“I’ll be Back”
Dear Friends,
Perhaps like me, prior to Sunday, August 24, 2025, when you heard the phrase “I’ll be back,” you thought of Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1984 film The Terminator. He’s repeated it in many movies since, and it even ranks among the top 100 movie phrases.
This Sunday, “I’ll be back” will bring a new memory, of a courageous individual who stood before our parish weeks ago, shared that she had cancer, asked for prayer, and promised she would be gone only for a short while. Now, the Rev. Susan Beebe will indeed be back.
It reminds me of the power of prayer. As a parish we felt helpless, knowing there was nothing physically we could do to make Susan better. But we knew there was one thing spiritually we absolutely needed to do: pray. And we did. And God answered.
“I’ll be back” must also remind us of the miraculous. In John 14:3, Jesus promises, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” This “I’ll be back” promise of Jesus’ return is at the very heart of our Christian belief. Scripture offers many examples of Jesus telling crowds, disciples, and skeptics alike that he would be back—and he was.
What do we learn from this? That with God NOTHING is impossible. Not even death could keep Jesus from fulfilling his promise.
I hope, like me, you have also been reminded of how important it is to remain faithful in prayer for our clergy, Bethesda staff, liturgical leaders, and fellow parishioners. We all need prayer, and we’ve seen again just how powerful it really is.
I am thankful we will witness our Associate Rector return to lead us into the presence of the Lord as she shares the gospel. In Susan’s testimony we see grace under trial, strength and determination, and steadfast faith. Bethesda is truly blessed to have the Beebe family as part of our parish family.
May you continue to experience the blessing and power of our praying parish here at The Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea.
Blessings,
Joseph E. Sanelli
Parish Administrator