Happy Second Sunday in Lent.
The AOC Sunday report can be downloaded RIGHT HERE.
We have excellent sermons today from Bishops Jerry, Roy, Igor and Jack. In addition, as normal we have a sermon from Rev Bryan, it is particularly good today; I’d like to point that out and ask you to give it your special consideration. Bishop Jack brings the propers together. His sermon can be viewed on video HERE ->https://youtu.be/-TVbL9-aRj0
Bishop Jack’s sermon looks at the unifying message of the Collect, Epistle and Gospel and examine how they share a common message of action as we enter into the time of Lent, which is a season of preparation. In the Collect, we acknowledge to God that we cannot direct our own lives; if we listen to our own selves we are without guidance. Paul tells us to keep our bodies under control of our minds and our minds to be guided by God only, He helps move us on course. Matthew gives us a fine example of faith that demonstrates how we must be guided by faith in our Lord. The woman who cries unto Jesus is a Gentile, just like us. Just like us she longs for His Mercy and will not give up. Action, not diction is what counts. It all comes together.
As always, we have a lot of people who desire your prayers. I know that seems to never change, that is because it doesn’t ever change. Today we ask you start with Alan Ridenour’s father who is been in ICU for well over a month now with Covid then work your way through Shamu, Tricia, Laurie and continue from there when you have time.
As we work our way through Lent, season of preparation for the coming of the Lord amongst other things, we all need to see if we are really opening our heart to God’s guidance in the form of the Holy Ghost. If we’re not, and I doubt any of us really are as much as we could, we need to try harder and harder to do that. It is very difficult to follow God’s instructions if you don’t listen to them.
May you see the epic week ahead
Godspeed,
Hap Arnold
Bishop Coadjutor
Anglican Orthodox Church Worldwide
