Be at Peace

On this Tuesday of the second week of Advent, Paul finishes his letter to the Church in Thessalonica.  He writes:

 

But we appeal to you, brothers and sisters, to respect those who labor among you, and have charge of you in the Lord and admonish you; esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, beloved, to admonish the idlers, encourage the faint-hearted, help the weak, be patient with all of them. See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil.

 

May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.

 

Beloved, pray for us.

 

Greet all the brothers and sisters with a holy kiss. I solemnly command you by the Lord that this letter be read to all of them. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. (1 Thess. 5:12-28).

 

What wonderful words from Paul.  Be at peace; render no person evil for evil, but do good to one another.  Rejoice, and make your entire life a prayer.  Hold on to the good in life and let the Holy Spirit lead you.  

 

During this season when the world thinks that the Feast of the Incarnation, Christmas, is all about a new car in your drive way (when has that ever happened?) and the latest gadget, St. Paul reminds us that God has sanctified our lives by becoming one with us, and now our lives must reflect that gift.

 

Let us pray: Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

 

Please remember the family of Robert Hacker whose father died yesterday, and so we pray: Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive him into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen.

 

CALENDAR REMINDERS

 

Bishop’s Committee Meeting this Sunday during the breakfast hour.

 

The Seaside Seniors Christmas Party will be Thursday, 18 December 2014 starting at 11:00 AM.

 

The Christmas Eve Eucharist will be at 4:00 PM, Rite II.

 

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List especially those who are alone during this holiday season.

 

Your servant in Christ,

 

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+

St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church

Galveston, Texas 77550