Feast of Saint Philip the Deacon

Good morning. “Mama said there'd be days like this” This phrase made famous by the early 60s singing group The Shirelles came to mind as I pondered Jesus’ words in this morning’s Gospel. “In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.” Yes, but even though our mothers may have given us fair warning that there would be challenges in our marriage, all the same, there sometimes occurs things we just weren’t counting on. There are times when we need to truly reach down and find the strength to remain committed to our mate. Sometimes we need to remind ourselves that there's something bigger than whatever it is that seems insurmountable at the moment. Sometimes it is the children, or sometimes it is the fear of losing someone you care for very deeply, or perhaps it is awareness that through it all Christ is there with us. Whatever the case, it more times than not is a collection of experiences which shapes our decision to remain committed to our wedding vows. My guess is that there are many things including our vows before God that keep us going, that sustain and restore us. In May 1943, a German Lutheran pastor and theologian named Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote a letter to a young bride and groom from his prison cell, advising them on the nature of the union they were about to enter. He told them: “It is not your love that sustains the marriage, but from now on, the marriage that sustains your love.” As Jesus assures us in the Gospel this morning from the Book of John, if God is in the mix, there is no power on earth, no temptation, no financial struggles, absolutely nothing that can pull apart what God put together, for He “conquered the world.” What will sustain your marriage today? Make a great day!

Today we recall the good life, gifts, and works of Saint Philip the Deacon.