"The Peace of God Which Passes All Understanding..."

“May the peace of God which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God…” Philippians 4:7

Dear Friends,

            In his letter to the Philippians, writing from prison in some of his very last words before his death, Paul tells us not to worry when things look bleak or uncertain, to be gentle with ourselves and the world around us.  He assures us that there is transforming power and freedom in praying and giving thanks, in rejoicing for all life’s circumstances.  And there is the mysterious gift of a Peace that the world cannot give, a Peace that guards your heart and mind, like a sentry guards a tomb, to keep it safe. 

            As we trust God’s love and providence, all things are possible.  Paul invites us to think not on our circumstances but to think over and over on higher truths, excellence, honor, justice, purity, and most of all on love, which transcends everything.  I’ve noticed that giving thanks, as a practice, even when I don’t feel grateful, will always renew my spirit, and I read that this practice is good for your heart.  It lowers our blood pressure, reduces our stress, and opens us to new possibilities. 

            Each Sunday when asked to bless the congregation, I often use Paul’s words, followed by: “And the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you forever.  Amen”.   I love sending us out to love and serve the Lord touched by these words of Peace. 

            Now, that doesn’t mean I expect we’ll walk out into a world that’s is inherently peaceful.  Quite the contrary, we know we’re living in a world that is, many days anxious, challenging, chaotic, divided and predisposed to “war and rumors of war.”    

             But I do believe God’s persistent grace does follow us around everyday, inviting us to trust God in the midst of war, in turmoil, in anxiety and in uncertainty.  Paul’s words invites us to trust God when bombs fall, when illness comes, when pain and death come, with all our worries and fear, even as we pray that the Peace of God will fall on and cover the whole world. 

            In Iraq, Iran, Israel, Gaza, in Birmingham, Chicago, Montgomery, and India and Pakistan, we pray, faithfully, “May the Peace of God, that passes all understanding, keep all our hearts and minds in knowledge of God’s love…and may God’s peace reign, prevail, and guard every heart forever.” 

            Lately, I’ve had the blessing of ordaining six new priests and three new deacons to serve in our churches.  I love this extra chance to worship with people from all over the Diocese in celebration.  Every Sunday, I am honored to worship in a different parish and see the ministry that inspires us to build these communities of faith.  Our communities are vibrant and bringing the gospel to all parts of the Diocese and the world, in creative and loving ways.  God has given us much to proclaim and much for which we should be grateful.  Let us not forget that we are building on the faith of many who have gone before us, in preparation for those who will come after us.  God goes with us to provide the grace and the peace that pave the way to build God’s kingdom. In so many ways, we are blessed. 

      I invite us to pray every day: “Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever.” Amen

            I hope I see you at church soon.