A Change in Life

One of the appointed readings for today is taken from the Acts of the Apostles where we read how Saul, a zealous defender of Pharisaical Judaism, finds the unexpected in his life:

 

Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’ He asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ The reply came, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.’ The men who were travelling with him stood speechless because they heard the voice but saw no one. Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. For three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. (Acts 9:1-9).

 

Saul is out to get the followers of Jesus, and he was given the authority to do so.  As he is in the process of carrying out the persecution, he encounters the living Christ who asks Saul why he is persecuting him.  Notice that Saul answers the voice saying “Lord.”  It is as if he knows who is talking to him, and Saul is right.  It is Jesus.  Jesus tells Saul what to do, and Saul obeys.  What a turn around!  Saul literally goes from persecuting the Christians to becoming not only one of them, but their most ardent proponent. 

 

Let us pray: O God, by the preaching of your apostle Paul you have caused the light of the Gospel to shine throughout the world: Grant, we pray, that we, having his wonderful conversion in remembrance, may show ourselves thankful to you by following his holy teaching; through 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

 

The Feast Day of St. Augustine and our 130th Anniversary: Sunday, 24 August 2014 with Eucharist Rite II and a brunch following.  Please invite everyone to this festive and historic occasion. The preacher will be the Rev. Freda Marie Brown and the main celebrant will be the Rev. Dr. Helen Appelberg.  We will also baptize Arianna Rene Martin-Lujan.

 

LIFE STORY WRITING GROUP: Enjoy listening and sharing your written stories. Leave a legacy as you develop quality writing. 6:30-8:30 p.m. in Eaton Hall at Trinity Episcopal Church on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of September through December with 8 2 hour sessions. Confidential environment, No tests, No grades, writing skills of all levels. Limited to 14 people. $25 fee to Trinity (Register in Eaton Hall) Contact: Alison Barker at jerryalisonbarker@gmail.com or Meredith Griffin at meredith.marie.griffin@gmail.com

  

Blessing of the Backpacks: Sunday, 31 August 2014.

 

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List, especially Lee’s mother, Lee and his family, Gladys, Pat, Patricia, Lloyd, Liz, those in war torn areas, and for all those persecuted for their faith.

 

Your servant in Christ,

 

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+

St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church

Galveston, Texas 77550