A reflection by Fr. Samuel Nsengiyumva, Former Priest-in-Charge (1999-2003)

“Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself for us, an offering and sacrifice to God.”   Ephesians 5:2

The scripture verse quoted above is a very familiar one to us as Episcopalians.  We hear it every time we gather for the Eucharist as an invitation to bring our gifts of bread, wine, and money to the Altar to be consecrated to the Lord as an act of thanksgiving. 

I was delighted to learn that The Episcopal Network of Stewardship (TENS) had chosen “Walk in Love” as the theme for this year’s stewardship campaign because it reflects my experience in all the four Episcopal parishes I have had the privilege to serve; beginning with Holy Family, Angola (1999-2003).  You can only imagine my response when Fr. Tom asked me to write a brief reflection on the theme to share with you, my brothers and sisters at Holy Family, Angola.

Walking in Love simply means love in action as clearly articulated by St. John in these words:

We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers and sisters. How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help?  Little children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth. (1 John 3:16-18). 

I believe St. John’s words in this letter were based on his understanding of Jesus’ teaching in the gospel according to Matthew 25:34-40:

Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’  “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

These two scriptures perfectly describe my experience at Holy Family.  It all started on my first visit to Holy Family as a Sunday supply priest.  I don’t remember much about the worship service but I will never forget the welcome and love I experienced during Coffee Hour. It was right there on that first visit that Mrs. Penny Sholl, the Senior Warden at the time, asked me if I could become your priest.  Two months later, 25 years ago, I was appointed Priest-in-charge of Holy Family.  Even though my family and I were, in many ways, strangers, we were fully welcomed and loved beyond imagination.  We remember the food, the Christmas gifts, the invitations to your homes, the boat rides, and many more expressions of love. It was at Holy Family that we first witnessed what it means to Walk in Love.  Since then, we continue to hear of you love for the Lord and his people.  Perhaps the most powerful manifestation of your love in Christ, was the establishment of the Community Health Clinic.  

As I think about the many ways you continue to walk in love, I believe there are at least three values that are critical for all Christians who strive to Walk in Love as individuals or churches. 

1. Faith

Faith is the foundation that allows someone to walk in love; in word and action. Faith in Jesus and His teachings give us confidence that all shall be well.  Faith is the opposite of fear.  It is difficult to walk in love when one is afraid.  By inviting, welcoming, and embracing me and my family, who were total strangers, you demonstrated your faith in the God who gives us strength to do anything.  It is faith that enabled you to believe that a small church like Holy Family could take on such a big endeavor as a Community Health Clinic.  Because of your faith, you continue to make a difference in the lives of so many in your community and beyond.

• Gratitude

When we recognize that it is God who enables us to do what we do, we cannot help but be filled with gratitude.  Interestingly, it is gratitude that enables us to overcome or recover from adversity.  Grateful people are resilient people.  I believe that it is your spirit of gratitude that continues to enable you, a small church by many standards, to do amazing things. 

• Generosity

It is almost natural that gratitude fuels generosity. Grateful people are generous people.  Your generosity is a clear demonstration of your faith and gratitude for the generous God. 

As you once again engage in this year’s stewardship/pledge campaign, may you continue walking in love as Christ loved you, being sustained by the spirit of faith, gratitude and generosity.  To God be the glory!