MUSINGS:
written by Kenneth L. Samuel
“He is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘A man is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me. I did not recognize him as the Messiah, but I have been baptizing with water so that he might be revealed to Israel.’” – John 1:30-31
Ego.
So much energy, pride, reputation, and identity packed into that three-letter word.
Not much that we do in life escapes the pervasive consideration of how it will affect our persona.
Having learned well that our “playing small does not serve the world,” we practice humility with a guarded caution. No one who knows their value ever wants to be overlooked or denied the recognition they’ve earned.
Yet, here is John the Baptist, the prolific first-century prophet of Israel, using all his personal and spiritual cachet to promote the significance of an upstart Nazarene rabbi with sketchy credentials.
In turning the spotlight away from himself toward Jesus, John the Baptist was practicing much more than guarded humility.
John was signaling that his own greatness could only be realized by his diminishment in the presence of one greater than himself.
Every healthy ego knows when to bow before virtues that are more worthy and more enduring than itself.
When strong personalities surrender their demands in service of family cohesion, families survive.
When political officials sacrifice personal aggrandizement for public service, democracy is renewed.
When outstanding athletes keep their prominence in check to recognize the prowess of their teammates, championships are won.
John the Baptist surrendered his greatness to Jesus; Jesus surrendered his greatness to Love; and Love surrenders all without ever losing its own awesome value.
Prayer
Lord, use my greatness in service of that which is greater than me. Amen.
COUNCIL MEETING:
Council will gather for our first meeting of the new year via Zoom TONIGHT at 7:00 pm
All council members are kindly asked to attend!
REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION GROUP:
Our monthly reflection and discussion group will resume on Wednesday, January 20 at 7:00 pm
We will be picking up where we left off with Marcus Borg’s book Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time.
If you haven’t joined in before and would like to, you are very welcome!
Just be in touch with me and I will send you the link for the book 😊
OUTREACH:
Thank you ever so much to everyone who so generously supported our outreach project for the Sudbury Women’s Centre!
If you have not yet dropped off your donations of personal care products, and still would like to do please be in touch with Jannet Gilroy to arrange drop off.
MUFFIN MINISTRY:
Attention bakers! Please note that there will be NO MUFFIN COLLECTION today, in light of the increased Covid lockdown measures announced by the Province yesterday.
Gillian (the coordinator of the muffin outreach) is working with St. Peter’s and City folk to see how this important ministry might resume beginning next week.
Please stay tuned for details!
A NOTE FROM OUR TREASURER:
A new year is a great time to renew our commitment to supporting the life and work of the church!
The e-transfer method of sending in your offerings has been popular and is quite easy to do.
In your online banking site, just send an e-transfer to laubertin@kpmg.ca
In the notes/message, you can indicate where you’d like the money to be applied: general, M&S, rebuilding etc.
Many thanks for your on-going generosity!
ON A POETIC NOTE …
The Peace of Wild Things
When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.
–Wendell Berry
Grace United Church Sudbury 