Tuesday, October 1, 2013

The Single Life or the Married Life?

One of the appointed readings for the Daily Prayer of the Church is taken from Paul’s first letter to the Church in Corinth where he writes:
 
I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the affairs of the Lord, how to please the Lord; but the married man is anxious about the affairs of the world, how to please his wife, and his interests are divided. And the unmarried woman and the virgin are anxious about the affairs of the Lord, so that they may be holy in body and spirit; but the married woman is anxious about the affairs of the world, how to please her husband. I say this for your own benefit, not to put any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and unhindered devotion to the Lord.
 
If anyone thinks that he is not behaving properly towards his fiancée, if his passions are strong, and so it has to be, let him marry as he wishes; it is no sin. Let them marry. But if someone stands firm in his resolve, being under no necessity but having his own desire under control, and has determined in his own mind to keep her as his fiancée, he will do well. So then, he who marries his fiancé does well; and he who refrains from marriage will do better.
 
A wife is bound as long as her husband lives. But if the husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, only in the Lord. But in my judgment she is more blessed if she remains as she is. And I think that I too have the Spirit of God.  (1Cor. 7:32-40).
 
Today’s reading may cause problems for some people, but Paul is indeed speaking the truth.  Paul is essentially saying that if one is single, one can totally be devoted to God’s work with fewer responsibilities.  However, Paul acknowledges that some should be married; that is, after all, part of God’s plan as well.  In another place, Paul tells us that those who are married should treat each other with reverence and honor.  He tells husbands to be like Christ with the Church, giving his all, and that wives should treat their husbands with honor.  For his part, Paul did not marry.  He wanted to be fully free to preach to word of God without the responsibility of a family. 
 
Let us pray:  O God and Father of all, whom the whole heavens adore:  Let the whole earth also worship you, all nations obey you,  all tongues confess and bless you, and men and women everywhere love you and serve you in peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 
Please remember to pray for everyone on our Prayer List especially Carol.
 
CALENDAR REMINDERS
 
The 5th Annual Art Show at St. Augustine is open! Invite your friends and get the word out.  The show is only 1 week this year from the 28th of September to 6 October, and we’ll have extended hours on the 6th since it is Artwalk night.”
 
Blessing of the Animals on Saturday, 5 October at 11 a.m. Bring your cats, dogs, birds, lizards, fleas, or whichever of God’s creatures are a part of your home to be blessed.
 
The BBQ at Grace is back!  After being interrupted by Ike, the tradition is back again.  Saturday, 12 October 2013 from 11-3.  There will be a silent auction with all sorts of wonderful items including James Avery jewelry and a bird watching cruise.  Come and support our brothers and sisters at Grace Episcopal Church.
  
Your servant in Christ,
 
Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550

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