sermon, week 4 of 7

In the world but not of it, as the Jesuits say; that is our place in this life: to be God's hands, ears, eyes. Like the lyrics of "Day by Day" quote, 'to see thee more clearly, to love thee more dearly, to follow more nearly [day by day; by day, by day]'.

We should consider ourselves as God's agents, here "on call" and available to do His work; "owned" by Him and most fulfilled in service to His world (or so that it may be: His kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven).

Week four upshot: that God works in the world through his people (we need Him and he "needs" us). Recognizing and acknowledging this means we need constant vigilance to discern motives as our own or that of God. It is OK to minister on God's behalf to yourself ["love your neighbor as yourself" means to strive to do good for others, but equally to respect and value your own self, too], but know well and clearly what is driving you and where it drives you to.