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Folks,
In the Old Testament for this Sunday we see Solomon calling an assembly of all the leaders (and an alternate lesson with Joshua doing something similar) and prays quite a prayer, after first admitting that the Temple he built was too small for God. And in the Gospel lesson we hear of Jesus again speaking of devouring his flesh and blood, which resulted in his losing many followers ("This teaching is difficult"). Finally in the Epistle Paul gives yet more good advice to the disciples when teaching in a passage including the remarkably adept metaphor of military gear - "Take on the whole armour of God" including the breastplate, and "Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit". Above all, he says "Pray in the Spirit". Just a few notes here: It is not without reason that when in effect dedicating his new temple Solomon adds the thoughtful words about foreigners. In these days with so much talk of immigrant problems Solomon's advice seems very well thought-out. And in this gospel we see a frank admission that the way Jesus is commending is difficult. Finally though and of paramount import in the Epistle we hear "Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication." Those of you who know me have heard me go on about the important of the intangible, the power of the Spirit, when we communicate with ourselves in our inner most being. This brings to mind a prayer called "The Merton Prayer" sent to me recently by a friend, which goes as follows: My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone. Our love to all, Bart (and Tony!) and from all of us at St Matts! Events St Matthew parish in San Ardo will gather for Morning Prayer at the usual time of 10am for a service of Morning Prayer led by my partner, Tony(!) And our fellow mission parish, St Luke Church in Jolon will be do the same at the same time, with the service to be led by our friend Roy Morris. Other Events St Benedict Church in Los Osos is participating in the Community Dinner Wed Sep 4. The folks at St Luke Church in Atascadero are excitedly welcoming Rev Linzi Stahlecker at adinner and games event on Sat, Sep 7 in Atascadero Lake Park at 4pm. Potluck ote,s are welcome. St Luke folks want all to know they have a Crafting group that meets weekly - contact the church office for info. And don't forget that besides Sunday morning service and Sunday Evening Taize, St Luke is having Evening Prayer every Tues and Thurs at 5pm. St Barnabas Church in Arroyo Grande calls all artists to painting and potting parties including Anam Cre on Sep 6 = for info go to https://saintbarnabas-ag.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=debb1b33eb11372203a975524&id=148cebd805&e=acee3ced34 St Barnabas Parish Campout runs from Fri Sep 20 at 3pm to Sun Sep 23 at 11am at Lopez Lake Park. For more info email [email protected]
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