Don't Be Complacent

On this Monday in the second week of Advent, the season where we remember the past, consider the present, and look toward the future, we hear from St. Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians:

 

Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. When they say, ‘There is peace and security’, then sudden destruction will come upon them, as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and there will be no escape! But you, beloved, are not in darkness, for that day to surprise you like a thief; for you are all children of light and children of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness. So then, let us not fall asleep as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober; for those who sleep sleep at night, and those who are drunk get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, and put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing. (1 Thess. 5:1-11).

 

I don’t know about you, but I can become very comfortable in my ruts.  I do the same things in the same way so much so that it can lead to complacency.  St. Paul reminds us that we should not become complacent because complacency leads to stagnation and stagnation can lead to death.  Don't let yourself be shocked when it happens! 

St. Paul reminds us that we should be ever vigilant, living in hope, faith and love.  Get out of your ruts; don’t do the same old thing in the same old way.  Sober up and get moving!

 

Let us pray: Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. 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.

 

Your servant in Christ,

 

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+

St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church

Galveston, Texas 77550