for March 1, 2015, Second Sunday in Lent, Year B, Readings: Gen 17:1-7, Ps 22:22-30, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38
For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life?
[Mark 8:36]
A house is just a place to keep your stuff while you go out
and get more stuff.
[George Carlin]
Strive! Accomplish! Acquire! Isn't that what life in our culture is all about? Sure I know I "can't take it with me" but while I'm here there's so much I want. What's wrong with having nice things and living well - actually, there's not so much wrong but the real question is: when is enough, enough?
Having it all may be more of a sacrifice than we realize. So much effort and stress is required for attaining more and more and more to the detriment of our spirits and souls. Do we need the newest iPhone, the next Smart TV, the most encompassing cable tv bundle with 500+ channels and the ability to record hundreds of hours of such soul-enriching content as anything with "Housewife" in the title, beach volleyball, or promoting ego satisfaction among stage parents, and so very many ways to shop for stuff?
Indeed we are meant to enjoy life and not merely endure it. Part of the enjoyment is in truly realizing, and accepting, that not all of the reward of a life in Christ comes after we die. Living more simply without a false sense of need for possessions can free us to savor the beauty of God's presence in the simple pleasures of a sunset, a child's glee, a piece of music, or the fulfilling moment of giving peace to another's soul through a smile, a meal, or just listening. We do know what we're to do, we just need to do it! God's Covenant bestows eternal grace and it is always available through simple faith. Let us work together to experience God's grace as we follow Christ and live our faith through the Gospel.
Having it all may be more of a sacrifice than we realize. So much effort and stress is required for attaining more and more and more to the detriment of our spirits and souls. Do we need the newest iPhone, the next Smart TV, the most encompassing cable tv bundle with 500+ channels and the ability to record hundreds of hours of such soul-enriching content as anything with "Housewife" in the title, beach volleyball, or promoting ego satisfaction among stage parents, and so very many ways to shop for stuff?
Indeed we are meant to enjoy life and not merely endure it. Part of the enjoyment is in truly realizing, and accepting, that not all of the reward of a life in Christ comes after we die. Living more simply without a false sense of need for possessions can free us to savor the beauty of God's presence in the simple pleasures of a sunset, a child's glee, a piece of music, or the fulfilling moment of giving peace to another's soul through a smile, a meal, or just listening. We do know what we're to do, we just need to do it! God's Covenant bestows eternal grace and it is always available through simple faith. Let us work together to experience God's grace as we follow Christ and live our faith through the Gospel.
LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY
Saint Alban Episcopal Mission, Antigua, Guatemala
You are invited to join us for English services every Sunday at Noon.
Casa Convento Concepcion, Antigua Guatemala, All are welcome.
See welcome letter at the sidebar.
St. Alban English Mission, Antigua, Guatemala is an outreach project of The St. James English parish, Episcopal Diocese of Guatemala, IARCA
.jpg)
Bishop Armando Guerra Soria, Rector of St. Alban Mission, Bishop of Guatemala and Primate Emeritus of Central America
The Rev. Ricardo FrohmaderAssociate MinisterSaint Alban Episcopal MissionAntigua Guatemala
2366 0599; 3344 9641
You are invited to join us for English services every Sunday at Noon.
Casa Convento Concepcion, Antigua Guatemala, All are welcome.
See welcome letter at the sidebar.
St. Alban English Mission, Antigua, Guatemala is an outreach project of The St. James English parish, Episcopal Diocese of Guatemala, IARCA
Bishop Armando Guerra Soria, Rector of St. Alban Mission, Bishop of Guatemala and Primate Emeritus of Central America
|
The Rev. Ricardo Frohmader Associate Minister Saint Alban Episcopal Mission Antigua Guatemala 2366 0599; 3344 9641 |