“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
For some reason, out of the blue, Father G came to mind earlier today. Can't think why.
He is now long gone to be with Jesus in Heaven. Father G was Italian but brought up and ordained in America. He had an American/English accent rather than Italian. He was from an Order of priests who were all Italians but, like him, born and brought up in the States.
He was a visiting priest at our church in England UK.
When he visited our church he never stood at the lectern to deliver his sermon. When he finished reading the Gospel he just walked up and down the central aisle and just spoke to the people rather than preach a sermon as such. His message was always appropriate to something we could all use there and then in life, rather than repeat what he'd just read from the Gospel.
One day he talked about worry. He explained that we all have a tendency to worry; some more than others. We worry about real or imagined problems, we worry about the past, or present and future, we worry about someone else, or health or all sort of things.
He said that often the devil picks up a weakness in us and uses it to create worrying thoughts in our mind in order to distance us from God.
He told us that we will all have troubles in life, none are immune from them. But Jesus has overcome sin and trouble, and we should trust Him to protect us and care for us. (John 16:33).
Whenever worrying thoughts come to mind we should repeat over and over again, "(Jesus, I trust in you."
Then he told us of a deal he made with God. He said, "God, I shall do your will on earth as best as I can, and you take care of the worries."
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace.In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; be of good cheer; For I have overcome the world. (John 16:33 KJV). Maranatha Singers.V)
...what an approachable fellow.
ReplyDeleteYes Tom, he was. Sadly, these days many priests just repeat what we've just read in the Gospel rather than deliver a sermon appropriate to the congregation and the problems people face today.
DeleteGod bless you, Tom.
Very scriptural post, and what a beautiful song. The preacher was a perfect, humble man that God used to spread the gospel and he will be in a beautiful place now. God bless Victor.
ReplyDeleteHe was a humble and very gentle priest. I remember he had a loud voice and did not need a microphone.
DeleteGod bless, Brenda.
What a blessing to witness Fr. G's deliver his message in such a manner. I so wish more ministers would cloak their sermons with those things most relatable to us.
ReplyDeleteI loved this music -- both the audio and visual.
Yes Mevely, it was a blessing to hear him preach. It was like having a talk with the congregation rather than delivering a pre-set sermon. He explained what the Gospel message was and related it to our lives.
DeleteThe singing and music is from Maranatha; I made the video.
God bless always my friend.
That is a great way to deliver a message to your congregation.
ReplyDeleteYou can relate to it and use in your life right away.
Indeed, Bill. He explained the historical context at the time the Gospels were written and how it translates to today.
DeleteGod bless you and yours.
❤️
ReplyDelete—-Cheerful Monk
God bless you, Cheerful Monk.
Delete"Father G was Italian but brought up and ordained in America. He had an American/English accent rather than Italian. He was from an Order of priests who were all Italians but, like him, born and brought up in the States."
ReplyDeleteAs an American this makes me very proud.
I suppose you could say these priests were Americans, but they had Italian surnames.
DeleteGod bless, Sandi.
We are so blessed to have a young pastor here at our small church who truly makes us look at how to be disciples who can make a difference in the world around us. May we all, as Father G. urged us, leave our worries at the feet of Jesus, and live for Him each day fearlessly.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Victor!
How fortunate that you have a good pastor at your church, Martha. Many today see their vocation as just a job.
DeleteGod bless you and Danny.
He has overcome the world.
ReplyDeleteTo your "Jesus, I trust in you," you can also add, "Take care of everything!" and He will!
Amen Mimi. You are so right.
DeleteGod bless always.