The Catechism teaches us that it is our "bounden duty... to follow Christ, to worship God every Sunday in his Church and to work and pray and give for the spread of his kingdom." (BCP, page 291)Because we have always taken our Christian duty seriously, our parish is a beacon of faith, hope and love to people far beyond its parish boundaries, as attested by our internet presence - this blog and the Jazz Blog, episcopalnet.org, and our presence on youtube.
Having said that, in the midst of our corporate calling under the banner of Saint Luke's Church, individual commitment and action determines whether or not a person is part of the experience.
When someone decides to merely be an onlooker rather than to participate, that doesn't stop the ministry of our parish; instead, it only means that person won't be a part of it. Life gives us this lesson, does it not?
Advent is a good time to re-analyze one's commitment to God and His Church, and to, if necessary, move from being a mere spectator to participant.
God has been so good to us all. Even though we may have ignored and perhaps forgotten Him altogether at times, He's here for us, and is powerfully present within our parish church.
The next two Sundays we read and hear of John the Baptist, we ponder our commitment to God and His Church, and finally we've all the opportunity to make ready to approach and worship Jesus Christ on the occasion of His Incarnation.
Will you join me and the Faithful at Saint Luke's? Let's all make ready to greet Him in royal fashion!
See you in His Church!
And if you've not done so yet, it's time to make your pledge to the 2010 Operating Fund.
You can download the pledge form or pledge directly online via our parish home page, found HERE.
