22nd Sunday after Pentecost
October 24, 2021
SERVICES IN CHURCH HAVE RESUMED
THE GATHERING OF THE PEOPLE
We give thanks to our Creator for the earth we share with all creatures, and we acknowledge that we are here on the traditional lands of the Mississaugas of the Anishinaabe, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and the Wendat. We also recognize the enduring presence of all First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, and we seek to live respectfully with them and with the earth. We pray for healing between our cultures and healing from settler arrogance. We believe that Black Lives Matter and that Every Child Matters. We know that love is love, and we welcome everybody who desires to join us in worship. You are a beloved creation of God, and you are most welcome in this place.
Opening Hymn (CP #457): Alleluia! Glory to God (vs. 1-3, 5)
Refrain Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Glory to God who does wondrous things
Let all the people God's praises now sing,
All of creation in splendour shall ring: Alleluia! Refrain
See how salvation for all has been won
Up from the grave our new life has begun
Life now perfected in Jesus, the Son: Alleluia! Refrain
Now in our presence the Lord will appear,
Shine in the faces of all of us here,
Fill us with joy and cast out all our fear: Alleluia! Refrain
Lord, we are open to all that you say,
Ready to listen and follow your way,
You are the potter and we are the clay: Alleluia! Refrain
Celebrant: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant Almighty God,
All to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hidden. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Collect
Celebrant: Let us pray.
Lord God our redeemer, who heard the cry of your people and sent your servant Moses to lead them out of slavery, free us from the tyranny of sin and death, and by the leading of your Spirit bring us to our promised land;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
First Reading
Reader: A reading from the book of Job.
Then Job answered the Lord: "I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. 'Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?' Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. 'Hear, and I will speak; I will question you, and you declare to me.' I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes." And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job when he had prayed for his friends; and the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. Then there came to him all his brothers and sisters and all who had known him before, and they ate bread with him in his house; they showed him sympathy and comforted him for all the evil that the Lord had brought upon him; and each of them gave him a piece of money and a gold ring. The Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning; and he had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand donkeys. He also had seven sons and three daughters. He named the first Jemimah, the second Keziah, and the third Keren-happuch. In all the land there were no women so beautiful as Job's daughters; and their father gave them an inheritance along with their brothers. After this Job lived one hundred and forty years, and saw his children, and his children's children, four generations. And Job died, old and full of days.
[Job 42:1-6, 10-17]
Reader: The word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
Psalm 34:1-8: Taste and See (Gather #47)
REFRAIN Taste and see that the goodness of the Lord, the goodness of the Lord.
I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall ever be in my mouth.
I will glory in the Lord; let the humble hear and rejoice. R
Proclaim with me the greatness of the Lord; let us exalt his name together.
I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me out of all my terror. R
Look upon him and be radiant, and let not your faces be ashamed.
I called in my affliction and the Lord heard me and saved me from all my troubles. R
The angel of the Lord encompasses those who fear him, and he will deliver them.
Taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are they who trust in him! R
THE PROCLAMATION OF THE GOSPEL
As you are able, please stand.
Gospeler: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Gospeler: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark.
People: Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
They came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" Jesus stood still and said, "Call him here." And they called the blind man, saying to him, "Take heart; get up, he is calling you." So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him, "What do you want me to do for you?" The blind man said to him, "My teacher, let me see again." Jesus said to him, "Go; your faith has made you well." Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.
[Mark 10:46-52]
Gospeler: This is the Gospel of Christ.
People: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Homily The Rev. Alison Hari-Singh
Last week we left off talking about Job and how out of the whirlwind the Divine Voice interrupts Job and his friend’s erroneous views of who God is and how God acts in the world. The disciples, similarly, have also experienced a kind of startling interruption.
The disciples have followed Jesus around Galilee, observing him and listening to him, and they’ve become persuaded that he is indeed the one who will finally liberate the people from oppressive Roman rule and establish justice and peace in Israel. In this sequence, we find the disciples accompanying Jesus on a pilgrimage from Galilee in the North down to Jerusalem to observe Passover. As they journey, they become convinced that when they get to Jerusalem—the epicenter of Israel’s religious life—Jesus will turn history and somehow inaugurate the messianic age. So, they start speculating about what will happen after Jesus seizes power. Who among them will serve in his cabinet, and who will be mere back-benchers? And as we heard last week, Jesus responds, almost in exasperation, “You don’t know what you’re asking. To sit at my left hand and right hand is not something I can grant you.” How the disciples imagine things unfolding is totally off the mark. After everything that Jesus has tried to tell them about who he is and what he expects will happen to him, they don’t get it. Their vision is impaired.
Nonetheless, they keep going toward Jerusalem. The last city they pass through before their arrival is Jericho. This is the exact point where today’s Gospel picks up the story. On their way out of Jericho, they walk by a blind beggar on the side of the road—not an uncommon sight. As we read this story, I believe three things about this beggar stand out. First, his name is Bartimaeus, which on the surface doesn’t tell us much about him except the name of his father—Bartimaeus simply means “son of Timaeus.” What’s interesting is that the name Timaeus, means “honour.” So from the standpoint of today’s Gospel, the blind beggar is the “son of honour.” This is significant because “honour” offers a radical reversal of how poverty and destitution would’ve been viewed in Jesus’ day. There’s a reason why people like Bartimaeus lived as outcastes, begging for daily necessities. The truth is, they weren’t viewed as honourable. In our day, things are very much the same. Where I live near St. Lawrence Market, I don’t need to venture more than a couple of blocks to find people living in tents or sitting on the sidewalk requesting spare change. And if I’m being honest, it’s become easy, even convenient, to ignore them.
Recently Jeff and I were listening to a podcast interview of Noam Chomsky, the well-known linguist and political activist, who described a trip he made to India about 10 years ago. When he arrived in New Delhi he was met by a prominent Indian woman activist who had spent nearly 20 years working among the poor, intentionally living in the worst slums. In the cab ride to where Chomsky had a speaking engagement, they were swarmed by people begging for money. Immediately the woman instructed Chomsky, “Don’t roll down your window and give them anything. It won’t make a difference structurally, and you’ll just attract more of them.” As they drove on, Chomsky noticed that she wasn’t looking out the window at all; she continued to stare straight ahead. So he asked her, “How do you live with all this?” Her response was, “You live by not looking. You can’t look and survive.” Today’s Gospel reminds us that unlike us, God does not look away. Honour extends to everyone, even the most vulnerable and marginalized. They are not forgotten by God.
The second thing that stands out in the story of Bartimaeus is what he yells out to Jesus: “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Word had begun to spread about Jesus. He wasn’t just a household name in Galilee; people further away in Jericho were also talking about him. But they weren’t all necessarily convinced that he was the promised Messiah. In the Gospel of Mark, Bartimaeus is the first person outside of Jesus’ inner circle to make that public declaration. The expression he uses—Son of David—has unmistakable messianic overtones. Now, perhaps he was using this as a ploy to get Jesus’ attention, but I believe Bartimaeus was addressing Jesus out of honest conviction. I think that’s what today’s Gospel compels us to consider—that the experience of struggle, of grappling with poverty and destitution, generates an authentic faith that must be taken seriously. The crowds tell Bartimaeus to be quiet; they don’t want to hear from him. But Jesus stops and takes an interest. The lesson here, I think, is that a deeper recognition of who Jesus is and what he is all about emerges from life on the margins, on the alienated edge. That’s where Jesus is.
The third thing that stands out in this story is what Bartimaeus ultimately desires: he wants to see. I think this can be understood on two different levels. Yes, Bartimaeus desires his physical sight—that’s obvious – but Jesus goes a step further. He also gives Bartimaeus vision, something Jesus’ disciples lack. In all their clamoring and competing for positions of power in Jesus’ new government, the disciples are not listening to what Jesus is actually telling them. This kingdom they are picturing is not going to happen in the way they imagine. In fact, as we saw last week, just before Jesus and his disciples entered Jericho, he told them, “whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all.” In contrast to the disciples, Bartimaeus isn’t interested in power or status; he simply asks for the thing he needs and, in addition, he’s given insight, perception, discernment. How do we know? The text tells us that when he regained his sight, he joined Jesus on the trek to Jerusalem. Following the Way is not about success and comfort and social standing. We’re not promised any of that. What we are granted, however, is vision – vision for how we are to exist in this world. Jesus gives us an outlook on life that orients us toward simplicity, and care for our neighbors, especially the vulnerable who are on the margins.
Today’s Gospel challenges us to acknowledge that honour, faith, and vision are not derived from experiences of power or privilege. In the figure of Bartimaeus we see the one who is honourable, even though he is an outcast. He is the person of faith and conviction, who understands who Jesus is, more than the surrounding crowds who are trying to silence him; more than Jesus’ own disciples. And he is the one who asks for nothing but the ability to see – to truly see and to follow Jesus step by step. Bartimaeus is surely alive in our day, and we can find him in so many places throughout our city. Let’s stop to listen and encounter, just as Jesus did. And in doing so, surely, we will be transformed. Amen.
Silence is kept.
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
As we prepare for the prayers of the people, let us hear and reflect on the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (#17): Language and culture
17. We call upon all levels of government to enable residential school Survivors and their families to reclaim names changed by the residential school system by waiving administrative costs for a period of five years for the name-change process and the revision of official identity documents, such as birth certificates, passports, driver’s licenses, health cards, status cards, and social insurance numbers.
Intercessor: Remembering these calls to action, in peace let us pray to the Lord, saying, “Lord, have mercy.”
People: Lord, have mercy.
Intercessor: For peace for ourselves and each other, and for those that we do not know, but are known to God, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Intercessor: For the peace of the whole world, for the welfare of the holy Church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Intercessor: For bishops, and for all the clergy and people, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Intercessor: For all the leaders of the nations, and for all in authority, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Intercessor: For the city of Toronto, for every city and community, and for those who live in them in faith, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy
Intercessor: In the Anglican Communion cycle of prayer, we pray for the Extra-Provincial Churches. In our Diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for the Toronto East Deanery, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Intercessor: We pray for all visitors to Toronto Island – that the time they spend here will sustain them and cultivate a deeper respect and care for the earth. For good weather, and for abundant harvests for all to share, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Intercessor: For those who are travelling and for the sick and the suffering, especially Donna, Michael, Adam, Penny, Enid, Freda, David, Charlotte, Len, and Ann, and for prisoners and captives, and for their safety, health, and salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Intercessor: For our deliverance from all affliction, strife, and need, especially in regard to the ongoing global pandemic, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Intercessor: For all who have died, especially for Ron Gaskin, whose memorial is this afternoon, Wayne, Peter, Maxine, Rose, Marian, Mary, Angela, Julio, and Theresa, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Intercessor: Remembering all the saints and all those we are carrying in love and care, we commit our whole selves and one another to Christ our God.
To you, O Lord.
Intercessor: Almighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplications to you, and you have promised that when two or three are gathered together in your name you will hear their requests. Grant our requests as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the world to come life everlasting. Amen.
Confession and Reconciliation
Celebrant: Dear friends in Christ, God is steadfast in love and infinite in mercy; God welcomes sinners and invites them to this table. Let us confess our sins, confident in God’s forgiveness.
Silence is kept.
Celebrant: Most merciful God,
People: We confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbours as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us, that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your name. Amen.
Celebrant: Almighty God have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and keep you in eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Peace
As you are able, please stand.
Celebrant: The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People: And also with you.
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
As you are able, please stand.
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them to the Lord.
Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Celebrant: It is indeed right that we should praise you, gracious God, for you created all things. You created us and formed us in your own image. When we turned away from you in sin, you did not cease to care for us, but opened a path of salvation for all people. You made a covenant with Israel, and through your servants Abraham and Sarah gave the promise of a blessing to all nations. Through Moses you led your people from bondage into freedom; through the prophets you renewed your promise of salvation. Therefore, with them, and with all your saints who have served you in every age, we give thanks and raise our voices to proclaim the glory of your name.
All: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
Celebrant: Holy God, source of life and goodness, all creation rightly gives you praise. In the fullness of time, you sent your Son Jesus Christ, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all. He healed the sick and ate and drank with outcasts and sinners; he opened the eyes of the blind and proclaimed the good news of your kingdom to the poor and to those in need. In all things he fulfilled your gracious will. On the night he freely gave himself to death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread, and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: this is my body which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.” After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.” Gracious God, his perfect sacrifice destroys the power of sin and death; by raising him to life you give us life for evermore.
Therefore we proclaim our hope:
All: Dying you destroyed our death, rising you restored our life. Lord Jesus, come in glory.
Celebrant: Recalling his death, proclaiming his resurrection, and looking for his coming again in glory, we offer you, Father, this bread and this cup. Send your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these gifts, that all who eat and drink at this table may be one body and one holy people, a living sacrifice in Jesus Christ, our Lord. Through Christ, with Christ, and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory is yours, almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Celebrant: And now, as Christ has taught us, we are bold to say:
All: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
Celebrant: “I am the bread of life,” says the Lord. “Whoever comes to me will never be hungry; whoever believes in me will never thirst.”
All: Taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are they who trust in him!
Celebrant: The gifts of God for the People of God.
People: Thanks be to God.
Communion Hymn: Amazing Grace (traditional)
Come up to the altar following the lead of those ahead of you. If you would like a blessing, as well as, or in place of the wafer, indicate this to the priest.
The Silence [approximately 2 minutes]
Prayer after Communion
As you are able, please stand.
Celebrant: Let us pray,
God our guide, you have fed us with bread from heaven as you fed the people of Israel. May we who have been inwardly nourished be ready to follow you all our days; we ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Celebrant: Glory to God,
All: whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine. Glory to God from generation to generation, in the Church and in Christ Jesus, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Blessing
Celebrant: And now go out into the world, be light-bearers, uplift the down-trodden, preserve creation, and be committed to bringing hope to the hopeless; in the name of God: eternal Source, incarnate Word, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Closing Hymn (CP #306): O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
O for a thousand tongues to sing my dear Redeemer’s praise,
the glories of my God and king, the triumphs of God’s grace!
Jesus! the name that charms our fears, that bids our sorrows cease--
’tis music in the sinner’s ears, ’tis life, and health, and peace.
He speaks, and, list’ning to His voice, new life the dead receive,
the mournful, broken hearts rejoice, the humble poor believe.
Hear him, ye deaf, ye voiceless ones, your loosened tongues employ;
Ye blind, behold your Saviour come, and leap, ye lame, for joy!
My gracious Master and my God, assist me to proclaim,
to spread through all the earth abroad, the honors of thy name.
Leader: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God. Alleluia!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Join us for an Advent and Epiphany Book Study. We will be reading Saving Us: A Climate Scientist's Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World by Katherine Hayhoe. This will be a joint study between St. Andrew by-the-Lake and St. Aidan’s in the Beach. Sessions will take place via Zoom and will be lay and clergy led. The first session will be held on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 from 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm. Please let Rev. Alison know if you are interested in joining or if you would like more information (alison.hari.singh@utoronto.ca).
Singers wanted! Based on new diocesan guidelines, we are looking for singers who would like to join the music team and serve on a rotation basis. Compliance with the vaccination mandate of the Diocese is required. If interested, please contact Roger Sharp at rogerandersonsharp@gmail.com.
Ferry Information for October 2021 to April 2022 - Winter Schedule
10:00 am - Ferry leaves city. Winter service is only to Ward's Island.
10:10 am - Arrives at Ward's Dock. Church van available
10:30 am - Church service begins
The walk to the Church takes 45 to 50 minutes so you may wish to take an earlier boat. Check for other ferry times at
https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-gardens-beaches/toronto-island-park/all-ferry-schedules/
If you need a ride, please call Joyce at 416-203-0987.
Amber Stage Guidelines (Diocese of Toronto)
Click on the link above to see the Diocesan Guidelines for safe worship in Church under Stage 2 Covid protocols.
There are several ways you can support St. Andrew’s:
We give thanks to our Creator for the earth we share with all creatures, and we acknowledge that we are here on the traditional lands of the Mississaugas of the Anishinaabe, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and the Wendat. We also recognize the enduring presence of all First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, and we seek to live respectfully with them and with the earth. We pray for healing between our cultures and healing from settler arrogance. We believe that Black Lives Matter and that Every Child Matters. We know that love is love, and we welcome everybody who desires to join us in worship. You are a beloved creation of God, and you are most welcome in this place.
Opening Hymn (CP #457): Alleluia! Glory to God (vs. 1-3, 5)
Refrain Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Glory to God who does wondrous things
Let all the people God's praises now sing,
All of creation in splendour shall ring: Alleluia! Refrain
See how salvation for all has been won
Up from the grave our new life has begun
Life now perfected in Jesus, the Son: Alleluia! Refrain
Now in our presence the Lord will appear,
Shine in the faces of all of us here,
Fill us with joy and cast out all our fear: Alleluia! Refrain
Lord, we are open to all that you say,
Ready to listen and follow your way,
You are the potter and we are the clay: Alleluia! Refrain
Celebrant: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant Almighty God,
All to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hidden. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Collect
Celebrant: Let us pray.
Lord God our redeemer, who heard the cry of your people and sent your servant Moses to lead them out of slavery, free us from the tyranny of sin and death, and by the leading of your Spirit bring us to our promised land;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
First Reading
Reader: A reading from the book of Job.
Then Job answered the Lord: "I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. 'Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?' Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. 'Hear, and I will speak; I will question you, and you declare to me.' I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes." And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job when he had prayed for his friends; and the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. Then there came to him all his brothers and sisters and all who had known him before, and they ate bread with him in his house; they showed him sympathy and comforted him for all the evil that the Lord had brought upon him; and each of them gave him a piece of money and a gold ring. The Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning; and he had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand donkeys. He also had seven sons and three daughters. He named the first Jemimah, the second Keziah, and the third Keren-happuch. In all the land there were no women so beautiful as Job's daughters; and their father gave them an inheritance along with their brothers. After this Job lived one hundred and forty years, and saw his children, and his children's children, four generations. And Job died, old and full of days.
[Job 42:1-6, 10-17]
Reader: The word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
Psalm 34:1-8: Taste and See (Gather #47)
REFRAIN Taste and see that the goodness of the Lord, the goodness of the Lord.
I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall ever be in my mouth.
I will glory in the Lord; let the humble hear and rejoice. R
Proclaim with me the greatness of the Lord; let us exalt his name together.
I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me out of all my terror. R
Look upon him and be radiant, and let not your faces be ashamed.
I called in my affliction and the Lord heard me and saved me from all my troubles. R
The angel of the Lord encompasses those who fear him, and he will deliver them.
Taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are they who trust in him! R
THE PROCLAMATION OF THE GOSPEL
As you are able, please stand.
Gospeler: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Gospeler: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark.
People: Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
They came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" Jesus stood still and said, "Call him here." And they called the blind man, saying to him, "Take heart; get up, he is calling you." So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him, "What do you want me to do for you?" The blind man said to him, "My teacher, let me see again." Jesus said to him, "Go; your faith has made you well." Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.
[Mark 10:46-52]
Gospeler: This is the Gospel of Christ.
People: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Homily The Rev. Alison Hari-Singh
Last week we left off talking about Job and how out of the whirlwind the Divine Voice interrupts Job and his friend’s erroneous views of who God is and how God acts in the world. The disciples, similarly, have also experienced a kind of startling interruption.
The disciples have followed Jesus around Galilee, observing him and listening to him, and they’ve become persuaded that he is indeed the one who will finally liberate the people from oppressive Roman rule and establish justice and peace in Israel. In this sequence, we find the disciples accompanying Jesus on a pilgrimage from Galilee in the North down to Jerusalem to observe Passover. As they journey, they become convinced that when they get to Jerusalem—the epicenter of Israel’s religious life—Jesus will turn history and somehow inaugurate the messianic age. So, they start speculating about what will happen after Jesus seizes power. Who among them will serve in his cabinet, and who will be mere back-benchers? And as we heard last week, Jesus responds, almost in exasperation, “You don’t know what you’re asking. To sit at my left hand and right hand is not something I can grant you.” How the disciples imagine things unfolding is totally off the mark. After everything that Jesus has tried to tell them about who he is and what he expects will happen to him, they don’t get it. Their vision is impaired.
Nonetheless, they keep going toward Jerusalem. The last city they pass through before their arrival is Jericho. This is the exact point where today’s Gospel picks up the story. On their way out of Jericho, they walk by a blind beggar on the side of the road—not an uncommon sight. As we read this story, I believe three things about this beggar stand out. First, his name is Bartimaeus, which on the surface doesn’t tell us much about him except the name of his father—Bartimaeus simply means “son of Timaeus.” What’s interesting is that the name Timaeus, means “honour.” So from the standpoint of today’s Gospel, the blind beggar is the “son of honour.” This is significant because “honour” offers a radical reversal of how poverty and destitution would’ve been viewed in Jesus’ day. There’s a reason why people like Bartimaeus lived as outcastes, begging for daily necessities. The truth is, they weren’t viewed as honourable. In our day, things are very much the same. Where I live near St. Lawrence Market, I don’t need to venture more than a couple of blocks to find people living in tents or sitting on the sidewalk requesting spare change. And if I’m being honest, it’s become easy, even convenient, to ignore them.
Recently Jeff and I were listening to a podcast interview of Noam Chomsky, the well-known linguist and political activist, who described a trip he made to India about 10 years ago. When he arrived in New Delhi he was met by a prominent Indian woman activist who had spent nearly 20 years working among the poor, intentionally living in the worst slums. In the cab ride to where Chomsky had a speaking engagement, they were swarmed by people begging for money. Immediately the woman instructed Chomsky, “Don’t roll down your window and give them anything. It won’t make a difference structurally, and you’ll just attract more of them.” As they drove on, Chomsky noticed that she wasn’t looking out the window at all; she continued to stare straight ahead. So he asked her, “How do you live with all this?” Her response was, “You live by not looking. You can’t look and survive.” Today’s Gospel reminds us that unlike us, God does not look away. Honour extends to everyone, even the most vulnerable and marginalized. They are not forgotten by God.
The second thing that stands out in the story of Bartimaeus is what he yells out to Jesus: “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Word had begun to spread about Jesus. He wasn’t just a household name in Galilee; people further away in Jericho were also talking about him. But they weren’t all necessarily convinced that he was the promised Messiah. In the Gospel of Mark, Bartimaeus is the first person outside of Jesus’ inner circle to make that public declaration. The expression he uses—Son of David—has unmistakable messianic overtones. Now, perhaps he was using this as a ploy to get Jesus’ attention, but I believe Bartimaeus was addressing Jesus out of honest conviction. I think that’s what today’s Gospel compels us to consider—that the experience of struggle, of grappling with poverty and destitution, generates an authentic faith that must be taken seriously. The crowds tell Bartimaeus to be quiet; they don’t want to hear from him. But Jesus stops and takes an interest. The lesson here, I think, is that a deeper recognition of who Jesus is and what he is all about emerges from life on the margins, on the alienated edge. That’s where Jesus is.
The third thing that stands out in this story is what Bartimaeus ultimately desires: he wants to see. I think this can be understood on two different levels. Yes, Bartimaeus desires his physical sight—that’s obvious – but Jesus goes a step further. He also gives Bartimaeus vision, something Jesus’ disciples lack. In all their clamoring and competing for positions of power in Jesus’ new government, the disciples are not listening to what Jesus is actually telling them. This kingdom they are picturing is not going to happen in the way they imagine. In fact, as we saw last week, just before Jesus and his disciples entered Jericho, he told them, “whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all.” In contrast to the disciples, Bartimaeus isn’t interested in power or status; he simply asks for the thing he needs and, in addition, he’s given insight, perception, discernment. How do we know? The text tells us that when he regained his sight, he joined Jesus on the trek to Jerusalem. Following the Way is not about success and comfort and social standing. We’re not promised any of that. What we are granted, however, is vision – vision for how we are to exist in this world. Jesus gives us an outlook on life that orients us toward simplicity, and care for our neighbors, especially the vulnerable who are on the margins.
Today’s Gospel challenges us to acknowledge that honour, faith, and vision are not derived from experiences of power or privilege. In the figure of Bartimaeus we see the one who is honourable, even though he is an outcast. He is the person of faith and conviction, who understands who Jesus is, more than the surrounding crowds who are trying to silence him; more than Jesus’ own disciples. And he is the one who asks for nothing but the ability to see – to truly see and to follow Jesus step by step. Bartimaeus is surely alive in our day, and we can find him in so many places throughout our city. Let’s stop to listen and encounter, just as Jesus did. And in doing so, surely, we will be transformed. Amen.
Silence is kept.
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
As we prepare for the prayers of the people, let us hear and reflect on the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (#17): Language and culture
17. We call upon all levels of government to enable residential school Survivors and their families to reclaim names changed by the residential school system by waiving administrative costs for a period of five years for the name-change process and the revision of official identity documents, such as birth certificates, passports, driver’s licenses, health cards, status cards, and social insurance numbers.
Intercessor: Remembering these calls to action, in peace let us pray to the Lord, saying, “Lord, have mercy.”
People: Lord, have mercy.
Intercessor: For peace for ourselves and each other, and for those that we do not know, but are known to God, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Intercessor: For the peace of the whole world, for the welfare of the holy Church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Intercessor: For bishops, and for all the clergy and people, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Intercessor: For all the leaders of the nations, and for all in authority, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Intercessor: For the city of Toronto, for every city and community, and for those who live in them in faith, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy
Intercessor: In the Anglican Communion cycle of prayer, we pray for the Extra-Provincial Churches. In our Diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for the Toronto East Deanery, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Intercessor: We pray for all visitors to Toronto Island – that the time they spend here will sustain them and cultivate a deeper respect and care for the earth. For good weather, and for abundant harvests for all to share, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Intercessor: For those who are travelling and for the sick and the suffering, especially Donna, Michael, Adam, Penny, Enid, Freda, David, Charlotte, Len, and Ann, and for prisoners and captives, and for their safety, health, and salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Intercessor: For our deliverance from all affliction, strife, and need, especially in regard to the ongoing global pandemic, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Intercessor: For all who have died, especially for Ron Gaskin, whose memorial is this afternoon, Wayne, Peter, Maxine, Rose, Marian, Mary, Angela, Julio, and Theresa, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Intercessor: Remembering all the saints and all those we are carrying in love and care, we commit our whole selves and one another to Christ our God.
To you, O Lord.
Intercessor: Almighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplications to you, and you have promised that when two or three are gathered together in your name you will hear their requests. Grant our requests as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the world to come life everlasting. Amen.
Confession and Reconciliation
Celebrant: Dear friends in Christ, God is steadfast in love and infinite in mercy; God welcomes sinners and invites them to this table. Let us confess our sins, confident in God’s forgiveness.
Silence is kept.
Celebrant: Most merciful God,
People: We confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbours as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us, that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your name. Amen.
Celebrant: Almighty God have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and keep you in eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Peace
As you are able, please stand.
Celebrant: The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People: And also with you.
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
As you are able, please stand.
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them to the Lord.
Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Celebrant: It is indeed right that we should praise you, gracious God, for you created all things. You created us and formed us in your own image. When we turned away from you in sin, you did not cease to care for us, but opened a path of salvation for all people. You made a covenant with Israel, and through your servants Abraham and Sarah gave the promise of a blessing to all nations. Through Moses you led your people from bondage into freedom; through the prophets you renewed your promise of salvation. Therefore, with them, and with all your saints who have served you in every age, we give thanks and raise our voices to proclaim the glory of your name.
All: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
Celebrant: Holy God, source of life and goodness, all creation rightly gives you praise. In the fullness of time, you sent your Son Jesus Christ, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all. He healed the sick and ate and drank with outcasts and sinners; he opened the eyes of the blind and proclaimed the good news of your kingdom to the poor and to those in need. In all things he fulfilled your gracious will. On the night he freely gave himself to death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread, and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: this is my body which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.” After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.” Gracious God, his perfect sacrifice destroys the power of sin and death; by raising him to life you give us life for evermore.
Therefore we proclaim our hope:
All: Dying you destroyed our death, rising you restored our life. Lord Jesus, come in glory.
Celebrant: Recalling his death, proclaiming his resurrection, and looking for his coming again in glory, we offer you, Father, this bread and this cup. Send your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these gifts, that all who eat and drink at this table may be one body and one holy people, a living sacrifice in Jesus Christ, our Lord. Through Christ, with Christ, and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory is yours, almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Celebrant: And now, as Christ has taught us, we are bold to say:
All: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
Celebrant: “I am the bread of life,” says the Lord. “Whoever comes to me will never be hungry; whoever believes in me will never thirst.”
All: Taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are they who trust in him!
Celebrant: The gifts of God for the People of God.
People: Thanks be to God.
Communion Hymn: Amazing Grace (traditional)
Come up to the altar following the lead of those ahead of you. If you would like a blessing, as well as, or in place of the wafer, indicate this to the priest.
The Silence [approximately 2 minutes]
Prayer after Communion
As you are able, please stand.
Celebrant: Let us pray,
God our guide, you have fed us with bread from heaven as you fed the people of Israel. May we who have been inwardly nourished be ready to follow you all our days; we ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Celebrant: Glory to God,
All: whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine. Glory to God from generation to generation, in the Church and in Christ Jesus, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Blessing
Celebrant: And now go out into the world, be light-bearers, uplift the down-trodden, preserve creation, and be committed to bringing hope to the hopeless; in the name of God: eternal Source, incarnate Word, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Closing Hymn (CP #306): O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
O for a thousand tongues to sing my dear Redeemer’s praise,
the glories of my God and king, the triumphs of God’s grace!
Jesus! the name that charms our fears, that bids our sorrows cease--
’tis music in the sinner’s ears, ’tis life, and health, and peace.
He speaks, and, list’ning to His voice, new life the dead receive,
the mournful, broken hearts rejoice, the humble poor believe.
Hear him, ye deaf, ye voiceless ones, your loosened tongues employ;
Ye blind, behold your Saviour come, and leap, ye lame, for joy!
My gracious Master and my God, assist me to proclaim,
to spread through all the earth abroad, the honors of thy name.
Leader: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God. Alleluia!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Join us for an Advent and Epiphany Book Study. We will be reading Saving Us: A Climate Scientist's Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World by Katherine Hayhoe. This will be a joint study between St. Andrew by-the-Lake and St. Aidan’s in the Beach. Sessions will take place via Zoom and will be lay and clergy led. The first session will be held on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 from 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm. Please let Rev. Alison know if you are interested in joining or if you would like more information (alison.hari.singh@utoronto.ca).
Singers wanted! Based on new diocesan guidelines, we are looking for singers who would like to join the music team and serve on a rotation basis. Compliance with the vaccination mandate of the Diocese is required. If interested, please contact Roger Sharp at rogerandersonsharp@gmail.com.
Ferry Information for October 2021 to April 2022 - Winter Schedule
10:00 am - Ferry leaves city. Winter service is only to Ward's Island.
10:10 am - Arrives at Ward's Dock. Church van available
10:30 am - Church service begins
The walk to the Church takes 45 to 50 minutes so you may wish to take an earlier boat. Check for other ferry times at
https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-gardens-beaches/toronto-island-park/all-ferry-schedules/
If you need a ride, please call Joyce at 416-203-0987.
Amber Stage Guidelines (Diocese of Toronto)
Click on the link above to see the Diocesan Guidelines for safe worship in Church under Stage 2 Covid protocols.
- Masks must be worn
- Screening at the door
- Sign in for contact tracing
- Keep safe distance – in pews and during Eucharist
- No congregational singing – the music team will sing
- Use hand sanitizer before and after taking the Eucharist
There are several ways you can support St. Andrew’s:
- The Collection Plate
- E-Transfer – email: standrewbookings@gmail.com
- PAR - Pre-Authorized Remittance. You direct your bank to deposit your donation into the church account on the 20th of each month. To apply contact Joyce Rogers at standrewbookings@gmail.com
- Canada Helps – Visit the church website www.standrewbythelake.com, go to the Home Page and click on the Donate button.