Bishop Riscylla Shaw, Homily, 2nd Sunday in Lent, Rhythm of Life, Prayer and Study

Summary

This transcript reflects on the themes of faith, prayer, and personal growth, drawing on various biblical stories and teachings, including St. Patrick’s legacy, the story of Abram (Abraham), and the journey of discipleship. The speaker emphasizes the importance of faith in perceiving God's glory and highlights the role of prayer and study in deepening one's spiritual life. It also touches on the transformative power of faith, the importance of community, and living out God's call through compassionate service. The message encourages embracing the ongoing process of spiritual growth and reflection through practices like prayer, study, and hospitality.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker opens with a prayer inspired by St. Patrick, emphasizing God's guidance, protection, and wisdom.
• 😀 The speaker reflects on the life of St. Patrick, highlighting his transformative journey from a slave in Ireland to a missionary and priest who founded monasteries.
• 😀 The speaker's daughter, currently studying philosophy in Dublin, is tasked with researching St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Ireland, contrasting it with Canada’s focus on green beer.
• 😀 St. Patrick's deep faith and compassion are highlighted, underscoring his role in shaping Irish Christianity and bringing people closer to Christ.
• 😀 The speaker expresses gratitude for the church community and emphasizes the importance of witness, service, and actions in faith, stating that faith requires being grounded in God's image.
• 😀 The speaker introduces the theme of the second Sunday of Lent, discussing how the rhythm of prayer and study nurtures one's relationship with Christ and deepens faith.
• 😀 Faith and doubt are natural human experiences, as demonstrated by Abram's questioning of God's promise, leading to reflection on the balance between belief and skepticism in life.
• 😀 The story of Abram (later Abraham) is used as an example of faith amid doubts, emphasizing God's ongoing faithfulness toward us, even when we struggle.
• 😀 The speaker invites the congregation to reflect on their own experiences of God and encourages sharing personal stories of the Holy Spirit's presence in daily life.
• 😀 The sermon emphasizes the importance of scripture study and prayer, encouraging individuals to deepen their understanding of God's word and their role in the community, while calling for hospitality and care for others.

Q & A

What is the significance of St. Patrick's prayer mentioned in the sermon?

St. Patrick's prayer is a declaration of faith, asking for God's protection and guidance in various aspects of life. It highlights the spiritual foundation that St. Patrick believed in, emphasizing God's power, wisdom, and presence in every part of life, which resonates with the themes of faith and divine protection throughout the sermon.

What is the difference between how St. Patrick's Day is celebrated in Ireland versus in Canada?

In Ireland, St. Patrick's Day is primarily a religious celebration, marked by parades and reverence for St. Patrick as the patron saint. In contrast, in Canada, the day is often associated with festivities like drinking green beer, which emphasizes the cultural rather than religious aspects of the holiday.

What personal connection does the speaker have with Ireland and St. Patrick’s Day?

The speaker's daughter is studying abroad in Dublin at University College, and the speaker asked her to research how St. Patrick's Day is celebrated in Ireland, specifically to understand if the interest in green beer is as prevalent there as it is in Canada.

How does the speaker relate to the life of St. Patrick and the concept of faith?

The speaker relates to St. Patrick’s life by reflecting on the challenges of faith, doubts, and a sense of unworthiness. Just as St. Patrick remained faithful despite hardships, the speaker acknowledges the human struggle of faith, the ongoing search for understanding, and the importance of remaining grounded in God's promises.

What does the speaker mean by 'Faith to perceive God's glory'?

This phrase refers to the idea of having the faith necessary to recognize and understand the presence and majesty of God. It highlights the tension between believing and questioning, and the challenge of seeing God's glory in our everyday lives, even amidst struggles.

How does the speaker address the theme of doubt in faith?

The speaker addresses doubt by using the story of Abram (before his name change to Abraham). Despite his doubts about God's promises, Abram was ultimately able to trust in God's word. The speaker suggests that doubt and faith can coexist, and that God's faithfulness towards us remains constant, even when we struggle with belief.

What role does prayer play in the sermon, and how does it tie into the overall message?

Prayer is presented as a foundational practice for deepening one’s relationship with God. The speaker encourages both individual and communal prayer, emphasizing that through prayer and study, we are rooted in our experience of God. This ties into the larger message of faith, growth, and the importance of sharing testimonies with others.

How does the speaker encourage the community to engage in spiritual growth?

The speaker invites the congregation to share their personal testimonies of how they have witnessed the Holy Spirit in their lives, fostering a sense of communal growth. Additionally, the speaker encourages regular prayer, Bible study, and participation in church activities as ways to deepen one's spiritual life.

What is the connection between Abram’s story and the theme of faith in the sermon?

Abram’s story is used to illustrate the complex relationship between doubt and faith. Despite his initial skepticism about God’s promises, he is ultimately able to believe and is blessed for his faith. This story serves as a reminder that faith involves struggle and that God's faithfulness remains unwavering.

What practical advice does the speaker offer for developing faith and understanding?

The speaker encourages the congregation to engage in daily prayer and Bible reading, participate in group study, and reflect on their personal experiences with God. These practices help to strengthen one's faith and understanding of God's role in their life and in the world.