December 4, 2016

“So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all.” (Galatians 6:9-10)

In 2015, Auburn Seminary launched a signature educational initiative: The Auburn Senior Fellows program, gathering some of the most passionate and talented faith leaders working for justice in the United States today. The inaugural group includes people who live out their faith and work as a pastor, a rabbi, a theologian, an activist, a bishop, a nun, an organizer. It includes people from the breadth of Christianity (Protestant, Catholic, Evangelical), and from the Jewish, Muslim, and Sikh traditions. They are Millennials, Gen Xers, and Baby Boomers.

Amidst that astonishing diversity, they share with Auburn — and each other — a conviction that people of faith, “whenever they have the opportunity,” have a sacred calling and commitment to “work for the good of all.” We all know that we can be deeply rooted in our particular faith traditions and still learn from one another, support and care for one another, and work together in planting the seeds and tending the shoots of God’s justice and peace in this broken and hurting world, so that in due time, we may indeed reap the harvest that God intends for all of us.

The Rev. J.C. Austin, Vice President for Christian Leadership Formation, Auburn Theological Seminary

Today’s Focus:  Auburn Theological Seminary

Let us join in prayer for:

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff

Patricia Longfellow, PW                                                                 
Lisa Longo, FDN

Let us pray

Gracious and loving God, you call us to lives of faithful service and courage, assuring us that your harvest is plentiful even when the laborers are few. Help us to embody your love, justice, reconciliation, and peace in all that we say and do, that we may support and be supported by all those who work for the good of this world which you love so much that you gave your only-begotten Son to save. Through Christ our Lord we pray. Amen.

Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday, December 4, 2016, the Second Sunday of Advent (Year A)

First Reading Isaiah 11:1-10
Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19
Second Reading Romans 15:4-13
Gospel Matthew 3:1-12