8th Sunday after Pentecost, August 3, 2014

The Collect, Proper 13

Let your continual mercy, O Lord, cleanse and defend your Church; and, because it cannot continue in safety without your help, protect and govern it always by your goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Reflections: To the extent that it is an institution, the church (like each of us) is prone to sin—preoccupation with survival instead of mission. It is only through prayer, deep and continual connection to God that we can remain fixed on who God calls us to be rather than on what at the moment seems expedient. The relevance of this prayer is particularly evident in our parish family’s present time of transition.