I rewrote Proverbs 31:10-31 with each of the ladies of my own parish in mind. If you are a member of another parish, know that your priest sees you the same way!!! It may remind you of your own Mom as it did mine. (A note to the men who receive this email: please go out of your way to show your love to the ladies in your life this Sunday. Trust me, it is perfectly okay to buy them flowers, candy, or some other gift – even if they say they don’t really want anything – trust me, they will so appreciate your kindness and love!!)
A woman of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her Church has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings the Church good things, not harm, all the days of her life.
She brings her gifts and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her gifts to the Church from afar. She gets up while it is still dark; she provides all that is needed to her Church family and makes sure every visitor is cared for. She considers the needs of the Church and out of her earnings she makes sure all is provided for.
She sets about her work vigorously; her faith is strong for her tasks. She sees that her good works are spiritually profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. She is willing to do whatever it takes day and night.
She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. Whatever trials may come, she has no fear for the people of her Church; for all of them will be cared for. She makes certain the Church is beautiful and ready for every service and every person who enters its doors.
Her priest is respected when he takes his seat among the priests of the land, because she has enabled him to shine brightly. She prays for him and lends her support to him in all things. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over all of the needs of her Church and could never be accused of idleness. Others in the Church and her priest all rise up and call her blessed and the priest praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Such are the ladies of St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Pueblo. May the Lord grant each of you the reward you have earned, and may your works bring you praise throughout God’s Kingdom.
As I think of each of you precious ladies in our Church, I am reminded of Proverbs 31. You are truly worth more than rubies!! God is using each one of you to help our parish be healthy and active for the next generation. You all bring different gifts and abilities to our Church, but there is one thing that all of you share: All of you love the Lord and you love His Church. You have blessed me beyond anything I could possibly put into words. My love, my praise, and my thanks to each of you precious ladies…God bless you!!!
Fr. Stephen