The Parable of the Great Feast, Part 2

Last week we took a look at the Parable of the Great Feast and how it related to the marriage imagery throughout the rest of scripture.  This week we will examine how the Revelation of St. John the Divine fits into the culmination of this marriage between God and man in the the Incarnation of the Christ.
 
In the Book of Revelation, the Church appears as a spotless bride awaiting her groom, Jesus. The same power of God which brings forgiveness out of sin and life out of death, and the same Love of God that forgave the people of Israel, transforms a harlot into a beaming virgin bride. With such significance put upon it, it should not be surprising to us that marriage can be so difficult and important at the same time. 
 
What is important for us to remember about our relationship with God… this marriage between God and Man created through the Incarnation of Jesus Christ, is this: as scripture makes clear, there will be suffering in this world, but Jesus promises us unending joy and peace in the next world at the heavenly banquet. Jesus also promises us that our experience in Heaven will wash away any memory of suffering and struggle from this life. And for this reason we need to make a specific effort to focus our attention on heaven -- if you are sorry for your sins, you are going to heaven -- there is no way God will keep you out -- he wants you to be there. 
 
You should make a conscious effort every day of your life to say, "I am going to go to heaven." You'll begin to get a handle on what St. Paul means when he says, "I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory which shall be revealed in us." And, speaking of glory, I don't think there is much in the whole rest of the Bible that can measure up to what St. John promises us about heaven in the Book of Revelation -- so let's listen to it once more: "They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." 
 
I think we can all agree that this is one glorious wedding reception that no one would want to miss. So keep the faith!
 
--Fr. Deacon Chris
 
All things come of thee, O Lord, and of thine own have we given thee
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Upcoming Events

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

Sunday School & Men's Group on recess for the summer

Wednesday at Noon – Holy Communion

Parish Picnic, Sunday September 18, Fort Hunt Park after combined 10 AM Service (7:45 AM Service will be held)
 
Next Vestry meeting in September

Please pray for everyone on the parish's prayer list that is in the attached bulletins.

Food Donations 
Please help this month with a food donation if you are able. Christ House is 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)
• cereal (low sugar)
• pasta (regular and gluten-free)
• instant potatoes
• Macaroni & cheese kits
• Coffee, cooking oil, flour, sugar 
 
Updated List of Needs for MaRIH Center (crisis pregnancy center)
MaRIH Center with its all volunteer staff has been providing help to mothers-to-be and mothers in need.  If you can provide some of the items that are needed, please do so. (You can leave the donations where the food for the food bank is collected on the pew in the undercorft.)

Especially Needed
Baby wipes (an ongoing great need)
Diapers (sizes 1, 4, 5, & 6)

Clothing
Bibs
Sleep Sacks: Girls 0-6 mos.
Socks: Boy/Girl 2T
Short sleeved onesies: Boy/Girl 3-6 mos.

Others
Diaper rash ointment
Baby shampoo
Aldi, Giant, Safeway & Walmart gift cards (for food!)
 


 
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St. Andrew & St. Margaret of Scotland
1607 Dewitt Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22301-1625