Bear One Another's Burdens

The Epistle selection for the Daily Office is from Paul’s letter to the Galatians.  Paul writes:

If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, competing against one another, envying one another.

My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. For if those who are nothing think they are something, they deceive themselves. All must test their own work; then that work, rather than their neighbor’s work, will become a cause for pride. For all must carry their own loads.

Those who are taught the word must share in all good things with their teacher.

Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow. If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh; but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit. So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.  (Gal. 5:25-6:10).

Everyone fails.  There is no one who is able to be perfect at all times, although sometimes we may think so. Paul tells us that if someone stumbles, we should “restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness” bearing one another’s burdens.  That is what Christian communities do; we bear one another’s burdens.

Let us pray:  Remember not, Lord Christ, our offenses, nor the offenses of our forefathers; neither reward us according to our sins. Spare us, good Lord, spare thy people, whom thou hast redeemed with thy most precious blood, and by thy mercy preserve us, and give us the strength to bear each other’s burden to the glory of Your name now and for ever.  Amen.

CALENDAR REMINDERS

THIS SUNDAY IS FATHER’S DAY, remember Dad!

SAFEGUARDING GOD’S CHILDREN, Saturday, 23 June at 10:00 a.m. in Sutton Hall at St. Augustine’s.

PLEASE REMEMBER EVERYONE ON OUR PRAYER LIST.

Your servant in Christ,

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+

St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church

Galveston, Texas 77550