The seasons of the Church and what they mean to us

April 2008

From its humble beginnings, the Human Race has grown in its understanding of the world it lives in. In the early days, primitive tribes knew nothing about a round planet but only of their closest neighbours. To them this was the world. It was not all that long ago that we thought the world was flat and that we would fall off the edge if we ventured out too far.

Today we know we live on a more or less round planet that revolves around the sun, not the sun around us. Through technology, travel, and communication, we can come to know the diversity and wonder of many different peoples and cultures. We soon come to know that some are more well off then others.

We also discover that there is not a fair distribution of the earth’s resources. We come to know that many are suffering from the greed and self absorption of others. In our families at home, brothers and sisters will fight and not get along and take ownership of things like toys and bedrooms and defend what is their own with a vengeance.

As we get older however, our brothers and sisters can become our very good friends with whom we will share readily and without cost. We grow out of our selfishness into love. In the family of humanity we are called to do the same. We are called to this growth. All peoples are our brothers and sisters and if we are truly maturing, we will reach out and share without cost. We will have a true concern and a knowing that what we have is meant to be shared by all because in fact it belongs to All.

This planet earth is not ours but a gift from God. Humanity is not ours to manipulate but the very Being of God. All of Humanity has one heart and one body. We are the Heart and the Body of Christ. A body of suffering and pain, alone on a cross. A body glorified and risen in the bosom of the Father.

Reverend Rick Paulin

Christ Church Anglican