Lenten Reflections with Bishop William Cliff of the Anglican Diocese of Ontario

Lent 5 John 12:1-8

For Lent 5, Bishop William reflects on the story of Mary, who poured costly perfume on Jesus as an act of gratitude for raising her brother Lazarus from the dead. It contrasts Mary's heartfelt offering with her sister Martha's practical concerns during Lazarus's resurrection. Gratitude and offerings to God should be driven by compulsion and love, not convenience.

Lent 4 Luke 15.1-3, 11b-32

In his Lent 4 reflection, Bishop William reimagines the Parable of the Prodigal Son as a story centered on forgiveness, renaming it "The Forgiving Father" or "The Empty Chair." Set on a Canadian farm, the story emphasizes the father’s unconditional love and the human tendency to resist acceptance—underscoring repentance, humility, and divine love over rehearsed justifications or grudges.

Lent 3, Luke 13:1-9

When people asked Jesus about Galileans who suffered a horrific fate, He responded with the parable of the barren fig tree. The parable suggests that suffering can be a form of spiritual pruning, preparing believers to be more fruitful and faithful. Rather than assuming suffering is a result of sin, it can be viewed as God's way of helping believers grow and serve the world better.

Lent 2, Luke 13.31-35, Lament

In this second week of Lent, Bishop Cliff invites us to contemplate Luke 13:31-35. Jesus responds to Herod's threat by asserting His mission to heal and cast out demons, contrasting Herod's cruelty with His life-giving power.

Bishop William Cliff - Ash Wednesday

This Ash Wednesday, Bishop William Cliff reflects on the opportunity that Lent provides for us to pray, fast from fear, and rely on Christ's love and compassion to navigate the world's chaos, maintaining faith and hope in God's promises.

Lent 1 Luke 4 1-13 Temptation of Jesus

In this episode, Bishop William Cliff delves into the powerful story of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness, as described in the Gospel of Luke (4:1-13). This pivotal moment in Jesus' life offers profound insights into the nature of temptation, the strength of faith, and the power of scripture.