Loved by God and called to be saints.
This week we are pretty low on feasts and memorials. We often have several days where we remember the saints of God who have gone before us. But this week, we only have one – Saints Simon and Jude (Apostles).
They’re incredibly important saints who give us much to learn, but this week I’ve found myself reading Romans and I was struck by the first chapter where Paul introduces himself and addresses his letter to:
‘..all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints.’ (Ch1. V7.)
The ordering of that introduction is fascinating if you take a moment to think about it.
Paul doesn’t address his letter to the saints of Rome who are loved by God, but to those who are loved by God… and called to be saints.
In other words, you don’t have to be a saint to be loved by God – that comes first. In fact, the only way to become a saints to recognise that you are already loved by God.
God’s love is not given out because you are a saint already – that you’re so holy that you somehow earn God’s love.
No! God’s love comes first and in accepting that love you can become a saint – you can become more holy.
Holiness is a journey deeper into God’s love, it is not a search for God’s love.
Knowing this, I wonder how it may change our understanding of our own unworthiness?
Can we take where we feel unworthy and turn it on it’s head? Can we see that unworthiness as something that God already loves and in that love calls us to change and be better?
What an idea! We become more holy in God’s love, not to earn it.
Who in your life needs to hear this? Who needs to know that God loves them already and that they are called to be saints?
Fr. Matthew
Downloads
Readings for Sunday 22nd October
Other news
PCC Meeting THIS SUNDAY 11:30am – 1pm to plan our Advent and Christmas seasons.
There is Sunday School NEXT WEEK at 11:30am-12:30pm. Please invite and encourage your children to come.
Thursday Fun & Fellowship is on Thursday and Fr. Josiah has some great ideas about things to try over the colder and darker months. Come along if you’re feeling lonely, come along if you enjoy great company – good coffee, conversation and camaraderie.
The Christmas Tree and Town Lights turn on will once again take place at St. Anselm, this year on the 16th November at 4pm with a joint primary schools choir concert and the switch on at 4:30pm. The mayor will be with us once again.
Please sign up for Parish Giving (which is a wonderful way to support St. Anselm and helps us claim more money from the government) Go to www.stanselm.co.uk/giving or call the Parish Giving Team directly on 0333 002 1271 quoting our parish number, which is: 230 623 503.