Thursday, March 29, 2012

What Separates Us from God?

In this last week of Lent, we hear from the Gospel according to Mark. The Gospel reading for today is the theme from our Lenten Series with Grace. Mark writes:

As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, ‘Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: “You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; You shall not defraud; Honor your father and mother.” ’ He said to him, ‘Teacher, I have kept all these since my youth.’ Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, ‘You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions.

Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, ‘How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!’ And the disciples were perplexed at these words. But Jesus said to them again, ‘Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.’ They were greatly astounded and said to one another, ‘Then who can be saved?’ Jesus looked at them and said, ‘For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible.’ (Mk. 10: 17-27).

The young man “was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions.” The time for decision came. What was more valuable to him: God or his possessions? The young man made his choice. Notice, Jesus does not go running after him saying, “But what I really meant was…” The young man’s possessions created a fence between him and God. What separates us from God? It might be a lot less than many possessions.

Let us pray: Eternal Word, only begotten Son of God, teach me true generosity. Teach me to serve you as you deserve. To give without counting the cost, to fight heedless of wounds, to labor without seeking rest, to sacrifice myself without thought of any reward save the knowledge that I have done your will. Amen.

ART CLASS WITH LEE RUNION

The Cemetery Lady, historian Linda McBee will be our guide on April 14th for the art rubbings class. Lee will provide simple brown bag lunches and bottled water. Mrs. McBee will focus on the Episcopal part of the old cemetery and her tour lasts about an hour and a half. The cost for her services would be $9 per person provided we can have a group of ten or more. The Church will cover the cost for those who want to attend but cannot pay the fee. If you wish to attend, Lee will also provide paper and charcoal for rubbings. You are free to bring any other special papers, other rubbing materials you wish. Lee will also talk with her about a possible rain date if the weather is bad that day. Please call Lee at 409-539-4632 so we can book this time. Saturday April 14th from 10 am - 12:30 pm we will meet at the old city cemetery on Broadway by the Church. Wear a hat and some sunscreen!


HOLY WEEK CALENDAR

Palm Sunday: Procession with Palms & Eucharist Rite II at 9 a.m.

Wednesday: final gathering for the Lenten Series at St. Augustine’s at 6 p.m.

Maundy Thursday: Traditional Maundy Thursday service with foot washing and striping of the altar: 7 p.m.

Good Friday: 3 p.m.

Easter Eucharist at 9 a.m. and an Easter egg hunt for the children after the service with our annual covered dish lunch.

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List.

Your servant in Christ,

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

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