Bishop Gives Thanks to Clergy for Helping People "See Jesus"

While Holy Week and Easter services bring people “of all stripes of life to church for various reasons, they are all seeking ‘to see Jesus,’” said Bishop Stephen London during a Renewal of Ordination Vows and Blessing of the Oils Eucharist for Clergy on Tuesday, April 12 at All Saints’ Cathedral in Edmonton. 

“We won’t hear those exact words, perhaps,” he said. But in the passage of John’s Gospel (12:20-36), the words, ‘Sir, we wish to see Jesus,’ are symbolic of a “spiritual hunger.” During Holy Week, when it is common for parishes to offer multiple services, Bishop Steve invited clergy to take pause to remember their “beautiful and profound opportunity,” to, like the disciples Philip and Andrew, bring people to Jesus. “Don’t underestimate the power of these {Holy Week} liturgies when celebrated with love and reverence. God speaks through them,” he said.

In his reflection, Bishop Steve spoke of his own journey back to Christ through the eucharist. In high school, he had walked away from the fundamental Lutheran church in which he had been raised, and it wasn’t until several years later in university that he accepted an invitation from his dad to a church (which he later learned was Anglo-Catholic). During that service, he says, “I felt my heart grow fuller and fuller… until the priest finally lifted the host high over the altar… and my heart just gushed out. I knew I was home… Even though I didn’t understand what had happened until much later, I knew then that I had seen Jesus. I knew I was welcome. I knew I was loved. 

“Every week,” he said, “we call the gathered congregation to remember the saving acts of God in Jesus Christ: ‘Do this in remembrance of me.’ There is a deep spiritual power of God in the act of remembrance. The gift of our vocation is offering, through our hands, our words, our hearts, an encounter with Christ: body, heart mind and soul.” 

While “it is the great gift of our vocation that we get to help people to see Jesus…it comes at a cost,” he said. “There is no question, this is a hard gig,” He encouraged clergy to “rest in the times you can, and bring your heart to these liturgies, but not perfectionism.” 

He thanked all for their ministry, dedication, and love of God and their people, and invited the deacons and priests in attendance to renew their ordination vows. Bishop Steve then presided over the eucharist, breaking break for the clergy.

All were invited to take home chrism oil blessed by Bishop Steve, and to stay for a light lunch - a much-needed pause in what can be for clergy the busiest week of the church year.

Photos: the Rev. Shelly King and Margaret Glidden