Priority One

I'm pretty sure that I've previously shared this story, but it is worth repeating here. The Dean of Students at my high school (Lebanon Catholic High School) also served as one of the religion teachers. His name was Hubert Conner. Mr. Connor was an intense and passionate lover of God. Flawed to be sure, yet wholly driven by a desire to serve the Lord.  He was fond of regularly pronouncing, Seek first the Kingdom! He taught me many other things, but this counsel has reverberated for decades -- sometime softly, sometimes loudly.

As we approach the Festival of Pentecost this coming Sunday, we are also mindful that we are hip deep in week-four of our capital campaign, 2020 Vision: Growing in Boldness in Hope.

Being hip deep in something means you're in it as active participant and not simply as passive observer or feckless victim. Holy Baptism was like that once.  We used to wade into the water, hip deep if you will, and both actively engage and willingly submit to being buried with Christ in the water so that we might rise with him in newness of life. (Now, we sprinkle, dribble, and pour water across the forehead -- still a viable means of God's grace -- a practical if not timid expression of God's extravagant, amazing grace!)  

Heeding the call to seek first the Kingdom of God, necessitates an examination of our priorities. Not everything and everyone can be at the top of our lists. It's of no surprise that most would rather not do this work. And it is a discipline -- a practice, not a punishment. Yet, the good news is that we don't have to do it alone. We are surrounded, empowered, and equipped to be faithful to that which God calls us. 

Practicing our principles is no exception. Pentecost is a reminder that the Holy Spirit of God is still active and alive. Maybe it needs to be stirred up on occasion, like chocolate syrup in the bottom of a cold glass of milk.

Don't let the fog get you down. The burning light of Holy Spirit fire comes upon us! May we continue to shine this light through our lives into the lives of our neighbors, seeking first the Kingdom of God!

Early Saturday Morning in May near Mercersburg

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Day of Pentecost

May 15, 2016

Prioritize: Practice our Principles

Matthew 6:19-33

Prayer of the Day

God our creator, the resurrection of your Son offers life to all the peoples of earth. 

By your Holy Spirit, kindle in us the fire of your love, 

empowering our lives for service and our tongues for praise, 

through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, 

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.