Fill me with living water

A sermon for the congregation of St. Saviour Anglican Church, Penticton // Sunday June 7, 2026 by the Very Rev. Ken Gray

I am sure that Archdeacon Peter (O’Flynn) and I have both struggled on occasion to find just the right sermon topic. At times, there are far too many options. Today is a good example.

• I could for instance begin with the Toronto Blue Jays, for which there is only one text to utter: “Bring on reinforcements, please, and soon.” I will say no more, for now.
• I could share my personal disappointments and frustration in all-things-church — you and I experience some of these together for sure — but I will save these grumbles for another time. Possibly at coffee-time.
• I am reading a book of legal history right now, “East West Street” which describes how the terms “genocide” and “crimes against humanity” entered the legal lexicon, with considerable struggle, prior to, though,  and after the Nurenburg trials. I am gobsmacked to see how difficult it was to place these legal principles in court proceedings. I am equally shocked to see how many have been thrust aside through the Trump administration’s neglect of fair process and respect for all law, for human rights, in both national and international courts of justice. I will not however take this argument forward. It’s kinda heavy for a lovely spring day.
• I could, and likely should, direct your attention to Paul’s letter to the Romans, especially today’s pericope in chapter four where the great apostle and theologian reminds us that we are in good relationship with God not through works, but through grace. In other words, we need not struggle to “please” God, but simply to receive what is already given, by and through God’s pleasure.

No, I will not expand on any of these themes with you today. Instead, I invite you to accompany me on a journey, a trip to northern, to Scotland to the Orkney Islands, an archipelago off the north coast of mainland Scotland, and to St. Magnus Cathedral.

Known as the ‘Light in the North,’ St Magnus Cathedral was founded in 1137 by the Viking, Earl Rognvald, in honour of his uncle St Magnus who was martyred in Orkney. The Cathedral belongs to the people of Orkney and its doors are open to all.

Set in the heart of Kirkwall, the capital city of the Orkney Islands, it is a place of stillness, of inspiration, of warmth, and is steeped in the presence of God. How I would love to lead a trip there. If twelve of you sign up, I go for free. If twenty of you sign up, Kathie also travels free. If thirty of you join us, the dog comes as well. She looks great in a kilt. Back to the story . . .

The worshipping community over the centuries has been part of the Roman Catholic Church, the Norwegian Church, the Scottish Episcopal Church, and the Church of Scotland (Presbyterian). The worshipping community thus inherits an ecumenical tradition. Today, in addition to their local congregation, worshippers come from a whole host of denominational backgrounds and none.

Last week’s rite (for Trinity Sunday) began with a lovely traditional Scottish folk song “Leaving Lismore” with a fine text attached. Both text and tune have stayed with me, even during the night, throughout this week.

    Spirit of God, come dwell within me.
    Open my heart, O come set me free.
    Fill me with love for Jesus, my Lord.
    O fill me with living water.

    Jesus is living, Jesus is here.
    Jesus, my Lord, come closer to me.
    Jesus, our Saviour, dying for me,
    and rising to save his people

    Lord, how I thirst, O Lord, I am weak.
    Lord, come to me, you alone do I seek.
    Lord, you are life, and love and hope,
    O fill me with living water.            Jesus is living . . .

    Lord, I am blind. O Lord, I can’t see!
    Stretch our your hand, O Lord, comfort me.
    Lead me your way in truth and in light,
    O fill me with living water.           Jesus is living . . .

What a breath of fresh air. What an encouragement, especially the final stanza. Gotta get the blind guy in there. And yes: “Fill me with living water.” I have no more to say. Lets sing together.

NOTE: I encourage everyone, whether in the room this morning, or worshipping online, to check out the online weekly ministry of St. Magus Cathedral in the Orkney Islands. (Look up St. Magnus Cathedral on YouTube and you will find the links there.)

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