"Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law."

Idell Guidry’s funeral will be this Friday, 25 July, at 10:00 A.M. at St. Augustine of Hippo followed by internment at the cemetery and thereafter returning to St. Augustine’s for a catered reception in Sutton Hall.

 

The appointed Epistle reading for the Daily Prayer of the Church is taken from the 13^th chapter of Paul’s letter to the Church in Rome where we read:

 

Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery; you shall not murder; you shall not steal; you shall not covet’; and any other commandment, are summed up in this word, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.

 

Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarrelling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.  (Rm. 13:8-14).

 

Paul asks you and me to understand the true meaning of the word “love.”  It is not a romantic notion.  It is not a warm and fuzzy feeling.  Rather, love is hard work.  Love seeks the good of the other person.  Therefore, if you really understand what love is, you will automatically keep all of the commandments.  As our own St. Augustine said, “Love God and do what you please.”  He was able to say that because if we truly love God, we will want to do only that which will please God.

 

Let us pray:  Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

 

CALENDAR REMINDERS

 

The Art of Listening: Summer Art Program, starts today, Monday, 21 July at 10 A.M. every day of the week until 1 P.M.

 

In view of the current happenings in the Middle East and in Africa, as part of our Adult Christian Education, we will read Focus on Islam to better understand Islam and to do a comparison and contrast with our Christian faith.  We have the books, so if you are interested, please check with Fr. Chester for a copy of the book so that you can start reading it.

 

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List.

 

Your servant in Christ,

 

The Rev. Dr. Chester J. Makowski, Vicar

St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church

Galveston, Texas 77550