The Sabbath
Sisters and Brothers
Today, on this Second Sunday in Lent (Day 12), I share with you a reflection from Glenn E. Porter Sr., titled “Relevancy”:
On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the sabbath, they were watching him closely. Just then, in front of him, there was a man who had dropsy. And Jesus asked the lawyers and Pharisees, “Is it lawful to cure people on the sabbath, or not?” But they were silent. So Jesus took him and healed him, and sent him away. Then he said to them, “if one of you has a child or an ox that has fallen into a well, will you not immediately pull it out on a sabbath day?” And they could not reply to this (Luke 14: 1-6)
When you pray for rain, you’ve got to deal with the mud, too. - Caribbean saying
The religious leaders in Jesus’ day said that it was unlawful to heal on the Sabbath. The Sabbath was supposed to be a day when all work ceased. The day that was set aside for rest, but the spirit of honouring God became lost in a labyrinth of laws. The rigorous rules and regulations were so exhaustive that, as the Tyndale Bible Dictionary points out, “the main purpose of the Sabbath became lost beneath a mass of legalistic details.” As Jesus said in Mark 2:27, “The Sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the sabbath.”
There is a line from the old movie Green Pastures in which Noah says to God, “People around here don’t do much church-going. They mostly use Sunday to get over what they did all night on Saturday.” It is probably safe to say that recovering from a hangover (or other natural consequences from Saturday night of excess) is not what God intended in establishing the Sabbath as a day of rest and recreation!
The local church faces many challenges in this age. One of the most prominent challenges for the modern church is to remain relevant.
This is often a Herculean task for older, established historic congregations. In Unfinished Evangelism, author Tim Wright argues that tradition can turn into traditionalism. This is when “tradition becomes an anchor holding the church to the post rather than a rudder guiding it into the future.” The church must break some chains and tear down some idols in order to stay true to the spirit and authentic intent of the gospel.
Patrick +
Faith and Politics: Rev. Peter Espeut to Lead St. Luke’s Annual Lecture on the Church’s Role in Society
In a year of loss after Hurricane Melissa, we give thanks for life, courage, and resilience, trusting Christ the King who reigns and restores amid our trials.
Amid the hurricane devastation, we cling to God’s steadfast love, support affected communities, give relief, pray, and trust that His goodness will rebuild and renew Jamaica.
Though Hurricane Melissa brought devastation, we stand united in faith, hope, and love - trusting God to restore, rebuild, and renew us.
On All Saints’ Day, amid Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, we find hope that faith endures, love rebuilds, and that God and the Saints strengthen us to rise again.
Aging isn’t decline - it is growth. Like Paul, keep learning, stay courageous, and live with purpose, faith, and a renewed spirit at every age.
Pentecost reminds us that the Holy Spirit renews, empowers, and unites us to boldly live and share God’s love in the world.
URGENT POSTPONEMENT NOTICE: Annual Lecture Series We sincerely apologize to announce the postponement of our Annual Lecture Series, originally scheduled for , Wednesday, October 22nd, at 6:00 p.m. Tropical Storm Melissa is approaching, and we believe the safety of every participant—our esteemed presenter, Rev. Peter Espeut, our support team, and all potential attendees—is paramount. We must put your safety first, and we make this difficult decision out of an abundance of caution. We know many of you were eagerly anticipating the lecture, "The Church and the Political Process." Please know that we remain committed to hosting this vital conversation. We will announce the new date shortly. Please look for updates posted on the St. Luke’s Church website and all our official social media pages. We pray for the safety and protection of our entire island during this weather event. We deeply thank all our stakeholders—Rev. Espeut, our dedicated team, the media, and the wider community—for your understanding and unwavering support. We look forward to gathering with you soon.
Join St. Luke’s Church Cross Roads for its Annual Lecture on Oct 22, 2025, featuring Rev. Peter Espeut on “The Church and the Political Process.”
St. Luke’s Church marks 150 years of faith, compassion, and healing - honouring our past, serving today, and embracing a hopeful, holistic future.
United as one body, we are renewed in Christ to rise above division, seek the lost, and share God’s restoring love with our communities.
Faith and Politics: Rev. Peter Espeut to Lead St. Luke’s Annual Lecture on the Church’s Role in Society
In a year of loss after Hurricane Melissa, we give thanks for life, courage, and resilience, trusting Christ the King who reigns and restores amid our trials.
Amid the hurricane devastation, we cling to God’s steadfast love, support affected communities, give relief, pray, and trust that His goodness will rebuild and renew Jamaica.
Though Hurricane Melissa brought devastation, we stand united in faith, hope, and love - trusting God to restore, rebuild, and renew us.
On All Saints’ Day, amid Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, we find hope that faith endures, love rebuilds, and that God and the Saints strengthen us to rise again.
Aging isn’t decline - it is growth. Like Paul, keep learning, stay courageous, and live with purpose, faith, and a renewed spirit at every age.
Pentecost reminds us that the Holy Spirit renews, empowers, and unites us to boldly live and share God’s love in the world.
URGENT POSTPONEMENT NOTICE: Annual Lecture Series We sincerely apologize to announce the postponement of our Annual Lecture Series, originally scheduled for , Wednesday, October 22nd, at 6:00 p.m. Tropical Storm Melissa is approaching, and we believe the safety of every participant—our esteemed presenter, Rev. Peter Espeut, our support team, and all potential attendees—is paramount. We must put your safety first, and we make this difficult decision out of an abundance of caution. We know many of you were eagerly anticipating the lecture, "The Church and the Political Process." Please know that we remain committed to hosting this vital conversation. We will announce the new date shortly. Please look for updates posted on the St. Luke’s Church website and all our official social media pages. We pray for the safety and protection of our entire island during this weather event. We deeply thank all our stakeholders—Rev. Espeut, our dedicated team, the media, and the wider community—for your understanding and unwavering support. We look forward to gathering with you soon.
Join St. Luke’s Church Cross Roads for its Annual Lecture on Oct 22, 2025, featuring Rev. Peter Espeut on “The Church and the Political Process.”
St. Luke’s Church marks 150 years of faith, compassion, and healing - honouring our past, serving today, and embracing a hopeful, holistic future.
United as one body, we are renewed in Christ to rise above division, seek the lost, and share God’s restoring love with our communities.
Health Month calls us to renew body, mind, spirit, and relationships - living the abundant life through God’s power, love, and discipline.
As God’s stewards, we must care for our health and the Earth. Live well, act responsibly, and promote healing for all creation.
Breast cancer is not the end—it’s a call to faith, courage, and vigilance. Early detection saves lives.
Health Month reminds us that true wellness comes through prayer, healing, and forgiveness—nurturing body, mind, and spirit in God’s grace.
The Enthronement of the Rt Rev Leon Paul Golding 15th Bishop of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands
at the Cathedral of St Jago de la Vega on September 28, 2025.
Brothers Crispin & Crispinian faced martyrdom in Psalm 79, but trusted God to bring hope, even in suffering, ruin, and seeming defeat.
The book of Jeremiah speaks of the Widow’s Mite which shows true sacrifice - giving all in faith, not abundance. God honors cheerful, surrendered giving.
God’s Word renews us, unites us as Christ’s body, and calls us to live His mission - bringing hope, healing, and joy to the world.
Jesus warns of wars, disasters, and evil but urges us to stay faithful, calm, and close to Him through prayer, scripture, and compassion.
Prayer deepens faith, builds community, and reminds us to pray anytime, anywhere - trusting that God hears and answers our prayers.
Faith and Politics: Rev. Peter Espeut to Lead St. Luke’s Annual Lecture on the Church’s Role in Society
In a year of loss after Hurricane Melissa, we give thanks for life, courage, and resilience, trusting Christ the King who reigns and restores amid our trials.
Amid the hurricane devastation, we cling to God’s steadfast love, support affected communities, give relief, pray, and trust that His goodness will rebuild and renew Jamaica.
Though Hurricane Melissa brought devastation, we stand united in faith, hope, and love - trusting God to restore, rebuild, and renew us.
On All Saints’ Day, amid Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, we find hope that faith endures, love rebuilds, and that God and the Saints strengthen us to rise again.
Aging isn’t decline - it is growth. Like Paul, keep learning, stay courageous, and live with purpose, faith, and a renewed spirit at every age.
Pentecost reminds us that the Holy Spirit renews, empowers, and unites us to boldly live and share God’s love in the world.
URGENT POSTPONEMENT NOTICE: Annual Lecture Series We sincerely apologize to announce the postponement of our Annual Lecture Series, originally scheduled for , Wednesday, October 22nd, at 6:00 p.m. Tropical Storm Melissa is approaching, and we believe the safety of every participant—our esteemed presenter, Rev. Peter Espeut, our support team, and all potential attendees—is paramount. We must put your safety first, and we make this difficult decision out of an abundance of caution. We know many of you were eagerly anticipating the lecture, "The Church and the Political Process." Please know that we remain committed to hosting this vital conversation. We will announce the new date shortly. Please look for updates posted on the St. Luke’s Church website and all our official social media pages. We pray for the safety and protection of our entire island during this weather event. We deeply thank all our stakeholders—Rev. Espeut, our dedicated team, the media, and the wider community—for your understanding and unwavering support. We look forward to gathering with you soon.
Join St. Luke’s Church Cross Roads for its Annual Lecture on Oct 22, 2025, featuring Rev. Peter Espeut on “The Church and the Political Process.”
St. Luke’s Church marks 150 years of faith, compassion, and healing - honouring our past, serving today, and embracing a hopeful, holistic future.
United as one body, we are renewed in Christ to rise above division, seek the lost, and share God’s restoring love with our communities.
Health Month calls us to renew body, mind, spirit, and relationships - living the abundant life through God’s power, love, and discipline.
As God’s stewards, we must care for our health and the Earth. Live well, act responsibly, and promote healing for all creation.
Breast cancer is not the end—it’s a call to faith, courage, and vigilance. Early detection saves lives.
Health Month reminds us that true wellness comes through prayer, healing, and forgiveness—nurturing body, mind, and spirit in God’s grace.
The Enthronement of the Rt Rev Leon Paul Golding 15th Bishop of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands
at the Cathedral of St Jago de la Vega on September 28, 2025.
Brothers Crispin & Crispinian faced martyrdom in Psalm 79, but trusted God to bring hope, even in suffering, ruin, and seeming defeat.
The book of Jeremiah speaks of the Widow’s Mite which shows true sacrifice - giving all in faith, not abundance. God honors cheerful, surrendered giving.
God’s Word renews us, unites us as Christ’s body, and calls us to live His mission - bringing hope, healing, and joy to the world.
Jesus warns of wars, disasters, and evil but urges us to stay faithful, calm, and close to Him through prayer, scripture, and compassion.
Prayer deepens faith, builds community, and reminds us to pray anytime, anywhere - trusting that God hears and answers our prayers.
Faith and Politics: Rev. Peter Espeut to Lead St. Luke’s Annual Lecture on the Church’s Role in Society
In a year of loss after Hurricane Melissa, we give thanks for life, courage, and resilience, trusting Christ the King who reigns and restores amid our trials.
Amid the hurricane devastation, we cling to God’s steadfast love, support affected communities, give relief, pray, and trust that His goodness will rebuild and renew Jamaica.
Though Hurricane Melissa brought devastation, we stand united in faith, hope, and love - trusting God to restore, rebuild, and renew us.
On All Saints’ Day, amid Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, we find hope that faith endures, love rebuilds, and that God and the Saints strengthen us to rise again.
Aging isn’t decline - it is growth. Like Paul, keep learning, stay courageous, and live with purpose, faith, and a renewed spirit at every age.
Pentecost reminds us that the Holy Spirit renews, empowers, and unites us to boldly live and share God’s love in the world.
URGENT POSTPONEMENT NOTICE: Annual Lecture Series We sincerely apologize to announce the postponement of our Annual Lecture Series, originally scheduled for , Wednesday, October 22nd, at 6:00 p.m. Tropical Storm Melissa is approaching, and we believe the safety of every participant—our esteemed presenter, Rev. Peter Espeut, our support team, and all potential attendees—is paramount. We must put your safety first, and we make this difficult decision out of an abundance of caution. We know many of you were eagerly anticipating the lecture, "The Church and the Political Process." Please know that we remain committed to hosting this vital conversation. We will announce the new date shortly. Please look for updates posted on the St. Luke’s Church website and all our official social media pages. We pray for the safety and protection of our entire island during this weather event. We deeply thank all our stakeholders—Rev. Espeut, our dedicated team, the media, and the wider community—for your understanding and unwavering support. We look forward to gathering with you soon.
Join St. Luke’s Church Cross Roads for its Annual Lecture on Oct 22, 2025, featuring Rev. Peter Espeut on “The Church and the Political Process.”
St. Luke’s Church marks 150 years of faith, compassion, and healing - honouring our past, serving today, and embracing a hopeful, holistic future.
United as one body, we are renewed in Christ to rise above division, seek the lost, and share God’s restoring love with our communities.
