Thoughts from St. Andrew's Episcopal Church • Birmingham, AL

Saturday, March 9, 2019

Old Testament: Deuteronomy 7: 17-26

Psalm 30, 32 * 42, 43 

Epistle: Titus 3: 1-15

Gospel: John 1: 43-51

Psalm 32

I have always said that the best part of my Sunday worship is being able to be part of the great litany and the Eucharist. From beginning to end, the prayers, collects, fractions, prayer of absolution, prayer of Thanksgiving all make me feel one with God — God with me and in me. As I take of the Bread and wine, the body and blood of Christ, I feel a transformation at the altar, at that moment where Christ enters my body and cleanses me of all my doubts, shortcomings, and sins, and makes me whole again. 

I think this is what Psalm 32 says. “Happy are they whose transgressions are forgiven.” Now, I will be the first to admit: it’s pretty plain, even for the most pious person not to make a mistake or do something wrong; but, the wonderful thing about God’s mercy and grace is that He gave us the will to ask for forgiveness and absolution. Growing up in the Baptist church there is an old Broadman Hymn that goes, “ Now let us have a little talk with Jesus, let us tell him all about our troubles; he will hear our faintest cry, He will answer by and by.” I can’t tell you how many Sundays, growing up in a small South Mississippi Baptist church I sang that hymn. To me that hymn says: tell your problems and your mistakes to Jesus and He will hear you no matter how downtrodden or troubled you may be. That’s the joy of His grace. It’s never too late. 

This past year was not my best by far. Health issues, job stresses, and other things kept me feeling down and almost out. Daily I prayed to God to hear my prayer for a change, and I guess I was waiting for instant satisfaction. Of course, He does it in His own way; and when I felt like it was not coming, of course, it did — and with overflow. Christ makes a way, but, you have to be willing to be patient in asking. “Great are the tribulations of the wicked; but mercy embraces those who trust in the Lord. Shout for joy, all who are true of heart.” 

Asking God for help and forgiveness sometimes is not easy. It takes courage, but, in the end, Christ understands us and He loves us enough to grant it.

Bernard Hufft