April 21, 2021

Written By Paul Walker

Comfort food is called comfort food for good reason. Baked spaghetti with meat sauce from Joe’s Inn in Richmond might not be good for the body, but it sure feels good for the soul. You definitely leave the table feeling full rather than feeling empty.

Life can hollow you out. As Dave Matthew’s sings, “there’s an emptiness inside and she’d do anything to fill it in.” The gospel is meant to fill it in, fill you up. The “comfortable words” spoken after the absolution in the communion service are called comfortable words for good reason too. The gospel is comfort food for the soul.

Here’s a comfortable word for you today. “Come unto me, all ye that travail and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you.” (Matthew 11:28)

“O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.” (Proper 12 – BCP p. 231)

Paul Walker

Paul was called to serve as Priest-in-Charge in 2008. He was called to be the 12th Rector of Christ Episcopal Church on September 23, 2009. He was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia. Paul graduated from the University of Virginia in 1986 with a degree in English and received his Master of Divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary in 1995. Previously, he served as Associate Rector at Christ Episcopal Church from 1995 to 2001, as Canon for Parish Life and Chaplain of the Day School at The Cathedral Church of the Advent (Birmingham, AL) from 2001-2004, and as Director of Anglican College Ministry at Christ Episcopal Church from 2004-2008. Paul is married to Christie and they have three children, Hilary, Glen, and Rob.

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