is not often taught and or passed on in schools. Many young Canadians are growing up having never heard these tales of human endeavour and success. It is important that all of us take the time and initiative to learn more about our contribution to Canada, to share it with others, and to advocate for its inclusion in schools’ curricula across our nation. The story of African-Canadians is intricately woven into the quilt of the Canadian story.

There is an annual Diocesan Black History Month service held on the last Sunday of February at St. Paul, Bloor Street, and more parishes in our diocese are also holding similar celebrations. Let us honour and celebrate Black History Month with the same interest, enthusiasm and support as that given to other celebrations throughout the year.

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Our cities, towns and communities have grown considerably over the years and there are many challenges facing them today. These challenges include issues such as mental health, addiction, family and societal violence, gender identity, disabilities, and racism. There must be a willingness to address these issues in a comprehensive manner.

One of the major challenges relates to the level of violence in the Greater Toronto Area; it is alarming and should be of concern to us all. It is very disturbing that at the time of writing this article, there were 74 reported homicides in the Toronto area for 2018. I am concerned that the frequency of violence in society can lead to an indifference on the part of many. We cannot and must not allow ourselves to become desensitized or feel hopeless in dealing with any form of violence.

Whenever a murder is committed, it means the lost of a life. It means that someone’s relative – father, husband, son, daughter, grandparent – a child of God – has been killed, and the community has been robbed of a member. The presumption that “gangs” alone are responsible for the violence in our communities is erroneous. Unfortunately, there is also the tragic loss of life at the hands of family members or others. The pointing of fingers or apportioning blame does not address the issue of gun violence and other acts of violence in our communities. Working together to find ways to quell and ultimately eradicate the violence would be beneficial.

This requires the cooperation of leadership in governments at all levels, service clubs, social organizations, religious communities, families directly affected by this violence, youth leadership and any others who can contribute to solutions to these concerns. Vigils, marches, and solidarity gatherings are important in supporting those affected by such tragedies. However, seeking meaningful solutions to violence in our communities is critical.

In a recent letter to Archbishop Johnson and the bishops, a retired cleric of our diocese shared some of his concerns about the violence plaguing our communities. He sighted that any response requires “joining together of community partners (including the Church) to address the serious issues of mental illness and lack of resources to help people. What should come out of this is a larger public discussion on the issue of isolation that starts early in children’s lives by bullying and stereotyping of the children who are ‘different’ in schools; the polite Canadian racism in overlooking the ‘different’ people for jobs, job promotion, housing; and the harassment of the ‘different’ young men by police for simply walking late on the streets or driving too expensive-looking cars.”

I share the cleric’s sentiments and believe that we must confront and address issues that negatively impact our communities. Like many who have made Canada our adopted home, I have witnessed significant differences and changes over the past 26 years. We are tempted to lament that Canada is not what it used to be 10, 20, 30 or more years ago. It is not. Nowhere is. Rather than lament, we need to face the realities of our times and take the action necessary to address the issues.

The cleric, like many of us, shares a view that the growing intolerance of new immigrants in some quarters should also be of great concern. The “us and them” mentality and, in some instances, the demonizing and stereotyping of particular ethnic or religious groups, must be rejected. I believe that the Church has a moral responsibility to call on its members, as well as society, to uphold the dignity of others, to affirm the equality of everyone and to respect those who differ from us.

In his response to the Danforth shooting, which was posted on our diocesan website, Archbishop Johnson stated, “Every act of violence, wherever it happens, is an abuse against the dignity of our common humanity and cannot be tolerated. The proliferation of guns, the blatant disregard for human life and the impulsive (and sometimes deliberate) resort to violent action and reaction are evils which we must address as a society. So, too, we must tackle together the underlying social issues of poverty, marginalization, mental health and hopelessness that afflict many in our city.”

I hope that we take to heart the Archbishop’s response and are willing to be contributors to the solutions needed. We pray for our communities, ourselves and the Church that we will commit to working even harder in our daily lives to treat each other with dignity and respect. I call on all of us to reclaim what the early Church modelled in being a community that cares for everyone, especially the vulnerable.

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The resurrection is at the centre of our Christian faith, in the confidence of eternal life offered in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Easter is not a one-time event that took place many years ago, nor is it just an annual celebration. We are the resurrection community and our lives in the risen Christ mean new beginnings, hope for those who once had none, hope for those who are ostracized, marginalized or excluded. Life is no longer the same. In the words of the chorus of that wonderful song by the Gaithers:

“Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone,
Because I know, I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives.”

The resurrection of Jesus Christ led to the birth of the Christian Church. We see a group of men, disciples of Christ, who were once afraid, dispirited and uncertain about their future become transformed and filled with the Spirit, boldly witnessing to their experience of their risen Lord and Savior. They became empowered and were willing to do anything in His name. They faced their future with confidence and courage because He lives. They began a powerful movement, “the Jesus Movement,” and set in motion a mighty force that has changed and continues to change the lives of many around the world.

We believe that in Christ, death, oppression, injustice, fear and evil have been overcome and therefore Love conquers and will always win. The spirit of the living God is and will always be available to the Church. God is at work in the world in the name of Jesus Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit. By our willingness to join God in God’s mission, we come to experience the love, mercy, compassion and goodness of God.

In a time when many are skeptical about the validity of institutions and their “norms,” including religion, there is seemingly a lot of rage in our communities, and the Church has a gospel to proclaim and live out. Amid skepticism and even cynicism, we can share the good news of what God is up to in our communities. We can become so despondent and hopeless in the face of adversity, tragedy and wrong doing that at times we do not notice the good that is taking place around us.

Remember the words of the song, “Because He lives I can face tomorrow.” The resurrection means that there is nothing that we cannot face in the future. Life that the risen Christ offers is refreshing, life-giving, healing, inclusive and redemptive. We have been given new life in Christ. We are given second chances; broken relationships can be restored. We need no longer be imprisoned by jealousy, hatred, pride, envy, selfishness and human indifference. Our communities and places of worship must now be open to welcoming others, especially those who do not look like us or share the same faith, political philosophy or ethnicity. We are called by our Christian vocations to be agents of change.

Archbishop Michael Curry often speaks about the Christ “who came among us to transform the world from the nightmare it often is, into the dream God has.” The Church must always provide room and welcome all, irrespective of their perspective or understanding of God. Paul understood this when he wrote to the Galatians: “There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male or female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus” 3:28. One of the great challenges of our times is how can we be more inclusive in our nation, provinces, communities, organizations and churches.

The ability to live in community with many different views to life, politics and religions, is both a challenge and a rich gift. Our communities continue to become very diverse. We do not all need to think and speak alike. God has wonderfully made us for God’s self and each other. When we are unable to be respectful of those who are different from us, life can become very difficult and intolerable. That is why we hold to the belief and understanding that ultimately it is the love of God which seeks to save our world, as found in John 3:16.

Let us embrace God’s love and work together in providing for harmony and co-existence as God’s beloved. As believers of the resurrection community, may we by our living model what we promise in our Baptismal Covenant, “to respect the dignity of every human being.”

We, the people of God, can point the way forward that reveals the unity that we are given, and can celebrate the strength that we can bring each other and others. We can provide the example of how we can love those who differ from us and give attention to improving our brokenness. The resurrection means the setting free of all that once imprisoned us and living in the hope and comfort that “because He lives I can face tomorrow.” The Christian witness we carry out is in the Name of our Loving, Liberating and Life-giving God, Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer.

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The birth of the Christ child is for Christians, the birth of the Messiah as proclaimed by the prophets of old. At the heart of this narrative is the conviction that God intervened in human history and became human in the person of Jesus. This act of unconditional love by God is for the sake and salvation of all. The incarnation is that God chose to come among us and share in our humanity.

We believe in Jesus Christ, that he is with us and that he offers comfort, hope, reconciliation and healing. We rejoice in the knowledge that in the birth of the child of Bethlehem, he came among us to offer a better way of living. Jesus’ coming into the world is about making a difference, transforming lives, offering peace and hope where there is brokenness and division.

In Jesus Christ the Way, the Truth and the Life, we look to him who shows us a more “excellent way” of being. He shows us how we should love, forgive, be compassionate, and live in community as good neighbours. The incarnation is the Good News of how individuals, families, and communities can be agents of change for the common good. Jesus’ mission, in which we are privileged to share, is about transformation for the salvation of humanity.

The times in which we live are very troubling and can so easily lead us into being fearful and full of despair. There is much suffering, pain and inhumane behaviour in our world. The perpetuators of inhumane behaviours want us to stop believing in God, in Jesus Christ and in the Holy Spirit. They want us to stop living into those Christian values which inform godly and righteous living. We cannot and must not give in to the negativity that pervades our communities. As believers in Jesus of Nazareth, we are to be witnesses to the work of a liberating, life-giving and loving God whom we worship and serve.

Archbishop Michael Curry, the presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church in America, often speaks about how God, in coming among us in the person of Jesus Christ, came to transform this world from the nightmare it often is, to the dream that God intends for us all.

My sisters and brothers in Christ, we have an awesome God who loves us, a gospel to proclaim, and a witness to carry out as disciples of the One who came among us, that we might have life in all its fullness. In the story of our Lord’s birth, we are reminded again and again that he came to show us a way to love and a way to live. To us is born our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who invites us in the power of his Spirit to follow him. As we celebrate God’s gift of himself to the world this Christmas, may we live out the peace and goodwill heralded by the angelic hosts. I wish you all a blessed and happy Christmas, and good health in 2018.

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When we entered his office, there was a warmth and genuineness experienced by both of us in our first meeting with Bishop Finlay. He was very interested in getting to know us and our young family. We shared the stories of our Christian journeys and family life. It was a pleasure to engage with him and, in that first encounter, have a sense of the pastoral care and support he offered clergy and their families. I had no idea that six years later I would be working closely with him as his executive assistant and Archdeacon of York.

I got to know Terry, as he was affectionately called, when I became a member of the Postulancy Committee and a regional dean. He gave wise counsel and offered good insight into challenging matters facing the church. His was a calming voice and a non-anxious presence. He offered strong episcopal leadership in the diocese, both pastorally and morally. He was a model of deep faith and prayerful thoughtfulness, and was genuinely concerned about the well-being of the clergy and laity under his episcopal leadership.

In the spring of 2003 I received a call from the Archbishop’s office inviting me to meet with him. I thought I was going to be invited to sit on another committee of the diocese. He quickly got to the purpose of our meeting and asked if I was willing to be considered as a candidate for executive assistant and archdeacon. The position had become vacant when Archdeacon Colin Johnson was elected suffragan bishop. I was surprised when he met with me just before the clergy conference that year and offered me the position.

It was a privilege and distinct honour to serve as his executive assistant and archdeacon. I got to know Terry even better and learned much from him. I witnessed the depth of his faith and his concern for every parish in the diocese. He showed compassion, particularly for the marginalized and minorities in the Church and in the wider community.

Archbishop Finlay was very disciplined in his work. He worked long hours and paid attention to detail, thoroughly reading documents, letters or any material needed for meetings. It was also evident that he cared deeply for the wider Church and appreciated the importance of ecumenical relationships.

One of the qualities I admired about Terry was his willingness to make time for people. He made himself available to clergy and laity who needed to meet with him. I was often asked to join him in meetings with others, and it was evident that he always listened intently. He was very attentive to those with whom he was speaking. Terry was a pastor, mentor, friend and confidante.

Another quality I admired in him was his humility. He engaged with people in all stations of life. He was as comfortable talking and engaging with persons on the street corner or drop-in centre as he was with persons serving in public office.

One of the challenges he faced was the Church’s position on human sexuality. While in office he upheld the doctrine and discipline of the Church as diocesan bishop and metropolitan. On leaving office, he officiated in a same-gender marriage, for which he had to be disciplined by his diocesan bishop, who was once his archdeacon, executive assistant and suffragan bishop. In receiving the admonition, he told his successor in office that he expected nothing less from him and that he was exercising his episcopal ministry responsibly.

I believe that Archbishop Terence was leading the diocese in the direction of being more welcoming to those who were vulnerable, marginalized, voiceless and in the minority. He made a very significant difference in the life of the Diocese of Toronto. It is not surprising, therefore, to hear and read the very complimentary reflections that many have shared about their experiences of him. He exercised a servant ministry throughout his ordained life, and for that we give thanks to God for his example. I was privileged and honoured to have had the opportunity to know him as my bishop, mentor and friend. The Church has been blessed to have had him as a faithful bishop. He will be missed and leaves a legacy of exemplary leadership, humility, compassion and profound faith. We are grateful to his family for having shared him with the Church and assure them of our prayerful support. We give Archbishop Terence Finlay back to his Creator God with the same graciousness we experienced of him. May he rest in peace and rise with Christ in glory.

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In this Christmas message, I want to focus on the story told in Matthew’s Gospel. The Gospel-writer relates the birth of Jesus from his perspective. Mary was engaged to Joseph, and before getting married it was discovered she was pregnant. This presented Joseph with a dilemma, and because he was a good man, or as Matthew puts it, “a righteous man,” he planned to handle the situation with sensitivity to protect Mary. As he thought about how he might end his relationship with Mary without fuss, Joseph had a dream in which an angel told him that Mary’s pregnancy was of God and not because of unfaithfulness on her part. The angel encouraged him to marry her, because she was bearing God’s Son for a purpose that would benefit humankind. The child he and Mary would care for and raise would be the promised Messiah. On awaking from his dream, he followed the instructions given to him by the angel. He married Mary and on the birth of the child, Joseph named him Jesus.

We do not have the benefit in any detail of what Joseph truly wrestled with in discovering Mary was pregnant. We are told he contemplated quietly divorcing her, but before doing so, he experienced an encounter with God through an angel that led him to a different decision than the one his society would have expected him to make. We can conclude that Joseph was not just a good man, but compassionate, mature and willing to listen to the voice of God, even if confused and bewildered. He was not impulsive and angry when he could well have been, but measured and attentive to the angel’s message. We may well describe Joseph’s situation as being “between a rock and a hard place.”

His example for us is to be open to and willing to discern God’s purpose, even in difficult circumstances. He must have been concerned about what his family and the people in his community thought of Mary and the embarrassment she must have felt. Of course, no one else knew of God’s plan and involvement in the lives of Mary and Joseph. Joseph could have simply reacted as most of the people around him expected and have Mary stoned, if not “put away” privately. He chose neither.

He decided to risk the ridicule, embarrassment and ostracization as he opted to listen to the angel in carrying out God’s will and purpose. Joseph trusted God’s purpose and intention for his wife Mary. It is not always an easy decision to go against the expectations of family and friends when facing a significant dilemma. Joseph’s relationship with God must have been so grounded that he could listen and obey the angel’s message.

This story raises questions for us as believers. How do we listen to the voice of God through the many angels or others whom we encounter on a regular basis? Can we be as trusting as Joseph was? Joseph had to believe that, unexpectedly, Mary and he were chosen to participate in God’s mission for the salvation of the world. It was surprising to both, that they should be chosen to play a vital role in the salvation history of humanity. How open and willing are we to trust God and allow ourselves to be used as vessels and instruments of God’s reconciling love for the world?

Can we make ourselves available to God to use us in drawing others unto him? What might we be prepared to do or even give up for the advancement of the loving reign of God? God needs us to carry out whatever the divine plan is for the salvation of humanity. How willing are we to trust God in such a plan?

Just as Joseph initially considered severing his relationship with Mary because of expected scandal, we too are sometimes tempted to avoid doing what is right for fear of losing friendships or the opportunity for advancement. We may also be tempted to avoid associating with people considered as “outcast.” We should remember that our Lord was often accused of eating and drinking with outcasts and sinners.

In the midst of life’s challenges, scandals, uncertainties, fears and anxieties, we are once again reminded this Christmas that God is with us – our Emmanuel. In coming among us, God intends to comfort, forgive, save and enable us in the mission into which we are called to share and participate.

May you and your families have a blessed, happy and holy Christmas.

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