Tuesday, February 11, 2014

A Powerful Blessing: the End of the Epistle to the Hebrews

The Epistle reading appointed for the Daily Prayer of the Church is the end of the Letter to the Hebrews:

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls and will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with sighing—for that would be harmful to you.

Pray for us; we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things. I urge you all the more to do this, so that I may be restored to you very soon.

Now may the God of peace, who brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, make you complete in everything good so that you may do his will, working among us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly. I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been set free; and if he comes in time, he will be with me when I see you. Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those from Italy send you greetings. Grace be with all of you. (Heb. 13:17-25)

The blessings in the Epistles are always very powerful.  In today’s blessing, you and I are reminded that our God offers peace, that He raised Jesus from the dead, that Jesus gave his life for you and me, and that God will make us complete in everything good so that you and I may do God’s will in everything we do.  Remember the power of that blessing today.

Let us pray: Now may the God of peace, who brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, make you complete in everything good so that you may do his will, working among us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.

ST. AUGUSTINE’S MADE DIOCESAN NEWS FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH:  Check out this link:  http://www.epicenter.org/article/black-history-spotlight-st-augustines-the-first-african-american-episcopal-church-in-texas/

CALENDAR REMIDNERS

The Seaside Seniors will celebrate St. Valentine’s Day on Thursday, 20 February starting at 11 A.M.  The children, under Lee Runion’s guidance (and maybe the help of some adults), are making the centerpieces.

Saturday, 22 February, 11 A.M. at St. James, 3129 Southmore, in Houston, will celebrate Absalom Jones Day with a Festive Eucharist and lunch to follow with a presentation.  Please make plans to join the Diocese as it gathers to celebrate the life and ministry of Absalom Jones.
 
Please remember everyone on our Prayer List, especially Patricia and Karen.

Your servant in Christ,

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

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