Today’s Old Testament reading is from The Wisdom of Solomon, an apocryphal book of the wisdom genre, somewhat like Proverbs or Ecclesiastes. Anglican tradition regards apocryphal books as inspired but of lesser importance than other Old Testament books.

What a wonderful message in today’s reading. Earlier Jewish writings had seen all things, good and evil, as coming from God. Here is an indication in a later book that understanding is moving closer to the Christian understanding that only good comes from God; evil comes from within the creation itself, not from the Creator.

I think we often need to hear this message. I can’t count the number of times in my priesthood I’ve heard the comment during difficult or sad times, “It must be God’s will.” or “I don’t know what I did to be punished by God this way.” Etc. 

What we have to keep in mind is the understanding that our people have held on to for two thousand years, an understanding immensely strengthened by the life of Jesus, that God intends only good for Her creation. The New Testament book of James says it explicitly: “Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow...” (1.17)

This message is reinforced by today’s gospel reading, where we see Jesus, acting out of compassion, accomplishing two dramatic healings.

Jesus says that He has come that His people might have life and have it abundantly. (John 10.10) That is what God is all about for us.

Comforting Peace,

Father Mark

 This week's lectionary readings are: 

• Proper 08
• Wisdom of Solomon 1.13-15; 2.23-24
• Psalm 30.1-13
• 2 Corinthians 8.7-15
• Mark 5.21-43

Saint Andrew’s is a parish church in the Diocese of Los Angeles of the Episcopal Church U.S.A., a member of the world-wide Anglican Communion, daughter churches of the Church of England.

We are a praying parish where all are welcome. We are Christians of every type, old and young, married and single, gay and straight, different nationalities and cultures, native-born and foreign-born, conservative and liberal, sinners and saints. We are bound together by God’s love for us and our love for God and one another.

Our vision of parish life at Saint Andrew’s moves us to foster a welcoming, inclusive, loving community in which we

1) accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior,
2) worship God,
3) educate our children, inquirers, and ourselves in Christian faith and values, and
4) serve the needs of the world as an expression of our love for the Creator and the creation.