Greeting on the eve of All Hallows’ Eve in Chuckatuck. A nice day to contemplate the cardinal attacking my study window. It appears she sees something that is upsetting to her. Thankfully she hasn’t hurt herself but it is unnerving to have her flutter against the window. We worshipped in the Parish Hall Chapel today as we will next Sunday too (1st and 5th Sundays). Our prayers are lifted for the faithful Saints in our lives, especially those who have gone to their greater glory since last All Saints’ Day. Blessings and hopefully more treats than tricks tomorrow.
As we worshipped today we took time to pause and reflect on the gifts we have been given and our response and use of the gifts given us. Our Collect reminds us that the best service the faithful offer is generated by God’s gift to believers. The work we do and our ability to act is based on God’s guidance and leadership. Our Epistle reading from Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians reminds us to give thanks for those who we minister with and to. The only thing we can boast about in life is doing what God wants us to do – and nothing else. Our Psalmist sings a song that highlights God’s unfailing guidance that is found in the teaching of scripture and the community of the faithful. The gospel reading from Luke was the story of Zacchaeus and how he was changed by his interaction with Jesus. Once Zacchaeus was touched by Jesus he repented and returned to relationship with his community.
Today’s sermon was based on the Hebrew Scripture reading from Habakkuk. We hear Habakkuk fulfill a prophet’s job and his growth as a prophet. Habakkuk gave voice to the Israelites as they felt wronged by God and he reiterated God’s commands to the Israelites and their failure to live faithfully – the reason they ended up in exile. We are invited to focus on being faithful to our evolving understanding of God at work in and through us, now and always.
I invite your comments,
Les+
Readings: Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4; Psalm 119:137-144; 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12; Luke 19:1-10
Video of Worship: https://youtu.be/v3qz9obvO5M
Video of sermon: https://youtu.be/-VUrXJvoiDE
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