Message from the Rector
By The Rev. Dr. Vincent Joseph Kopp
Dear Good People of St. Stephen’s,
We look around us and see joy next to suffering, vitality next to sickness, beauty next to ugliness, abundance next to poverty.
We may wonder how such things can be. We may also ask ourselves, “How can I help maximize joy, vitality, beauty, and abundance; and eliminate suffering, sickness, ugliness, and poverty?”
When I have such thoughts I remind myself that the arc of progress favors the former against the latter. But also that my time is limited, my strength is finite, and my gifts are subject to fading in the heat of life; but also that my efforts are never wasted even if unsuccessful.
Yes, God makes us for joy, vitality, beauty, and abundance in body and soul. God also equips us through grace to accept that, though the body may fade, the soul can grow brighter, stronger, and closer to perfection through the love Jesus offers all and which we receive continually through the Holy Spirit.
Let Us Pray:
2. For All Sorts and Conditions of Humanity (BCP, 813-814, slightly modified)
O God, the creator and preserver of all humanity, we humbly beseech thee for all sorts and conditions of humans; that thou wouldest be pleased to make thy ways known unto them, thy saving health unto all nations. More especially we pray for thy holy Church universal; that it may be so guided and governed by thy good Spirit, that all who profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life. Finally, we commend to thy fatherly goodness all those who are in any ways afflicted or distressed, in mind, body, or estate; that it may please thee to comfort and relieve them according to their several necessities, giving them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions. And this we beg for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
In Christ,
Vincent+
