Advent III On the Road to Restoration

2020 12 13 Advent III On the Road to Restoration, Toronto United Mennonite Church, Voice Recording.

Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 – The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me
Luke 1:46-55 – The Magnificat
Imagine the Angels of Bread, Martín Espada, Puerto-Rican declamador (poet of the people)

Today we talk about the Road to Restoration. I believe that God has an audacious dream of restoration that is so total, so all-encompassing, that it is almost imperceptible. I believe that God is in the business of reconciling everything, and intends all humanity, and all creation, to be restored in the fullness of time. I believe that the words of prophets like Isaiah and Mary give us a glimpse of this Road to Restoration – just some of the many steps towards the ultimate restoration. We each get glimpses as we work for justice and peace and right relationships. The dream is too big for any individual to grasp. But we are responsible for dreaming it together, inviting others to share the road and bear the load.

Let’s pray: God of Advent hope, open our eyes, our ears, our spirits and our lives to your arrival. We walk the road together. Meet us along the way to strengthen us with bread for the journey. Help us to leave behind anything that does not belong in your beloved community. In the name of Jesus, our guide, we pray, Amen.

The Transfiguration

The Transfiguration –  more than a glorified camping trip

2016 02 07 – Toronto United Mennonite Church
Listen to the audio here

Scriptures:
Luke 9:28-36 (The Transfiguration)
Luke 22:39-47 (Jesus prays on the Mount of Olives)

Yesterday, heavy with sleep, I was at Convocation Hall on the University of Toronto campus for a ceremony. It was a large ceremony, as over 200 people came with their friends and family to receive their Canadian citizenship. I was there for my brother-in-law’s partner.

He became a Canadian citizen. At a specific moment, which could be pinpointed in time, he became a Canadian citizen. His rights changed, his responsibilities changed, and his relationships. What does that look like, that moment of change? And when exactly was it?