August 31st Rector's Blog
Dear Parish Family:
"Count it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (James 1:2-4)
Standing the test of faith more than the test of time.
The Letter of James is believed to be written by the brother of our Lord Jesus Christ to the Early Church (or the twelve tribes in the Dispersion). Unlike most people who depended on their many gods under the headship of the Roman Empire, Christians were people of faith who depended on One God through Christ alone by faith alone. They were persecuted for their faith and being dispersed meant they could easily succumb to isolation and simply shut down in depression.
Given the current circumstances we face, how can we lean into counting it all joy when isolation and despair seem to be luring us in like eerie sirens?
Sirens were creatures from Greek mythology which enticed sailors to their destruction with their irresistibly beautiful singing. Their most famous appearance in literature is in Homer's Odyssey where the hero Odysseus, on his long voyage home following the Trojan War, successfully escapes their enchanting call.
We have to stay away from that kind of call because it only leads to being shipwrecked and lacking everything. The song Island by Jimmy Buffett speaks to this enchantment to become an island unto ourselves:
"Island I see you in the distance
I feel that your existence
Is not unlike my own
Island they say no man is like you
They say you stand alone
Sometimes I feel that way too
Is it the need for love?
Heart and soul accompaniment
That seems to make me different from you"
(Island - Song lyrics by Jimmy Buffet)
Giving in to the outlook of only the physical realm which we view through screens and images of breaking news - these are the devices and desires of our own hearts (General Confession) that make us believe there is a real and present danger of being lured onto the shore of a desolate island of our own choosing.
On the contrary, our steadfastness in faith is driven by our need for the love of God who will accompany us and lead us to a destination infinitely greater and different than the trappings and shaping tentacles of this world.
Our challenge is in keeping the heart conditioned with the spiritual reality of being yoked to Christ whose yoke is easy and whose burden is light! (Matthew 11:28-29).
On a personal note, thank you my dear parish family for allowing us this time of respite. Suiter and I arrived at Litchfield last evening, and this morning we are making preparations to receive our children and grandchildren. We are so grateful for these and numerous other blessings received under His most precious care. We will be back September 12th with the Rev. Fred Ochieng preaching. We are blessed to have the Rev. Luke Lucas with us this Sunday 9/5 for 8 & 11 Services so rejoice!
For do we not know it is the love of Christ that compels us to remain steadfast in faith? May we agree His blessings far outweigh the trials and tribulations that beset us? Please pray that we will all remain steadfast in our Faith together.
We are starting a new five week study and sermon series in the Letter of James. The title is "Sage Wisdom for Faithful Living". Please pick up a copy in the Narthex to take home with you and use it as a daily devotional as you read this short but incredibly poignant Scripture. You can also download a full copy HERE. (or at https://www.saintmatthews.us/jamesstudy)
"Blessed is the person who remains steadfast under trial, for when they have stood the test they will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him." (James 1:12)
"You're a Good Good Father, that's who you are, that's who you are and I am loved by you, that's who I am, that's who I am." (Song Lyrics Good Good Father by Chris Tomlin).
In Love, Peace, and Thanksgiving always for you and our life together at Saint Matthew's Church.
Rags+