We have more good counsel from Paul as we begin this New Year of 2012 from his Letter to the Ephesians. He writes:
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
But fornication and impurity of any kind, or greed, must not even be mentioned among you, as is proper among saints. Entirely out of place is obscene, silly, and vulgar talk; but instead, let there be thanksgiving. Be sure of this, that no fornicator or impure person, or one who is greedy (that is, an idolater), has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be associated with them. For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light— for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what such people do secretly; but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, ‘Sleeper, awake! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’
Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 5: 1-20).
The bottom line of the entire passage is the opening line: “be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” If we lived in love as Jesus loved us, then the rest will follow, or put another way, if we live as Paul admonishes us to, then we will live in love as Christ loved us.
Let us pray: Almighty God, you have given your only Son to be for us a sacrifice for sin, and also an example of godly life: Give us grace to receive thankfully the fruits of this redeeming work, and to follow daily in the blessed steps of his most holy life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
CALENDAR REMINDERS
ANNUAL MEETING: Sunday, 8 January 2012 in Sutton Hall after the Eucharist. We’ll review 2011 and see what’s in store for 2012. We will also elect new members for the Bishop’s Committee and a representative and an alternate to the 163rd Diocesan Council.
DISCOVERY SERIES FOR CONFIRMATION: On 15 and 22 January 2012 we will study the Discovery Series in preparation for Confirmation on Sunday, 5 February with Bishop Harrison.
ART CLASSES on 13 and 14 January with Lee Runion. Back by popular demand, we’ll be making Stepping Stones! Friday will be “Art Class and Wine Glass.” The Saturday session begins at 10 a.m.
SACRED PLACES TOUR: St. Augustine will be on the tour this year. It is a wonderful opportunity to share our faith history with others. Please plan to be a part of it.
Please remember everyone on our Prayer List, especially those who are chronically ill, the lonely, the depressed, the unemployed, the ill and those who have no one to pray for them.
“Prayer and sacrifice can touch souls better than words.” —Therese of Lisieux (1873-1897)
Your servant in Christ,
Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
But fornication and impurity of any kind, or greed, must not even be mentioned among you, as is proper among saints. Entirely out of place is obscene, silly, and vulgar talk; but instead, let there be thanksgiving. Be sure of this, that no fornicator or impure person, or one who is greedy (that is, an idolater), has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be associated with them. For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light— for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what such people do secretly; but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, ‘Sleeper, awake! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’
Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 5: 1-20).
The bottom line of the entire passage is the opening line: “be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” If we lived in love as Jesus loved us, then the rest will follow, or put another way, if we live as Paul admonishes us to, then we will live in love as Christ loved us.
Let us pray: Almighty God, you have given your only Son to be for us a sacrifice for sin, and also an example of godly life: Give us grace to receive thankfully the fruits of this redeeming work, and to follow daily in the blessed steps of his most holy life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
CALENDAR REMINDERS
ANNUAL MEETING: Sunday, 8 January 2012 in Sutton Hall after the Eucharist. We’ll review 2011 and see what’s in store for 2012. We will also elect new members for the Bishop’s Committee and a representative and an alternate to the 163rd Diocesan Council.
DISCOVERY SERIES FOR CONFIRMATION: On 15 and 22 January 2012 we will study the Discovery Series in preparation for Confirmation on Sunday, 5 February with Bishop Harrison.
ART CLASSES on 13 and 14 January with Lee Runion. Back by popular demand, we’ll be making Stepping Stones! Friday will be “Art Class and Wine Glass.” The Saturday session begins at 10 a.m.
SACRED PLACES TOUR: St. Augustine will be on the tour this year. It is a wonderful opportunity to share our faith history with others. Please plan to be a part of it.
Please remember everyone on our Prayer List, especially those who are chronically ill, the lonely, the depressed, the unemployed, the ill and those who have no one to pray for them.
“Prayer and sacrifice can touch souls better than words.” —Therese of Lisieux (1873-1897)
Your servant in Christ,
Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550
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