A Word from Father Tom
Proverbs 3:
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own insight.
6 In all your ways acknowledge (know) him,
and he will make straight your paths.
7 Be not wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
8 It will be healing to your flesh[b]
and refreshment[c] to your bones.
Control is a tricky lord. It promises us freedom, but in the end, enslaves us. It never seems to stop tempting us with easier routes and quicker results. We are all given influence and power in some measure by our Creator and Redeemer. This is often evident as we engage our vocations in life and in the use of our spiritual gifts. We are also called by our Lord to be creative, and proactive. We are called to help the marginalized and the powerless in life and to work for justice and righteousness for everyone in whatever situation we find ourselves.
But what do we do when it is clear that we no longer have power unless we choose evil; when we realize that we might not get our way unless we choose to dishonor the Lord and harm others; when our motive is to punish others with our words and actions who are not living as we see fit?
The answers are found in Proverbs 3. When we feel powerless and marginalized, the Lord wants us to turn from our own understanding and put ALL of our trust in Him. He doesn’t want us to rely on our own wisdom but instead focus on knowing and completely trusting Him. In the end, the dirt and laundry always get separated in the wash. He knows intimately what we are going through, and the path he has set us on.
When we choose this route, we are told that we choose a path that promises refreshment and healing. When we choose our own routes, we find that our evil and selfish ways leave us feeling spiritually ill and emotionally empty
I leave you with these words from the Biblical book of Jeremiah, chapter 9:
23This is what the Lord says: “Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength, or the rich man boast of his riches 24but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight.”
Fr. Tom
Upcoming Schedule
Adult Christian Ed Class Sunday, 9 AM
Women’s Breakfast
Saturday, July 9 at 8:30 AM in Parish Hall.
A reminder that Episcopal Church Camp will be at East Bay Camp in Hudson, IL from July 3-9, 2022 for children entering grades 2-12. More information can be found at Episcopal Church Camp – Diocese of Springfield (episcopalspringfield.org)
Mark your calendars for the 2022 Cursillo weekend Retreat July 28-31, 2022 at Toddhall Retreat Center in Columbia, IL. More information and the application can be found at Cursillo – Diocese of Springfield (episcopalspringfield.org)
SWOT Exercise: Vestry is currently building the research and data needed for future planning. We are currently at the stage of collecting input on the strengths, challenges, opportunities, and threats for St. Matthew’s Church. If you would like to participate, please connect with a member of Vestry during the month of June.
Women’s Breakfast: In anticipation of re-launching the Women’s Breakfast, please join us on Saturday, July 9 at 8:30 a.m. The only thing required of you is your presence. The Men of the Church will be doing the cooking and cleaning up afterward. Oh my, what a treat that will be! Please sign up on the hallway bulletin board to be included on July 9th.