God is Enough

As I write this note, rain continues to fall from the skies, a much welcomed relief to our area in light of the wildfires a week ago. Though we now experience some reprieve, let us not forget that many are only now beginning to sort out their lives due to damage and destruction from the fires.

Julian of Norwich (14th c.) penned a most beautiful prayer that has made its way into our Book of Common Prayer (2019) entitled, "Satisfaction in Christ". There we pray: "O God, of your goodness, give me yourself, for you are enough for me. I can ask for nothing less that is completely to your honor, and if I do ask anything less, I shall always be in want. Only in you I have all." Amen.

She's right and yet the truth in that prayer may feel as if it would break us, for we seek after a great many other things in order to be satisfied. We place that burden, the weight of our affections and the desire of our souls, on the backs of others, a task they can never bear. Yet there is one who is willing, one who is able to bear all your burdens, to keep you from falling. May we find our satisfaction in him. Should we be delighted in a great many things in this world? Absolutely! But only as an abundance, an overflow of gifts flowing from our satisfaction in God alone.

As this week comes to a close and we prepare to gather virtually on Sunday, let us pray with Julian: "O God, give me yourself, for you are enough for me".

Grace & Peace

Draw Near to Jesus

I am thankful to the Lord for the ways in which he has brought me and my family to Emmanuel. Though I have had interactions with only some of you so far, I am encouraged by the love you have for God, the hospitality you share, and the desire you have to love our neighbors. I am thankful for the years of service of Fr. Dan and have an expectant joy for the work the Lord will continue to do.

We are currently experiencing trial upon trial with a sizable amount of uncertainty: Covid-19, unprecedented wildfires, a presidential election year, and evident injustices of many sorts. This is a lot to digest, perhaps it is too much. In the Epistle to the Hebrews, the author tells us of Jesus Christ who is the Son of God, the greater Moses, the greater sacrifice, and the greater high priest. In chapter four we read, "since then we have a great high priest...let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

There are many of us who are in need and because of that we have all the more reason to draw near to the throne of grace in prayer. Would you do that? As worry, doubt, or fear assail you, draw near to Christ. Ask a friend to draw near with you. When you are aware of another who is struggling, draw near to Christ on their behalf. And draw near in confidence for it is Jesus to whom you draw near, our Savior, Redeemer, and Friend.

Grace & Peace