Easter Sunday main service (Luke 24:1-12)

 Easter Sunday main service (Luke 24:1-12)

The very first Easter is set in the early dawn of the first day of the week.  The women—Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and others—set out to the tomb with spices in hand.  They are not expecting a “risen Jesus” – they have gone to complete the burial process. So their hearts were heavy with grief, and their mission was one of mourning.  They came to anoint the body of Jesus; however, they were unaware that their sorrowful task would soon transform into an awe-filled proclamation of joy.

Like those women, we, too, often approach life’s challenges bearing the weight of our own burdens, our griefs, and our fears.  We come to the tombs of our disappointments, the places of our despair, carrying spices of regret and sorrow. But this account teaches us that we may encounter the miraculous where we least expect it.

As the women arrive, they find the stone rolled away and the tomb empty.  This shocking discovery prompts confusion and fear. “Where is the body of Jesus?” they wonder.  We, too, can relate to their feelings of bewilderment in times of unexpected change asking – where is Jesus. 

But the angelic message breaks through their confusion: “Why do you seek the living among the dead?  He is not here, but has risen!” And that’s the message we need to keep hearing. Jesus has risen. And this question by the angels shouts loudly and deeply: Are we seeking the living Christ in the tombs of our own lives? 

The message of Easter is clear: Jesus is not found in the tomb. He is alive!  Our faith is rooted in a living hope, a hope that rises above our circumstances and offers us new life and hope. The angels remind the women of Jesus’ words.  They recall His promise that He would rise on the third day. 

It’s significant that the angels point them back to the teachings of Jesus.  And we, too, must remember the truth of who Jesus is and what He taught. As the women embrace this truth, they become the first messengers of the resurrection.  Their excitement and joy compel them to return to the disciples and proclaim the good news: “He is alive!” 

This is a powerful reminder that our experiences of resurrection and renewal should not be kept to ourselves.  We are called to share the good news of Christ in our lives with others.

When the women share the news, the disciples respond with disbelief so it’s not surprising that not everyone responds when we want to share the good news with them. Their doubts mirror the doubts we sometimes encounter – maybe even our own at times. 

In a world filled with skepticism, how often do we hesitate to fully embrace the miraculous truths of our faith when faced with darkness?  Yet, even in our doubts, there is grace.  Jesus doesn’t turn away from the disciples; instead, He meets them in their uncertainty.

As we journey through life, we may face moments when our faith is tested, when we wrestle with doubt, or when the weight of the world seems too heavy to bear.  But let us remember, doubt does not disqualify us from experiencing the grace of God.  Instead, it can lead us to a deeper understanding of His presence in our lives.

As we leave today, let us hold onto the profound truth of this passage: Christ is Risen! He is alive, and because of this, we have hope even amidst our trials. The resurrection empowers us to live boldly, to embrace life in all its challenges, and to share the good news with others. Let us no longer seek the living among the dead. 

Instead, let us carry the message of the resurrection into our communities, into our workplaces, and into our families. 

This Easter, I pray that you will be transformed by the reality of Jesus’ victory over death, and may bring a message of hope reflecting His light in a world that so desperately needs it in the darkness that confronts us.

Dawn service (John 20:1-18)

 Dawn service (John 20:1-18)

We gather to reflect on one of the most powerful and life changing moments in the Christian life —the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. That early morning encounter with Mary is the dawn of hope for every believer. The scene begins on the first day of the week, early in the morning, with Mary Magdalene approaching the tomb.  It is still dark, and the heaviness of sorrow hangs in the air as she is seeking not to see if Jesus has risen from the dead but to continue the death process with burial spices.  Mary’s heart is filled with despair as she discovers the stone rolled away.  Her immediate reaction is one of confusion and fear. She rushes to tell the disciples, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him."

Just like Mary, do we often approach life’s challenges in darkness, confusion, and despair not realising Jesus is with us – as he promised “I am with you always”.  It is in those moments of personal darkness that God is often in ways we cannot yet see even though he is closer than we realise – as he was with Mary.

Peter and John hear Mary’s alarming news and run to the tomb to see for themselves. John, the beloved disciple, reaches the tomb first but hesitates to enter. When Peter arrives, as he always does, boldly steps inside and sees the linen wrappings lying there and the face cloth folded neatly. The wrappings tell a story; they signify that Jesus has risen, that His death was not an end but a beginning. And that they were neatly folded shows thoughtfulness and lack of fear of what is ahead of him.

In our search for answers, we can sometimes find ourselves hesitating, afraid to confront the messiness of our lives. Yet, just as Peter and John witnessed the evidence of the resurrection, we too can find hope in the miraculous and tangible ways God is at work in our lives.  

Even when we don’t understand, we can trust that something beautiful is unfolding. 

As Mary stands weeping outside the tomb, she encounters two angels who ask her why she is weeping.  It is in her grief that she hears the voice of Jesus, though she does not initially recognize Him.  Until he calls her by name "Mary," And in that moment, her despair turns to joy as she recognizes Him.

The significance of Jesus calling Mary by name is profound. For each of us, Jesus calls us out of our sorrow and into a relationship with Him through our Baptism where we were baptised into God’s name – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In our darkest moments, when we feel lost and alone, the resurrected Christ meets us. He knows our name, our struggles, our fears. In fact Jesus says he knows the very hairs on our head.

Jesus transforms our grief into joy and gives us a new identity as beloved children of God. After this intimate encounter, Jesus instructs Mary to go and tell the disciples, "I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God." Mary becomes the first evangelist, the bearer of the good news. She runs to the disciples to proclaim, "I have seen the Lord!"

We too need to have this same excitement as we share this good news with the world – with our friends, family and neighbours. We are called to share the hope of the resurrection with others.  Each of us has a story to tell, a testimony of how Jesus has transformed our lives.  The resurrection is not just for us; it is meant to be shared. We are commissioned to go out into the world and tell others that Jesus is alive and that hope is here!

As we ponder the truth of that first Easter morning let us remember that the resurrection of Christ is the ultimate triumph over sin and death. In our moments of despair, confusion, and isolation, we must cling to the hope that the risen Christ brings. That he is with us as he promised – I am with your always till the end of the age”. He is calling each of us by name, transforming our lives, and commissioning us to share His love with the world.

Let this Easter season not just be a celebration of an event in history but a living reality in our hearts. 

May we embrace the dawn of hope that comes with the resurrection and live boldly as witnesses of His love.

Good Friday 2025

 Good Friday 2025

Today we gather on this solemn and sacred day, Good Friday, to remember the sacrifice and crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ.  The air is heavy with the sorrow of what has happened—the suffering and sacrifice of the One who knew no sin but bore our sins, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. As we reflect on the dramatic reading we've just heard, we are drawn into the depths of this unparalleled event—the crucifixion of Jesus. How can we fathom such love? It is a love that reaches beyond our understanding, a love that does not walk away from pain, betrayal, and even death.

At Good Friday we witness the stark, chilling reality of our Lord’s crucifixion. The scene is one of deep sorrow.  Jesus, the innocent victim, is condemned to death, stripped of His dignity, mocked, and nailed to a cross. Yet, even in His agony, Jesus utters words of forgiveness, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). This stunning display of mercy teaches us that even in our darkest moments, there is hope. In this act of forgiveness Jesus lives out what he has asked of us: Love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you. How many times should I forgive – 7 times – I tell you 70 times 7.

But why do we call this day "Good"? How can we refer to a day of crucifixion as "good"? The answer lies in the promise of the resurrection.  Good Friday leads us to the triumphant joy of Easter Sunday. While Good Friday invites us to enter into the depths of human suffering it does not leave us there.  In the depths of suffering of the cross that we are shown the depths of God’s love— A love so deep that it willingly embraces suffering for the sake of our salvation.

Today, as we stand at the foot of the cross, we ask ourselves:  What does this sacrifice mean for us? How are we called to respond to this ultimate act of love? As we meditate on the cross, we are invited to reflect on our own lives, our own struggles, and our own sinfulness. 

The cross calls us to turn back to God and embrace our own suffering in light of His sacrifice. Let us remember that Jesus did not carry His cross alone. He was aided by Simon of Cyrene, who helped him bear the burden. Each of us is called to be a Simon in the lives of those who are suffering.  We are called to reach out and lend a hand, to share the weight of others' suffering.  Maybe it’s a neighbor who is lonely, a friend in despair, or someone suffering from illness. 

Good Friday challenges us through Christ’s love to be Christ to one another. As Jesus reminded us last night in our Maundy Thursday Gospel reading: Love one another as I have loved you. As we focus on the cross today, let us do so with hearts open to the profound mystery of this day. 

As we kneel before the cross of Christ, let us contemplate the cost of our salvation and recommit ourselves to living lives that reflect Christ’s love, mercy, and compassion in a world that so desperately needs it. May this Good Friday lead us into a deeper understanding of the depths of God's love, and may it prepare us to celebrate the joy of the resurrection with renewed hearts ready to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. 

Amen.

Maundy Thursday 2025

 Maundy Thursday 2025

We gather this evening on this sacred Maundy Thursday and enter into a profound moment of remembrance and reflection. This night marks the beginning of what is commonly known in the church as the Triduum. Like the Trinity it means we have one service that is seen in 3 parts – Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday are parts of the whole picture. All are needed – none stands by their own.

Maundy Thursday is a time where we journey with Jesus through the Last Supper, His betrayal, and the mystery of His suffering and resurrection. It is a night rich with meaning, and it calls us to pause and reflect on the significance of the Last Supper, the washing of the disciples’ feet, and the new commandment given by Christ.

In the Last Supper found in all the Gospels, we see Jesus break bread and share the cup with His disciples.  This ordinary meal transforms into the extraordinary—a moment of deep communion with one another and with God. 

In this meal, Jesus institutes Holy Communion, a sacrament that has been celebrated by the Church to receive Jesus Christ’s True Presence.

Here is our hope of Jesus being with us and so we reject, as did St Paul, any suggestion of this meal being a symbol or representation of Christ with us.

This IS my body – this IS my blood.

As we partake in the bread and the cup, we are not only receiving the presence of Jesus but also embracing the unity it creates among us as believers. One bread, one cup, one body.

We are all called to the table, no matter our past, our struggles, or our brokenness. At this table, we find grace, forgiveness, and the call to reconciliation. As we share in this meal we receive Jesus love in the fullest and are now commanded to extend that love to others. Love one another as I have loved you.

This is not a suggestion but as Jesus says – a New Commandment I give unto you. The Washing of the Disciples' Feet: An Example of Humble Service After sharing this meal, Jesus rises from the table, taking off His outer garment, and wearing the towel of a servant. He kneels before His disciples and washes their feet—an act of humility that defies the social norms of His time. 

Peter, just as he could not accept Jesus’ prophesy of his death – never Lord, this will never happen to you – cannot accept Jesus humility – You will NEVER wash my feet. This powerful act is not just an example of servanthood; it is a redefining of what it means to lead and to love. As Paul says in Philippians – Jesus came not to be served but to serve others.

Jesus tells His disciples, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14). In this act, He shows us that true greatness lies not in power or privilege but in service and sacrificial love. 

Again, as Paul says in Philippians, through his humility Jesus was given the name that is above all names.

As we reflect on this example of love and servanthood, let us ask ourselves: How are we called to serve one another? Whom are we called to humble ourselves before? Our world is in desperate need of this radical love. In a time when division and strife often dominate not just society but also our church, Jesus invites us to be agents of peace and reconciliation. He asks us to go beyond mere words and to act in love. 

We are called to wash each other’s feet, to lift each other up, and to demonstrate God’s love through acts of service. A New Commandment: Love One Another

And so tonight, we hear the call to a new commandment—“Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another” (John 13:34). This goes above Jesus previous great commandment to love our neighbour as ourselves but to love one another as Jesus loves us. And no greater love is seen that one lay down his life for others.

This command is not merely an invitation; it is a mandate that transforms our lives and our communities. That’s where the word “Maundy” comes from – to mandate – to command. Sadly Maundy Thursday is often thought be called Mourn Day Thursday. Yes we mourn Jesus death but here we are responding to his New Command – to love one another as Jesus loves us.

In a world that often is  unforgiving, we are reminded that love is our greatest weapon. It is love that binds us together, love that forgives the unforgivable, and love that seeks the welfare of others. This love compels us to action—it challenges us to care for the marginalized, to provide for those in need, and to embrace the stranger.

As we prepare to enter into the sadness of Good Friday, let us carry this message of love and service in our hearts. Maundy Thursday invites us not to remain passive observers but to live out the effects of our faith in our daily lives. Together, let us respond to the call of Christ—to love one another deeply, to serve humbly, and to share the grace we have received. May tonight’s sacred meal and Jesus’ example of foot-washing send us into a world that needs the light of Jesus love.

Sermon Palm Sunday 2025

 Sermon Palm Sunday 2025

Today, we stand at the beginning of Holy Week, the most sacred week in the Christian calendar. It is a week that will carry us from the jubilant shouts of "Hosanna!" to the sorrowful cries of "Crucify Him!"  We began today with the celebration of Palm Sunday — a day of triumph and joy. Jesus entered Jerusalem in a way that was so unexpected. He entered not looking like a conquering king on a war horse that the people were expecting – were hoping for. Instead he came as a humble and peaceful king, riding on a donkey. What message is Jesus sending?

Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, which says: "Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." This prophecy was well-known among the Jewish people – but forgotten. Zechariah presents a humble king who would bring peace, not through military might, but through righteousness.  But the people forgot that because they were under siege. And at times it’s easy for us also to forget God’s promises to care for us when we are under attack.

Jesus’ entry was a fulfillment of God’s promise, showing that God’s kingdom would not be like the kingdoms of the earth, ruled by power and force, but a kingdom marked by peace, justice, and humility. Just look at how today’s kingdoms show their power and authority – Russia and Ukraine; Israel, Palestine, Gaza. The protests in society for many and varied causes which are usually highlighted with anger, violence and disruption. Human nature knows one way – violence.

The crowd spread palm branches and cloaks on the ground, honoring Jesus as a king. Palm branches were a symbol of victory and triumph, used to celebrate the arrival of a military hero or king. How they were mistaken.  Jesus wasn’t the type of king they were expecting – so they rejected him. He wasn’t a king who came to overthrow the Roman Empire as they expected - so they rejected him. 

He wasn’t a king who came to lead an armed rebellion - so they rejected him. 

He met none of the expectations of the people. He came to offer peace, salvation, and reconciliation with God. That wasn’t what the people were wanting - so they rejected him. And perhaps that is the message for us today. Does Jesus meet YOUR expectations.

What happens when you expect God to act in a certain way and he doesn’t? Do you feel betrayed? Do you reject him? Do you go from Hosanna to “Crucify Him”? Or like Peter – I tell you the truth – I do not know him! It’s easy to imitate the crowd’s reaction when everything is going fine in life. It’s easy to get caught up in their excitement. God is great – I feel truly blessed.   “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”  But all of a sudden the people realised that Jesus wasn’t going to do that.

So it was easy to listen to the leaders to get rid of him when he wasn’t restoring them to their glory days. Aren’t we guilty of that? Wanting to go back to the days when our Sunday Schools were overflowing – when we had small groups, family camps, filled pews. Like the Israelites who wanted to go back to Egypt rather than following wherever God was leading them? Jesus once warned against that: “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”

They thought that the Messiah would come to return their glory.  But Jesus came to establish a much greater kingdom — the Kingdom of God, a kingdom that rejects political borders and human power. It is a kingdom of peace, love, and righteousness, where Jesus reigns as the King of people’s hearts, not just as the ruler of nations. And this is where we are called to reflect:  How often do we have our own expectations of what Jesus should do for us?  A Jesus who fits into our plans, who delivers what we want. Or do we trust in the wisdom and the will of God, even when it leads us down paths we don’t expect or want to go? Remember when Peter learnt what Jesus came to do and he said – Never Lord!

Jesus came not to meet our expectations, but to fulfill God’s perfect plan for our salvation. But too often we want to tell God OUR plans and become disillusioned when he asks us to repeat Jesus’ comment – “not my will be done but yours”. Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem was not what the will of the people expected but God’s will.  The people wanted peace but not the peace Jesus was bringing. It would be a peace we don’t understand as Jesus said: I bring peace, but not as the world gives. Jesus says in John 14 -  Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Jesus didn’t ride into the city on a war horse, but on a humble donkey.  Jesus came not to wage war against flesh and blood, but to fight a much greater battle — a battle against sin, death, and the powers of darkness. Paul says similar when he says - For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. That’s the true battle that Jesus came to fight for us. A fight that is not won through human strength but through Spiritual armour – through prayer, through worship, through word and sacrament, through faith in Christ as our Saviour.

In a world that often seeks power through force, violence, and domination, Jesus shows us a different way.  He shows us the way of peace. This peace was not the absence of conflict, but the presence of God’s kingdom, where hearts are transformed by His love and grace. Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and He calls us to live as citizens of His kingdom.

In a world filled with division, hatred, and strife, we are called to be peacemakers — to love our neighbors, to forgive our enemies, and to seek reconciliation in all things. Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called Sons of God. How will we respond to Jesus today? Will we allow His peace to transform our hearts, or will we continue to seek peace in the things of this world? As we celebrate Palm Sunday, let us remember that the King of Peace has come.  His triumph was not one of military might, but of sacrificial love. 

As we enter into this Holy Week, let us prepare our hearts to follow Jesus on His journey to the cross, where He would lay down His life for the salvation of the world. Let us follow the example of the humble King, who came to serve, to love, and to bring peace.

Sermon 16th February 2025 – 6th Sunday after Epiphany Text 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 – The dead will rise

 Sermon 16th February 2025 – 6th Sunday after Epiphany

Text 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 – The dead will rise

In the 1600s there lived a man by the name of Blaise Pascal. Pascal was an interesting person. He was a mathematician – he was a philosopher – he was a physicist – and he was also a theologian. Putting all this together he devised an argument for the belief in God’s existence. He knew that human beings were people that at times like to gamble so he devised an argument for the belief in God that became known as Pascal’s wager. It basically went like this: In life he states that you have 2 choices when it come to believing in God. You can either believe God exists or you can deny God exists. If you choose to believe in God and He exists, you gain everything that goes along with that belief. As Christians we believe in Jesus Christ and eternal life. And, as Jesus says – whoever believes and is baptized WILL be saved. But what if you believe in God and God doesn’t exist?  What do you lose? If He does not exist, Pascal says – you lose nothing.  Maybe you’ve sacrificed certain pleasures and luxuries – given an offering that you could have spent on yourself – given of your time that you could have spent elsewhere. BUT, if you choose not to believe, and there is a God, Pascal says you risk losing everything. As Jesus says – whoever does not believe will be condemned. That was Pascal’s wager.

Paul seems to be making a similar argument because there were some in the Corinthian church who believed there is no resurrection of the dead – even Christians. The resurrection was for Jesus only. They believed that once you’ve died – that’s it – that’s the end life in its totality. Paul’s thought on this was:

If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. What was the point of believing and witnessing to others if only Jesus is raised from the dead? However, Paul says - And it’s a huge statement-  He says - in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, AND that he is the first fruits of those who have died. Christ rose from the dead FOR US. He is the FIRST fruits – we are the harvest.

So what is Paul’s logic in all this? His logic is why would you not want to believe in Jesus Christ who offers us eternal life in heaven. A life that answers all our questions here in this life – especially suffering. Later in the chapter Paul will outline the blessings we receive as Christians where there will be no more suffering or death: So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.  What a blessing to look forward to. Which is what Jesus also talks about in our Gospel reading.

But Paul further he says - Where, O death, is your victory? Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. And not only is this our comfort but it is also our motivation for mission. Our motivation for mission is because, as Paul says to Timothy - For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. And what is the truth? Jesus says “I am the way, the truth and the life”? And this truth sets you free for all who call on Jesus Christ as their Lord.

But Paul asks in Romans 10, “How can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? How can someone preach unless they are sent”? And he concludes that statement with: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!

Our motivation for mission is because we want everyone to hear the good news of Jesus Christ and experience the blessings. And those blessings in eternity comfort us now and give us hope. As Jesus says in our gospel reading: Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. “Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. “Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man.  And look how Jesus says we should rejoice: Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven;

Jesus and Paul call us to embrace our faith in God. To embrace the hope of eternal life to get us through life. We don’t want people rejecting Jesus’ offer of eternal life. It’s like the parable that Jesus told about Lazarus and the rich man. Having missed out on eternal life in Heaven the rich man begs Abraham, “have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’  “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ The rich man begs Abraham to send Lazarus to warn his brothers so they don’t miss out on eternal life and end up in the place of punishment:

But it’s too late for the rich man to do mission work. “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ That is the motivation for mission. To share the Gospel now. To pray for all people that they may come to an understanding of the truth.

We don’t know when Christ will return nor when a person’s life is asked of them. But we do know, as St Peter says in his letter: The Lord isn’t slow about his promise to return, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to perish but wants everyone to repent.  But Peter warns, the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. It’s not always easy to share your faith with others. But we can be an example of hope and peace as we live out our faith. Which is also what Peter says in his letter: Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. And always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

If we live our faith in the world we can make a difference especially if we become examples of love in this present world. And that was the commandment Jesus left us with before his arrest and death: Love one another as I have loved you and by THIS everyone will know that you are my disciples.

Sermon 9th February 2025 – 5th Sunday after Epiphany Text 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

 Sermon 9th February 2025 – 5th Sunday after Epiphany

Text 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

Today we reflect on some interesting choices by God for whom he believed would be good missionaries to take his Word into the world. Would we have chosen them? Let’s begin with one of the most influential missionaries in Christianity:  He wrote most of the New Testament with his letters of teaching and encouragement to the new and emerging churches. The Apostle Paul.  Known as the "chief of sinners," Paul did not consider himself either worthy or comparable to the disciples chosen by Jesus in his 3 year ministry on earth. He called himself  “untimely born (some versions “abnormally born”) because he was not chosen by Jesus during his earthly ministry but appeared to him from Heaven to call him. He continues: “For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God”. So Paul's life is a profound testament to the transformative power of God's grace and also comfort to ourselves as we sometimes consider ourselves “unworthy” of eternal life because of our sin and lack of faith. 

So who was Paul? He was known to the Jewish community as Saul of Tarsus. A man who was zealous in his dedication to God.  He was a Pharisee, zealous for the law, fervently persecuting the early Christians because he saw them as blasphemers.  He was present at the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, standing by approving as a faithful witness to the cruel act. Encouraged by the pleasure this brought to the Jews he decided to extend the persecution and obtained letters to go through the countryside and arrest followers of this sect known as “The Way” – Christians. And yet, despite this rejection of Jesus Christ, by his conversion he is able to proclaim to one of his young Pastors Timothy: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.”  Paul did not deny his past but openly acknowledged the depth of his sinfulness. And so it is a reminder to us to recognize and acknowledge our sins as the path to God’s grace.

His divine encounter would change everything.  On the road to Damascus, a blinding light surrounded him, and he heard the voice of Jesus asking, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”  In this moment, everything he thought he knew came crashing down.  Saul’s world was turned upside down, and he became Paul—a man called not just to cease his persecution but to be persecuted as God’s missionary especially to the Gentiles. God said - this man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” So not only must Paul testify to the one he rejected but he must proclaim him to a people he once shunned as unclean - Gentiles.

This powerful encounter reveals a fundamental truth that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace.  Neither Paul nor Gentiles. When we think of Paul, we see the depths of depravity met with the extremes of God mercy.  Our past does not define us – our future defines us – our future being eternal life in heaven.  

So what of the others in our readings? Well let’s look at Isaiah. Isaiah saw something that humanity was not permitted to see: I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lofty; and the hem of his robe filled the temple. By God’s own declaration to Moses in Exodus he says: “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.” When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen.” So Isaiah panics not just at this prohibition but because of his own unworthiness:

Woe is me! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; yet my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. But, again, God steps in: One of the seraphs – the angel of God - flew to Isaiah, holding a live coal that had been taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. The seraph touched his mouth with it and said: "Now that this has touched your lips, your guilt has departed and your sin is blotted out." And with this act of grace Isaiah is now ready for mission: "Here am I; send me!" This act reminds us of the body and blood of Christ that touches our lips from the altar to pardon our guilt. Again, like Paul, an act of God’s grace to choose someone who had deemed themselves unfit for mission to be God’s ambassador

And finally, in our Gospel reading, we have one of the most unlikely candidates to become one of the chief pillars of God’s missionaries in his letter to the Galatians: Paul himself said: God was at work in Peter as an apostle to the circumcised … Peter, James and John, those esteemed as pillars. Jesus saw a lot of potential in Peter which we might not have. And indeed Peter didn’t either. When Jesus acts in grace Peter fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!: When Peter had had a bad night of fishing, feeling dejected – Jesus tells him to put out into the deep.

We might have scoffed. But Peter doesn’t: Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets. Peter ignored the physical evidence and trusted in Jesus – If you say so. And that’s what we need to do when what God asks of us just seems impossible. If you say so.

But just look at Peter’s track record. Sinking in the water when he loses faith. He is called Satan by Jesus – get behind me Satan. Misunderstands the transfiguration wanting to stay on the mountain top. Cutting of a soldier’s ear when Jesus told them not to fight back. And when an opportunity to defend Jesus comes he denies knowing him 3 times. 

These stories are all very encouraging in reminding us: First, that God’s grace trumps everything including the worst of sin and sinners. And secondly, that each of us if fit for the mission work God has called us to do even if we don’t think so as Paul reminds us in Ephesians 2: For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Paul’s story is a typical story: One of incredible grace.  From a persecutor to a preacher of the faith; from lost to found; from death to life. Their lives challenge us to contemplate our own journeys. Are we willing to acknowledge our flaws and failures? Are we ready to receive the grace that is freely offered? Are we ready to respond as Peter did – if you say so. Are we ready to respond like Isaiah – here I am Lord, send me.

As we reflect on Paul as the chief of sinners, let us remember that grace is not for the deserving, but for each one of us. It is a gift—the unmerited favor of God that can transform lives. May we embrace this grace, share it with others, and boldly proclaim the message of hope that Paul, Isaiah, Peter and many other witnesses - more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, all who dedicated their lives to spreading the Gospel so that we today could receive it and spread it to future generations..