Got Everything?

Written By Rev. David Price

Before leaving the house, you check to see if you have everything. You must have what you need to go out. People look in their purses to do an inventory. Wallet, keys, glasses, phone: people pat their pockets for these items, and it looks as though they’re doing some loose form of the Macarena.

At the end of the Second Letter of Paul to the Corinthians, he encourages his friends in Corinth to be exceptionally good to each other. Luke began the story of Jesus with angels greeting shepherds with words revealing the qualities of the remarkable newborn: “Glory to God; peace on earth among those whom God favors”. So here Paul is wishing Christians peaceful and loving ways, sacred affection, the favor of Christ, the love of God, and the bond-creating presence of the Holy Spirit:

Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you. (2 Corinthians 13:11-13)

Each of us carries the same wish and blessing that Paul gives. We want these most fulfilling things for each other—the divinely supplied capacities for love, peace, grace, and holy unity—that we may be a community of faith reflecting the essence of our Lord Jesus Christ. Check yourself. If you value these qualities and ways, you can cultivate them purposefully. If you’ve got these things, you’ve got what you need.

Rev. David Price

Fr. Price joined St. Francis as Assistant Rector in September 2016. He says, “I am eager to be part of St. Francis’ efforts to work, pray, and give.” Fr. Price just completed a 10 year pastorate as Rector of Grace Church, Alvin and celebrated his 32nd anniversary of ordained ministry. Originally from Tucson, Arizona, a graduate of the University of Arizona, he completed his theological training at the Seminary of the Southwest in Austin in 1984. He served on parish staffs in Midland, Lubbock, and Palestine, before becoming Rector of St. Mark's Episcopal Church and School, Houston in 1994.

Fr. Price loves the variety of parish ministry: learning, worshiping, serving, and discovering things in small group fellowship. He recognizes the strength and health of St. Francis Church. He is convinced that in parish work, “God draws people in, builds them up and sends them out to be ambassadors of reconciliation in the world”. He has been married to Jennifer for 35 years. Jennifer, a cardiac nurse, works at CHI St. Luke's Health in the Medical Center. They are proud parents of three adult children: daughters, Emily Hatzel and Hannah Loyd, and son, Andrew Price. They are excited that they recently became grandparents. Fr. Price and Jennifer are both interested in improving their personal health through nutrition and physical activity. He has finished several marathons, half-marathons and triathlons in the last few years.

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