On August 13, 2017 Fr. Bill preached a sermon on discouragement that included a discussion on the Morning Star, Venus. This is an epilogue that he sent out as an e-mail. You can find it on this website under 'Audio' and then 'Sermons'. Click Here for Link to that sermon.
The next day, Fr. Bill sent the following e-mail epilogue.
Dear Parish Family,
Last night before going to bed, Miranda said, "Be sure to say hello to Venus for me tomorrow morning." (She does not share my early morning routine.) This morning I arose, made coffee, and headed to my gazebo. It was cloudy. My assumption was that there would be no signs visible in the heavens. After reading the Psalms appointed for Matins, and the Old Testament lesson, I sensed God saying, "Go look." So, I went over to the patio and looked to the East. There were clouds. But as I looked more carefully, the "Bright Morning Star" was piercing the gloom of the early morning clouds. Venus was so bright that you could see it through the cloud cover! I stopped right there and prayed thanks that even the clouds that come into our lives cannot obscure the Light of the Lord. It was a MOST encouraging sign.
And, I said "Hello" to the Bright Morning Star for Miranda.
God bless you all. And may the Bright Morning Star rise in your hearts today.
Yours in Jesus,
Bill+
2 Peter 1:19 "And we have the prophetic word made more sure. You will do well to pay attention to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts."
Revelation 22:16 "I Jesus have sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, the bright morning star."