Trinity XIII

The Collect. 
ALMIGHTY and merciful God, of whose only gift it cometh that thy faithful people do unto thee true and laudable service; Grant, we beseech thee, that we may so faithfully serve thee in this life, that we fail not finally to attain thy heavenly promises; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Epistle. Galatians iii. 16 - 22.

The Gospel. St. Luke x. 23 - 37 


In St. John’s Gospel, chapter 3, Nicodemus came to Jesus by night. He wasn’t yet a believer, but he was curious — and in time, that conversation grew into real faith. We later find Nicodemus standing with Joseph of Arimathea, boldly caring for Christ’s body after the crucifixion. But in today’s Gospel, another religious expert — a lawyer, a Bible scholar — comes to Jesus with very different intentions. He isn’t curious. He isn’t humble. He comes to test Jesus. His questions sound pious, but his heart is proud. Jesus, however, doesn’t dismiss him. Instead, He teaches him. And through this exchange — and the parable of the Good Samaritan — He teaches us too. At first glance, this lawyer looks impressive. He knows the Scriptures. He quotes Deuteronomy 6: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind” — and Leviticus 19: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus even commends his answer. These two verses, after all, summarize the whole law of God. They are the heartbeat of Scripture.

But here’s the problem: the scholar doesn’t understand them. He treats them as if they are rules to check off, rather than a way of life flowing from faith. He asks: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Do you hear the contradiction? An inheritance isn’t earned. It’s received. Eternal life isn’t a paycheck for our works. It is a gift from God through Christ. And then comes the second question — “Who is my neighbor?” In other words: Where’s the line? Who am I obligated to care for, and who can I safely ignore? Only someone who doesn’t understand the love of God could ask that.

That temptation still lingers today. We might not say it aloud, but deep down we often want limits on love. Surely it doesn’t extend to that person, those people, the ones who disagree with me, the ones who make life difficult. Jesus doesn’t debate the scholar. Instead, He tells a story. A man is beaten and left half-dead. A priest passes by. A Levite passes by. Both religious men, both keepers of the law — and both unwilling to risk compassion. Then comes the Samaritan. The outsider. The enemy. And he alone shows mercy. When Jesus asks, “Which of these proved to be a neighbor?” the scholar can’t even bring himself to say “the Samaritan.” He simply mutters: “The one who showed mercy.” And Jesus responds: “Go and do likewise.” Here’s the key: Jesus is not saying, “Do good deeds and you’ll earn eternal life.” He is saying, “Receive mercy from God, and then live mercifully toward others.” Mercy is not something we invent. It is something we reflect.

St. John says, “We love because He first loved us.” That’s the order. First the mercy of Christ, then the mercy of Christians. The Samaritan points us to Jesus Himself, who comes to us in our half-dead condition, binds up our wounds, pays our debt, and promises to return for us. Only when we know His mercy can we extend it to others. The lawyer asked, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus turns the question around: “Whose neighbor will you be?” The answer begins at the cross. There Christ proves Himself our true Neighbor — the One who had every right to pass us by, yet stopped, stooped, and saved us. And once we know that mercy, once we live in that forgiveness, we are set free to go and do likewise.

So let us walk in His mercy, loving God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind, and loving our neighbor as ourselves. For the world may still test and tempt Christ, but the Church knows the truth: His mercy endures forever.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

-- Fr. Chris Fish

All things come of thee, O Lord, and of thine own have we given thee
 

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Services & Events
 
Sunday Services, 7:45 AM, 9:00 AM, & 11:15 AM (for online participation for the services go to: https://www.facebook.com/saintsofscotland)  

Nursery, 9:00 & 11:15 AM services (lower level)

Sunday School, this Sunday, 10:30 AM

Saturday September 20, 8:30 AM,  Men's Group,  church under croft, great breakfast by Chef extraordinaire Claude  Crump, fellowship, and Bible study with Fr. Roddy.

Sunday September 21, Church Picnic at Fort Hunt Park after combined 10 AM service, (no 9 AM & 11:15 AM services) invite friends and neighbors too:  Great BBQ, hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages and so much more. A sign-up sheet for appetizers/side dishes and desserts is posted on the bulletin board in the undercroft. 

Monday September 29, 7:30 PM, Vestry meeting, church undercroft, all parishioners welcome
Annual Pet Blessing, Saturday, October 4, between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. – To volunteer, please email Fr. Chris at scotlandsaints@gmail.com

Visit by Bishop Mushtaq Andrew of Pakistan – Following the Provincial Synod in Charleston, S.C., Bishop Andrew will be visiting our Parish from October 17-21., More details forthcoming.

Save the date Saturday October 25, Women's Brunch, more details soon


NEWLY UPDATED NEEDS FOR MaRiH CRISIS PREGNANCY CENTER

 MaRiH Center has made some changes and additions in its critically needed items. The Center provides help to mothers-to-be and mothers in need.  Please provide some of the items that are needed..They are very greatly appreciated. (You can leave the donations where the food for the food bank is collected on the pew in the undercorft.)

Especially Needed
In Bold and with an asterisk are a critical need. Please note changes in diaper needs and additional items.

*Diapers ( newborn, 1, 2, *3, *4, *5, & *6)
*Lovies, Rattles, Teethers
*Baby wipes
Diaper rash ointment
Baby shampoo
*Baby blankets
Baby bottles
Bibs: infant, *toddler
*Formula: *Simulac Advance Formula
Formula: other but not recalled
Diaper rash ointment
Wash clothes
Hooded Towels
Spring/summer clothing: 0-3 mo, 3-6 mo, 9-12mo, 18-24 mo, 2T
Fall/winter clothing: 6-9 mo, 9-12 mo, 12-18 mo, 18-24 mo
Winter coats: all sizes up to and including 2T
*Grocery gift cards
Baby Food (make sure not expired)
Shoes: toddler

Food Bank Needs

The food bank appreciates the generosity of our parish.Please help this month with a food donation if you are able. Those we help feed are very thankful for the food we provide to them each month. Please also buy low sugar cereals (and not the kid's types that have lots of sugar). 

Current needs include the following:
canned meats (chicken, corned beef, spam)
peanut butter
jelly
tuna
canned vegetables (corn, green beans - (regular and low sodium)
individual fruit cups (low sugar)
canned fruit (low sugar)
canola or vegetable oil (48 oz)
boxed cereal (low sugar) and instant or old fashioned oatmeal (18 oz or 42 oz)
pasta (regular and gluten-free):
instant potatoes
single serving fruit juice
macaroni & cheese
soups: Chunky or Progresso,noodle soup; chicken broth, cream of mushroom
coffee, cooking oil, flour, sugar
 
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