Let’s start with a simple question: *What does it mean to be a Christian in today’s world?* It’s a question we all wrestle with at some stage—sometimes quietly in prayer, sometimes in the middle of a busy week, and sometimes when we see someone in need. If you’ve spent time at Saint Francis Parish and Outreach in Augusta, Georgia, you know these aren’t just abstract questions. They’re woven into our daily lives, conversations, and, most importantly, our actions.

This week, our lectionary readings—Genesis 18:1–10a, Colossians 1:24–28, and Luke 10:38–42—offer a kind of roadmap for living out our faith with purpose and love. Let’s take a walk together through these scriptures and see how they speak to us as a parish and as followers of Christ.

Welcoming the Stranger: Lessons from Genesis

First, picture this: Abraham is sitting by the oaks of Mamre, in the heat of the day, when three strangers appear. Without hesitation, Abraham rushes to meet them. He bows, offers them rest, water, and a feast. He doesn’t know who they are. He simply sees their need—and responds.

Genesis 18:1–10a is often called the story of Abraham’s hospitality, but it is so much more. It is a scene of radical, generous welcome. In the ancient world, the desert was a dangerous place, and survival often depended on the kindness of strangers. Abraham’s instinct is not to protect what he has, but to share it. His welcome is immediate, heartfelt, and complete.

We often romanticize these biblical moments, but imagine pausing your own busy day to prepare a meal for unexpected guests. Abraham’s example isn’t just about etiquette—it’s about recognizing the divine image in everyone who comes to our door.

And here at Saint Francis Parish and Outreach, we try (however imperfectly) to live out that same spirit. Whether it’s providing meals through our blessing bags, opening our doors during the coldest nights, or simply greeting newcomers with warmth, every act of welcome is an echo of Abraham’s generosity. Our parish strives to be a place where all are received, not just with politeness, but with genuine care.

Christ in Us: Paul’s Vision in Colossians

Let’s move to Colossians 1:24–28. Paul writes, “It is Christ whom we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone…so that we may present everyone mature in Christ.” But before that, he says something surprising: “I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church.”

Paul’s words can be a little mysterious, but at the heart, he’s talking about a willingness to give of ourselves for others. Paul’s ministry is not simply teaching or preaching—it’s service, even when it costs him. He sees his life as being poured out for the sake of the community. He’s not boasting; he’s inviting us into a deeper understanding of what it means to follow Christ: that real discipleship often means sacrifice, patience, and carrying each other’s burdens.

At Saint Francis, we don’t have to look far to see this in action. Walk into any outreach event, and you’ll find volunteers moving tables, filling food bags, praying with those who need encouragement. You’ll see people giving their time, their resources, and sometimes their comfort. All of it is done not for recognition, but because Christ’s love compels us to serve. Paul’s vision of “Christ in you, the hope of glory” becomes real when we make space for Christ to work through us.

Choosing the Better Part: Martha and Mary

Now, let’s turn to Luke 10:38–42—the story of Martha and Mary. Jesus visits their home. Martha rushes about, concerned with preparations, and Mary sits at Jesus’ feet, listening. Martha gets frustrated (and honestly, who hasn’t felt that way?), asking Jesus to tell Mary to help her. But Jesus gently replies, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”

This passage can be a tricky one. Is Jesus saying service doesn’t matter? Hardly. In fact, the gospels are full of commands to love and serve others. But Jesus is inviting us to remember the heart of our service: listening, learning, and being present to God. Martha’s work is crucial, but it needs to be rooted in relationship.

For all of us at Saint Francis—especially those of us who love to keep busy, who find meaning in action—this is a gentle reminder: don’t let your service become so hurried that you lose sight of the One you’re serving. Our outreach, our ministries, our programs—all of it flows from our life of prayer, our time listening to Christ, and our willingness to be changed by Him.

Bringing Scripture Home: Saint Francis Parish and Outreach

So, what does all this mean for us here in Augusta, Georgia? It means remembering that faith is never just about Sunday mornings or private devotion. It’s about embodying the hospitality of Abraham, the servant-heartedness of Paul, and the attentive love of Mary—right here, right now.

At Saint Francis, we see these lessons lived out every week. When volunteers greet guests by name, when someone quietly sits with a person having a tough day, when we pray together before serving meals—these are not small gestures. They are our daily “yes” to God’s call.

And yet, we’re all still learning. There are days when we feel more like Martha—overwhelmed, distracted, maybe a little resentful. There are days when the needs feel endless and our resources feel thin. But even on those days, we are not alone. Christ is with us, guiding, sustaining, and reminding us that every act of love, no matter how small, matters in His kingdom.

Our Duty as Christians: Living the Call

So here’s the heart of it: Our duty as Christians is to make room for Christ—in our hearts, our homes, and our communities. It’s to offer hospitality not just to those who look like us or think like us, but to every stranger at the door. It’s to serve, even when it’s inconvenient, and to do so with a spirit rooted in prayer.

We are called to be a parish that embodies hope, welcomes without reservation, and listens intently for God’s voice. That’s not always easy, and we’ll stumble along the way. But together, with the help of God’s Spirit, we can make Saint Francis Parish and Outreach a place where the love of Christ is not only preached but practiced—where every neighbor feels seen, valued, and loved.

So as we step into another week, let’s keep our eyes open for the stranger we can welcome, the burden we can help carry, and the moments when we can simply sit at Jesus’ feet and listen. That is our calling—and our joy.

May peace and grace go with you, always.

Bishop Greer