That is a slightly tougher question. I asked it of my seminary dean when he and his wife happened to drop by for a visit a few months after I arrived at St. Mary’s. He told me, Ad Majoram Dei Gloriam, which is the Latin for, “to the greater glory of God.” (Perhaps you can memorize it and enlighten others when asked.) It is the motto of the Roman Catholic Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits. Pope John Paul II frequently added it to his signature. Johann Sebastian Bach dedicated most of his compositions with “A.M.D.G.” beside his signature.

That phrase holds a very special and important reminder for us.
Since our new sanctuary was completed a few months ago, dozens have visited and toured it. Often that is in the context of worship. Often it happens during the week. Every time the compliments flow about how beautiful and simple it is, how it fits so well with the lay of our property with its lovely views of oak and lawn. Everything - inside and out - draws praise. People tend to say how proud we must be. Admit it. We are proud.

We’ve made something very special. I will be so bold as to say I believe it is the loveliest building in Belleview. Our church, contractor, diocese and bank are and should be proud of what we have done together. There is value in that accomplishment, but that is not primarily why we built it. A.M.D.G. To the Greater Glory of God

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid.” Matthew 5:14

If we are blessed to occupy the loveliest spot in Belleview, then we have staked this place for the Lord. If it attracts people by its beauty it brings additional opportunity for us to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. This is holy ground won for him.
Just recently I needed to take a break and pray a bit about something heavy on my heart. I went out and sat on the steps by the memorial garden. I know we can find God anywhere, but it is nice meeting him here to the greater glory of God.
If we are blessed to share special warmth in fellowship, then we have opened our hearts to each other and strangers for the purpose of sharing Christ’s love. Relationships established over coffee or a project become pillars of strength in time of need. Caring hearts and hands accomplish the Lord’s mercy. True friendship is good wherever we find it. At St. Mary’s it prospers to the greater glory of God.

If we are blessed to see and experience the Lord’s mercy through our prayers, we must remember the importance our witness becomes as signs of the Lord’s action among us. We offer prayer for the sake of those we love and for ourselves to the greater glory of God.
That little phrase frames our life together. I hope those little signs continually remind us to keep it that way.

Fr. Tim+