St. John, Apostle & Evangelist

Today, the 27th of December, the Church celebrates the life and ministry of St. John, Apostle and Evangelist.

It is God who calls; people answer. The vocation of John and his brother James is stated very simply in the Gospels: Jesus called the brothers; they followed. The absoluteness of their response is relayed in Matthew’s Gospel (4:21-22), James and John “were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him.”

Because of the depth of the Gospel, John is usually thought of as the eagle of theology, soaring high. However, the other Gospels reveal John’s flaws which gave rise to Jesus naming John and his brother, James, “the sons of thunder.” Matthew tells us that their mother asked that James and John be given places of honor in Jesus’ kingdom—one on his right hand, one on his left. When Jesus asked them if they could drink the cup he would drink and be baptized with his baptism of pain, they blithely answered, “We can!” Jesus said that they would indeed share his cup, but that sitting at his right hand was not his to give. It was for those to whom it had been reserved by the Father. The other apostles were, as one might expect, somewhat indignant at their ambition. Jesus took the occasion to teach them the true nature of authority: “Whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matt. 20:27-28).

Another time, “the sons of thunder” asked Jesus if they should not call down fire from heaven upon the less than friendly Samaritans who did not welcome Jesus. Of course, Jesus rebuked them.

Please remember in your prayer all of those who are named John, and I would ask prayers especially for my Uncle John and my Cousin John o this their saint's day.

Let us pray: Shed upon your Church, O Lord, the brightness of your light; that we, being illumined by the teaching of your apostle and evangelist John, may so walk in the light of your truth, that at length we may attain to the fullness of eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Please remember in your prayers the family of Roylene Lemons. She died the evening of Christmas Day. The funeral will be in Monroe, Louisiana on Friday, 30 December at 11:00 a.m. at Little Flower Catholic Church. At St. Augustine, we will offer the Eucharist for her and for Charles Lemons and his family on Sunday, the 1st of January. Let us pray: Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant Roylene. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive her into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen.

Your servant in Christ,

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550

St. Stephen: First Deacon & First Martyr

On this day after Christmas, the Church celebrates the life and ministry of the first deacon who was also the first martyr, St. Stephen. What we know of him comes from the Acts of the Apostles. Luke writes:

Now during those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. And the twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, ‘It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait at tables. Therefore, friends, select from among yourselves seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this task, while we, for our part, will devote ourselves to prayer and to serving the word.’ What they said pleased the whole community, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, together with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. They had these men stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and others of those from Cilicia and Asia, stood up and argued with Stephen. But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. Then they secretly instigated some men to say, ‘We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.’ They stirred up the people as well as the elders and the scribes; then they suddenly confronted him, seized him, and brought him before the council. They set up false witnesses who said, ‘This man never stops saying things against this holy place and the law; for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses handed on to us.’ And all who sat in the council looked intently at him, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel. Acts 6:1-15).

The story goes on in the next chapter of the Acts of the Apostles. Stephen tells the elders the truth of what Israel has done and who Jesus is, and like his Lord and Savior, Stephen is put to death. Luke tells us: While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he died. (Acts 8: 59-60).

Let us pray: We give you thanks, O Lord of glory, for the example of the first martyr Stephen, who looked up to heaven and prayed for his persecutors to your Son Jesus Christ, who stands at your right hand: where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting.

Please remember in your prayers the family of Roylene Lemons. She died the evening of Christmas Day. The funeral will be in Monroe, Louisiana on Friday at 11:00 a.m. at Little Flower Catholic Church. At St. Augustine, we will offer the Eucharist for her and for Charles Lemons and his family. Let us pray: Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant Roylene. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive her into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen.

Your servant in Christ,

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550

“What then will this child become?”

On this Thursday in the fourth week of Advent, we read about a joyous event, the birth of a child. Luke writes:

Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her.

On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him Zechariah after his father. But his mother said, ‘No; he is to be called John.’ They said to her, ‘None of your relatives has this name.’ Then they began motioning to his father to find out what name he wanted to give him. He asked for a writing-tablet and wrote, ‘His name is John.’ And all of them were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak, praising God. Fear came over all their neighbors, and all these things were talked about throughout the entire hill country of Judea. All who heard them pondered them and said, ‘What then will this child become?’ For, indeed, the hand of the Lord was with him. (Lk. 1: 57-66).

When a child is born, he or she is so full of promise, so full of potential. We stare in amazement and wonder what will the future bring to this child? What is in store for this young life? That is what those who gathered around the baby, John, were thinking, “What then will this child become?” I am sure that those gathering around the new born had no idea that John would announce the coming of the Messiah, the long awaited one.

Let us pray: Almighty God, by whose providence your servant John the Baptist was wonderfully born, and sent to prepare the way of your Son our Savior by preaching repentance: Make us so to follow his teaching and holy life, that we may truly repent according to his preaching; and, following his example, constantly speak the truth, boldly rebuke vice, and patiently suffer for the truth's sake; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

CALENDAR REMINDERS

Christmas Services: Christmas Eve, 5 p.m., Rite II; Christmas Day, 9 a.m., Rite II.

Food Pantry for St. Vincent’s House: People are in need all year round. Please remember to bring something to those with those who have nothing. You can always place your gift at the food pantry collection center in the vestibule of the Church.

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List, especially Cindy Katz, Robert Strawder, Katie Putman, Roylene Lemons, the unemployed, the addicted, the poor, the weary, the depressed, the lonely, and those who have no one to pray for them.

“I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” St. John the Baptizer (Lk. 3:16)

Your servant in Christ,

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550

St. Thomas & India: Ancient Christian Roots

On this Wednesday in the fourth week of Advent, we remember St. Thomas the Apostle, known by many as “doubting Thomas."

Tradition has it that St. Thomas traveled to India, and in India, it is believed that he landed in 52 A.D. in Cranganore near Cochin, which was at that time an important seaport on the Malabar Coast, having trade connections with the Middle East.

The Mar Thoma Church (“Mar Thoma” is Aramaic for “St. Thomas”) is one of the oldest Christian groups in the world dating back to the late first century. The Mar Thoma Church defines itself as “Apostolic in origin, Catholic in nature, Biblical in faith, Evangelical in principle, Ecumenical in outlook, Oriental in worship, Democratic in function, Episcopal in character and is a Reformed Church.”

In recent times, the Mar Thoma Church entered into dialogue with the Anglican Church in India. A concordat was agreed upon in 1961 establishing Communion relationship between the two Churches. It was also agreed that in the consecration of Bishops by either Church the Bishops of the other Church shall participate. Thus ministry of the two Churches was mutually accepted in full. Later the Lambeth Conference declared acceptance of the ministry and full communion relationship. Thus the Mar Thoma Church is in full communion relationship with the Anglican Communion all over the world.

In recent years in the United States, when parishes of the Mar Thoma Church were organized here, agreements were made between the Metropolitan of the Mar Thoma Church and the Episcopal Church by which they will provide pastoral care for the members of the Mar Thoma Church in those countries, whenever necessary.

Let us pray: Almighty and everliving God, who strengthened your apostle Thomas with sure and certain faith in your Son's resurrection: Grant us so perfectly and without doubt to believe in Jesus Christ, our Lord and our God, that our faith may never be found wanting in your sight; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Remember you can always check the Daily Reflections at http://staugustineofhippogalveston.blogspot.com/ if you would like check or to share calendar reminders.

CALENDAR REMINDERS

Christmas Services: Christmas Eve, 5 p.m., Rite II; Christmas Day, 9 a.m., Rite II.

Food Pantry for St. Vincent’s House: People are in need all year round. Please remember to bring something to those with those who have nothing. You can always place your gift at the food pantry collection center in the vestibule of the Church.

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List, especially Cindy Katz, Robert Strawder, Katie Putman, Roylene Lemons, the unemployed, the addicted, the poor, the weary, the depressed, the lonely, and those who have no one to pray for them.

“Preach the Gospel always, and if necessary, use words.” —St. Francis of Assisi, (1182-1226)

Your servant in Christ,

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550

Advice for a Less Civil World

The Epistle selection for this the Tuesday in the Fourth Week of Advent is taken from Paul’s letter to a Titus. Paul writes:

But as for you, teach what is consistent with sound doctrine. Tell the older men to be temperate, serious, prudent, and sound in faith, in love, and in endurance.

Likewise, tell the older women to be reverent in behavior, not to be slanderers or slaves to drink; they are to teach what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be self-controlled, chaste, good managers of the household, kind, being submissive to their husbands, so that the word of God may not be discredited.

Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, gravity, and sound speech that cannot be censured; then any opponent will be put to shame, having nothing evil to say of us. (Titus 2:1-8).

Have you noticed that in our day and age, and especially during the Christmas season, that people are less civil and they have forgotten how to be polite? All you have to do is to get out on the roads. People are always cutting others off, and they do so without even signaling. When you get to your destination and try to park, people are jockeying for parking spots nearly running others down to get the best spot. Turn on the TV and I have no doubt you will encounter young people using foul language and dressed like, well you can fill that in.

In the midst of this world, Paul gives us some sound advice: be temperate, be prudent, be loving, do not slander, do not over indulge in drink, love your spouses and children, have integrity, be chase, watch your mouth, and exercise self-control. The world would be a much better place is we adhered to Paul’s advice.

Let us pray: Almighty God, whose loving hand has given us all that we possess: Grant us grace that we may honor you with our substance, and, remembering the account which we must one day give, may be faithful stewards of your bounty, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Remember you can always check the Daily Reflections at http://staugustineofhippogalveston.blogspot.com/ if you would like check or to share calendar reminders.

CALENDAR REMINDERS

Christmas Services: Christmas Eve, 5 p.m., Rite II; Christmas Day, 9 a.m., Rite II.

Food Pantry for St. Vincent’s House: People are in need all year round. Please remember to bring something to those with those who have nothing. You can always place your gift at the food pantry collection center in the vestibule of the Church.

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List, especially Cindy Katz, Robert Strawder, Katie Putman, Roylene Lemons, the unemployed, the addicted, the poor, the weary, the depressed, the lonely, and those who have no one to pray for them.

“Let us, therefore, foresake the vanity of the crowd and their false teachings, and turn back to the word delivered to us from the beginning.”—St. Polycarp of Smyrna (69-155)

Your servant in Christ,

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550

Nothing Is Impossible With God

In this Monday of the fourth week of Advent, the appointed Gospel is taken from Luke, which presents to us the familiar story of Jesus’ birth. Today we start out with Jesus’ cousin, John:

In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly order of Abijah. His wife was a descendant of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both of them were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments and regulations of the Lord. But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were getting on in years.

Once when he was serving as priest before God and his section was on duty, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and offer incense. Now at the time of the incense-offering, the whole assembly of the people was praying outside. Then there appeared to him an angel of the Lord, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was terrified; and fear overwhelmed him. But the angel said to him, ‘Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He must never drink wine or strong drink; even before his birth he will be filled with the Holy Spirit. He will turn many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. With the spirit and power of Elijah he will go before him, to turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.’ Zechariah said to the angel, ‘How will I know that this is so? For I am an old man, and my wife is getting on in years.’ The angel replied, ‘I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. But now, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time, you will become mute, unable to speak, until the day these things occur.’

Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah, and wondered at his delay in the sanctuary. When he did come out, he could not speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He kept motioning to them and remained unable to speak. When his time of service was ended, he went to his home.

After those days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she remained in seclusion. She said, ‘This is what the Lord has done for me when he looked favorably on me and took away the disgrace I have endured among my people.’ (Lk. 1: 5-25).

In the Gospel according to Luke, God turns things on their head and let’s us know that nothing is impossible with God. In a culture where men were in charge, women play a prominent role. In a society where men spoke, a man is rendered mute. Today’s reading makes that clear. Zechariah is a priest who doesn’t believe God’s messenger, Gabriel. It is not that he doubts, Zechariah refuses to believe asking for proof in the presence of an angel. Unlike Mary who is perplexed and afraid when Gabriel visits her asking “How can this be?,” Zechariah says “How will I know that this is so?” When God makes the impossible a reality, perhaps we should wait until we speak, and let the magnificence of God’s majesty and power simply be as we bask in His infinite love.

Let us pray: Merciful God, you send your messengers to us in many forms, give us grace to hear Your word and to revel in the power of Your infinite love as shown to us in Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

CALENDAR REMINDERS

Christmas Services: Christmas Eve, 5 p.m., Rite II; Christmas Day, 9 a.m., Rite II.

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List, especially Cindy Katz, Robert Strawder, Katie Putman, Roylene Lemons, the unemployed, the addicted, the poor, the weary, the depressed, the lonely, and those who have no one to pray for them.

Your servant in Christ,

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550

God has saved His “people from the east country and from the west country” in Jesus

The Old Testament reading for today comes from the Book of Zechariah. It picks up on a reoccurring theme in the Old Testament, God’s concern for those who have no voice, for those who vulnerable and weak:

The word of the Lord came to Zechariah, saying: Thus says the Lord of hosts: Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another; do not oppress the widow, the orphan, the alien, or the poor; and do not devise evil in your hearts against one another. But they refused to listen, and turned a stubborn shoulder, and stopped their ears in order not to hear. They made their hearts adamant in order not to hear the law and the words that the Lord of hosts had sent by his spirit through the former prophets. Therefore great wrath came from the Lord of hosts. Just as, when I called, they would not hear, so, when they called, I would not hear, says the Lord of hosts, and I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations that they had not known. Thus the land they left was desolate, so that no one went to and fro, and a pleasant land was made desolate.

The word of the Lord of hosts came to me, saying: Thus says the Lord of hosts: I am jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I am jealous for her with great wrath. Thus says the Lord: I will return to Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem; Jerusalem shall be called the faithful city, and the mountain of the Lord of hosts shall be called the holy mountain. Thus says the Lord of hosts: Old men and old women shall again sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each with staff in hand because of their great age. And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in its streets. Thus says the Lord of hosts: Even though it seems impossible to the remnant of this people in these days, should it also seem impossible to me, says the Lord of hosts? Thus says the Lord of hosts: I will save my people from the east country and from the west country; and I will bring them to live in Jerusalem. They shall be my people and I will be their God, in faithfulness and in righteousness. (Zechariah 7:8-8:8)

The prophets continually tell the people of Israel that keeping faith with God means caring for those who have no voice, the weak, the widow and the orphan. Yet Israel does not listen to God’s messengers, to His prophets. Advent is a reminder of us of how the weak and oppressed awaited the coming of the Messiah. The Messiah did come; he came as one of us to be one with us. We remember the promises made to Israel in the Old Testament and we rejoice because God has saved His “people from the east country and from the west country” in Jesus, the Christ. God has remained faithful and righteous. Rejoice!

Let us pray: Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

CALENDAR REMINDERS

The Advent Series (Hope, Peace, Joy and Love) continues this Sunday after the service. This is the last in the series, and this Sunday we will reflect on Love.

Christmas Schedule: Christmas Eve, Saturday, 24 December, Rite II, 5 p.m. Christmas Day, 25 December, Rite II, 9 a.m.

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List, especially Cindy Katz, Robert Strawder, Katie Putman, Roylene Lemons, the unemployed, the addicted, the poor, the weary, the depressed, the lonely, and those who have no one to pray for them, and we pray in thanksgiving especially for all of those marked with the sign of faith, especially Nora and Stanislawa and for John who expresses Christ’s love by his generosity.

“O God of our fathers, and Lord of mercy, who has made all things with your word, and ordained man through your wisdom, that he should have dominion over the creatures which you have made, give me wisdom that sits by your throne so that I might understand what is your will and be saved. For I am your servant. Amen.” — St. Cyril, 9th century apostle to the Slavic people

Your servant in Christ,

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550