Put on Truth, Righteousness, Readiness, Faith, Salvation, and the Holy Spirit

The Epistle reading for this Tuesday in the Second Week of Christmas comes from Paul’s letter to the Church in Ephesus where he writes:

 

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

 

Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak. (Ephesians 6:10-20).

 

Paul speaks about being strong in Christ, strong against the evils which try to tear down what which is good.  Paul speaks of putting on truth, righteousness, readiness, faith, salvation, and the Holy Spirit.  Not only must we proclaim the good news boldly to the world, but we must also be bold to hear the good news.  It is not an “either/or” thing, but a “both/and” thing.  While we are called to boldly proclaim the good news, you and I must be willing to hear the good news spoken to us.  We can only put on truth, righteousness, readiness, faith, salvation, and the Holy Spirit if we experience them ourselves.

 

Let us pray:  Almighty God, make us more and more like your Son, Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit, so that we might make the good news part of who we are so that we may proclaim it boldly to the world.  Amen.

 

CALENDAR REMIDNERS

 

Annual Parish Meeting after the 9 AM Rite II service on 17 January.

 

The Seaside Seniors meet the third Thursday of January in Sutton Hall at 11 AM.

 

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List, and please make it a point to visit those who are unable to come to see us at Church.  Jesus calls us to visit those who are alone.

 

Your servant in Christ,

 

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+

St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church

Galveston, Texas 77550