Thursday Reflection from Rev. Brian
Everything Is in the Bible!
Christina (Tina) McKinlay
March 3, 2022
Everything Is in the Bible
I am reading ‘What Was Said to Me: The Life of Sti’tum’atul’wit, a Cowichan Woman’, by Ruby Peter, in collaboration with Helene Demers.
In the opening chapter, she writes:
‘There’s many things that we have to follow. I had a brother that read the Bible five times through, and he said to me ‘everything in the Bible is the teachings of the Elders, and said, “Mom’s teachings are in the Bible. Everything that you learned from Mom is in the Bible. So, what you are doing is in the Bible. It’s not just a made-up thing.” It’s a learning and following and doing, making sure that you are doing the right thing, the proper thing. And that’s what life is about’. (p.2)
Words of wisdom, from a cherished, and respected, Elder in our community.
Yesterday was Ash Wednesday—when we are invited to observe a Holy Lent.
Observing a Holy Lent is an opportunity to
-
spend time with our Bible;
-
spend intentional time in the community of Christ;
-
spend time in prayer and reflection.
Lent is also a time to reflect upon the teachings we have received at the “feet” of our own elders.
Take time to hear their voices, to consider once again the wisdom we have gleaned from our time with them.
Although my father died when I was in my early 20’s, there are times when I am astonished of how much I learned in those few short years.
Even greater, is how much I have retained!
Reflecting on the meditation in ‘Forward Day By Day’ for Ash Wednesday,
where the writer speaks of growing up on a farm and witnessing the wheat crop from the time of planting; followed by the first green blade breaking forth from the dark ground; then to maturity—as its golden heads were gently moved by soft breezes.
These were moments of wonder and joy, at the same time as the harvest was gathered in.
This experience of planting, new growth, and harvest, are in all aspects of our life.
We are fortunate, here on Vancouver Island, to witness this new growth every year during Lent—as the spring flowers reign supreme in giving us hope as we begin Lent — knowing Easter will come.
During this Lent, I invite you to take time to be:
-
To be you, and to celebrate you;
-
To celebrate your life, lived in the guidance of the Holy Scriptures.
Together, I believe, we will discover - from the darkness of the ashes on Ash Wednesday, to the bright sun of the morning sunrise at Easter - our changed selves.
As Ruby Peter shares,
“life’s teachings are not a made-up thing, it’s all in the Bible”.
When we follow, learn, and do, making sure we are doing the right thing, we discover real life.