September 17
Beloved families of Good Shepherd,
Peace be with you! In this Sunday’s appointed Old Testament reading from the book of Jeremiah, the prophet Jeremiah expresses his deep sadness about the spiritual and physical brokenness of his nation, Judah. He says his “heart is sick” that his people have trusted idols instead of God, which has led to destruction of Jerusalem and their capture by the Babylonians. Jeremiah knows that God will bring healing and restoration to his people and their nation if they recognize their spiritual brokenness and ask for God’s help. Jeremiah says, “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
Brother Lawrence, a 17th-century mystic and author of Practice of the Presence, says that admitting our powerlessness is the highest gesture of love we can offer to God: “the best reverence you can give God is to completely question your own strength and to trust perfectly, or totally in God’s protection, because this is how to make a sincere confession of our own weakness and a true acknowledgment of the Creator’s omnipotence.”
One of the primary ways we can ask for God’s help and healing is through the sacrament of baptism. Baptism is the entry point into the body of Christ and the life of the Church. In baptism, we say “yes” to God’s love and humbly acknowledge our need for God and other people. Baptism gives us healing and restoration in Christ as we follow Jesus’ Way of Love.
Our next two baptismal dates at Good Shepherd are November 2 (All Saints’ Sunday) and January 11, 2026 (Baptism of our Lord Feast Day). If you and/or your child are interested in receiving the sacrament of baptism, go HERE. Families who want to learn more about baptism are invited to attend our next pre-baptismal lunch meeting with Fr. Hendree and Rev. Emily on November 16, 11:30-12:30 pm. Child care and a children’s lunch will be provided in the nursery. Please email me HERE if you would like to join our next pre-baptismal lunch meeting.
We hope to see you this Sunday!
Many Blessings,
Patty