One of the things I get to do during the week is read and meditate on the scriptures for next Sunday and write a sermon appropriate to the day. Ordinarily I preach about two things: I preach about the Gospel reading of the day; and I preach about ten minutes. That means I have to omit some very good preaching material from the sermon.
The good news about this omission is that many of our passages of scripture are so strong and concise that they are a sermon unto themselves. In light of all the stress that many are experiencing because of the economy, wars, accidents and other events of our times, I offer our Epistle for next Sunday. It's more than good words of advice from the Apostle Paul: meditating on this scripture and abiding by it might keep us from getting all twisted up with stress. I think it's called "resting in God."
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil. May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this. [1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, NRSV]
In peace,
Linda+
The Rev. Linda McCloud
Vicar, Holy Cross Church Episcopal
Billings, MT
406-208-7314
www.holycrosschurchbillings.org
photo: ancient tree at Mepkin Abbey
Monck's Corner, South Carolina
January 2008
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