August 26, 2022

“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts.” (Ephesians 2:1-3)

William Inge, the Dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London in the early 20th century, said, “He who marries the spirit of the age will soon find himself a widower.”  You can fill in the blank about which spirit of the age is au courant, but you can be sure it is a temporary placeholder in the revolving door of intellectual, cultural, societal, or spiritual fashion.

Fortunately, the church (aka – you and me) is the Bride of Christ, and therefore never to be widowed. Kingdoms rise and kingdoms fall, but you are saved by His grace and yoked to Him forever.

“Almighty God, you have built your Church upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone: Grant us so to be joined together in unity of spirit by their teaching, that we may be made a holy temple acceptable to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.” (Proper 8 – BCP)