St George's Newsletter, May 8th

Weekly Newsletter

May 8th, 2026

Refugees: The Holy Family, Kelly Latimer,

A Note from Rev'd John

I don’t know about you, but when I hear people talk about “courage”, I sometimes think of dramatic acts: soldiers in wartime, public heroes, or great political leaders. Yet the passage from First Peter appointed for this Sunday reminds us that courage is often found in far more ordinary, everyday places.

Peter writes to early Christian communities living under pressure and uncertainty. They were small minorities in a world that often misunderstood them. They were not powerful. They had little social standing. And yet Peter encourages them not to become fearful, defensive, or bitter:

“Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated.”

Looking around our parish and community, I reflect on the many moments of courage that are there, often in very understated and humble ways.

It takes courage to leave one’s country of origin in search of a better future for one’s children or grandchildren. Many families in our communities carry stories of sacrifice, uncertainty, homesickness, and years of difficult labour undertaken so that the next generation might flourish. For many of us, me included, this is the story of our family history.

It takes courage to remain faithful through difficult periods in marriage or family life and to continue choosing patience, forgiveness, responsibility, and love over resentment or withdrawal.

It takes courage to work long hours in jobs that are exhausting, repetitive, or physically demanding in order to provide stability and opportunity for others – especially our children and family.

It takes courage to retire early or alter long-held plans in order to care for aging parents, an ill spouse, or a struggling child.

It takes courage to face illness, grief, or uncertainty with dignity. It takes courage to move from a longtime family home into assisted living or retirement care while carrying the losses and questions that such transitions often bring.

And increasingly, it takes courage simply to remain people of kindness, gentleness, integrity, and hope in a culture often marked by anxiety, anger, polarization, self-centeredness, and fear.

Peter does not promise that doing the right thing will always make life easier. In fact, he says quite plainly that suffering may sometimes accompany goodness and faithfulness. But he also insists that suffering for what is right cannot destroy what matters most.

The heart of his advice is this:

“In your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord.”

In other words, place Christ at the center of your life.

Perhaps that is one of the great callings of the Christian life: not to avoid all suffering or difficulty, but to endure life’s challenges with faith, integrity, compassion, and courage — trusting that God watches over us, strengthens us, and remains with us, even – perhaps especially - in the midst of hardship.

And in that trust, we may come to discover that a certain quiet courage within us is how we express and live out our Christian witness.

Rev. John Graham

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