Feb. 14th Weekly Word

The Real Thing

Happy Valentine's Day, Christ Church!

My family and I decided to celebrate the day in a not so traditional manner by going to the zoo. From giraffes to monkeys to rhinos to meerkats to kangaroos, we saw many animals from all over the world. It was a fun time for making memories, especially since this was Haleth’s first visit to the zoo. So many of the animals she’s seen pictures of in her books, she finally got to experience in real life. And, of course, there is no comparison between the drawings or paintings or pictures that represent the animal — and the real thing. Whether it be animals or anything else, the real thing will always be more engaging, more interesting, more complex, more interactive and provoke more connection, feelings and response because… well, it’s the real thing.

As we enter the sixth week of Epiphany, we get the privilege of experiencing Jesus’ teaching firsthand in Luke’s version of the beatitudes. And in his words we encounter the real thing when it comes to a message from God. Later in Scripture, it’s apparent that the people recognize this because it says “the crowds were amazed at his teaching because he taught with authority, not like the scribes.”

In this part of his teaching, Jesus tells us about those who are blessed and those who are not – and, quite frankly, it flies in the face of the world and its values. But without a doubt, what he shares points to what is eternal, substantial and real over and against what is temporal, fading and ultimately false.

As Sunday approaches, let’s ask God to prepare us to experience afresh the teaching of our Lord in a way that turns our hearts to that which is real.

Blessings,

Fr. Darin+

Priest-in-charge

Feb. 7th Weekly Word

I remember the first time I visited Colorado and drove through Rocky Mountain National Park. It was a good thing someone else was driving because I couldn’t take my eyes off the surrounding beauty. The snow capped peaks that towered overhead; the clusters of firs, spruce and pine trees rising high in the air from the steeply angled ground; the rocky cliffs rolling down to the edge of the road, ornamented by an occasional mountain goat or two. It was stunning to be sure – awesome in a way that really lived up to the word because it actually left me in awe.

Throughout my years, I’ve seen other awe inspiring scenes as I’m sure you have as well. Reflecting on nature sometimes has me think about the God who created it. And mountains, of course, are only one facet of God’s glory. What about the delicate beauty of an orchid or sparrow? Or the complex ecosystems of a forest or wood? Or the vast expanse of the ocean or interstellar space.

It’s all quite remarkable and wonderful. And if these wonders of God’s creation leave us in awe, what must it be like to stand in the presence of the God who has the imagination, skill and might to bring them into being?

I’d invite you to ponder that question as we approach the fifth week of Epiphany – because in our readings and sermon this Sunday we'll explore the life changing impact God's presence had on two people in Scripture.

Blessings,

Fr. Darin+

Priest-in-charge

Jan. 31st Weekly Word

I’m not the best with spatial details; in fact, I’ve often thought that I’d make a terrible detective. The truth is I could go into a room, meet with someone for an hour, then exit without being able to tell you even the wall or carpet color. For some reason, my mind isn’t interested in being attentive to those kinds of details because perhaps it’s dwelling on other things.

As we approach the fourth Sunday of Epiphany and the Presentation of our Lord, I want us to think about what it takes to be attentive to details beyond our physical surroundings. In our Gospel reading we’ll meet two people who were tuned in to the realities of the spiritual realm and, as a result, were blessed not only to see but also to discern the arrival of Christ, the Lord.

May God also give us eyes to see and the hearts to discern the presence of Jesus in our lives.

Blessings,

Fr. Darin+

Priest-in-charge

Jan. 24th Weekly Word

Before coming to Christ Church, I worked for an organization dedicated to making God’s Word available to all people in a language they clearly understand. Believe it or not, hundreds of people groups around the world still don’t have one verse of Scripture in their language. As part of my work, I went to Tanzania a number of years ago to attend a celebration with a language community whose first New Testament had just been published. Their joy was tangible in the form of singing, dancing and praising God. It was an awesome experience.

Since then, I’ve thought about their rejoicing and gratitude, and it led me to a bit of self reflection. Do I recognize what a blessing Scripture is? Do I rejoice at the prospect of hearing it at church or reading it in my own study?

Our Psalm (19) for this Sunday says that God’s Word is:

“More to be desired … than gold, more than much fine gold, sweeter far than honey, than honey in the comb.”

May God's Spirit give us such a desire for the Holy Scriptures because as that same Psalm declares, it is the Word which revives the soul, rejoices the heart, and gives light to the eyes.

Blessings,

Fr. Darin+

Priest-in-charge

Jan. 17th Weekly Word

Greetings, Christ Church!

So I've been thinking about prayer, especially after seeing a placard recently that read, “Pray Big.” If I’m honest, I’ve often been hesitant to heed this advice, not because I don’t think it’s good advice. I do. But in the back of my mind I’ve associated such “big prayers” with a form of Christianity that is more fixated on material blessings than I feel comfortable with.

Over the years, however, I’ve been coming to grips with the fact that God delights in big prayers because they demonstrate faith in the Lord who is eager to give good gifts. That’s not to say that these gifts have anything to do with the acquisition of worldly wealth. Rather they are gifts that point to the abundant life that God offers us in Christ Jesus. And they come in many different forms, including restored relationships, ministry opportunities, provision, spiritual gifts, etc. And as we’ll see from our Gospel reading this Sunday, not only is the Lord eager to give good gifts to his children, he often surprises us with the extravagance of these gifts.

As we approach this second Sunday in Epiphany, may we seek the Lord and pray big, being reminded of the words of Jesus: “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”

Blessings,
Fr. Darin+

Priest-in-charge

Jan. 10th Weekly Word

Happy New Year, Christ Church!

I hope you had a great time celebrating our Lord’s birth and the new year. We certainly did – although it was not without its challenges. We traveled to Asheville to visit family, and it was a good time. But while there, I picked up a bug. When we got back, our daughter got sick and retained a fever for three days. I’ve fully recovered and she’s on the mend, but the experience had me reflect on some things.

It’s always difficult when your child is ill. Seeing them miserable tugs on a parent’s heart strings like little else can. As we experienced this over the last few days, I thought about the heart of God. His concern, love and care for us is deeper even than that of a loving parent to a child. His Word tells us as much in a number of places, but I want to share with you a passage from Isaiah 49:

Can a mother forget the baby at her breast

and have no compassion on the child she has borne?

Though she may forget,

I will not forget you!

See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;

This is the kind of love that God has for his sons and daughters! And as those who are baptized believers, that is what we are – the children of God. As we approach the first Sunday after Epiphany, take some time to prepare your hearts to receive and experience the affirmation of God the Father to Jesus at his baptism when he said: “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased." Because as those who are in Christ, this is his declaration to us as well!

Blessings,
Fr. Darin+

Priest-in-charge