So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.

On this Wednesday in the 5th week of Lent, we hear from St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans where he tells us of the importance of sharing the Word:

 

But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’ But not all have obeyed the good news; for Isaiah says, ‘Lord, who has believed our message?’So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.

But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have; for ‘Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.’ Again I ask, did Israel not understand? First Moses says, ‘I will make you jealous of those who are not a nation; with a foolish nation I will make you angry.’ Then Isaiah is so bold as to say, ‘I have been found by those who did not seek me; I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me.’ But of Israel he says, ‘All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people. (Rm. 10: 14-21).

Paul tells us: “So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.” We come to our faith because someone has taken the time to tell us about it. It may have been our grandmother or grandfather; it may have been our mother or father. Perhaps we heard about Jesus from a Sunday school teacher or a clergy person as we were growing up. Whoever told us, we came to the faith by what we heard, and what we heard was the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ. Will you tell someone what you have heard?

Let us pray:  Lord God, you sent your Son, the Word made flesh, to tell us of your great love for us.  May we, inspired by the Holy Spirit, tell others what has been told to us.  We ask this in Christ’s name.  Amen.

CALENDAR REMINDERS

Tonight at 6 p.m. the Lenten Series continues at Grace with the Rev. Dr. Pittman McGehee as the speaker.

Choir practice this Thursday evening in the Church.

Saturday, 23 March, Garden Meeting with pot-luck lunch at noon.

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List, especially Gladys, Randy, and especially David and Deleoris who have returned home.

Your servant in Christ,

 

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