Eve of All Saints

Today is the Eve of All Saints.  One of the appointed readings for today is taken from the Old Testament’s Book of Wisdom; the writer tells us:

But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them. In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died, and their departure was thought to be a disaster, and their going from us to be their destruction; but they are at peace.  For though in the sight of others they were punished, their hope is full of immortality.  Having been disciplined a little, they will receive great good, because God tested them and found them worthy of himself; like gold in the furnace he tried them, and like a sacrificial burnt-offering he accepted them.  In the time of their visitation they will shine forth, and will run like sparks through the stubble. They will govern nations and rule over peoples, and the Lord will reign over them for ever. Those who trust in him will understand truth, and the faithful will abide with him in love, because grace and mercy are upon his holy ones, and he watches over his elect. (Wisdom 3: 1-9).

The Book of Wisdom in the Old Testament is considered to be “deuterocanonical”, literally meaning “a second canon.”  The term dates back to the 16^th century and the time of the Reformation to describe certain books and passages of the Christian Old Testament that are not part of the Hebrew Bible.  The Episcopal Church in the United States includes these books in the lectionary.

The Book of Wisdom was written about a hundred years before the coming of Christ. Its author, whose name is not known to us, was a member of the Jewish community at Alexandria, in Egypt. He wrote in Greek, in a style patterned on that of Hebrew verse. At times he speaks in the person of Solomon, placing his teachings on the lips of the wise king of Hebrew tradition in order to emphasize their value. His profound knowledge of the earlier Old Testament writings is reflected in almost every line of the book, and marks him, like Ben Sira, as an outstanding representative of religious devotion and learning among the sages of postexilic Judaism.

The primary purpose of the sacred author was the edification of his co-religionists in a time when they had experienced suffering and oppression, in part at least at the hands of apostate fellow Jews. To convey his message he made use of the most popular religious themes of his time, namely the splendor and worth of divine wisdom (Wisdom 6:22-11:1), the glorious events of the Exodus (Wisdom 11:2-16; 12:23-27; 15:18 19:22), God's mercy (Wisdom 11:17-12:22), the folly of idolatry (Wisdom 13:1-15:17), and the manner in which God's justice is vindicated in rewarding or punishing the individual soul (Wisdom 1:1-6:21).

The first ten chapters especially form a preparation for the fuller teachings of Christ and his Church. We see that in today’s reading where the author acknowledges the fact that the souls of the righteous, all of those who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith, are in God’s hands.  Indeed what Jesus Christ did on that Good Friday on the cross and in His glorious resurrection on Sunday transcends time and space.  Jesus not only died for those who came after him, but for all of those who came before him as well.  Jesus’ sacrifice was the one perfect oblation for the whole world and for all time.

Let us pray:  Almighty ever-living God, increase our faith, hope and charity, and make us love what you command, so that we may merit what you promise. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

CALENDAR REMINDERS

Time to fall back! Remember to turn your clocks back one hour this Saturday night.

Please pray for all of the victims of Hurricane Sandy.

Next Sunday is All Saints. We will read the names of all of those who have left us marked with the sign of faith.

We will have a Community Garden work day on the 3^rd and the 10^thof November. There will also be a pot luck lunch meeting on the 3^rdof November.

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List, especially the family of Charles F. Doyle, the father of Bishop C. Andrew Doyle, who died on the 27th of October, Steve Poirier who died on Tuesday, everyone who is will, all those who are seeking employment and everyone who has no one to pray for them.

Your servant in Christ,

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+

St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550

John Wycliff: The Word of God Should Be Accessible to All

Today the Church remembers John Wycliff (also spelled Wycliffe, Wyclif, Wicliffe, or Wiclif) who was born in Yorkshire around 1330, and was educated at Oxford, becoming a doctor of divinity in 1372.

 

John is known for being a forerunner of the Reformation. He fought corruption in the Church. He argued that the Church had fallen into sin and that it ought therefore to give up all its property and that the clergy should live in complete poverty.

 

 

Wycliff also placed Scripture at the center of life trying to make God’s Word accessible to all advocating translation of the Bible into the English of the day.

 

Let us pray: O God, your justice continually challenges your Church to live according to its calling: Grant us who now remember the work of John Wycliff contrition for the wounds which our sins inflict on your Church, and such love for Christ that we may seek to heal the divisions which afflict his Body; through the same Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

 

Please keep in your prayers all of our friends, loved ones and those who are unknown to us out of harm’s way in the path of Hurricane Sandy. Please also remember to offer thanks for all of those who have survived untouched by the storm. Bob Newding in Maine and Peggy Tuthill in Virginia report that all is well. Thanks to Pat Tate and Jillian Bain for keeping tabs on everyone.

 

CALENDAR REMINDERS

 

Time to fall back! Remember to turn your clocks back one hour this Saturday night.

 

Next Sunday is All Saints. We will read the names of all of those who have left us marked with the sign of faith.

 

We will have a Community Garden work day on the 3^rd and the 10^thof November. There will also be a pot luck lunch meeting on the 3^rdof November.

 

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List, especially the family of Charles F. Doyle, the father of Bishop C. Andrew Doyle, who died on the 27th of October, Steve Poirier who died on Tuesday, everyone who is will, all those who are seeking employment and everyone who has no one to pray for them.

 

Your servant in Christ,

 

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+

St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church

Galveston, Texas 77550

Sts. Simon & Jude: People Like You & Me

Today the Church remembers and honors two saints, Simon and Jude.
 

We read about Jude in Luke and the Book of the Acts of the Apostles, whereas Matthew and Mark call him Thaddeus. He is not mentioned elsewhere in the Gospels, except, of course, where all the apostles are mentioned. Scholars hold that he is not the author of the Letter of Jude. Jude is not to be confused with Judas.
 

Simon is mentioned in all 4 lists of the apostles. In 2 of them he is called “the Zealot.” The Zealots were a Jewish sect that represented an extreme of Jewish nationalism. For them, the messianic promise of the Old Testament meant that the Jews were to be a free and independent nation where the Kindgom of David would be restored. God alone was their king, and any payment of taxes to the Romans—the very domination of the Romans—was a blasphemy against God. No doubt some of the Zealots were the spiritual heirs of the Maccabees, carrying on their ideals of religion and independence. But many were the counterparts of modern terrorists. They raided and killed, attacking both foreigners and “collaborating” Jews. They were chiefly responsible for the rebellion against Rome which ended in the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.
 

As in the case of all the apostles except for Peter, James and John, we are faced with men who are really unknown, and we are struck by the fact that their holiness is simply taken to be a gift of Christ. He chose some unlikely people: a former Zealot, a former tax collector, an impetuous fisherman, and two “sons of thunder.” It is a reminder that holiness does not depend on human merit, culture, personality, effort or achievement. It is entirely God’s creation and gift. God picks people like you and me.
 

Let us pray: O God, we thank you for the glorious company of the apostles, and especially on this day for Simon and Jude; and we pray that, as they were faithful and zealous in their mission, so we may with ardent devotion make known the love and mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
 

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE AT ST. AUGUSTINE’S for the beautiful gift of the Last Supper word carving, the cross necklace for Mary and the gift certificate. Mary and I are privileged to be at St. Augustine’s and to have each of you in our lives.
 

CALENDAR REMINDERS
 

Remember to turn your clocks back one hour this Saturday. It is time to fall back.
 

Next Sunday is All Saints. We will read the names of all of those who have left us marked with the sign of faith.
 

We will have a Community Garden work day on the 3^rd and the 10^th of November. There will also be a pot luck lunch meeting on the 3^rd of November. 
 

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List, especially the family of Charles F. Doyle, the father of Bishop C. Andrew Doyle, who died on the 27th of October, Steve Poirier who died on Tuesday, everyone who is will, all those who are seeking employment and everyone who has no one to pray for them.
 

Your servant in Christ,
 

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+

St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church

Galveston, Texas 77550

Stop & Listen

The appointed Gospel reading for the daily prayer of the Church is taken from the 10^th chapter of Luke:

Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Lk. 10: 38-42).

There can be many distractions in life. Sometimes we can be overly concerned about the many tasks ahead of us.  We find ourselves consumed by the many things that we think need to be accomplished. There are times when our concerns about getting things done distract us from listening to Jesus.  We can find ourselves saying, “Jesus, I’d love to listen to you, but I’m busy right now.”  Is there anything more important than putting aside the concerns of the day and listening to Jesus who not only has, but is, the Word of eternal life?  Take a moment and set aside the concerns of the day.  Stop and listen to the voice of Christ.  You might be surprised to hear what He has to say to you.

Let us pray:  O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people; Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

PLEASE REMEMBER EVERYONE ON OUR PRAYER LIST, especially those who are looking for employment, Rose Daniels, Gladys Simon and all of those who are ill.

Your servant in Christ,  

The Rev. Chester J. Makowski, Vicar

St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550

 

 

Let Us Remember that God Is King

The skies are gray and the air is filled with mist in London today.  On trains people are reading news about a BBC scandal, how today’s children will have a lower standard of living than their parents, unemployment not only in the United Kingdom but in Spain, the intrusion of the European Economic Union’s regulations in England, and how people will have to work until they are 70 because they cannot afford to retire.  

 
The Old Testament reading for today is taken from the Book of Sirach who reminds us:

A wise magistrate educates his people,

   and the rule of an intelligent person is well ordered.
As the people’s judge is, so are his officials;
   as the ruler of the city is, so are all its inhabitants.
An undisciplined king ruins his people,
   but a city becomes fit to live in through the understanding of its rulers.
The government of the earth is in the hand of the Lord,
   and over it he will raise up the right leader for the time.
Human success is in the hand of the Lord,
   and it is he who confers honor upon the lawgiver.
Do not get angry with your neighbor for every injury,
   and do not resort to acts of insolence.
Arrogance is hateful to the Lord and to mortals,
   and injustice is outrageous to both.
Sovereignty passes from nation to nation
   on account of injustice and insolence and wealth.
How can dust and ashes be proud?
   Even in life the human body decays.
A long illness baffles the physician;
   the king of today will die tomorrow.  (Sirach 10: 1-10).

Sirach has a way of putting things into perspective.  Everything is in God’s hands; even kings are simply stewards of God’s world.  When the rulers of the nations forget whose servants they are, when the rulers of the nations forget that God is their king, then things go badly because priorities are out of order.

Let us pray:  O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all the world: We commend all nations to thy merciful care, that, being guided by thy Providence, we may dwell secure in thy peace. Grant to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do thy will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve this people in thy fear; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

CALENDAR REMINDERS

The Ladies from the Diocese of Southern Malawi are being hosted by the Taylors and St. Augustine’s is hosting a pot luck dinner for them today, Thursday, during their visit to the Island. They will discuss with us their work in the literacy field.

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List, especially Steve Poirier who died yesterday, Rose Daniels, Patricia Florence and Gladys Simon.

 
Your servant in Christ,

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+

St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550

Steve Poirier

Steve Poirier died yesterday.  Steve came into St. Augustine and into our lives through Charles Lemons about 2 years ago. Steve’s presence among us has been an act of God’s grace to Steve and to all of us.  At first Steve sat in the back, in the bell tower.  At the end, he was sitting in the Church, right in the middle next to the Bains, and he went to Communion, and he received the anointing of the sick.

 

During the Memorial Day holiday weekend, I received a call from Charles Lemons letting me know that Steve was at UTMB and it looked like it was cancer.  I went to see Steve in the hospital and visited with him, and the prognosis was not good.  The cancer was fairly wide spread.  Steve told me that he had no family in the area.  The Holy Spirit moved me to tell Steve that St. Augustine would be his family.  Steve responded as only Steve could, “I’m not going to blow sunshine up your ---, I’m not a religious person and I don’t even believe in God.”  I said, “it doesn’t matter Steve, we’ll be your family, just let us know what you need.” 
 

And boy, did Steve let us know! Charles Lemons would take Sunday breakfast to Steve.  Carol Freeman made food runs for Steve (and I’ll let her tell you the rest of the story.)  The Bains sent food and Tom sat by his bedside numerous times.  When Steve cam to church and said he needed a new TV, and he was specific, he got one and then some.

 

 

Everyone at St. Augustine’s made Steve a part of the family, and not only was Steve transformed, but we were as well.  Steve changed, he was transformed, he had a metanoia, a conversion.  Steve was transformed through the love of Christ as expressed by the Body of Christ, you, the Church.  And the Church was transformed.

 

 

As a priest, I was and am humbled.  I administered the sacraments of the Church to Steve, signs of God’s love and grace, and I was changed and amazed.  Steve was an instrument of God’s grace to me.  I know that he was also an instrument of God’s grace for many of you.
 

 

Let us pray:  Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant Steve Poirier. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive him into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen.

 

 

CALENDAR REMINDERS

 

 

The Ladies from the Diocese of Southern Malawi are being hosted by the Taylors and St. Augustine’s is hosting a pot luck dinner for them tomorrow, Thursday, during their visit to the Island. They will discuss with us their work in the literacy field.

 

 

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List, especially Steve Poirier who died yesterday, Rose Daniels, Patricia Florence and Gladys Simon.

 

 

Your servant in Christ,

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+

St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church

Galveston, Texas 77550

A Cathedral Surprise

This morning I made my way to Southwark Cathedral (the true name is “the Cathedral Church of St. Savior and the Collegiate Church of St. Mary”) in the neighborhood of Southwark in South London for Morning Prayer and Eucharist.  There has been a church on the site of Southwark Cathedral since 606 A.D.  The current structure dates back to 1220.

 

I got there about 7:45 a.m. for the 8:00 start.  The morning was misty and cool.  The City was starting to move with people heading to work.  The church was lit, and a man was sitting in the back row, praying.  Then I noticed something that caught me by surprise—a cat! At first I wondered if the cat somehow wondered into the church and simply couldn’t get out.  But various Cathedral staff and clergy started to wonder through.  The cat was, quite casually, walking around the Cathedral, through the nave, up around the altar area and then jumping up on the choir stalls up front.  The cat, as it happens, is part of the Cathedral staff and this tabby’s name is Doorkins Magnificat.  The Cathedral staff report that sometimes Doorkins Magnificat can be found sleeping in the choir stalls, and on occasion, on the Bishop’s chair (I am told the Bishop does not mind.)  He wandered into the Church in the winter of 2008, right when the Cathedral was having a problem with mice.  As the doors were being opened one cold morning he appeared from beneath a bush near the main doors, and made it quite clear he would be pleased to “make friends.” It was at first thought that he belonged to one of the nearby residents; but as time went on and he appeared each morning to greet the vergers, it seemed he had adopted the church yard as his new home.

Oh, there were 11 of us present this morning, half were the Cathedral clergy and 1 was Doorkins.  Along with Doorkins, the Sub-dean, the Rev. Canon Bruce Saunders, was very welcoming.

Let us pray:  Gracious God, we thank you for the gift of creation, and most especially for all of our pets, who are expressions of your love for us.  Help us to be good stewards of your gifts and to care for them as you care for us.  We ask this all in Christ’s name.  Amen.

CALENDAR REMINDERS

The Ladies from the Diocese of Southern Malawi are being hosted by the Taylors and St. Augustine’s is hosting a pot luck dinner for them during their visit to the Island. If you haven’t signed up to bring a dish, please do this Sunday since the dinner will be next Thursday. They will discuss with us their work in the literacy field.

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List, especially Steve Poirier, Rose Daniels, Patricia Florence and Gladys Simon.

Your servant in Christ,

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

 

Richard Dawkins' New TV Series

Yesterday morning, I arrived in London.  One of the first things I saw on TV was an ad for a new TV show on Channel 4.  It is by the renowned atheist, Oxford professor of biology, Richard Dawkins.  The series is called “Sex, Death and the Meaning of Life.”  In the ad, Dawkins says: “More and more of us realize there is no God, and yet religion still has a hold over us. … I am going to be asking, what happens as we move on and leave religion behind?”  An hour later, I went to Holy Trinity in Brompton (“HTB” as they call it) where more and more people are realizing and experiencing the Living God!  At HTB, they have 10 services in 3 locations with an average of 5000 people each Sunday!  HTB describes itself: “We are a vibrant Anglican church in the heart of London, with a vision to play our part in the re-evangelisation of the nations and the transformation of society. Feel free to join us at one of our 10 Sunday services.  If you would like to explore the meaning of life in an informal environment, we would love to invite you to join the next Alpha course.” 

It is a welcoming place.  As soon as I walked through the doors for the 11:30 service, I was greeted by no fewer than 4 people.  The church was packed with all sorts of people, young and old, people from all nations and all walks of life.  The worship was Anglican, lively with a praise band leading the music for the Eucharist, and it was informal.  There are many opportunities to deepen one’s faith, a myriad of classes, including the Alpha course which originated at HTB some years ago, Bible studies, prayer groups, and ministries that put faith into action.  People are finding meaning in their lives and they are transforming where they live all based on their faith in Jesus who restores, redeems and forgives.  Check out their website:  http://www.htb.org.uk/

Perhaps Richard Dawkins’ new TV series needs a bit of revision. 

Let us pray:  O God of unchangeable power and eternal light: Look favorably on your whole Church, that wonderful and sacred mystery; by the effectual working of your providence, carry out in tranquility the plan of salvation; let the whole world see and know that things which were being cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being made new, and that all things are being brought to their perfection by him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

CALENDAR REMINDERS

The Ladies from the Diocese of Southern Malawi are being hosted by the Taylors and St. Augustine’s is hosting a pot luck dinner for them during their visit to the Island. If you haven’t signed up to bring a dish, please do this Sunday since the dinner will be next Thursday. They will discuss with us their work in the literacy field.

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List, especially Steve Poirier, Rose Daniels, Patricia Florence and Gladys Simon.

Your servant in Christ,

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+

St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church

Galveston, Texas 77550

It Is Good For Us To Be Here

The appointed Gospel reading for the daily prayer of the Church is taken from the Gospel according to Luke, and it is the familiar story of the Transfiguration:

Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, ‘Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah’—not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!’ When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen. (Lk. 9: 28-36).

It is good for us to be in the presence of Jesus who shows us the very face of God in a way that you and I can connect with the Divine because Jesus is both truly God and truly human.  That is true whether we are experiencing the ecstasy of the mountain top or we are in the depths of despair; it is good for us to be in Jesus’ presence.  And while you are in Jesus presence, listen to him.  Listen to Christ is good times and in bad times.  Jesus is there for you.

Let us pray:  O God, who on the holy mount revealed to chosen witnesses your well-beloved Son, wonderfully transfigured, in raiment white and glistening: Mercifully grant that we, being delivered from the disquietude of this world, may by faith behold the King in his beauty; who with you, O Father, and you, O Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

CALENDAR REMINDERS

The Cathedral of Faith, Market Street Baptist Church on 2901 Market Street, is celebrating its 39^thanniversary on Sunday, 21 October at 3 p.m. The guest preacher will be Pastor E.R. Johnson of the Avenue L Missionary Baptist Church. The theme is “Committed to Kingdom Building” Romans 12:1. You may recall that after Hurricane Ike, Market Street Baptist Church used our sanctuary as theirs was destroyed.

"Lord, Teach Us to Pray" continues with the Bains on Sunday at 11 a.m. This is a wonderful study!

The Ladies from the Diocese of Southern Malawi are being hosted by the Taylors and St. Augustine’s is hosting a pot luck dinner for them during their visit to the Island. If you haven’t signed up to bring a dish, please do this Sunday since the dinner will be next Thursday. They will discuss with us their work in the literacy field.

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List, especially Steve Poirier, Rose Daniels, Patricia Florence and Gladys Simon.

Your servant in Christ,

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+

St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550

St. Luke the Evangelist

Today the Church honors the life and ministry of St. Luke the Evangelist who wrote 2 books in the New Testament, the Gospel according to Luke and perhaps the first sequel in history, the Acts of the Apostles. 

James Kiefer notes that: “Almost all that we know about Luke comes from the New Testament. He was a physician (Col. 4:14), a companion of Paul on some of his missionary journeys (Acts 16:10ff; 20:5ff; 27-28). Material found in his Gospel and not elsewhere includes much of the account of Our Lord’s birth and infancy and boyhood, some of the most moving parables, such as that of the Good Samaritan and that of the Prodigal Son, and three of the sayings of Christ on the Cross: ‘Father, forgive them,’ ‘Thou shalt be with me in Paradise,’ and ‘Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.’”

During Jesus’ day, women, children and the poor were looked upon as second class citizens.  Luke’s Gospel elevates those whom the world considered not.  For example, in the birth narratives, Zachariah is struck speechless while his wife Elizabeth has voice.  Subsequently, the Angel Gabriel comes to deliver the news to Mary, and he greets her: “Hail Mary, you are full of grace, and the Lord is with you.  You are blessed among women.”   When Mary goes to see her cousin, Elizabeth, she prays her glorious prayer, the Magnificat: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has looked with favor upon His lowly servant.  From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me and holy is His name.   He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit.  He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel, for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.” When the Savior is born, the choir of angels brings the good news to the poor shepherds who were tending their flocks in the field.  In Luke’s gospel, the world is turned upside down.  The Good News of Jesus that we read about in Luke’s Gospel was, and is, good news indeed: God loves those whom the world may consider unlovable.

Let us pray:  Almighty God, who inspired your servant Luke the physician to declare in the Gospel the love and healing power of your Son: Graciously continue in your Church the same love and power to heal, to the praise and glory of your Name; through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen. 

CALENDAR REMINDERS

Today, Thursday, the Seaside Seniors will gather in Sutton Hall for lunch and fun! Red beans and rice is on the menu. If you know of someone who would like to attend, please let them know.

The Cathedral of Faith, Market Street Baptist Church on 2901 Market Street, is celebrating its 39^thanniversary on Sunday, 21 October at 3 p.m. The guest preacher will be Pastor E.R. Johnson of the Avenue L Missionary Baptist Church. The theme is “Committed to Kingdom Building” Romans 12:1. You may recall that after Hurricane Ike, Market Street Baptist Church used our sanctuary as theirs was destroyed.

"Lord, Teach Us to Pray" continues with the Bains on Sunday at 11 a.m. This is a wonderful study!

The Ladies from the Diocese of Southern Malawi are being hosted by the Taylors and St. Augustine’s is hosting a pot luck dinner for them during their visit to the Island. If you haven’t signed up to bring a dish, please do this Sunday since the dinner will be next Thursday. They will discuss with us their work in the literacy field.

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List, especially Steve Poirier, Rose Daniels, Patricia Florence and Gladys Simon.

Your servant in Christ,

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+

St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550

St. Ignatius of Antioch: Bishop & Martyr

Today the Church remembers and honors St. Ignatius of Antioch who died on this day sometime between 107 and 110. Ignatius was one of the first bishops of Antioch. (Tradition has it that Peter was the first and Evodius was the second).

 

Ignatius is known for his writings, most notably 7 letters, including to the Romans and to Polycarp. The themes of his letter include (1) the importance of maintaining Christian unity in love and sound doctrine, with warnings against factionalism and against the heresy of Docetism (the belief that Christ was not fully human and did not have a material body or really suffer and die); (2) the role of the clergy as a focus of Christian unity; and (3) Christian martyrdom.

 

The early church historian Eusebius places Ignatius’ death during the time of the emperor Trajan. Ignatius is reported to have said: “I prefer death in Christ Jesus to power over the farthest limits of the earth. He who died in place of us is the one object of my quest. He who rose for our sakes is my one desire.”

 

 

 

Let us pray: Almighty God, we praise you for your bishop and martyr Ignatius of Antioch, who offered himself as grain to be ground by the teeth of wild beasts that he might present to you the pure bread of sacrifice. Accept the willing tribute of our lives, and give us a share in the pure and spotless offering of your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

 

CALENDAR REMINDERS

 

Tomorrow, Thursday, the Seaside Seniors will gather in Sutton Hall for lunch and fun! Red beans and rice is on the menu. If you know of someone who would like to attend, please let them know.

 

The Cathedral of Faith, Market Street Baptist Church on 2901 Market Street, is celebrating its 39^thanniversary on Sunday, 21 October at 3 p.m. The guest preacher will be Pastor E.R. Johnson of the Avenue L Missionary Baptist Church. The theme is “Committed to Kingdom Building” Romans 12:1. You may recall that after Hurricane Ike, Market Street Baptist Church used our sanctuary as theirs was destroyed. 

 

"Lord, Teach Us to Pray" continues with the Bains on Sundays at 11 a.m. This is a wonderful study!

 

The Ladies from the Diocese of Southern Malawi are being hosted by the Taylors and St. Augustine’s is hosting a pot luck dinner for them during their visit to the Island. If you haven’t signed up to bring a dish, please do this Sunday since the dinner will be next Thursday. They will discuss with us their work in the literacy field.

 

 

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List, especially Steve Poirier, Rose Daniels, Pat Florence and Gladys Simon.

 

Your servant in Christ,

 

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+

St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church

Galveston, Texas 77550

St. Teresa of Avila: Reformer, Writer, Contemplative

Today the Church celebrates the life and ministry of formidable woman in the 1500s, St. Teresa of Aliva.  Teresa was born in Aliva, Spain and she was one of 10 children.  Perhaps little known is that Teresa had some Jewish ancestry. Her mother died when she was 15.  When Teresa turned 20, she decided to go into the Carmelite order.

Shortly after she went into the convent, Teresa became ill.  During her 3 year illness, Teresa was even paralyzed for a time.

Teresa is known for her writings, for being a contemplative and for reforming the Carmelite order along with St. John of the Cross.

Her writings include The Way of Perfection, a treatise on the Christian journey which was written primarily for her fellow Carmelites; The Book of Foundations, a work on the daily functioning of religious communities, and The Interior Castle, a book about the life of Christ in the heart of the believer.

She died on this day in 1582.

Let us pray:  O God, who by your Holy Spirit moved Teresa of Avila to manifest to your Church the way of perfection: Grant us, we pray, to be nourished by her excellent teaching, and enkindle within us a keen and unquenchable longing for true holiness; through Jesus Christ, the joy of loving hearts, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

CALENDAR REMINDERS

The Cathedral of Faith, Market Street Baptist Church on 2901 Market Street, is celebrating its 39^th anniversary on Sunday, 21 October at 3 p.m.  The guest preacher will be Pastor E.R. Johnson of the Avenue L Missionary Baptist Church.  The theme is “Committed to Kingdom Building” Romans 12:1.

Lord, Teach Us to Pray continues with the Bains on Sundays at 11 a.m.  This is a wonderful study!

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List, especially Steve Poirier, Rose Daniels, Pat Florence and Gladys Simon.

Your servant in Christ,

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+

St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550

Has the Word Taken Root in You?

One of the appointed readings for today is taken from the Gospel according to Luke:

Soon afterwards he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their resources.

When a great crowd gathered and people from town after town came to him, he said in a parable: ‘A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell on the path and was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. Some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered for lack of moisture. Some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew with it and choked it. Some fell into good soil, and when it grew, it produced a hundredfold.’ As he said this, he called out, ‘Let anyone with ears to hear listen!’

Then his disciples asked him what this parable meant. He said, ‘To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but to others I speak* in parables, so that “looking they may not perceive, and listening they may not understand.”

‘Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones on the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. The ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe only for a while and in a time of testing fall away. As for what fell among the thorns, these are the ones who hear; but as they go on their way, they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. But as for that in the good soil, these are the ones who, when they hear the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patient endurance. (Lk. 8: 1-15).

We have the parable of the seeds.  We have all heard the Word of God, but has it taken root in us?  Have we been distracted by other concerns?  Have we given in to the pleasures of life and neglected the Word?  Search your heart and your conscience.  You know the answer.

Let us pray:  O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

CALENDAR REMINDERS

Blessing of the animals for St. Francis on Saturday, 13 October at 11:00 a.m. on the lawn in front of the cross.

The Adult Christian Education series on the Lord’s Prayer continues this Sunday. Please join the Bains for this wonderful study.

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List, especially all of those who are ill, including Patricia and Steve, and we especially remember today Gladys Simon who celebrates her birthday today.

Your servant in Christ,

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