St. Mary the Virgin: Pure Discipleship

Today the Church honors and celebrates Mary, the mother of Jesus.  The New Testament speaks of Mary. We read about her in Luke’s Gospel, especially in the first chapter where read about the Annunciation when the Angel Gabriel told her she would be the mother of the Most High, and then when she goes to visit Elizabeth who is with child with John.  Mary sings her song at that meeting, which is the appointed Gospel reading for today:

 "My soul magnifies the Lord,

    and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.
   Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
   and holy is his name.
His mercy is for those who fear him
   from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
   he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
   and lifted up the lowly;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
   and sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
   in remembrance of his mercy,
according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
   to Abraham and to his descendants for ever." (Lk 1: 44-56)

Mary is the perfect disciple, and she has much to teach us.  She says “yes” to God even in the midst of unknowing.  She trusts in God even when she is uncertain about the future.  She remains faithful to God even when the world around her is not.  She stands with Jesus at the foot of his cross.  She is the lowliest of God’s servants, whom He exalted to be at seated Christ’s right hand—she is the Ark of the New Covenant, the Theotokos (“God bearer”).

Let us pray:  O God, who have taken to yourself the blessed Virgin Mary, mother of your incarnate Son: Grant that we, who have been redeemed by his blood, may share with her the glory of your eternal kingdom; through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.

CALENDAR REMINDERS

Seaside Seniors, this Thursday, 16 August in Sutton Hall.

Bishop’s Committee Meeting this Sunday after the Eucharist.

The Feast Day of St. Augustine will be celebrated on Sunday, 26 August starting with Eucharist Rite II at 9 a.m. and a luncheon after the service.

New Adult Christian Education Series starting September: Lord, Teach Us To Pray: Six Studies on the Lord’s Prayer from the Kerygma Series.  This study will be led by Jillian Bain on Sundays and by Tammie Taylor on Mondays.  Please join in this wonderful study of God’s Word.

The Roots of Christian Mysticism, a Three-Year Course of Study, Year 1,  September 8, 2012 -May 4, 2013, Houston, Texas.  This 3-year course offers a unique opportunity to explore, in depth, the history of Christian Mysticism. It is structured and taught by leading scholars and practitioners and focuses on the key figures of the mystical tradition.  Classes will be held one Saturday a month for 9 consecutive months at the Dominican Sisters Spirituality Center, 6501Almeda (at Holcombe), Houston, Texas. Annual tuition is $225.

Art in and Around St. Augustine’s:

         The Fourth Annual Art Show at St. Augustine’s.  This year’s theme is “Peace”. 

         Art Walk at St. Vincent’s House on 25 September, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Please remember everyone on our prayer list, especially, the family of Corlie Jackson whose mother died recently, for the health of Lee Runion’s mother, Steve, Gladys, and for all of those who are traveling.

Your servant in Christ,

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+

St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550