Keep Awake!

Today’s Gospel selection from the Daily Office, the prayer of the Church, is taken from the Gospel according to Matthew:

‘Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a shout, “Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.” Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, “Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.” But the wise replied, “No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.” And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, “Lord, lord, open to us.” But he replied, “Truly I tell you, I do not know you.” Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.  (Matt. 25:1-13)

Just because we say “Lord” does not mean that we do what Jesus asks of us.  Use your God given intelligence and common sense by habitually doing what is right.  We are accountable not only to God, but to those around us and even to ourselves.  We are called to work with God’s grace daily.  Be present to those you love.  Listen to God’s voice in your heart.  Keep awake!  Be vigilant! 

Let us pray:  Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our  being: We humbly pray you so to guide and govern us by  your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget you, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

CALENDAR REMINDERS

This Thursday at 11:00 a.m. we welcome Seniors Citizens from all around the Island to Sutton Hall who will be our guests for a picnic lunch. 

Saturday at 10:00 a.m.: Summer Art Camp continues at St. Augustine’s. 

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List, especially all of those who are traveling.

“There is no justification without sanctification, no forgiveness without renewal of life, no real faith from which the fruits of new obedience do not grow.”  Martin Luther, Reformer (1483-1546)

Your servant in Christ,

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+

St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church

Galveston, Texas 77550