Two Different Men, Similar Themes

 

Today Justin Portal Welby was installed as the 105^th Archbishop of Canterbury (the first was St. Augustine of Canterbury who was installed in 597).  This week, the newly elected Francis was installed as the 266^th Bishop of Rome.  Both Justin and Francis had similar themes in their first homilies.  Francis reminded the world: “Please, I would like to ask all those who have positions of responsibility in economic, political, and social life, and all men and women of goodwill: let us be ‘protectors’ of creation, protectors of God’s plan inscribed in nature, protectors of one another and of the environment. Let us not allow omens of destruction and death to accompany our world’s journey! But to be ‘protectors’, we also have to keep watch over ourselves! Let us not forget that hatred, envy, and pride defile our lives! Being protectors, then, also means keeping watch over our emotions, over our hearts, because they are the seat of good and evil intentions: intentions that build up or tear down! We must not be afraid of goodness or even tenderness!”

Justin echoed a similar theme today.  He said: ““The present challenges of environment and economy, of human development and global poverty, can only be faced with extraordinary Christ-liberated courage. … Courage is released in a society that is under the authority of God, so that we may become the fully human community of which we all dream. … “[We] may properly differ on the degrees of state and private responsibility in a healthy society. … If we sever our roots in Christ we abandon the stability which enables good decision-making. … There can be no final justice, or security, or love, or hope in our society if it is not finally based on rootedness in Christ.” 

There is a new breath of fresh air blowing through creation which is echoed in the homilies of both men.  May we pay attention to what they are saying—it is the voice of the Holy Spirit.

Let us pray: Gracious Father, we pray for thy holy Catholic Church. Fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in any thing it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ thy Son our Savior. Amen.

CALENDAR REMINDERS

Next Wednesday at 6 p.m. the Lenten Series continues at Trinity with our own Bishop, Andy Doyle, as the speaker.

Choir practice this Thursday evening in the Church at 6 p.m.

Saturday, 23 March, Garden Meeting with pot-luck lunch at noon.

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List, especially Gladys, Randy, and especially David and Deleoris who have returned home.

Your servant in Christ,

The Rev. Chester J. Makowski+

St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550