10 Trinity Sq
Toronto, ON
M5G 1B1
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reflections and sermons posted here are the work of individual members of Holy Trinity. Opinions expressed are those of the writer or preacher and do not necessarily reflect an official or even popular opinion within the parish.
Our Stories
SARA BOYLES
I heard a poet say yesterday, "The old testament of this country has not been written." The sentence tantalized me. I have thought about that in the context of this week in which we have celebrated National Aboriginal Day. First there was the land. Then came people to live on this land. They developed an understanding in which they partnered with the land and understood that all was to be revered and honoured. Their rich oral tradition handed down myths of creation and reason that have satisfied and nurtured generations. Traditions and ceremony were developed to support these myths. Then came the interlopers, not intent on fitting in. Not intent on resting awhile and going home. They came to develop the life style they had left behind and to claim and conquer what they thought was new land.
The ancient stories fell from consciousness. Fortunately, the first people, like all of us, are created in a way that we retain everything. Sometimes, remnants imbedded in our unconscious spring forth spontaneously. Men and women who thought they had forgotten everything found deep response buried in their bodies and at the right moment the cry , dream, song or story would rise up to call forth a memory. New prophets were born from unlikely bodies and from horrible events. The community began the long journey of restoration and continues on that journey even today.
Our story at HT is deeply tied to this story of land and restoration. The building which we call ours is built on a spot where two creeks cross as they make their way to the lake. This auspicious natural sign marked this place as one of rest and restoration. The Missisauga First Nation, strong and gracious, shared their land and eventually this place was developed on their recreational site. The poet I heard interviewed was right. The testament has not been recorded and we generally do not know the stories of this land in an intimate way. I believe it should be our "first story" when someone asks us about this place. We need to talk of the land, not the building. We need to help others reconnect to the deeper stories of creation and development. We need to hold fast to the sacred tales and the connections which fuel our actions.
We have an oral testament here that occasionally gets written about. We also have a history of action born out of our beliefs about community and connection. Our rich and lively heritage informs our present interests and work. May those who join us this Pride Sunday see in us a hunger for justice and a desire to draw the circle as wide as possible. After all, the promises of God embrace the whole universe and things beyond our wildest imaginations.
Happy Pride! I am grateful to those who are walking in the Pride Parade despite the banner "Proud Anglicans". This is one time when the delicious irony of the slogan has a bitter and sorrowful taste. Pray for our church and all in it.
Sara November 30, 1999 |
