Ordinary People

On this Wednesday in Easter Week, we hear from the Gospel according to Matthew. This is his account of the resurrection:

After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, “He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.” This is my message for you.’ So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, ‘Greetings!’ And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshipped him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.’

While they were going, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests everything that had happened. After the priests had assembled with the elders, they devised a plan to give a large sum of money to the soldiers, telling them, ‘You must say, “His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.” If this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.’ So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story is still told among the Jews to this day.

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. (Mt. 28: 1-16).

To be sure, there are many discrepancies in the New Testament Gospel accounts; however, the accounts of the aftermath of the crucifixion are consistent: (1) the tomb was empty; (2) Jesus rose from the dead; (3) “do not be afraid”; and (4) go and tell the others, that is, proclaim the resurrection.

The Gospel accounts are all consistent in this: Jesus' followers, the disciples, were ordinary people. The New Testament reveals the disciples, warts and all. The Gospel writers tell of the disciples’ cowardice when Jesus is crucified and how they made a hasty retreat. They tell how when the disciples encounter the empty tomb, they experience fear, not joy. Nevertheless, they overcome their fears and proclaim the Risen Christ to the world. They were ordinary people, just like like you and me. In short, there is hope for us all.

Let us pray: O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List and especially Betty Robinson who is recovering from surgery.

Your servant in Christ,

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

Paul & the Resurrection

I recently heard the dean of the Yale Divinity School say that St. Paul did not believe in the physical resurrection of Jesus. Unfortunately, he must have missed the Epistle selection for this Tuesday in Easter Week, the continuation of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians:

Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation has been in vain and your faith has been in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified of God that he raised Christ—whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised. If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have died in Christ have perished. If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.

But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died. For since death came through a human being, the resurrection of the dead has also come through a human being; for as all die in Adam, so all will be made alive in Christ. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father, after he has destroyed every ruler and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For ‘God has put all things in subjection under his feet.’ But when it says, ‘All things are put in subjection’, it is plain that this does not include the one who put all things in subjection under him. When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to the one who put all things in subjection under him, so that God may be all in all. (1 Cor. 15:12-28).

Despite what the dean of the Yale Divinity School said about Paul, we know that Paul devoted his life to proclaiming the Risen Christ and what the resurrection accomplished for the entire world. You and I are evidence of Paul’s work. I’ll rejoice in that!

Let us pray: O God, who by the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light: Grant that we, who have been raised with him, may abide in his presence and rejoice in the hope of eternal glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be dominion and praise for ever and ever. Amen.

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List and especially Betty Robinson who is recovering from today’s surgery; she is doing well and is recovering.

Your servant in Christ,

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

Proclaiming the Risen Christ In Our Lives

Today is Monday in Easter Week and we hear from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians:

Now I should remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand, through which also you are being saved, if you hold firmly to the message that I proclaimed to you—unless you have come to believe in vain.

For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to someone untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace towards me has not been in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them—though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we proclaim and so you have come to believe. (1 Cor. 15: 1-11).

Today’s Epistle reading picks up on something that we talked about yesterday, “Don’t be afraid. Go and tell the others.” That’s exactly what Paul does—he proclaimed the Risen Christ to the Corinthians.

Are we all called to proclaim the Risen Christ as Paul did? Someone yesterday mentioned to me that there are many others ways to proclaim the Risen Christ, most importantly by the way we live our lives! St. Paul would definitely agree with that, after all Jesus said, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35) Indeed, that is the best way to proclaim the Risen Christ in our daily lives!

Let us pray: Almighty God, whose dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other that the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

ART CLASS WITH LEE RUNION

The Cemetery Lady, historian Linda McBee will be our guide on April 14th for the art rubbings class. Lee will provide simple brown bag lunches and bottled water. Mrs. McBee will focus on the Episcopal part of the old cemetery and her tour lasts about an hour and a half. The cost for her services would be $9 per person provided we can have a group of ten or more. The Church will cover the cost for those who want to attend but cannot pay the fee.

If you wish to attend, Lee will also to provide paper and charcoal for rubbings. You are free to bring any other special papers, other rubbing materials you wish. Lee will also talk with her about a possible rain date if the weather is bad that day. Please call Lee at 409-539-4632 so we can book this time. Saturday April 14th from 10 am -12:30 p.m. we will meet at the old city cemetery on Broadway by the Church. Wear a hat and some sunscreen!

SHARING OUR FAITH DINNERS: 26 April 2012.

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List especially Betty Robinson and Cindi Clack.

Your servant in Christ,

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

Why Is Today Called "Good Friday"?

Today is the second day of the Triduum, Good Friday. Why do we call the day that Christ died “Good Friday”? Some think that the name evolved from “God’s Friday.” (For example, “goodbye” evolved from “God be with ye”). Germans refer to this day as “Karfreitag”, that is, “Sorrowful” or “Suffering Friday” in German.

By calling it Good Friday, we are witnessing to the Christian hope that no tragedy, not even death itself, can overwhelm God’s love and grace. This Friday is indeed good because Christ took upon himself the sins of the world, the worst evil could do, and God’s love and grace claimed the true victory.

Let us pray: Almighty God, we pray you graciously to behold this your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed, and given into the hands of sinners, and to suffer death upon the cross; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

ART CLASS WITH LEE RUNION

The Cemetery Lady, historian Linda McBee will be our guide on April 14th for the art rubbings class. Lee will provide simple brown bag lunches and bottled water. Mrs. McBee will focus on the Episcopal part of the old cemetery and her tour lasts about an hour and a half. The cost for her services would be $9 per person provided we can have a group of ten or more. The Church will cover the cost for those who want to attend but cannot pay the fee.

If you wish to attend, Lee will also to provide paper and charcoal for rubbings. You are free to bring any other special papers, other rubbing materials you wish. Lee will also talk with her about a possible rain date if the weather is bad that day. Please call Lee at 409-539-4632 so we can book this time. Saturday April 14th from 10 am -12:30pm we will meet at the old city cemetery on Broadway by the Church. Wear a hat and some sunscreen!

HOLY WEEK CALENDAR

Good Friday: 3 p.m.

Easter Eucharist at 9 a.m. and an Easter egg hunt for the children after the service with our annual covered dish lunch.

SHARING OUR FAITH DINNERS: 26 April 2012.

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List especially Cindi Clack, and the people of North Texas who are victims of the bad weather.

Your servant in Christ,

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

Love One Another As I Have Loved You

Today is the start of the Triduum, the three days, and today is Maundy Thursday. It is taken from the Latin word “mandatum”, meaning “command”. Today Jesus celebrates the old Passover on the eve of the New Covenant, and he gives us, his disciples, a new command, to love one another as he has loved us. That is a daunting command given what happens on Good Friday—no person has a greater love than to give their life for another.

Let us pray: The Lord Jesus, after he had supped with his disciples and had washed their feet, said to them, "Do you know what I, your Lord and Master, have done to you? I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done." I give you a new commandment: Love one another as I have loved you. By this shall the world know that you are my disciples: That you have love for one another. Lord Jesus, help us to live out your new commandment. Amen.

ART CLASS WITH LEE RUNION

The Cemetery Lady, historian Linda McBee will be our guide on April 14th for the art rubbings class. Lee will provide simple brown bag lunches and bottled water. Mrs. McBee will focus on the Episcopal part of the old cemetery and her tour lasts about an hour and a half. The cost for her services would be $9 per person provided we can have a group of ten or more. The Church will cover the cost for those who want to attend but cannot pay the fee.

If you wish to attend, Lee will also to provide paper and charcoal for rubbings. You are free to bring any other special papers, other rubbing materials you wish. Lee will also talk with her about a possible rain date if the weather is bad that day. Please call Lee at 409-539-4632 so we can book this time. Saturday April 14th from 10 am -12:30 pm we will meet at the old city cemetery on Broadway by the Church. Wear a hat and some sunscreen!

HOLY WEEK CALENDAR

Maundy Thursday: Traditional Maundy Thursday service with foot washing and striping of the altar: 7 p.m.

Good Friday: 3 p.m.

Easter Eucharist at 9 a.m. and an Easter egg hunt for the children after the service with our annual covered dish lunch.

SHARING OUR FAITH DINNERS: 26 April 2012.

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List especially Cindi Clack, and the people of North Texas who are victims of the bad weather.

Your servant in Christ,

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

Rejecting the Cornerstone

On this Wednesday in Holy Week, we hear from the Gospel according to Mark:

Then he began to speak to them in parables. ‘A man planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a pit for the wine press, and built a watch-tower; then he leased it to tenants and went to another country. When the season came, he sent a slave to the tenants to collect from them his share of the produce of the vineyard. But they seized him, and beat him, and sent him away empty-handed. And again he sent another slave to them; this one they beat over the head and insulted. Then he sent another, and that one they killed. And so it was with many others; some they beat, and others they killed. He had still one other, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them, saying, “They will respect my son.” But those tenants said to one another, “This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.” So they seized him, killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others. Have you not read this scripture: “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is amazing in our eyes”?’ (Mk. 12: 1-11).

Jesus knew what the future had in store for him; the leaders of the Jewish people were at odds with Jesus from the start of Jesus’ public ministry. Jesus challenged their view and way or life and what they held dear. The Sadducees and the Pharisees did not want to give it up. They were blind to what Jesus was about. They rejected Jesus and his message. How are we like the Sadducees and the Pharisees? What do we hold so dear that we cannot hear what Jesus is saying to us?

Let us pray: Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

ART CLASS WITH LEE RUNION

The Cemetery Lady, historian Linda McBee will be our guide on April 14th for the art rubbings class. Lee will provide simple brown bag lunches and bottled water. Mrs. McBee will focus on the Episcopal part of the old cemetery and her tour lasts about an hour and a half. The cost for her services would be $9 per person provided we can have a group of ten or more. The Church will cover the cost for those who want to attend but cannot pay the fee.

If you wish to attend, Lee will also to provide paper and charcoal for rubbings. You are free to bring any other special papers, other rubbing materials you wish. Lee will also talk with her about a possible rain date if the weather is bad that day. Please call Lee at 409-539-4632 so we can book this time. Saturday April 14th from 10 am -12:30 pm we will meet at the old city cemetery on Broadway by the Church. Wear a hat and some sunscreen!

HOLY WEEK CALENDAR

Wednesday: final gathering for the Lenten Series at St. Augustine’s at 6 p.m.

Maundy Thursday: Traditional Maundy Thursday service with foot washing and striping of the altar: 7 p.m.

Good Friday: 3 p.m.

Easter Eucharist at 9 a.m. and an Easter egg hunt for the children after the service with our annual covered dish lunch.

SHARING OUR FAITH DINNERS: 26 April 2012.

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List especially Cindi Clack, and the people of North Texas who are victims of the bad weather.

Your servant in Christ,

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

God Suffers With Us

This Monday in Holy Week the Epistle selection is the start of Paul’s Second Letter to the Church in Corinth. Paul writes:

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

To the church of God that is in Corinth, including all the saints throughout Achaia: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are abundant for us, so also our consolation is abundant through Christ. If we are being afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation; if we are being consoled, it is for your consolation, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we are also suffering. Our hope for you is unshaken; for we know that as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our consolation. (2 Cor. 1: 1-7).

The theme of the Epistle this morning is one that we talked about yesterday, that is, by virtue of the cross, Christ shares on our sufferings. God in His immense love for us suffers the death of Jesus His Son, in the power of His love, there you and I also find the power to remain in love despite pain and death not succumbing to bitterness. In the cross of Christ, we can live with the terrors of our lives and of human history and despite them remain in the love of God who suffers with us and live in hope as Paul did.

ART CLASS WITH LEE RUNION

The Cemetery Lady, historian Linda McBee will be our guide on April 14th for the art rubbings class. Lee will provide simple brown bag lunches and bottled water. Mrs. McBee will focus on the Episcopal part of the old cemetery and her tour lasts about an hour and a half. The cost for her services would be $9 per person provided we can have a group of ten or more. The Church will cover the cost for those who want to attend but cannot pay the fee.

If you wish to attend, Lee will also to provide paper and charcoal for rubbings. You are free to bring any other special papers, other rubbing materials you wish. Lee will also talk with her about a possible rain date if the weather is bad that day. Please call Lee at 409-539-4632 so we can book this time. Saturday April 14th from 10 am - 12:30 pm we will meet at the old city cemetery on Broadway by the Church. Wear a hat and some sunscreen!

HOLY WEEK CALENDAR

Wednesday: final gathering for the Lenten Series at St. Augustine’s at 6 p.m.

Maundy Thursday: Traditional Maundy Thursday service with foot washing and striping of the altar: 7 p.m.

Good Friday: 3 p.m.

Easter Eucharist at 9 a.m. and an Easter egg hunt for the children after the service with our annual covered dish lunch.

SHARING OUR FAITH DINNERS: 26 April 2012.

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List especially Cindi Clack.

Your servant in Christ,

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