Sunday Services

Sunday School - 9:30 am

Holy Communion - 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sundays, 10:30 am

Morning Prayer - 2nd and 4th Sundays, 10:30 am

Thursday Services

Evening Prayer/Bible Study, 7 pm

No Evening Prayer/Bible Study, October 8th

Reaching out to the least, the lonely, and the lost

Holy Communion Service at Friendship South

2nd and 4th Sundays, 2:30 pm

Thoughts from the Lectionary: The Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity

From the Gospel Lesson: St. Matthew 22:34 – 46

This passage follows hard upon a situation in which some religious authorities questioned Jesus regarding the resurrection and Christ “schools” them on their lack of knowledge regarding both the Scriptures and God’s power. Upon hearing of this leaders from the “opposing religious party” gather to question Jesus as well. In their questions they go straight to the Scriptures and ask Him to state the greatest commandment in the Law of God. Once Christ answers that question, reminding His questioners of what the Scriptures say regarding their duties to God and man, He asks them a question regarding the coming Messiah. They then show their ignorance of Holy Writ in their rote answer. They refused to admit to what was plainly set before them. That for the Christ to be both David’s son and David’s Lord, He must be both God and Man.

Two opposing parties, both confounded by the same Lord both because they refused to acquiesce to what God has plainly said. Cannot we who are in Christ at times be just as hard headed and hard of heart? Are we not at times ignorant of what Scripture says like the Sadducees? And do we not at times refuse to admit to what is plainly written even though we are quite aware of it like the Pharisees?

Oh may Christ give us knowledge of His word where we are ignorant, and humility to accept His word where we are too proud to accept it. Oh Christ, may it be so.

Blessings,

Fr. Duane+