4 January 2026 - Epiphany sermon by Canon Ric
Please, join me in prayer. Loving God, bless your word this day wherever it is read, wherever it is heard, wherever it is preached, and most especially, wherever it is lived. This we pray in the name of Jesus, your anointed one, the Christ and our Lord, the babe of Bethlehem. Amen.
Well, hello! Happy New Year, Merry Christmas and Happy Epiphany!
I’m the new guy and I’m glad to be here and so far, things seem to be going all right.
First, just a little bit about me. I was born and raised in an Anglican household by parents who were born and raised in Anglican households by parents who were born and raised in Anglican households by parents who were born and raised in Anglican households and so on and so on as far back, well, as far as I know at the moment, as far back as the early 1700’s. My dear wife Heather and I have been married for just shy of 47 years and we have three adult children and two late-teen grandchildren.
Professionally, I was ordained many, many, many years ago in this Diocese of Toronto and spent my entire active ordained ministry in this diocese - 11 different congregations in 7 different parishes. I retired in November, 2022 and managed to be fully retired for a whopping seven months before Bishop Shaw sweet-talked me into doing interim ministry - first, eight months at St. George’s, Oshawa, then just up the road at St. John’s, Ida for six months and most recently for the past sixteen months at the east end of Rice Lake in the Parish of Campbellford, Hastings & Roseneath. And now, here I am in Perrytown as your new Priest-in-Charge. And as I said, I’m glad to be here and so far, things seem to be going all right.
Last Sunday you said goodbye to Tim Foley and I know you have been blessed having him here with you over the past few years. I have known Tim for a good number of years and know him to be a wonderful parish priest. Some years ago, Tim was the Incumbent of the church my parents attended. In fact, Tim preached at the funeral of my Dad and as Tim is wont to do, during his sermon he wandered out of the pulpit and down the chancel stairs and then wandered his way back to the pulpit. And true to form, he did that when Heather and I joined you here at St. Paul’s a number of times for worship during those first seven months of my retirement. Oh yes, we were here and we enjoyed worshiping with you fine folks, so much so that I told Bishop Shaw that I would be interested in coming here should the parish ever be in need of a new priest. Then, low and behold, not too long ago she phoned and said the time had come and she would like me to come here. And so, here I am and I’m glad to be here and so far, things seem to be going all right.
As we set out in ministry together I ask a favour. Please remember that while you have two new names to remember - mine, which is Ric ( without a “k” just R - I - C) and that of my wife, Heather, we have a bunch of new names to learn. So, I ask that you remind us of your names … often … and be patient as we learn your names. And please don’t take offense if we don’t remember right away.
And just one final thing before we take a look at the passage we have read today from the Gospel we attribute to Matthew. I will, in all likelihood, do some things differently than Tim. I think our theologies are somewhat different, as likely are our sermons and preaching styles. I may even celebrate the Eucharist a little differently. And it is quite probable that you, as a congregation, will do some things differently than other congregations I have served. So, as we begin our ministry together, we are all on a learning curve yet with the common goal of bringing the good news of the Kingdom of God to this part of the world God loves.
Now … some of you may have known or heard of the Reverend Canon Don Beatty, may he rest in peace. Years ago, Don wrote articles about the Gospels that were published monthly in The Anglican - our diocesan newspaper. Well, dear Don, whenever he began the allotted sermon time in a peripheral or tangential way, as I have just done, he had a wonderful disclaimer that I take the liberty of using now: “Friends,” Don would say, “that was not the sermon. The sermon starts now!”
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany. Though today is not the actual date of the feast, the actually date is January 6, this coming Tuesday, we, like many other Anglican churches, have transferred the feast to today.
In contemporary Western Christianity, Epiphany is predominantly a commemoration of the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child and so, represents the Christ's physical manifestation to the Gentiles which effectually implies the world. Epiphany is an ancient Christian festival that even predates the celebration of the Nativity on December 25th. Until the early fourth century, when the Church set aside December 25th for the celebration of Jesus’ birth, the Feast of the Epiphany commemorated several miraculous events that “manifested” or exhibited, Jesus’ divinity: his virgin birth, the visitation of the Magi, his baptism by John in the river Jordan and his first miracle turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana of Galilee.
Over the centuries, as Christianity separated into Western and Eastern branches, two distinct lines of Epiphany tradition developed. Western churches celebrated Epiphany as the day that the Magi visited the infant Jesus, while Eastern Orthodox churches associated the holiday with Jesus’ baptism.
The Feast of the Epiphany begins the liturgical Season of the same name. It is a season that will continue until Ash Wednesday when we begin the Season of Lent. In agreement with Epiphany being about the manifestation of the Christ of God, the biblical texts we will read throughout this season will help us further understand the identity of Jesus as the one who himself embodied and revealed the fullness of God.
Not only does the Feast of the Epiphany initiate the liturgical Season of Epiphany, it also officially marks the end of the 12 days of Christmas. Each year, on Epiphany, we close the Christmas Season reading the same part of Matthew’s version of the Nativity story - the second or middle part to be specific. It’s probably the best known part of Matthew’s telling of the birth of Jesus simply because we hear it each year on Epiphany. It’s the very intriguing section of Matthew’s Nativity story that tells of the star-following Magi from the east that we sometimes erroneously call wise men or kings. Accordingly, every church Christmas Pageant I have ever seen has three kings majestically and regally enter the scene, knee before the baby Jesus and present their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. A more realistic picture is that, in the midst of all sorts of intrigue involving a paranoid, duplicitous, suspicious and insecure Herod, whose reputation for brutality was well known in antiquity, the Magi, driven by a purpose and meaning that may well be beyond our comprehension and inspired by hope, expectation and a desire to discover divine truth, simply and humbly knelt before Jesus and offered him their gifts.
This brief episode in Matthew’s story has captured the imagination of Christians for centuries and has inspired the fabrication of many legends such as the meaning of each gift, the number of Magi and even their names. And it is very easy to allow the picturesque nature of the kingly version of the story to blur the divine truth and substantial teaching within it.
This is a story of faith. The magi “get” Jesus. They understand who he is and who he will grow to be; and they honour him and in doing so are an affirmation of the child Jesus’ identity as God’s anointed one, God’s Christ, the Messiah, the light of the world.
On this the Feast of the Epiphany, Christians around the globe are celebrating that manifestation, that revelation of God’s light for all the world. Yet, how well is the light shining? Is the light of the star that lead the Magi still bright? And, how might we ensure that God’s light will continually be shone into this dark world?
Prominent New Testament scholar Mark Allan Powell, who, until his retirement in 2018 was Professor of New Testament at Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio wrote, “The church’s observance of epiphany ought not be a triumphal occasion for those who have seen the light to celebrate their privileged status. The lessons appointed for this day encourage humble admission that God’s glory may be manifested where we least expect it. Sometimes God’s people become light for others (Isa. 60:3; Eph. 3:10); sometimes they appear blind to the light others can see (Matt. 2:1-6). But always, the light is there, as God graciously, mysteriously, and defiantly breaks into human lives.”
The story of the Magi helps bring the truth of God’s love for the world to light which is good news for all peoples everywhere. The story of the magi proclaims that the light of God’s love transcends all boundaries, even the boundaries of our faith. Today, as we kneel before the infant Jesus, may the Christ of God be made manifest to us and may we risk a journey out into the world to share the light of God’s love in this strange world in which we live.
Amen.
On this my last Sunday as your priest and pastor, I was tempted to turn it into ‘a walk down memory lane.’
I have so many wonderful memories of what we have shared.
I have loved being here and I have loved being with you.
Tempting... but I am not going there.
Instead…
What we need to focus on is not Tim Foley’s memories, but what the Lord is saying to us today.
The Lord is calling us to look ahead.
Not where we have been, but where I am calling you to be.
The message has never changed – Jesus says, “Follow me.”
Let’s start with our blessings and opportunities.
Immediately, I see three gifts the Lord has given us here at Saint Paul’s.
Number one: ‘Where he has planted us.’ In the most gorgeous pastoral setting imaginable.
It usually goes like this: “So where are you these days, Foley? I hear you are out in the middle of no where.”
Then they drive up (County Road) 10 and say, “I looked over and I saw the stone church and the view south toward the lake … Wow!”
But that is just the start of our blessings. To the east is a plot of land equal to our entire property: church, parking lot, and cemetery.
Add to this a gift of half a million - designated by the giver for growth, not maintenance.
But that is not our chief resource!!
You are the chief resource!
Saint Paul’s is about being ‘a parish family.’
I have been around the block (9 or 10 parishes) and never been any where that compares to the fellowship at Saint Paul’s.
For me, the litmus test is the fellowship time after service. New folks are not only welcomed, they are made at home. They are treated as family.
When there is a task, you don’t have to ask twice.
In my mind, all of these riches are wasted - unless we answer the Lord’s calling.
These gifts are to equip us for ministry – to take the Gospel and Love of Jesus into a hurting and hungry world.
Let me finish by sharing what I see as our mission field.
Change is coming in a large way:
Today there is a demographic shift taking place. Rural and small-town sites (satellite communities) adjacent to large metropolitan centres are welcoming newcomers who are looking for affordable housing and a different and less stressful lifestyle. In this final category are urban dwellers that have decided to make the move before actual retirement.
It is a trend that is only going to grow with an aging population, pressure from urban density, and increased mobility afforded by the expansion of highways and other transportation networks. (The Globe & Mail)
All this while, the church is looking in the rearview mirror.
But here is some good news!!
Our parish vision committee is calling us to use our resources to meet the need - including building a parish/community hall on our vacant site.
The dream would create a large space for community outreach, including:
- community dinners
- youth and after-school programs
- seniors’ events, including exercise programs
- a church office and
- space for childcare
- a nurse’s office for first aid and medical guidance
- etc.
Hear the word of the Lord (Isaiah 6:8):
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ and I said, ‘Here am I. Send me.’
Amen.
2025 12 28 Fr. Tim’s parting words to us
14 December 2025 - Fr. Tim
Today: The story of doubt.
We have all been there.
It can happen anytime, anywhere.
Well, John the Baptist is having one of those doubt moments.
Remember, in recent weeks we’ve heard John proclaiming Jesus as the “Chosen One”…..”The long-expected Messiah.”
Now, John is in prison, with little chance of getting out. And here comes the doubt!
Has he been deluded? He needs to know!
So he sends a message to Jesus: “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?”
(It is a moment when we may feel closer to John than Jesus.)
All of us have walked the lonely road of doubt.
Losing faith in ourselves, in government, in the courts, in the church, at work, in our personal relationships.
Today we live in a time of doubt.
A time when faith is challenged by a cynical secularism.
So, in 2025 we discover that the joyous proclamation of Christmas – “that unto us a child is born who is Jesus Christ the Lord” - is reduced to “Happy Holiday.”
I have a story: A story pointing to how we got here.
In 1972, I was given the challenge of starting up a new congregation in Erin Mills, Mississauga. The plan was to have four denominations build a shared facility.
The bishop sent me down to view a similar venture in Reston, Virginia just outside of Washington. I arrived a week before Christmas.
First morning, I was invited to share in a meeting with leaders of the various congregations.
(I should mention the church space was joined directly to a large shopping mall.)
Immediately, the discussion focused on whether or not to erect the traditional creche in the mall.
It was a lively debate, and I remember the majority was against erecting the creche because it was a secular space and would offend non-Christians.
Just then another person silently joined the meeting.
As it turned out, he was the rabbi of the reformed Jewish congregation that also had worship space in the building.
After a few minutes he stood up and said: “Let me get this straight! Christmas is a major Christian feast and you are wondering whether or not to share it with others?”
There was some nervous laughter and the creche was allowed to remain.
Does this point to an erosion of faith, a doubt that Jesus is the incarnate word of God, the long-awaited Messiah, the Light of the World?
When does humility become doubt?
How does Jesus respond to John’s doubt?
He tells the messenger to go back and tell John that God is still sovereign - still in control – and his redeeming light remains stronger than the darkness.
Today, we are in the season of Advent. Preparing to celebrate the birth of the Saviour and prepare for His return.
Waiting for the second coming.
Now waiting is never easy. Most of us are not good at it and the delay fosters doubt.
In our epistle this morning, James addresses the challenge of waiting: “Be patient beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the lord is near.”
What to do while being patient??
I love this story!
It goes like this: the second coming of the Messiah has happened. Jesus has returned.
One of the cardinals, on receiving the news, discovers Jesus is coming his way. So, he immediately seeks guidance.
He calls the Vatican with the news Jesus is on his way.
“Holy Father what shall we do?”
The Pope pauses for a moment and says, “Look busy!!”
I say this is excellent advent advice.
Jesus is coming at a time we cannot predict, and we need to get busy.
Empowered by the Holy Spirit to share His Gift of Salvation - to experience forgiveness of sin and be anointed to bring his light into the darkness of our troubled world, and to replace doubt with faith.
So let us pray this ancient Christian Advent prayer: “Maranatha, come Lord Jesus come!!”
Together: “Maranatha, come Lord Jesus come.”
No more doubt!
Amen.
7 December 2025 - Fr. Tim
I have never done it, but I wish I had.
I would give everyone a piece of paper and ask – aside from Jesus – write down the name of who in the Bible you would want to know better.
I am not sure who would top the list but I am willing to bet it would not be John the Baptist.
As we see today, John plays an important role in the story of salvation, but he does so at a cost.
Let’s begin with his appearance. Some have said “he would frighten small children.”
Living alone in the wilderness, dressed in animal skins and eating grasshoppers and wild honey John would definitely stand out in the crowd! (John would command a second look!)
Nevertheless, his message - Prepare the way of the Lord, make His path straight - brought in a crowd. They came not only to hear his message but also to be baptized by him in the river Jordan.
It is unfortunate that John gets such little attention. He is a vital link in the gospel. It is through John’s baptism that God the Father anoints Jesus as the Saviour and Redeemer of the world.
John is the one who heralds the message of Salvation: “I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me. He will baptize you with the holy spirit and fire.”
No!
Sadly, we end up editing the scriptures. So, forget God’s messenger and forerunner – we want to go directly to Christmas. To go directly to shepherds on a hillside and wisemen on camels thereby leaving out the very important herald - leaving out the Way of the Lord.
Remember it is Jesus who goes to his cousin John. It is Jesus who is baptized by John. John is God’s forerunner sent to prepares the way of the Lord - Leave out John and you miss more than a mere go-between.
For the moment, let’s back up and focus on his prophetic words. John says, “He (Jesus) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and Fire.”
I think it is fair to say we are programed to think of fire as consuming and destructive but there is another important element to fire. Fire also cleanses and transforms. It has the power to turns raw earth into gold and silver.
John is reminding us that Jesus – our Saviour – is come to do more than welcome us. In union with him we are to be transformed and redeemed.
John’s message today is but a foretaste, a glimpse into the glory that awaits us. It is more than a “get ready message.”
We are to prepare the way of the Lord. Make his path straight. The lamb is coming to transform us by his holy fire.
We prepare for the coming of Christ by turning away from the self-indulgent ways of the world. We prepare for the coming of Christ by confessing our sins and sharing his Holy Fire with others.
Seeking God’s holy fire to cleanse us by acknowledging our brokenness. There is a saying among the saints: “Imperfection is the wound that lets God in.”
Come Lord Jesus come!!
Transform us by the Fire of your Holy Spirit!
Amen.
30 November 2025 - Fr. Tim
Every year at this time I find myself teetering between nostalgia and cynicism.
First comes nostalgia: the walk down memory lane.
I turn the radio to 98.1- “non-stop Christmas music” – and then it happens: Bing and I are once more dreaming of a “White Christmas, just like the ones I used to know”. The memories return: ‘my brothers I are throwing tinsel at the tree; Dad is busy testing the Lights and mom has begun to do her magic in the kitchen. ‘Let it snow! Let it snow!’ We are warm and cozy by the fire.
Well ?? … that is half the Equation.
Unfortunately for many it is also a season of painful nostalgia. Beloved friends and family members are gone -we try not to look at the empty chair. Among friends there has been a divorce, a painful loss. The kids are going on a tropical cruise during the holiday, but they promise to send pictures. On top of this, everywhere we turn is the call to spend, spend, spend. Buy your way to happiness.
If you feel the tension, I dare say you have come to the right place.
“Advent” is here!
Advent is the church’s way to help deliver us from both an overdose of nostalgia and creeping cynicism.
In a moment we are going to sing the Advent hymn, “O Come, O Come Immanuel.”
Instantly, we focus on the Baby Jesus. It’s an excellent start but there is so much more. Listen carefully to these words:
O come, O Key of David
And open wide our heavenly home
Make safe for us the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
O come, desire of nations, bind
in one the hearts of humankind;
O bid our bitter conflict cease,
and be for us our Prince of Peace.
You see we are in the year 2025 waiting and praying for heavenly redemption and peace on earth. Now here is the good news.
Into our darkness comes Jesus the Prince of Peace and Light of the World.
Advent calls us to, “lift up your heads, your redemption draws near.”
Advent also comes with the message that by the gift of the Holy Spirit we are empowered to turn fear into hope and hate into love.
My friends, advent, more than any thing else, is about making straight the highway of our God.
So come Lord Jesus come!
Fill our hearts with joy!
Amen.