Ordinary Sunday 28: 11th October, 1998
The Rev'd Dr John Davis, Vicar, St Peter's Eastern Hill
In the name of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
From those to whom much has been given, much is expected.
This parish has been most
richly blessed by many generations of devotion and care. 150
years were celebrated last year: the fine church and
vicarage are joined by Keble House and the parish hall. They
are our next restoration task. But above all, this parish
has been blessed by its people; the people of God gathering
here, in faith, in hope, in love.
St Peter's has always stood
on this Eastern Hill as a witness to the Christian faith;
and to the Christian faith in a particular form. This is a
church of the English Catholic tradition. It has for much of
its history been a beacon and a light on this Hill for
Anglo-Catholics near and far. This parish has always
had an impact and an influence, well beyond its own numbers.
Much is expected of the Hill. Many look to this place for
leadership and inspiration or encouragement. This is a big
responsibility.
This is also not something that can be taken for granted.
I once visited an Anglican
convent in another place and met the novice mistress. She
had not had a novice in 21 years. That in itself was sad.
But even sadder was what was below. In the crypt was a
glorious Byzantine-style chapel, with six sticks and
a tabernacle. The convent church above was much more simply
decorated and without the reservation of the Blessed
Sacrament. That had been the only way, that that religious
community was allowed to present itself in the 19th century.
To be Church of England was not to be extreme. Goodness
knows, to be a nun was bad enough. That community has now
closed.
St Peter's Eastern Hill has
built its name on being extreme. St Peter's continuing
strength and influence is built on a firm and joyful
proclamation of the Catholic Faith, as we have received it.
That proclamation also reaches out in decisive social
action.
There is indeed something
very special about this place! There must be, to cause so
many of you to travel past so many local parish churches to
come to this city church, or for so many to seek St Peter's
out when visiting Melbourne. An important part of our tasks
here is to continue to reflect and consider just what these
special and particular qualities are. We need to be able to
discern between the absolute essentials on the one hand, and
on the other hand those things that are of lesser
consequence. We could say: the core and the non-core.
Then indeed, we will have something that is to be cherished
and defended - and, even more importantly,
proclaimed.
The days have gone when it
was a matter of some family embarrassment if someone went to
Eastern Hill. The days of ghetto defensiveness have gone
too. Our faith and our expression of the faith, should be
lovingly and caringly shared; our worship and our activities
open and welcoming.
There are times in the life
of any individual Christian and indeed also in the life of
any Christian community, when it is not altogether clear
exactly what it is we have to share. The vision may become
blurred. We may see much of ourselves and each other, but
less of Our Lord who is with us and in us. Human frailty and
human shortcomings have always been present in the Church:
it cannot be otherwise. But equally, we are also continually
summoned to rise above pettiness, to look always to the
example and teachings of the Lord. We are called again to
experience that freshness and sheer happiness in being a
follower of Jesus Christ, to experience his power at work in
our lives. It was there once: why not again?
Every Christian person,
wherever they are placed in the Church has the
age-old imperative placed upon them - the Lord
himself summed it up:
- Love God with all your heart
- Love your neighbour as yourself.
The good news of the gospel
should be evident in every Christian parish. We all want it
to continue to be so here. If there is tiredness or
uncertainty or doubt; there is always time for a fresh
beginning, or, as Advent will soon enough remind us,
repentance.
How blessed are those who
seek to grow in their relationship with God. How blessed are
those who look beyond themselves, in love to others,
especially to those who have little. God will indeed be with
them.
Today's gospel provides us
with a clear example - the Lord reaching out in
compassion to the 10 lepers. God is right there, in the
midst of the most appalling circumstance imaginable to the
people of that time. Leprosy meant expulsion, separation: it
meant being outcast, hopeless and terminal. And yet...
This is a statement and an
action of care and generosity. It is a statement also of
inclusiveness. Once again the sting in the tail of this
story highlights the role of a foreigner, a Samaritan, who
is the only one to return to give thanks. Were not 10
healed? Where are the other 9? A very long pause must have
followed that question.
We are, however, left with a
celebration of thanksgiving and joyful gratitude -
two of the true marks of a follower of the Lord. To think
that it should be so. God with us, with you, with me.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
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