Reflections from Deacon Victoria

For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17)
 


Dangerous heat conditions. Fires raging. Crops failing. Inflation rising. Violence raging. Anxiety rising. Wherever we turn, there seems to be one more thing to worry about. It can be overwhelming. It’s tempting to despair and wonder where is the God in all this? It’s easy to be blinded by the things that are not right. Easy to not see the things that are an expression of God’s loving presence in our lives.
 
Yet, I see the presence of God here at St. John’s. I see a community that welcomes the stranger and invites them to join in. I see families who seek healing and comfort. I see a long list of loved ones for whom we pray because we trust that God’s presence will provide strength, courage, and hope. I see people who are willing to learn and face the truths about our country’s history of racism, so that they can discern how to right these wrongs. I see seekers who desire to learn more from Scripture and to entertain theological reflections that may open new vistas of understanding. I see a passion for serving God in many ways in the church and in the community. I see a zeal for justice, particularly about affordable housing and homelessness. I see the kingdom of God.
 
Thanks be to God!

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