Welcome to the faith! - July 5

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 119:145-176; PM Psalm 128, 129, 130
1 Samuel 12:1-6,16-25; Acts 8:14-25; Luke 23:1-12

In the reading from Acts 8 appointed for this morning, the Good News of God in Christ continues to spread far and wide. The people of Samaria receive the word of God. This is big news.

Samaria is the region sandwiched between Galilee to the north and Judea to the south. This was a non-Jewish people – descended from the remnant of the northern tribes that were left behind in the Babylonian exile (circa 586 BCE), experiencing their own loss and struggle. There was generational animosity between Jews and Samaritans. Through his ministry and teaching, Jesus tried to break down some of those barriers. Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan comes to mind. The Samaritan woman who was at the well in the middle of the day - and Jesus asked her for a drink of water.

And today, we read of Peter and John going north from Jerusalem to worship with and minister to the Samaritans who have accepted God's word - for Philip the Evangelist had been proclaiming the life and legacy of Christ to them, bringing healing and joy (v. 6-8). Women and men of the region were been baptized, though only in the name of the Lord Jesus (v. 12, 16).

As the Holy Spirit had descended on Pentecost and each of the apostles was filled with the power to lay hands on people and pass along the Holy Spirit, Peter and John shared this upgraded way of initiating the Samaritans into the fold of the Way of Jesus. Filled with Word and healed by the Spirit, these new converts continued to share in the life of faith.

I love this part of today's New Testament scripture. It reminds me of something that happened this week. My seven year old bought a toy with his own money. He was so proud. He carried the little yellow stuffed animal around, introducing it to the spaces of our house and the ways we conduct life. Yesterday he said, "Mom, Pichu (the Pokemon toy's name), is a part of our family now. He needs a blessing!" Robinson handed me the eight-inch tall plush toy. We both made the sign of the cross on the toy's forehead.

How do we welcome the new ones in our fold into the Christian tradition and life? Perhaps you are new to Saint Stephen's and want to make sure you are a full part of how we live and move and have our being. Interested in baptism? Confirmation? Or maybe you just want to talk with a priest to wade through some sticky parts of your faith and doubt? The clergy of Saint Stephen's are here for you -- to celebrate, to pray, to lay hands upon your head. For we do all this with God's help and love, so that the joy of Christ may spread further and further in this world.

Blessings to you this day,

Katherine+

Question for Self-Reflection: 

What rituals help you feel more connected or at home - whether at home, in worship, or in an unfamiliar place?