Dear Friends,
On your behalf, let me extend to Fr Bob Peck heartfelt congratulations on reaching a most significant milestone in ministry: 50 years a Priest today.
Nearly all of you reading this will know far better than myself his many gifts: a gentle presence, real pastoral care, wise counsel. To those friends who join us at 10am to celebrate with Fr Bob - welcome to you.
I am certain Fr Peter would have me express his warm best wishes, and joins me in thanking Fr Bob for his ongoing ministry here at S. Michael's. May God continue to bless you, and us through your being with us, Father. Oh, and happy birthday also!
To Fr Ron Smith who is celebrating at 8am, before travelling abroad, let me reiterate last week's congratulations for your 80th birthday yesterday - and wish you bon voyage.
Today also is the Sunday in our Church's common life that we celebrate our diversity, our many languages and cultures as the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia: woven together as the strands of the fine mats and other imagery that together comprise the symbol of the Anglican Church in these islands.
So much of what is named and noticed as 'ministry' we expect to happen with a hiss and a roar, bright lights, perhaps a band and a data projector. This day our Gospel reminds us that the kingdom of God is like a mustard seed, like grain that grows unseen, unheralded, quietly speaking - or scheming - 'good news' day and night. Humble, down to earth, real. Ineffable and inevitable as the harvest.
As Monday night's study group postulated, perhaps here Jesus is gently subverting Ezekiel's noble cedar atop a high and lofty hill, providing a messianic/kingdom image much less grand, but ultimately far more grounded and transformative. Give me compassionate and Christlike humility - a being-with-those in need and in joy and in face of injustice - over splendid isolation and majesty any day.
At Pentecost, we used holy oil to be reminded of our call to ministry. Not many of us will follow this call with fanfare (I hope, though, without apology), but in our own unique and unobtrusive way, let us live out our vocation as Christ's Body faithfully and intentionally. Such is our purpose, and our parable.
May God bless you all.
Fr Tim Hurd
