The appointed Gospel for the Daily Prayer of the Church continues with the 18th chapter of Matthew where we read:
Then Peter came and said to him, ‘Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times. (Mt. 18:21-22).
For the first century Jewish person, the number 7 had a special meaning; it meant wholeness or perfection. So when Peter asks must he forgive someone as many as 7 times, that being perfectly, Jesus says that he must go about that with perfection, or wholeness, plus. Jesus is telling Peter that he must be as open to forgive others as God is willing to forgive Peter and the rest of us.
Let us pray: Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
CALENDAR REMINDERS
It is hurricane season! Are you ready? Make sure that your home insurance is up to date and that you have an evacuation plan. Remember that St. James Episcopal Church in Austin is a place that you can use as an evacuation center.
Every Wednesday, the Healing Arts Ministry with Lee Runion starting at 11:00 AM with a light lunch provided.
The Seaside Seniors meet every third Thursday of the month in Sutton Hall at 1100 AM.
Please remember everyone on our Prayer List and especially Sue, Sean, Tom, Patricia, Audrey, Lee’s mother and his family, Pat, Julie, all of those who are serving in the Armed Forces, Randy, and Steve Francis.
Your servant in Christ,
Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550
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