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February 20th.
2008
SACRAMENTAL EXPERIENCE
In the An Outline of our Faith,
commonly called the Catechism, in the Book of Common Prayer on page 857
the definition of sacraments…”are outward and visible signs of inward
and spiritual grace, given by Christ as sure and certain means by which
we receive that grace.” While it goes on to say, “the two great
sacraments given by Christ to his Church are Holy Baptism and the Holy
Eucharist”, there are clearly other “sacramental” expressions. I would
like to suggest that our Auction is one of them.
The obvious outward sign is the Auction itself. It would be easy to
describe this as a fun event that raises money for our church. While
that is true, it greatly underestimates the innumerable inward signs.
One of the most significant inward and spiritual graces that takes place
through the Auction is the opportunity it provides for individuals to
share the gifts God has given them for ministry. Every basket or quilt
made, ride in an airplane, dinner prepared or offered treasure or talent
is sharing a gift from God.
The other outward sign is the money raised at the Auction. The wonderful
inward and spiritual grace that comes from these funds is the mission
and ministry we at the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection are able to
accomplish. Without these funds we will be significantly limited in how
we feed our faith and how we feed the world.
Our annual Auction is a wonderful warm fun evening. Yet, it is really a
“sacramental experience” in which we are able to witness both the
outward and visible signs and the inward and spiritual grace, given by
Christ.
As such, I hope you will be able to participate by sharing the gifts
that God has given you, and secondly by attending and bringing friends
and family members to experience our Annual Auction.
Blessings,
The Rev. Brian N. Prior, Rector
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