February 9, 2025 Reflection

Today’s reading from the Gospel of Luke, is often referred to as “The Sermon on the Plain.” Here, Jesus comes down to a level place, surrounded by a great multitude of people from all walks of life—rich and poor, healthy and sick, Jews and Gentiles. In this level space, He delivers a message that challenges the societal norms of his day and ours.

This passage flips the world’s values upside down. It is a radical message of love and hospitality that invites us to envision a future where the divisions of “have” and “have not” are dismantled, and where all are filled—not just with food and wealth, but with hope, dignity, and love.

We live in a world where we are constantly told that we need more—more money, more possessions, more power in order to be secure. This narrative of scarcity is woven into our economic systems, our politics, and even our personal relationships. We are conditioned to believe that if we don’t accumulate enough, we will be left behind.

But has this ever truly brought us the security we seek? For sure – we have to have enough for the basics, which can vary significantly depending on what part of the country or world that we live in, but that need to have more has often led to fear of losing what we’ve got, and can result in becoming in competition with those around us and creating an illusion that wealth equals safety.   

Yet Jesus’ message is clear: true security is not found in wealth or power but in community, compassion, and justice. When He stands on that level place, He doesn’t elevate the rich or the powerful. Instead, He blesses the poor, the hungry, and the grieving. He invites us to envision a future where no one has too much while others have too little.

This kind of security in community is evident during times of disaster – when we have had major flooding or wildfires. The strength of a community coming together in the face of adversity is what provides true security. We see communities coming together and providing shelter and necessities for their neighbours who have lost everything.  One of the things that we do here at the Thrift Shop to live out our values, is when someone comes to us after losing their house and contents in a fire, they can take what they need from the shop in order to get set up in their new or temporary home. 

Neighbours helping neighbours, strangers offering shelter, these are the acts that embody Jesus’ call to compassion and justice.

Jesus’ choice to deliver this sermon on a “level place” is no accident. It symbolizes his

commitment to equality and inclusion. In a world obsessed with hierarchies—who’s on top, who’s in control—Jesus levels the ground beneath our feet and calls us to see each other as equals.

This week, as the Invictus Games begin in Vancouver, we are reminded of the power of community and resilience. The Games bring together wounded, injured, and sick military members, showing us that strength is not found in perfection but in perseverance and solidarity. These athletes challenge the narrative of scarcity by demonstrating that even in the face of loss and injury, life can be filled with purpose and joy.

On Thursday night I was invited to attend a cocktail party which was a fundraiser sponsored by the banking community primarily for women in business.  I was invited because of my role as a woman in the Canadian Armed Forces, so I attended in my dress uniform. My uniform is a kilt and tunic, and a clergy shirt with a collar.  So I stood out a little in this crowd.  I met a lot of really interesting people, some Invictus athletes and Olympic athletes, the CEO of the Invictus Games and of True Patriot Love, the foundation that supports veterans and supports the games.  We heard inspiring speeches, including one from the former team Canada captain of the last Invictus Games.  She talked about how she and many other of the athletes felt broken by their injury or their diagnosis that led them to be eligible for the games, and for some, the process of getting to the games provided healing.  For others, being at the games was where they did their healing and for others, it wasn’t until the games were over that they found healing.  She talked about the power of community at the games.  And then yesterday I was at the opening ceremonies for the games and it was another couple of hours of more inspiration.  We heard more stories of athletes overcoming adversity.  I can only imagine, standing in the crowd at the Invictus Games, witnessing the determination and camaraderie of these athletes. Their stories of overcoming adversity and supporting one another are a living testament to the power of radical hospitality. They remind us that when we lift each other up, we all rise together.

So, what does it mean to fill our future with vision?

First, we must reject the narrative of scarcity that divides us. Instead of hoarding resources out of fear, we are called to share generously, trusting that there is enough for all. This isn’t just about charity; it’s about justice. It’s about creating systems and communities where everyone’s needs are met.

Imagine a Canada where affordable housing is not a privilege but a right, where no family has to choose between paying rent and putting food on the table. Picture communities where resources are shared, and everyone has access to education, healthcare, and opportunities for growth.

Second, we embrace radical hospitality. This means more than just opening our doors; it means opening our hearts and minds to those who are different from us. It means seeing the face of Christ in the marginalized and the oppressed, and working to dismantle the barriers that keep us apart.

Think about the newcomers and refugees who arrive in our country seeking safety and a new beginning. Radical hospitality means welcoming them not just with words but with actions—offering support, friendship, and opportunities to thrive. It means building bridges between cultures and communities, fostering understanding and unity. Yesterday at the opening ceremonies, when the Ukrainian team entered BC Place – the cheers were louder than for any other team.  Everyone was on their feet to give them a standing ovation. I imagine that must have felt pretty welcoming for those athletes who maybe feel lost in their own home country right now.

Finally, we cultivate hope. In a world that often feels broken, it’s easy to become cynical or despairing. But Jesus’ message is one of hope—a vision of a future where the poor are blessed, the hungry are filled, and those who weep will laugh. This hope is not passive; it calls us to action, to be co-creators of God’s kingdom here on earth.

Hope is found in the small acts of kindness that ripple outwards, creating waves of change. It’s in the volunteer who serves meals at a shelter, the teacher who inspires a struggling student, the activist who fights for justice. Each of us has a role to play in bringing this vision to life.

All around we see glimpses of this vision in action. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission has shed light on the injustices faced by Indigenous peoples and calls us to a future rooted in healing and justice. While the journey is far from over, communities across the country are working to build relationships and repair what has been broken. Even just being at or watching the Opening ceremonies yesterday it was so evident that this Invictus games was a partnership between the four host nations, Vancouver and Whistler.  Indigenous artists from each of the four host nations got together to design the medals and the logo.  It was individuals from the four host nations who made up the honour guard to welcome all the athletes into the stadium.

And then also just considering the efforts of Indigenous communities reclaiming their languages, traditions, and lands. These acts of resilience and cultural revitalization are powerful examples of hope and vision. They remind us that healing is possible when we acknowledge the past and commit to a future of respect and partnership.

Consider also the recent efforts to address climate change. From grassroots movements to national policies, Canadians are recognizing that the health of our planet is intertwined with the health of our communities. This is a vision of abundance, where we protect and nurture the earth not out of fear, but out of love for future generations.

Programs that protect natural spaces and promote sustainable agriculture, show us how environmental stewardship can create thriving communities. By investing in renewable energy and conservation, we are not only safeguarding our planet but also building a more equitable and prosperous future for all.

And in the spirit of the Invictus Games, we see how inclusion and support can transform lives. These athletes remind us that our worth is not measured by our abilities or achievements, but by our humanity and our capacity to support one another.

Imagine if we carried this spirit of the Invictus Games into every aspect of our lives—celebrating each other’s strengths, lifting each other up in times of struggle, and creating

spaces where everyone feels valued and included.

As we leave this place today, I invite you to carry this vision with you. Imagine a future where the divisions of “have” and “have not” are erased, where every person is seen, valued, and loved. Imagine a community where radical hospitality is the norm, and where hope is the driving force behind our actions.

Jesus calls us to this vision, not just as a distant dream, but as a present reality we are invited to create together. May we fill our future with this vision—a vision of love, justice, and abundant life for all.

Let us go forth with hearts open to the possibilities, hands ready to serve, and spirits filled with hope. Together, we can build a future that reflects the radical love and hospitality of Jesus.