The Courts of God

24Oct
Praise awaits you, our God, in Zion;
  to you our vows will be fulfilled.
You who answer prayer,
  to you all people will come.
When we were overwhelmed by sins,
  you forgave our transgressions.
Blessed are those you choose
  and bring near to live in your courts!
We are filled with the good things of your house,
  of your holy temple.
-Psalm 65:1-4


The Psalms are a collection of 150 ancient Hebrew poems, songs, and prayers. Nearly half are attributed to King David, while others were written by various leaders of Israel.


Today’s reading, from Psalm 65, comes from a section that envisions what the Kingdom of God will look like when it comes among us. It speaks of God’s faithfulness - even when we reject or turn away from God’s vision for the world - and reminds us that nothing can overcome the grace God has for each and every one of us.


I often fall into the trap of thinking my spiritual life is solely about me. I must constantly remind myself that I am only one part of a much larger story. Life as a Christian is not about striving for self-perfection, but about humbly pointing toward the Kingdom of God that awaits us all. When I focus only on my own journey, I risk hiding that Kingdom from being revealed to others.


This psalm reminds us that the courts of God are meant for everyone. We are called to walk alongside one another, for it is only together that the courts of God can be filled with the fullness of purpose God intended.


Musical Reflection - Zion's Walls "Revivalist Song" · Aaron Copland and William Warfield


O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


-A Prayer For the Human Family, BCP, p.815

Kingdom of GodGod's GracePentecost

Posted by The Reverend Robert B. Hadzor

Bobby has served as the chaplain of Trinity Episcopal School since 2012 and as an Assisting Priest of Trinity Episcopal Church since 2018. He grew up in Dallas, Pennsylvania before moving to Franklin, Tennessee as a teenager. He attended Belmont University in Nashville where he graduated (2007) with a Bachelor of Arts in Religion with a minor in Philosophy.

Bobby attended Duke Divinity School in Durham, North Carolina where he graduated (2010) with a Masters of Divinity and an Anglican Studies Certificate from Duke Divinity’s Anglican House of Studies. During his time in seminary, he joined the Episcopal Church and was confirmed (2009) at St. Joseph's Episcopal in Durham, North Carolina by then Bishop of North Carolina, The Most Reverend Michael B. Curry.

Following his work in seminary, Bobby moved to Boston where he worked for the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts. He spent a year working with the interfaith communities throughout the greater Boston area and raised awareness on topics pertaining to social justice issues. He was a faithful member of Boston's "Common Cathedral", an outdoor church that met in the Boston Common and served those experiencing homelessness in the city.

In 2011, Bobby moved to New Orleans and undertook a year of Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE Certification) at East Jefferson General Hospital. While serving at EJGH, he became a member of Trinity Episcopal Church. In 2012, he began his Discernment for Ordained Ministry in the Diocese of Louisiana. In 2014, Bobby joined St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church in Metairie where he continued his spiritual growth and discernment process under the mentorship of The Very Reverend A.J. Heine, Jr.

Bobby was ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacons on May 17, 2017, at St. Augustine’s. Later that year, Bobby was ordained to the Sacred Order of Priests at Trinity Episcopal Church during a special school-day service that included the entire student body of Trinity Episcopal School.

Bobby married his wife Julie on January 6, 2018, at Christ Church Cathedral in New Orleans. Julie currently works for Tulane University’s Campus Planning Office. Bobby and Julie are avid travelers and are frequently planning, or preparing, for their next adventure in the world. They have made their home in New Orleans and enjoy participating in the numerous events of the city, including their favorite event of the year, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.

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