Three as One
Throughout human history, the number 3 has always had a unique significance.
The ancient Greeks believed that the number 3 was the perfect number, the number of harmony, wisdom and understanding. It was also the number of time - past, present, and future, - birth, life, and death - beginning, middle, and end.
The SALT lectionary notes tell us that the early Christians developed an understanding of the lived experience with Jesus, the Spirit and God, as a Trinity. They also tell us that God's enduring relationship with us, is an example of how we are to approach all our relationships.
Perhaps our relationship with the Trinity can be reflected in the relationships we have with each other, our environment and the past.
With the beginning of the growing season, our relationship with nature takes on new meaning again. The cold crisp fields of white have been replaced with fields of green, buzzing with life. We read in the article below of the importance of one of God's incredible pollinators - the honey bee. The importance of this little insect can not be overstated. Not only does it produce sumptuous golden sweet honey, it is vital in the growing of the food we all eat. The survival of this little laborer, however, is constantly under threat. Beekeepers act as guardians of this essential relationship we have with our food and nature.
This week marks the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Protests where thousands of students and workers were killed, as they stood up for democracy, freedom of speech, and freedom of the press. As we recognize the relationship between those in power and those without, it is important that, those of us who live in a society where these elements of freedom exist, are grateful.
Important Bonds
Our Bond with Nature
by Albina Retyunskikh | May 20, 2021
While we think of beekeeping as a mostly rural occupation, here is an example of carrying out this critical work in an urban setting. Luc Peters and Dan Douma of Humble Bee, manage and breed bees across the city of Hamilton Ontario. They explain the hows of setting up your own bee apiary.
Our Bond with History
by History Editors | June 9, 2020
This iconic picture of an unidentified man - known as The Tiananmen Square Tank man - is a stark reminder of the violent event which unfolded in China in 1989. The world has seen too many of such tragedies. In working on our relationship with God and the Trinity, could we help to bring such atrocities to an end?
Our Bond with God
by SALT team | May 25, 2021
SALT refers to an ordinary Christian praying in the words of C.S. Lewis, "God is three things for her: the goal she is trying to reach, the impetus within her, and her beloved companion along the way — indeed “the Way” itself. Thus “the whole threefold life” of the triune God “is actually going on” around and within her... being caught up into the higher kinds of life".
Living Our Faith Day-to-Day
Taking Responsibility For Our Feelings
This is our last Sunday in May. Asian Heritage Month is an opportunity for all Canadians to learn more about the many achievements and contributions of Canadians of Asian descent who, throughout our history, have done so much to make Canada the amazing country we share today.
It is also an opportunity to be more aware of our beliefs and possible prejudices due to our lack of education and understanding of other faith traditions. In this interview, Jill McPherson and Brian Carwana offer insight into the Islamic tradition, particularly on women's clothing. Can we live our faith day to day, no matter what others are wearing?