For nothing will be impossible with God.
Dear friends and members of St. Matt's,
Last night, your Vestry met in a Zoom room to talk about and plan for our continued life together. As I wrote to you last week, our life has certainly changed in these last weeks - but it is far from ended. I'm so encouraged by the many ways you are reaching out and plugging in, and I hope you'll take more and more advantage of the connection, peace, and rest that St. Matt's is offering in the weeks ahead.
Our Vestry meetings always begin with a time of prayer and Bible study. And we tend to follow the church calendar, so that we're reading along with Christians all over the world. Yesterday was the Feast of the Annunciation, so we looked together at the Gospel passage appointed for the day. It's the familiar story of the angel Gabriel appearing to Mary to tell her that she has found favor with God, will bear a child, and that she need not be afraid. God has a plan, and it's a plan filled with goodness and promise - not just for her, but for the whole world. The angel also lets Mary in on a secret - God has worked another miracle, in the life of her cousin Elizabeth. Both of them will have children who will play a hopeful part in salvation history, who will be part of bringing life to the whole world.
Luke's telling of this story (Luke1:26-38) is full of strong images and descriptive language. And it's filled with hope. And this became apparent as we read and discussed this passage last night. That even now, in the midst of this season, God tells us not to be afraid. And there is the promise that God can work wonders: For nothing will be impossible with God. And it should remind us of the promise that God is always coming into the world, that Jesus is always finding ways to break into our lives, that the Spirit is always near to us and is capable of more than we can ask or imagine. And this more, is always about the good news for us and for the people around us.
What feels impossible to you today? I hope today that you will go look at that text. I hope that you will contemplate the ways God is present for you, the little ways that hope breaks in. I hope that the image of these women discovering the impossible will bring you comfort. For nothing will be impossible with God. And I hope that like Mary, you will go and share that prayer, that comfort, that hope with someone else. Because then our hope multiplies.
Let me know how I can help. Know that you're in my prayers. My hope is with you, and our hope is in this God who works wonders, for whom nothing is impossible.
Faithfully,
--Marissa +
This image of Mary & Elizabeth is a favorite of mine. I own one, and it comes from artists at A Sanctified Art. If you're curious, you can take a look at this icon and at many other modern icons. Icons help us to see and understand Biblical stories in new ways. And icons have helped Christians pray for thousands of years. If you'd like to know more, send me a note - I'd love to talk about it!
Also here's your Vestry online last night!
Tags: Welcome from the Rector