Are you suffering through the dog days of summer?
You may be annoyed by blaring music from an inconsiderate person at the beach or park, or from a passing car with its windows down. The offender may be tuned into a Sirius radio station, but the annoyance goes beyond the branding name of the subscribing music provider.
The name Sirius was once blamed for the intense heat and humidity traditionally associated with late July and August. Sirius, the “Dog Star,” is the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major (the Greater Dog). Ancient Greeks and Romans believed that when Sirius rose alongside the sun, it added to the sun’s intensity, producing sweltering weather.
Heat and humidity aren’t the only pesky things that bother us at this time. Yes, overexposure without proper protection can result in sunburned skin. The nasty insects that thrive in these weather conditions bite and sting us, leaving itchy results. Overexertion in the warmer outdoors may leave us with unwanted aches and pains.
Thankfully, we have countless remedies for these summertime discomforts. Madison Avenue has made a fortune convincing us that relief comes in a bottle, a tube, a spray, or a pill. Sunburn? Solarcaine. Insect bites? Benadryl.
But what about the more serious (not Sirius) hurts we carry? The worries that keep us awake. The grief that lingers. The illnesses we cannot simply spray, swallow, or bandage away. Where do we find relief?
Not only during the dog days of summer, but throughout every season of life, Christ invites us, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,” and He promises rest. The emotional, physical, and spiritual stresses we carry are real. Yet His healing presence reaches far deeper than any remedy Madison Avenue can market.
Join us for worship on Sunday, August 2, at 9:30 AM. Our liturgy will include a Service of Healing with anointing, the laying on of hands, and Holy Communion. Whether you come seeking healing, offering prayers for someone you love, or simply longing for God’s peace, you are welcome.
Blessings,
Pastor Marc
