From the Pastor's Desk

There’s a hippy church song I haven’t heard in a long time, thank God. The refrain says  “Let us build the city of God…” I can’t build an IKEA book case, how can I build a city? the city of God, no less? It’s absurdly narcissistic. The most we can hope to do is to cooperate with God in his creation. In fact He expects our cooperation. 
 Some folks think the song refers to the book by St Augustine, “City of God” but that book is more in keeping with the biblical passage Psalm 146:3 “Put not your trust in princes or human beings who cannot save.” The destruction of the earthly city of Rome by barbarian tribes caused distress throughout the Empire. Augustine tells us to strive for the city of God which is our true homeland. By being faithful to the Gospel, by doing good and avoiding evil we can cooperate with God in this world and look forward to the heavenly city. 
 In the Gospel Jesus tells us how to cooperate with God. The farmer plants the seed, rain waters the fields, the sun provides energy, all part of God’s creation and finally the farmer harvests the crop. We are an integral part of God’s plan of creation. We must each do his duty. Cooperate and work together doing those things which we are called to do by the Lord. 
 Today we host the Corona Center which is a group that helps those dedicated to drugs and alcohol regain their proper place in God’s plan. I have found their witness inspiring and indeed it can be life saving. Lend an ear and support them as you are able. 
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