This weekend we celebrate the life of Martin Luther King Jr. Sadly, as the events of this past year demonstrate America’s original sin, racism, still persists in our society. In 1958, Rev. King wrote: “Along the way of life, someone must have the sense enough and the morality enough to cut off the chain of hate. This can only be done by projecting the ethics of love to the center of our lives.” This is the challenge for every one of us who believes in the promise of America and seeks to renew the soul of this great nation. The National Holiday is observed annually on the third Monday of January. Reverend King’s actual birthday is January 15.
Join Carolyn Williams on Monday evening at Sundae Café for our monthly St. Michael’s Night Out. Mindful of the health compromised parishioners that I visit, I’m still being cautious about being in enclosed spaces with folks who are from outside my Covid bubble. Please forgive my absence. Our dinner setting begins at 5:30pm. When you call, (912) 786-7694, for reservations please let them know that you are part of the St. Michael group. If you like me are still part of the Covid cautious group, please consider ordering take out from Sundae Café on Monday.
Tuesday is the beginning of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, January 18-25, 2022. I get a good start on the week, I hope to have breakfast with the Rev. June Johnson, the Rev. Sue Jackson, and Chaplain Kenneth Williams USA, Ret. on Tuesday.
Saturday is the anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision legalizing abortion. To mark this sad anniversary consider joining Bishop Parkes at the Cathedral at noon on Wednesday (1/19) for a Mass for the Protection of Unborn Children.
Mark your Calendars for Monday, February 7th at 6:30pm. Deacon Bob Larcher begins a six-week study of the origins of the New Testament. I’m grateful for his preaching this weekend.
January 16, 2022 | Second Sunday in Ordinary Time | by The Faithful Disciple Is 62:1-5 | 1 Cor 12:4-11 | Jn 2:1-11 GROW: It was several years ago now, but the scene is still vivid in my mind. My son stood confidently in front of the altar as the music rose in a crescendo and his bride stepped into sight. The love and joy he felt trickled down his cheek as she walked down the aisle. He broke into a smile as she joined him, and proudly took her hand to promise to become one with her forever. Isaiah writes: “As a bridegroom rejoices in his bride so shall your God rejoice in you.” Isaiah was talking about the nation of Israel, but God loves and rejoices in each of his children and wants us to know the joy of being loved by him. He generously shares his gifts with us, “different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit,” St. Paul explains to the Corinthians. All spiritual gifts come from God, and all are important and necessary: “To each individual, the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.” God’s gifts are distributed uniquely to each person to use in our own unique way to “announce his salvation, day after day,” and invite others to discover the joy of his great love. GO: You are a masterpiece! This message was conveyed at the camp our diocese held each year to help teens recognize that they are God’s beloved sons and daughters, called and gifted by the Holy Spirit to be missionary disciples. Discerning what our gifts are and how to use them can be challenging. The Gospel about the wedding at Cana offers an interesting guide. Mary tells the waiters, “Do whatever he tells you.” By reserving time for listening and not speaking during prayer, we can hear what Jesus is “telling” us. Jesus then says to the waiters, “Fill the jars with water.” We can “fill our jars” with the knowledge of how to live as disciples by reflecting on Scripture. Finally, Jesus tells the waiters, “Draw some out.” We can “draw” on his love for strength and courage when we need it, but more importantly, we are called to “draw some out” to share with others. In sharing the “good wine,” the Good News of Jesus Christ, others will begin to believe in him, too. PRAYER: As the new year gets under way, devote time to discerningthe unique spiritual gifts, or charisms, you have been given. Make time for silent prayer and reflecting on Scripture each day.