Dear Friends,
Jesus challenges us today: "Any who would follow me must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow me." Discipleship offers opportunities for transformation, growth, and conversion. It also means that we look for ways to transform suffering into sacrifice--literally to make it holy by embracing it with love. In that way we embrace all who are hurting, who feel unloved and isolated and invite them a life-changing encounter with God--who is LOVE.
The Collect for the
Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Lord of all power and might,
the author and giver of all good things:
Graft in our hearts the love of your Name;
increase in us true religion;
nourish us with all goodness;
and bring forth in us the fruit of good works;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God for ever and ever. Amen.
