Friday, December 3, 2010

We Are Called to Become Holy

Today’s Epistle reading is a continuation of the First Letter to the Thessalonians where Paul writes:

Finally, brothers and sisters, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus that, as you learned from us how you ought to live and to please God (as, in fact, you are doing), you should do so more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from fornication; that each one of you knows how to control your own body in holiness and honor, not with lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one wrongs or exploits a brother or sister in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, just as we have already told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. For God did not call us to impurity but in holiness. Therefore whoever rejects this rejects not human authority but God, who also gives his Holy Spirit to you.

Now concerning love of the brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anyone write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another; and indeed you do love all the brothers and sisters throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, beloved, to do so more and more, to aspire to live quietly, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we directed you, so that you may behave properly towards outsiders and be dependent on no one. (1 Thes. 4: 1-12).

Paul’s message is this: God desires that you and I become holy. We can never fully get there in this life, and Paul realizes that. He tells us that we need to live in love toward our brothers and sisters and “to do so more and more”. Life is a journey; it is a process of growth. You and I are called by God to become more and more Christ like. Each day is another step in that process. With the grace and guidance of the Holy Spirit, let us make each day a holy one.

Let us pray: O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY

During this Advent Season and as the Spirit moves you, please consider offering your assistance to these three organizations: (1) Lord of the Streets needs warm men’s clothing; (2) St. Vincent’s House needs food for its pantry, and (3) Ronald McDonald House needs food for those who stay at the center while their children are undergoing treatment. You can bring the goods for these organizations to St. Augustine’s and we will distribute them.

CALENDAR REMINDERS

Please remember to sign-up for Sunday Fellowship.

Join Lee Runion who will offer an art class on making Christmas decorations this Saturday, 4 December, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. He is a wonderful teacher and it is a great opportunity to be creative even for those of us who may be challenged in that area. Bring the kids; they will have a wonderful time!

Adult Christian Formation during the weeks of Advent at 11:00 a.m.: “Looking Back, Looking Forward and at the Present: Christmas, the Final Judgment and Prophets”.

The day is drawing near, Big Mista BBQ fundraiser for the Community Garden, Saturday, 11 December. Melva Pope has tickets, so please pick some up for friends and family.

PLEASE REMEMBER EVERYONE ON OUR PRAYER LIST, especially Carol Freeman, Jo and Karen as they travel home and Pat Tate.

Your servant in Christ,

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550

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