Today marks the last Sunday before the end of the church's year.The last Sunday before Advent, commonly known as Christ the King Sunday, accentuates the triumphal reigning of Christ as a king through his crucifixion and gives us a glimpse of its glory we will be part of , once the world is consummated. As a young Christian, everyday I face a challenge of how to lead a life in two kingdoms simultaneously which has different set of values and expectations from me.
We all get caught up in the worries of this world, wanting have more things, to be more successful, have more money, have status in the society, continue to accumulate wealth by working hard to provide for our family, and attain a sense of security. The rules of this world are easily taught to us, perhaps are the most familiar, since all we have known is our life on earth. But, what about the rules of the heavenly kingdom? We know a little bit about that too. From our childhood, we are taught to be nice to others, love and serve our communities and friends, not be mean to someone in return who has been mean to us, go to church every Sunday, pay attention to the Scriptures, be involved in different ministries that fit our gifts, respecting our mother and father, be honest, and etc...
Understanding rules is part of our human nature, and that is how we learn how to behave and belong to a group of people who share the same values. The hardship lies on practicing the rules of the heavenly kingdom on the earthly one day after day, not thinking more highly of our selves than we should because of our accomplishments, and continue to be peacemakers among all peoples to bring the presence of Christ to the world. That is where the interconnection of the both kingdoms happen.
Because of our continuing life in the heavenly kingdom, we can become an instrument of peace, humility, and meekness in the earthly kingdom. Our daily challenge is the keep the faith alive at times that seems most impossible, and have the hope that "... neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39
As we prepare for the season of Advent, let us remember the love of God is the true comforter that can empower us live in balance with the both kingdoms but more importantly reminds us that we are one season closer to his eternal kingdom where we will be with him forever.
Ezgi.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Open the Door, Reach Out, and Connect...
Hello all,
I was inspired to create this blog to reach out and connect to young adults who are part of the Anglican tradition, and those who are interested in learning about the Episcopal Church and Anglicanism in general. Having worked campus ministry for two years, I see a great need in connecting young people to the church and opening an e-platform for them to learn about our theology. This will be an open door to any person who is seeking an authentic relationship with God based on prayer, scripture, tradition, and reasoning. I aim this platform to be a place where young adults and college students share their life experiences and how their faith in God and the church is making a difference in midst of all the changes they are facing.
As an Episcopal Church, we offer a variety of worship styles from a sung High Mass to a Taize service, a contemporary approach to the Gospel, as well as diversity in the our leadership and governance. In the following posts, I will talk about our theology and what makes us authentically Anglicans.
Everyday, I plan to publish a short homily and a meditation about the saint who is commemorated. I will also add sacred music samples from different centuries and provide different forms of morning and evening prayers. In addition, I will post about campus/ young adult ministry events and information from the Episcopal Diocese of West Missouri.
Welcome aboard, and let us open the door, reach out, and connect!
Ezgi.
I was inspired to create this blog to reach out and connect to young adults who are part of the Anglican tradition, and those who are interested in learning about the Episcopal Church and Anglicanism in general. Having worked campus ministry for two years, I see a great need in connecting young people to the church and opening an e-platform for them to learn about our theology. This will be an open door to any person who is seeking an authentic relationship with God based on prayer, scripture, tradition, and reasoning. I aim this platform to be a place where young adults and college students share their life experiences and how their faith in God and the church is making a difference in midst of all the changes they are facing.
As an Episcopal Church, we offer a variety of worship styles from a sung High Mass to a Taize service, a contemporary approach to the Gospel, as well as diversity in the our leadership and governance. In the following posts, I will talk about our theology and what makes us authentically Anglicans.
Everyday, I plan to publish a short homily and a meditation about the saint who is commemorated. I will also add sacred music samples from different centuries and provide different forms of morning and evening prayers. In addition, I will post about campus/ young adult ministry events and information from the Episcopal Diocese of West Missouri.
Welcome aboard, and let us open the door, reach out, and connect!
Ezgi.
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