April 5th Message from the Rector

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;*
a good understanding have all those who live accordingly;
his praise endures for ever." (Psalm 111:10)

A good reminder when one reflects how in their youth, when they turned their back on God or struck out on their own, the lack of wisdom became evident. Once we learn the character and attributes of God, we begin to understand that the way of the cross is none other than the way toward life.

Which is why He is worthy of our praise. Which is why the Bible speaks of how eternal life will be filled with his praise. To be loved by God inspires an attitude of gratitude in response for all that He is has done and is doing and will do.

How would you express this to the Lord?
Here's one way...the cornerstone of recovery for those who are on a path to end their addiction:

"Oh Lord, I ain't what I want to be
Oh Lord, I aint what I oughta be
Oh Lord, I ain't what I'm gonna be
But thanks, dear Lord, I ain't what I used to be."

Quick Note on the Psalms
Have you ever wondered why we always read portions or complete Psalms each Sunday? The 3 Year Lectionary Cycle covers the majority of the Old and New Testament but "Recitation of the Psalms is central to daily worship throughout the Christian tradition. Anglicanism at the time of the Reformation established that the entire Psalter be read in the Daily Office every month." (see pp. 734-735 BCP).

So moving continuously through the Books of the Bible with emphasis on the Psalms is part of what makes Anglicanism unique from other denominations.

When a group or a family reads a Psalm together in unison and then discusses which portions spoke to each person, incredible insight and spiritual meaning are brought to the surface. For example, in Seminary, when our advisee group did this, each person would relate a portion, verse, or theme to their life circumstances and immediately we would begin to understand the way the Lord speaks individually and collectively. It was powerful!

"The Psalter intends to lead and nurture people to such a freedom that finds its proper life in happy communion that knows no restraint of convention or propriety...The Psalter as a whole, therefore, has the effect of propelling the worshiper into continuing praise of God." (Daniel J. Estes)

Let the Easter Season remind us if when we are baptized in Christ's death, then we will be raised in a Resurrection like his.

God's Blessings and Peace always!
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