Sisters and brothers, the Great Family of the Church of the Nativity, robust, and sick, and shut ins,

The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Love of God, and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

I feel honoured to address you on this day. I know the joy and the pain of each you, and I share them with you, praying our good God to strengthen those who rejoice and relieve the pain of those who suffer in their bodies and/or in their spirits.

To prepare the celebration of Easter, the triumph of life over death, the church has been invited to observe a holy Lent by self-examination, penitence, prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, and by reading and meditating on the word of God.

Some of you have responded to this invitation, committing themselves to prayer, Bible study, deep reflection, and other spiritual activities, individually or/and in groups, in quest of a betterment and a solution for themselves and for their loved ones in their problems.  But others were unable to respond duly to the invitation because of their ongoing illness and pain. Others have been enduring the impact of the difficulties of the era, the evildoing in our societies, and the bad news around the world that troubled the serenity and the faith of many.

As it is written in the Psalm 130,5: “My soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning”, we have not ceased to count on God and wait for His help. Keep your faith unwavering, my beloved! As Jesus said, “let not your hearts be troubled”. Your deliverance is here!

As for the Ladies who were walking desperately toward the tomb of Jesus, the message of consolation has come to you my brother/sister: “Be not alarmed!” Whatever the situation you are undergoing: anxiety, sufferings, deceptions, etc. Jesus has vanquished all by his mighty resurrection. A new life has been won for you and for me.

Come, let us sing to the Lord; let us shout for joy to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving. (Psalm 95,1-2).

Alleluia Christ is risen! The Lord is risen indeed, Alleluia!

Happy Easter!

I look forward to rejoicing with you in the Celebration of the New Ministry on April 14^th.

Your servant,
The Rev. Amirold Lazard

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About Our Readings This Week…

Through thoughtful reflection on selected passages, we will seek to unravel the layers of meaning within the text, drawing out insights that speak to our lives today. Whether it’s finding comfort in times of adversity, gaining clarity in moments of confusion, or discovering new perspectives on familiar stories, our aim is to foster a deeper connection with the Word of God.

Jeremiah 31:31-34 – The Judeans in Babylon blamed their exile on their ancestors, who had broken the covenant established at Sinai. Here the prophet looks to a day when God will make a new covenant with the people. There will be no need to teach the law, because God will write it on their hearts.

Hebrews 5:5-10 – Using priestly imagery and references to the Old Testament, the author explains how Christ lived in trusting obedience to God, and so God has made Christ the source of our eternal salvation.

John 12:20-33 – Jesus entered Jerusalem for the last time to celebrate the Passover festival. Here Jesus’ words about seeds planted in the ground turn the disaster of his death into the promise of a harvest in which everyone will be gathered.

As we embark on this journey together, let us approach the Scriptures with open hearts and minds, ready to be transformed by the timeless wisdom they contain. May our exploration of the Bible readings enrich our spiritual lives and draw us closer to the divine presence that permeates every page.

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As the Anglican Church progresses through Lent, we find ourselves in the fifth week of this sacred season. Lent, a period of forty days dedicated to fasting, prayer, and repentance, draws us closer to the essence of our faith, preparing us for the celebration of Easter.

This week, the journey intensifies. The initial fervor of Ash Wednesday may have waned, and the disciplines of fasting and self-denial may feel more challenging. However, it is precisely during this time that our perseverance is vital.

The readings and liturgies of the fifth week prompt deep contemplation. Themes of repentance, forgiveness, and redemption permeate the scriptures, urging us to confront our shortcomings and seek reconciliation with God and others.

The story of Jesus’ encounter with the woman caught in adultery serves as a poignant reminder of God’s boundless mercy and our call to extend forgiveness and compassion to others, even in their failings.

In addition to personal reflection, this week invites acts of service and charity. Whether through volunteering, donating, or simply offering kindness, these acts align with the Lenten spirit, deepening our understanding of Christ’s love.

As we journey through the fifth week of Lent, let us embrace the opportunity for spiritual growth and renewal. Let us recommit ourselves to lives of faith, love, and service, knowing that Easter joy awaits us. And may we carry the lessons learned during this season of reflection with us throughout the year, striving to live as faithful disciples of Christ.

Our FaithWorks Campaign

Our Stewardship Focus this month is on FaithWorks-a program of the Diocese of Toronto that supports non-profit groups in offering help and hope to those in need. You could think of FaithWorks as the “outreach” arm of the Diocese of Toronto.

Since 1996 Faithworks Ministry Partners collaborated with local partners around the globe-and in remote communities in Canada’s North-to provide international aid and relief efforts to address root causes of poverty and injustice. The Church of the Nativity, Malvern are proud to participate in Faithworks during Lent. Your gift helps to build healthy and sustainable families and communities…

• Giving with grace (formerly Anglican Appeal)
• Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund

Faithworks also support spiritual care to the terminally ill:

• Philip Aziz Centre provides home-based hospice and spiritual care in the GTA, as well as respite care and bereavement support for people caring for loved ones with a life-limiting illness.

Consider supporting our FaithWorks campaign this Lenten season at the church.

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Download a PDF version of the above poster here.

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