On this Thursday in the second week of Advent we hear from Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians where he gives us a warning:
As to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we beg you, brothers and sisters, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as though from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord is already here. Let no one deceive you in any way; for that day will not come unless the rebellion comes first and the lawless one is revealed, the one destined for destruction. He opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, declaring himself to be God. Do you not remember that I told you these things when I was still with you? And you know what is now restraining him, so that he may be revealed when his time comes. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work, but only until the one who now restrains it is removed. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will destroy with the breath of his mouth, annihilating him by the manifestation of his coming. The coming of the lawless one is apparent in the working of Satan, who uses all power, signs, lying wonders, and every kind of wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion, leading them to believe what is false, so that all who have not believed the truth but took pleasure in unrighteousness will be condemned. (2 Thess. 2:1-12).
Sometimes it can be difficult to discern what the right thing to do really is. Many times we can be deceived into thinking that one course of action is right, when in reality, it is not. As St. Thomas Aquinas pointed out so well, even in committing evil, we are seeking a perceived good. Paul tells us that Satan (the Accuser) uses all power, signs, lying wonders, and every kind of wicked deception to lead us in the wrong direction, i.e., away from God. We must hold fast to Jesus, to that which is good and true. Remember that Jesus told us that he was with us always. Hold onto that.
Let us pray: Lord Jesus Christ, you told us not to fear that you would be with us always to the end of the age. Send the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts, minds and souls that we may always follow your Father’s will. Amen.
Let us pray: Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant, Martin William Hacker. 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
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