Theological Reflection

at the Event of Visioning for the Willowdale Corridor

on April 23, 2005 by Rev. John Lee, Chair of Toronto Don Valley Presbytery

Toronto Conference, The United Church of Canada

All the churches of the Willowdale Corridor have gathered. In this gathering I have breathed hope of the future. It was an affirming event that we sensed together one-bodyness.

We have dealt with concrete and real number that gives clear sense of where we are at. As I hear the conversation in the small group discussion and plenary report, I was reminded of the Gospel reading (John 14:1-14) of this week's lectionary, particularly three passages: In my father's house there are many dwelling places; I am the way, and the truth, and the life; I am in the Father and the Father is in me.

The first passage provokes us a question, "Do we have the dwelling place in our minitry for newcomers, ethnic minorities, aged, children and youth, sick and lonely, poor? We have talk about how we become a welcoming church. Before we try to give something of some help to the people we want to welcome, we need to think about whether we provide a comfortable space for these people. I am positive that we are ready to do it.

The second passage leads us to another question, "What does it mean to say 'Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life' to those who life in our neighbourhood, non-Christians or those who are having different religionin?" It can be a matter of communication. It is true. If it is true then communication should include "being with others" as we understand each other through heart to heart.

The third passage reminds us to rethink our way of "reaching-out" We always focusing on reaching out to our community with our gifts. I would like to formulate another question: Are we in our neighbourhood and our neighbours are in out faith community. If we want to be so, what requires of us to do? Have we ever invited our neighbours as we value their diverse gifts?

I am still very excited and confident that we had energy boosting event. Through our sharing, we together discerned the call of God in this our neighbouring community and the possibilities that we can work together to be the gift for the world. The time we end this gathering is not finishing, but starting a new journey togather as a team. To me it was a baptismal experience and a communion experience that enables me and together with our poartners in ministry.

As we close the gathering, I hear God's saying in Spirit, "You are my beloved. Receive the Holy Spirit." It is my prayer to go in peace to proclaim the good news of God to every corner, every block of our neighbouring community as we reaching out to the ends of the world. Amen.

Acknowledgements:

Web planning team: Marion Current, Hannah Lee

Digital animation & art design: Raymond Nam-Ki Jung

Technical support: David Nam-Joong Kim

Updated April 29, 2005