February 26th 2012

Our motto at the old Deaconess house in Toronto was “there they dwelt with the King for his work”. It always gave me a happy picture of all the temple craftspeople, the masons, the metal, wood and fabric workers living together in a happy union, each contributing their own gift towards one beautiful house of worship.

Recently, I came on a little passage in Isaiah 41, verses 6 and 7. It describes the goldsmiths encouraging each other and admiring each other’s work. It is important that all of us should reach out to one another in love and appreciation of who we are.

That inspiring Canadian thinker and writer, John Ralston Saul, in a recent book encourages us not to live our lives as a linear race running in a straight line to get there first. We should live and grow in a special world and ever widening circle where we grow together and enjoy one another. This Lent as Christians and church members, let us reach out and get to know one another better. Let us pray for each other and take a loving interest in all our members, both young and old. Our loving father has given each one of us special gifts. May we show our gratitude by using these gifts in his service and for each other.

Let us invite each other in the name of the Lord to observe a Holy Lent