Third Sunday after Trinity, July 7th, 2019

Third Sunday after Trinity, July 7th, 2019

There are some things that have "warning labels" in our society.  For example, certain products we purchase in the store might list warnings on the label or television shows might even show a warning at the beginning saying "warning this program contains violence not suitable for some viewers" or something along those lines.  I like the warning that says:  "Children, do NOT try this at home!"  In my opinion, St. Peter should have put a "warning" message on his First Epistle stating:  "Warning: Following my advice is NOT for the faint of heart; Nor is it for the weak; Neither is it for the cowardly!"   This is because the advice he gives us is probably impossible for 99.9% of the population.  For we hear the following advice in his First Epistle:  "ALL of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time"  (I St Peter 5:5)    Wow!  St. Peter is telling us to be humble.  He is also telling us to humble ourselves before God!  If there is something I have learned in my Thirty-Nine (or so) years here on earth it is this:  Human beings want things their way.  For the most part, humility does not come naturally to us human beings.  We always think of ourselves as being right.  We always want others to listen to us.   Our opinion is the correct opinion.  We want things done our way.  "I know better than you but thanks for playing anyway."  etc. etc. etc.   Sometimes we look down our nose at other people whom we consider "not as good as we are."  St. Peter urges all of us to be "clothed with humility" when it comes to dealing with other folks.  As I say, this is extremely difficult especially in the day and age in which we live.  I contend that faithful, devout, committed Christians need to stand up for what is right, yes, but need to keep love at the core of who we are.  This is what Jesus did.   He held true to who He was . . .  meaning He held true to His beliefs . . .  but He was not afraid to be in the presence of sinners.  In fact, this was one of the main objections of the Pharisees.  In St. Luke 15:1, we hear the following:  "And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. "  But Our Blessed Saviour was able to both proclaim the truth and also be show love to sinners.  Remember the story of the woman at the well?  This woman had five husbands and the one she was presently living with at the time was not even her husband.  Our Lord did not mince words with this woman.  He told her how it is and yet He shared a cup of cool water with her.  He spoke the truth to this woman but He also took the opportunity to tell her about Our Heavenly Father.  In today's age in which we live, we have become so polarized that we don't want to listen to anyone "different" from us or someone who has a "different opinion" than ours.  Again, humility has become even more difficult in the age of social media.  Our Blessed Lord humbled Himself when He became a small, innocent baby.  Our Blessed Lord humbled Himself when He worked all those years as a carpenter.  Our Blessed Lord humbled Himself when He washed the feet of His disciples.  Our Blessed Lord humbled Himself when He willingly offered Himself on the altar of the Cross to die for your sins and mine.   St Peter urges us to be humble with one another and also with God.   Let us remember that we are all sinners just like we are all loved by God.   

St. Margaret Church meets each and every Sunday morning at 9:30 AM.  Come hear the Word of God preached from the King James Version and the 1928 Book of Common Prayer.  Join us as we receive the Precious Body and Blood of Our Blessed Saviour at Communion time.  We worship at the beautiful chapel at Marquette Manor, which is located at 8140 N. Township Line Road on the Northwest side of Indianapolis.