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The image of the circuit rider may loom large again. Let us not worship in an empty church. Worship God! In this proposed future, we may choose to walk in the ways of our predecessors. Like the twelve disciples… we can meet on any Sunday morning in the catacombs of modern society. We may also recall that we can gather on any Monday, Tuesday, or any day of the week within our Lord’s making. We can gather in meeting houses, libraries, funeral homes, and barns. Remember that Jesus said… And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ. (Matthew 16:18-20) In this way, by following our Lord’s apostolic instructions, we already possess the keys to the medicine chest for the ailing church. We have in hand the scriptural balm which cures busy, yet lonely hearts that pump desperately trying to swim through modern, sinful currents. Consider this! As scripture stated, Jesus “strictly charged” the disciples gathered on that former day to tell no one that he was the Christ. But the “Messianic Secret” got out a bit later at Pentecost... through the power of the Holy Spirit. Let it be so now. As a pastor I think we should be empowered by that same Holy Spirit, show Jesus to others through scripture study and our hope-filled behavior as his disciples. Speak words of invitation! Note however, that a friend or neighbor may balk at attending a Sunday morning worship service, but for the sake of needing community will go to a Bible study held in an informal atmosphere in a member’s home. In that way, you can pray together that the lost keys to the kingdom that each Christian possesses shall be found and mysteriously revealed to the visitor. In this way, the locked doors to the church shall be opened. Friends who gradually become participating, yet informal members of a Christian study group may enter a church sanctuary to find joyfully that our Lord has been looking after them all along. In sum, I find that we are called to become more sensitive to our Lord’s command past on to us by St. Matthew. It fits when he wrote that our Lord says…
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Black Robe Regiment-Allegany-September 2025 |
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“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.” (Matthew 28:18) Now, may the peace of God that surpasses all human understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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