The appointed Epistle for this Friday in the second week of Advent is taken from Paul’s letter to the Church in Thessalonica where he writes:
But we must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the first fruits for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and through belief in the truth. For this purpose he called you through our proclamation of the good news, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by our letter.
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word.
Finally, brothers and sisters, pray for us, so that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified everywhere, just as it is among you, and that we may be rescued from wicked and evil people; for not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you are doing and will go on doing the things that we command. May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. (2 Thess. 2:13-3:5).
I am forever amazed by Christians who seemed to be embarrassed about their Christianity. They are loath to mention the name of Jesus Christ in public lest they offend someone. It is as if they are thinking: “It would be impolite for a follower of Christ to acknowledge him publically.” For some reason, there seems to be an air of this during Christmas, the Feast of the Incarnation, when God become one with us; people think it would be offensive to non-believers to speak the name of Christ. Yet in today’s reading, Paul prays for the Good News of Jesus to spread rapidly.
When I was ordained a priest, here is what the Bishop told me my task would be:
As a priest, it will be your task to proclaim by word and deed the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to fashion your life in accordance with its precepts. You are to love and serve the people among whom you work, caring alike for young and old, strong and weak, rich and poor. You are to preach, to declare God's forgiveness to penitent sinners, to pronounce God's blessing, to share in the administration of Holy Baptism and in the celebration of the mysteries of Christ's Body and Blood, and to perform the other ministrations entrusted to you. In all that you do, you are to nourish Christ's people from the riches of his grace, and strengthen them to glorify God in this life and in the life to come.
I embrace that call and I feel privileged to be called to preach the Good News of Christ to all I meet. For us as Christians, you and I are all called to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ, to proclaim it boldly without fear of the consequences, and to acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord of all.
Let us pray: Gracious God give us the courage to proclaim the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ your Son and our Lord; send the Holy Spirit to inspire us in all that we do and to boldly proclaim your reign here on earth.
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
No comments:
Post a Comment