A Word from Father Tom

The prophet Samuel is one of my favorite Biblical characters. In part this is due to his sensitivity and submission to the Lord from an early age, his faithfulness as a judge and a prophet, and his faithfulness in spite of the complexity and uncertainty connected to the future of Israel. Samuel was the linking character between the “time of the Judges” and the “time of the Prophets”. However, his life was anything but a bed of roses. Although we don’t have the space to flesh much out about him, we read this about his transition into the latter part of his ministry life:

I Samuel 8: When Samuel became old, he made his sons judges over Israel. ² The name of his firstborn son was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; they were judges in Beer-sheba. ³ Yet his sons did not follow in his ways, but turned aside after gain; they took bribes and perverted justice.⁴ Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah, ⁵ and said to him, “You are old and your sons do not follow in your ways; appoint for us, then, a king to govern us, like other nations.

For some of us this is a familiar story. The scriptures do not record how his sons’ training, transition into important spiritual/political positions, or their removal from their offices occurred. It is not recorded how this seeming failure with his sons affected Samuel’s emotions, life, and ministry functioning at times. I suggest that this is likely a most painful time in Samuel’s life, and in the following versus things only get more intense.

However, unlike Eli, the judge before Samuel (and Samuel’s mentor), God did not rebuke Samuel for ignoring his son’s behavior, nor does the author of I Samuel fault Samuel in any way for his son’s rebellious and destructive ways. The indication is that they were removed from their positions once their character had been revealed. While Samuel was likely not a perfect parent or role model (none of us are), he seemingly had been a generally faithful one. God was using, blessing, and empowering Samuel, NOT because he had the model family and a resume of worldly, measurable success, but because, in His grace, the Lord gifted Samuel to lead His Covenant People. Samuel was God’s mouthpiece through His grace and because of Samuel’s continued stick-to-it-ism.

Also, remember that this public, humiliating, “failure” on the part of Samuel came before some of the greatest, most impactful moments of his “ministry career”. The rebellion of his sons comes before Samuel anoints Saul as king. It comes before he anoints David as king, thus establishing the Messianic Davidic Kingdom. It comes before many more courageous acts that Samuel accomplished as a well-regarded hero of our faith.

God doesn’t bless and honor Samuel because he has it all together, or because he no longer struggled with everyday temptations and sin like the rest of us. He used and blessed Samuel because of His own “lovingkindness” and His own “grace”. Samuel was able to receive this grace, even through suffering and grief, because he didn’t give himself over to sin and unfaithfulness. Unlike his sons, he did not “turn aside after gain; take bribes and pervert justice”.

When we are contrite, humble, and faithful, we are assured of God’s forgiveness and grace. He only saves and uses us because of His grace. He only can use us in measured and lasting ways when we engage our need and our limited influence over others and situations. But when we throw ourselves on His mercy, the doors of his blessing are kicked open wide, and the blinding light of the glory of God shines in. We are most spiritually powerful in our weakness and reliance on Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Who knows? Our greatest fears and perceived failures may indicate that God is ready to use us in ways we never imagined. We will never know, though, if we put our trust and hope in empty things or promises; if we fail to constantly throw ourselves on God’s grace and loving-kindness.   Is. 57:15For thus says the high and lofty one who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with those who are contrite and humble in spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite.

See you Sunday.

Father Tom

Bishop Burgess Ordination – May 21, 2022

The Diocese Transition Committee has been busy making plans for a gala celebration of the consecration of the twelfth bishop of the Diocese of Springfield, the Very Reverend Brian Burgess. The liturgy of Ordination and Consecration will take place on Saturday, May 21 at 11:00 am in the Cathedral Church of St Paul the Apostle, with a reception immediately following. St Matthews will be well represented as many of you have made plans to attend the event in person. For those not able to make the journey, Vestry will be livestreaming the celebration in the Parish Hall. We will have pizza and salad available for lunch so please join us for the celebration and fellowship. All are welcome including guests.

Upcoming Schedule

Worship

Adult Christian Ed Class
No class May 15 and 22.