Advent Meditations- Friday, December 8

<<Return to Advent Meditations page Psalms 16,17; 22; Amos 5:1-17; Matt. 22:1-14; Jude 1-16 Jesus tells us that the kingdom of heaven can be compared to a king who gave […]

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<<Return to Advent Meditations page

Psalms 16,17; 22; Amos 5:1-17; Matt. 22:1-14; Jude 1-16

Jesus tells us that the kingdom of heaven can be compared to a king who gave a banquet. I don’t like banquets. Overcooked roast beef and green beans. Rehydrated mashed potatoes. What’s to like?

But the banquet isn’t the point—the king is. Read the scripture again. The kingdom of heaven is like a king who keeps widening the circle to make sure that any who want to attend will have a place at the table as one ready to party. This king wants us to show up with all that we’ve got. He wants us to come prepared to participate—to dance the night away, to enjoy the food to the fullest, and to rejoice in relationships new and old.

The invitation has been issued. Will we accept? Will we put on our dancing shoes and our party hats? Will we show up ready to take our cue from the host—a king who freely invites and expects our very best and our total engagement? And, will we also extend the invitation to all who would come, ready to party and ready to dance?

Bring out the food and let the music begin.

O God of welcoming embrace, fill us with the joy of dancing and feasting in your midst; through Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

The Rt. Rev. Todd Ousley, ’91

Bishop for Pastoral Development

Office of the Presiding Bishop & Primate

THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH

 

Todd Ousley began service as Bishop for Pastoral Development on the staff of Presiding Bishop Michael Curry in July 2017. He served as Bishop of Eastern Michigan since 2007, having been elected bishop coadjutor in 2006. He was Canon to the Ordinary for five years prior. Before his service in Eastern Michigan, he served churches in Texas. Prior to ordination, Ousley was a therapist and business manager at a psychiatric hospital in Texas.

 

Advent Meditations is a gift to our seminary community and made possible through gifts to our Annual Fund. Seminary of the Southwest appreciates the support of its friends, alumni and the communities around the world that its graduates serve for the glory of God.  This support ensures that Southwest, as an institution made of individuals dedicated to service to God and their fellow members of the body of Christ, can continue doing its part to build the Body of Christ.

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