Sunday’s Reflection: This passage comes just after Jesus’ triumphal procession into Jerusalem, which we remember each year on Palm Sunday. In other words, we are beginning the most tragic chapter of Jesus’ life and ministry: his journey to the Cross. When Jesus speaks about a grain of wheat that falls into the earth and dies to bear much fruit, he is obviously speaking about his own impending death; that death will bring forth an explosion of life-giving grace, a life beyond death. But Jesus is also announcing that this paradoxical connection between death and life is at the heart of discipleship. He tells the Greek-speaking Jews who have come to see him—and he tells us today—that if we insist on holding tight to our lives as they are, everything we want to control and contain will eventually be taken away from us. But if we’re willing to let our lives crack open like a seed planted in the earth, we will witness an abundant outpouring of life: in us and given through us.

It is part of the mystery of life that we only enjoy that abundance by continually giving it away. Like Melchizedek, like Abraham and Sarah, we are blessed to be a blessing: to plant our lives like seeds in the earth and to share the fruits.

When you think about repentance, do you imagine yourself having to earn back God’s love? Or do you imagine God as eager to make the first move, to forgive? From, Sermons that Work.

Prayer: Most merciful God, by the passion of your Son Jesus Christ, you delivered us from the power of darkness; grant that through faith in him who suffered on the cross, we may be found acceptable in your sight, through our Saviour Jesus Christ Amen.  A New Zealand Prayer Book, 1989, page 579.

Vicar’s Note: We would like to remind all parishioners and worshippers of our church to continue sending your tithes, donations and/or offering envelopes to our church office. We are so incredibly grateful for your continued generosity and support to the work and ministry of our parish. For your pastoral care, prayers and/or spiritual counselling, please contact me at 604-591-8323 or at vicar.lengnan@gmail.com

Holy Week Online Church Services: 

• Palm Sunday Service, March 28, at 9:30 a.m.
• Maundy Thursday Service, April 1, at 6:30 p.m.
• Good Friday Service, April 2, at 10 a.m.
• Easter Sunday Service, April 4, at 9:30 a.m.

HOLY WEEK at HOME: The most important week in the Christian calendar is arriving in just less than a month. Many of us will be observing it at home again. In addition to our parish online worship services, here are two options for complementing your Lenten journey with your family. If you have already planned the season, these resources are complementing or something for sharing too. Encouraging and equipping simple faith formation at home has enduring effect. Here is the link: 19 Holy Week ideas in 2021 | holy week, lent, faith formation (pinterest.ca)