A Theology of Presence

These past two weeks at St. George have given me a meaningful introduction to the life and ministry of the church. I have been blessed by its hospitality and the various programs it runs. The first two ceremonies I assisted with were the wedding of Calgary locals, Rebecca Morris and Sahil Devnani and the baptism of our friend and brother, Nav Dhillon. 

Rev. Seth's homily at the wedding reminded me that no one in this world is perfect. We all carry the burden of sin, which is why we need Jesus for our ultimate redemption. Marriage is a lifelong commitment to serve and love one another unconditionally despite our flaws, because this is the way Christ loves us. The hard truth is that we will never marry a perfect person. Christians are called to bear the cross for their loved ones with the help of God. The joy that testifies to a godly marriage is not merely the sweetness of a honeymoon or a kiss in the morning, but, more importantly, the ongoing process of sanctification in Christ. As St. Paul writes, love is patient and kind, without exception.

One question that comes to mind is this: when the energy and excitement of youth have faded, can two people still cherish one another faithfully and unwaveringly? On the one hand, this question reminds me of the fragility of human love and discourages me from placing my trust in anyone. On the other hand, I should not lose hope, because in the hands of the Lord even flawed people can learn to love faithfully and selflessly.

The baptism of our brother Nav was another highlight. From a liturgical perspective, it was carefully done in honor of Anglican tradition. The prayers and confessions were beautifully said in the presence of the church. From an individual level, Nav’s testimony was a powerful reminder that God continues to work in people's lives in ways that exceed our expectations.

What I appreciate most about the Food and Friends program is that it provides a space for members of the community to gather and enjoy fellowship through shared meals. In many cultures, sharing a meal symbolizes connection, acceptance, and mutual recognition. Often, meaningful conversations begin only after food is placed on the table. In Scripture, too, tables are places where deep relationships are formed, strangers are welcomed, and the kingdom of God is made visible.

As I participate in this ministry, I find myself reflecting on the love of God, who not only gives us our daily bread but also offers us the feast of heaven—the body and blood of Christ. Whenever we partake of Him, we enter into communion with His grace. The meal above all meals was given to us at the cost of Jesus' death, which means that sharing bread is ultimately a sign of sharing life. Through His sacrifice, we receive the true meal that preserves our bodies and souls into everlasting.

When we serve others with food, we witness to and embody the love that Jesus has shown us. Although many who attend Food and Friends are not Christians, that does not make us love them any less. On the contrary, it is important to see strangers as God sees His children. Serving them becomes an opportunity to put God's love into practice.

As part of the life of the church, the Bible study group has also been valuable for my spiritual formation. Over the past two weeks, we have focused on Pentecost and the wisdom literature, which has helped me better understand the role of the Holy Spirit in both corporate and personal settings. Just as the Spirit of the Lord gave birth to the Church, so He continues to communicate God's truth to His people individually.

Although I was not able to participate in the entire series on wisdom literature, I found it refreshing to engage with questions such as: What is wisdom according to God? When does simplicity become problematic? I have especially enjoyed discussing topics such as sin, repentance, and salvation. It has also been encouraging to witness the hunger of parishioners who sincerely seek answers from Scripture.