Philip Yancey, in his book 'The Jesus I never knew', writes: "If I take Easter as the starting point, the one incontrovertible fact about how God treats those whom he loves, then human history becomes the contradiction and Easter a preview of ultimate reality. Hope then flows like lava beneath the crust of daily life."
As I write this letter, Easter is still a week away and the world remains embroiled in economic turmoil - the fallout of yet another conflict rooted in deceit and unfettered self-interest. I have no idea whether, a week from now, the fighting will have ended or escalated. I do know that the wounds this violence will inflict will be far from healed either way. And I do know that our collective temptation will be to allow the world's story to be shaped by harm, and not by hope.
But that is not our story at all!
Our story is the one in which we face the pain and hurt and brokenness of the world, acknowledging that it is real; acknowledging that it is not trivially wished away or ignored; acknowledging that real people suffer real heartache for our collective failings - and then acknowledging that this is not the way things should or must inevitably be!
Our story is that the world was shaped by the light and love of a divine Creator, who stood in broken places with us; who was not overcome by that; and who stands with us still, so that we will not be overcome either. Our story is that love, and justice, and kindness, and mercy can plant deep roots in a world always meant for that, if we but continue to nurture those seeds with the living water of the Spirit we share. Our story is that Easter is not the exception, but the fundamental truth of who we always have, and always will, be.
As we tell that story again this year, let us remember again the triumph of hope over despair; of love over fear; of generosity over greed; and of compassion over rejection - not because that is all we will see in the world, but because that is what the world - in the risen Christ whom we celebrate and serve - will see in us!
A Blessed Easter to all of you,
The Very Reverend Douglas Michael
Dean & Rector
Holy Week Services
Experience Jesus' triumph, anguish, and resurrection in a week of moving liturgies at the Cathedral. We begin our journey with Palm Sunday and the grand palm procession through the Cathedral, and move through the solemnity of the week, culminating in a glorious celebration of the Resurrection on Easter Sunday.
PALM SUNDAY | March 29 • 8am & 10:30am
Holy Week begins with a celebration of the Holy Eucharist as we make the journey from Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem to his utter rejection and crucifixion. The service begins in grand style and concludes in silence.
Each year, the clergy of the Diocese of Ontario gather during Holy Week for a celebration of the Holy Eucharist that includes the prayers and promises of the renewal of their vows and the blessing of oils. Our service is a chance for all orders: laity, deacons, priests, and bishops to renew their vows made at baptism, confirmation, and ordination.
In the Solemn Liturgy of Maundy Thursday, we remember Jesus’ Last Supper and his charge to love one another through the washing of feet. We conclude the service by stripping the altar.
In the Solemn Liturgy of Good Friday, we remember Christ’s suffering, crucifixion and death with a service of Scripture, music and prayer.
The Very Rev. Douglas Michael, preacher
All are invited to gather at St Paul's Anglican Church (137 Queen St) at 10am for the Procession of the Cross to the Cathedral.
The Solemn Liturgy of Good Friday is followed by the Coventry Litany of Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist from the Reserved Sacrament, to which all are invited.
We gather in the evening for the Great Vigil of Easter, journeying from darkness to light, from death to life, as we bear witness to the Paschal Mystery. The Bishop of Ontario celebrates Confirmation at this service. Incense is used at this service.
The Right Rev. William Cliff, preacher
Service leaflet to come...
EASTER DAY | April 5 • 8am & 10:30am
Hallelujah! Christ is risen! We gather for one of the most grand celebrations of the year to proclaim Jesus' victory over death and the good news of the Resurrection with a Festival Holy Eucharist.
Our solemn observance of Good Friday continues with John Stainer's The Crucifixion: A Meditation on the Sacred Passion of the Holy Redeemer featuring the Cathedral Choir, director Brad Barbeau, organist Matthew Larkin, tenor Duncan Campbell, and bass Chin Yiu Wong.
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