Words From our Rector

Dear Friends,

Some of us know or have known individuals in our own lives who have radiated incredible faith. We've even wondered, "How these people could be such strong believers?" Many of them have experienced hardships which would cause most to question their faith. Their steadfast faith, however, continues to be a powerful message to others.

It is a challenge in today's fast-paced world to sustain any relationship, and nourishing those relationships calls for us to make commitments. For Christians, these commitments involve our underlying beliefs, our faith. Part of our call is to share the "story" - the Good News of Jesus Christ and to invite others into the Body (the Church). What a great responsibility! Add the complications of our own lives and the life of the Body to this call and the difficulties become apparent.

Sometimes the un-churched become members of the Body as a result of hearing the stories of our faith or by seeing it in action. At other times, our weaknesses and brokenness (both as individuals and the Body) sends them running the other direction. The outward expression of our inward faith (or lack of faith) can profoundly influence someone else's life. By our sharing the relationship God has established with us, we express how we have been strengthened in the face of adversity, and how we find joy in our celebrations. Our lives become outward, living testimonies to an inner belief in God.

Two thousand years ago a child was born in Bethlehem. He was proclaimed God in the flesh. With regularity we recite creeds which recall and express this belief. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, it would behoove us to consider what, if any, meaning God's incarnation reveals to today's world. How is this manifestation of God experienced today? Think about it. The Magi journeyed a great distance to "see" this child--to see God incarnate. Is the "epiphany," the revelation of God to the world, something that can be experienced in the modern world?

I believe the answer is yes. Jesus Christ calls attention to our relationship with others and the world. The challenge is to acknowledge those relationships and their complexities, and in turn, define our response to them. As Christians we are called to respond in a specific manner. We are called to respond as Jesus Christ would respond. We are called to respond in love.

If our responses witness our faith, our lives can be revelations to others of God. We too can radiate faith and be powerful messengers. The choice is ours. The bottom line is, how does your life "evidence" the reality of God? Do people see and experience your faith? Let your life be a positive example that acts as a beacon of hope to those in need.

In Christ,
Denzil J. Luckritz, Rector