14th Sunday of Luke
Scripture: Ephesians 5:8-19
(1) Challenge
I recall my freshman year at the U of M when the Gophers clinched the national hockey championship. Naturally, the student body was euphoric, and in true Gopher fashion, everyone took to the streets to celebrate.
(2) Sin
However, rather than simply enjoying the moment, a few individuals became destructive. They smashed storefront windows, set cars ablaze, and even overturned news vans while they broadcasted the chaos!
(3) What happens?
When celebrations spiral out of control, it’s easy to get swept up and do things that will later be regretted. It’s as if you’re overtaken by a force beyond your control.
(4) Christ forges a new path
It’s acceptable to revel in triumph, but as St. Paul advises, we shouldn’t “get drunk with wine.” Instead, we should “be filled with the Spirit …(singing) psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, making melody to the Lord with all our hearts.”
(5) Longing satisfied
The resurrection of Christ is immensely good news—a reason for celebration—and our Church offers abundant resources for our rejoicing: services to express gratitude to God, joyous hymns to sing, poems to recite, and icons to convey our exuberance.
(6) Visible evidence
Every Sunday when we assemble, it’s our victory celebration—a proclamation to the world that our team has triumphed.
(7) What shall I do?
So, as we conclude our 2024 Stewardship Drive, please complete your pledge to the 12 Holy Apostles and support our mission to share the celebration of Christ’s victory over death with everyone in our community. Thank you!