The Victory Is Ours!

In today’s Epistle selection, we hear from the sixth chapter of Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians. Paul uses an image that the readers of his letter were well familiar with, the gear of the Roman soldier. Paul writes:

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak. (Ephesians 6: 10-20).

Sometimes the struggles we endure in life, especially against forces that we cannot see, feel like a battle. Paul’s imagery is vivid; one can picture in one’s mind’s eye arming for battle against all that which is evil and tries to invade our lives. But you are armed with the power of the living God to defeat evil. In fact, our captain, Jesus, has already won the war through his death and resurrection. Christ has faced the enemy and prevailed. Now, we are faced with the clean up skirmishes. Rest assured, the victory is ours in Christ.

Let us pray: O God, whose blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of the devil and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life: Grant that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves as he is pure; that, when he comes again with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and 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.

“Expect great things from God! Attempt great things for God!” —William Carey (1761-1834)

Your servant in Christ,

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