THE LAST WORD

(Last update : June, 2001 )

This page has been created to share with our cyberspace friends the "thought for the week" as it appears on the last page of our weekly bulletin. These quotes are carefully selected by our Priest The Reverend Tanya Phibbs. The quotes are taken from various sources and demonstrate the strong spiritual leadership found in the community of St. Stephen's. It is our hope that you will read, record and inwardly digest the messages presented here. Challenge and be Transformed!

Summer 2001

Children of the Desert

From time to time, the believer has to ask: "Am I who I say I am?" In my case, the question has a particular focus. "Am I a Christian?" or "Am I still a Christian?" I have my answer ready: "Yes, I am."

If I already have the answer, why pose the question in the first place? There are two reasons.

One, a pattern of questioning is part of the way I believe. Questioning of this sort deepens and strengthens me in my belief. Probing doubt is the handmaid of faith. It is my way of entering the Interior Castle.

Two, the questioning process (by which I don't mean mere intellectual puzzle solving) itself is a revelation to me of God's gracious way of dealing with us. That is why believers, from time to time, need a break with their old ways of believing. Believers as well as unbelievers are in need of conversion.

Taken from Soul Making: The Desert Way of Spirituality by Alan Jones

VISIT GRACE CATHEDRAL, an Episcopal Chruch in San Francisco: The Reverend Alan Jones, Dean

Worship with the community of St. Stephen's this week