The Daily Office readings are now into the Second Letter to Timothy, know as a “pastoral letter”. Although the letter is attributed to St. Paul, it was probably written not long after Paul’s death as a farewell testament by a disciple of Paul who knew his last days. Raymond Brown, An Introduction to the New Testament at p. 675 (1997). In today’s passage, we read:
Remind them of this, and warn them before God that they are to avoid wrangling over words, which does no good but only ruins those who are listening. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved by him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth. Avoid profane chatter, for it will lead people into more and more impiety, and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have swerved from the truth by claiming that the resurrection has already taken place. They are upsetting the faith of some. But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this inscription: ‘The Lord knows those who are his’, and, ‘Let everyone who calls on the name of the Lord turn away from wickedness.’
In a large house there are utensils not only of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for special use, some for ordinary. All who cleanse themselves of the things I have mentioned will become special utensils, dedicated and useful to the owner of the house, ready for every good work. Shun youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with stupid and senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, patient, correcting opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth, and that they may escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will. (2 Tim 2: 14-26).
The sacred author has some words of wisdom to church communities: “Shun youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with stupid and senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, patient, correcting opponents with gentleness.” Many times people find themselves embroiled in senseless controversies which distract people from the true mission at hand. Jesus calls his disciples to love God, neighbor and self by being kingdom builders. Senseless quarrels distract us from the true work at hand. That, my friends, is the devil’s workshop. There is nothing the evil one loves more than to have the church distracted by senseless controversies because when we are distracted and quarreling among ourselves, the work of God goes undone. So be on guard, and take to heart the words written by the sacred author, do not be quarrelsome, but be patient with one another.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
History Project. This month we celebrate Black History month. It is a time to remember the shoulders of those we stand upon who have been courageous in their fight for equality and freedom. St. Augustine's is an integral part of that history not only in the Diocese of Texas, but in the State of Texas. As a tribute to those who have come before us, and as a blessed reminder to those who will come after us, we are duty bound to capture the stories of the people who have made up St. Augustine. I would ask that you collect the stories of your families, photos and news articles so that we may record the treasures that are in our midst.
CALENDAR REMINDERS
11 and 12 February: the 162nd Diocesan Council in the Woodlands.
12 February: St. Valentine’s Day Dance at St. Augustine. Thanks to Lee Runion who has spearheaded this event, and coordinated the organization. It will be a wonderful time. Please spread the word and come.
13 February at the 9:00 a.m. Eucharist, the Renewal of Marriage Vows.
19 February, Saturday from 1 pm to 3 pm: Jo Soske and Karen Lehr's ministry takes them to the Rio Grande Valley where they teach English to the children who live in the Colonias. You can be part of that ministry by making sock puppets for the children to use. We will have a sock puppet making day at St. Augustine's--all socks welcome (clean of course), even "holy" socks can be puppets. Please join in on the fun and the reaching out!
MARDI GRAS FUN AT ST. AUGUSTINE'S: Stayed tuned for a new tradition at St. Augustine's to be inaugurated by a famous Mardi Gras King and his Queen at St. Aug's!
Clothing is still welcome for the people of Lord of the Streets.
PLEASE REMEMBER EVERYONE ON OUR PRAYER LIST, especially Vincent Uher who is ill.
Your servant in Christ,
Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550
Remind them of this, and warn them before God that they are to avoid wrangling over words, which does no good but only ruins those who are listening. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved by him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth. Avoid profane chatter, for it will lead people into more and more impiety, and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have swerved from the truth by claiming that the resurrection has already taken place. They are upsetting the faith of some. But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this inscription: ‘The Lord knows those who are his’, and, ‘Let everyone who calls on the name of the Lord turn away from wickedness.’
In a large house there are utensils not only of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for special use, some for ordinary. All who cleanse themselves of the things I have mentioned will become special utensils, dedicated and useful to the owner of the house, ready for every good work. Shun youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with stupid and senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, patient, correcting opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth, and that they may escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will. (2 Tim 2: 14-26).
The sacred author has some words of wisdom to church communities: “Shun youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with stupid and senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, patient, correcting opponents with gentleness.” Many times people find themselves embroiled in senseless controversies which distract people from the true mission at hand. Jesus calls his disciples to love God, neighbor and self by being kingdom builders. Senseless quarrels distract us from the true work at hand. That, my friends, is the devil’s workshop. There is nothing the evil one loves more than to have the church distracted by senseless controversies because when we are distracted and quarreling among ourselves, the work of God goes undone. So be on guard, and take to heart the words written by the sacred author, do not be quarrelsome, but be patient with one another.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
History Project. This month we celebrate Black History month. It is a time to remember the shoulders of those we stand upon who have been courageous in their fight for equality and freedom. St. Augustine's is an integral part of that history not only in the Diocese of Texas, but in the State of Texas. As a tribute to those who have come before us, and as a blessed reminder to those who will come after us, we are duty bound to capture the stories of the people who have made up St. Augustine. I would ask that you collect the stories of your families, photos and news articles so that we may record the treasures that are in our midst.
CALENDAR REMINDERS
11 and 12 February: the 162nd Diocesan Council in the Woodlands.
12 February: St. Valentine’s Day Dance at St. Augustine. Thanks to Lee Runion who has spearheaded this event, and coordinated the organization. It will be a wonderful time. Please spread the word and come.
13 February at the 9:00 a.m. Eucharist, the Renewal of Marriage Vows.
19 February, Saturday from 1 pm to 3 pm: Jo Soske and Karen Lehr's ministry takes them to the Rio Grande Valley where they teach English to the children who live in the Colonias. You can be part of that ministry by making sock puppets for the children to use. We will have a sock puppet making day at St. Augustine's--all socks welcome (clean of course), even "holy" socks can be puppets. Please join in on the fun and the reaching out!
MARDI GRAS FUN AT ST. AUGUSTINE'S: Stayed tuned for a new tradition at St. Augustine's to be inaugurated by a famous Mardi Gras King and his Queen at St. Aug's!
Clothing is still welcome for the people of Lord of the Streets.
PLEASE REMEMBER EVERYONE ON OUR PRAYER LIST, especially Vincent Uher who is ill.
Your servant in Christ,
Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550
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