The Sick Are Healed & All Are Fed

The appointed Gospel reading for the Daily Office today comes from the 14^th chapter of the Gospel according to Matthew.  It is a story that is familiar to us:

Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, ‘This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.’ Jesus said to them, ‘They need not go away; you give them something to eat.’ They replied, ‘We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.’ And he said, ‘Bring them here to me.’ Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.  (Mt. 14: 13-21).

One of the major themes of the four Gospels is to tell us that the Kingdom of God is at hand, Jesus is the one who inaugurates it, and here is what it looks like.  In the Kingdom of God, sins are forgiven, the sick are healed and all are fed.  In this season after Pentecost, you are I are charged to baptize all nations in the name of Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and to be Kingdom builders.  Jesus has inaugurated the Kingdom of God, now with the Holy Spirit, you and I must get to work and be about our Father’s business.

Let us pray:  Almighty and merciful God, in your goodness keep us, we pray, from all things that may hurt us, that we, being ready both in mind and body, may accomplish with free hearts those things which belong to your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

PLEASE REMEMBER ESPECIALLY INYOUR PRAYERS CORLIE JACKSON AND HER FAMILY. Corlie’s father, Corrie Holloway, died unexpectedly this week.  Let us pray: Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant Corrie. 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

GOSPEL BY THE SEA: Saturday, 9June 2012, 6 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church. This benefits the ministry of St. Vincent’s House.

SAFEGUARDING GOD’S CHILDREN: Saturday, 23 June 2012 at 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Sutton Hall at St. Augustine’s.

ART HAPPENINGS

June 8th Friday night from 6:30to 8:30, Adult class with wine, we will be making peace souvenirs for the September art show.

June 9th Saturday 10:00 to Noon: children and adult class, we will be working on a banner for the September art show.

June 24th Sunday, after breakfast we will have a very important meeting about the September art show along with a sign-up sheet. We have a list of all the things that we need to make this event a success; there is something for everyone even those who are not artist.

Our first Summer Children's Art Camp, every Saturday in July from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with snacks. There is a $10 supply charge per class. Ages 7 to 18. We will need adult volunteers that have had Safeguarding God's Children Training to assist. Space is limited so sign up ASAP.

         July 7: Signs and symbols found in all cultures

        July 14: Guardian Angels - guest artist Mary Ann Hasty, Native American

        July 21: Mandela's, African Shields

        July 28: Collage and the art of Mexico

INSTALLATION OFTHE NEW RECTOR AT TRINITY: The Rev. Susan Kennard will be installed as Trinity’s new rector on Sunday, 1 July 2012 at 5 p.m.

PLEASE REMEMBER EVERYONE ON OURPRAYER LIST, especially Cory Smith who is recovering from surgery, Steve Poirier, Patricia Robinson, Betty Robinson, Robert, Jerald Fight in Afghanistan, Frances Hardaway who suffered a stroke, all of those who are out of work and who are seeking employment.

Your servant in Christ,

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+

St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church

Galveston, Texas77550