Clergy Notes — Pentecost 12, Sunday August 28 2022

My draft opening paragraph for these Clergy Notes had me listing the current woes of the world, locally and internationally. It began gloomily, and then went from bad to worse. Not an inspiring start. My thoughts then turned to some of Jesus’ words (Matthew 6.25-34) in the middle of the Sermon on the Mount.

Here are one or two quotes: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life…”; “Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”; “But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”; “So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”

Yes, the current news does appear to be gloomy and overwhelming, and, yes, of course, we do worry – for ourselves, for our neighbours, for our world. Most of us are not in a position to make significant changes to all this. But there are things that we can do.

First, to pray, as we do each day, that God’s kingdom may come, that God’s will may be done, here on earth – in the world, in the Downtown Eastside, in the church, in our homes and hearts – as it already is in heaven. Secondly, to give thanks for the good news that we may see around us, if only we open our eyes: perhaps the kindness of strangers, a friend’s success, the recovery of a neighbour. Thirdly, as individuals and as the community of St. James’, to pray for grace to be living examples of God’s kingdom values of love, service, justice, peace, and joy.

Every blessing,

Fr. Kevin

 

Download service booklet: Liturgy at Home Pentecost 12 August 28 2022