New Year Blessing Reflection

May the Lord Bless and Keep You
A Reflection for January First, The Feast of the Circumcision of Our Lord/ Mary Mother of God
Readings: Numbers 6:22-27, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:16-21,
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA
Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus, Holliston, MA
www.Missionstsergius.org
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EverlastingLoveOfChristMinistry

The Psalm for the liturgy of New Years Day proclaims a message we all should be shouting from the rooftops, “Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of His name; Make His praise glorious. Say to God, How awesome are your works!”
When we couple that with the direction given in the first reading of the day from the book of Numbers chapter 6 verses 22-27 on how to greet people “You shall say to them: May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord let his face shine on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord uncover his face to you and bring you peace.” We receive a direction of living our life in accordance with the teachings of Christ and therefore Almighty God.
Our hearts should be filled with the knowledge and love that the King of Glory, Jesus Christ brought to this world. Was not just happenstance, but was part of God’s design from the very beginning of time.
As if to reinforce the truth, that we have all been chosen by God as his children and therefore heirs to the kingdom of heaven we have the words from the second reading found in Galatians 4: “The proof that you are sons is that God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts: the Spirit that cries, ‘Abba, Father’, and it is this that makes you a son, you are not a slave any more; and if God has made you son, then he has made you heir.”The Gospel tell us that the name chosen for the child was not a family mane but that it was given to the infant according to the instructions Mary received from the Angel Gabriel. When the eighth day came and the child was to be circumcised, they gave him the name Jesus, the name the angel had given him before his conception. "She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." Matthew 1:22
Besides being the feast of the Circumcision of Jesus, today is also commemorated in the western church to celebrate the motherhood of Mary, “the Theotokos” in Greek meaning mother of God. The Gospel reading reminds us that Mary pondered all that had come to pass and also the things she was told would occur in her heart by the priest “Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too." Luke 2: 34-35.
There should be no doubt in anyone mind that Jesus is the promised one of the ages and as such we need to heed the things He has instructed us to do. We also have to keep in mind that through the centuries many things have been added to what Jesus instructed, mainly for the purpose of gaining power and wealth. Those things have very little to do with living our life according to God’s will. Celibacy of clergy was an idea that came many years after Christ, the early church had women deacons, the early church blessed same sex commitment ceremonies, liturgies were celebrated in the language of the people. These are just some of the things that churches enforce that were not defined by Christ.
All the grandeur, splendor, pomp and circumstance that is associated with some churches fly in the face of what Christ taught. By His birth in a simple manger alone; Christ gave us a lesson that He came to give hope and promise to all and that the poor and needy where more acceptable than the rich and powerful. “Do unto others as you would have done unto you” this teaching should cause us to think about how we treat others and is it the same way that we would want to be treated?
Jesus Christ came to earth to save us, to open up the gates of heaven to all people. Almighty God sent us His son in human form to teach us the truth, to lead us in the path of righteousness, and to gain for us eternal salvation.
As we begin a New Year let us make a new beginning in our relationship with Almighty God through His beloved Son, Jesus the Christ. Let us vow to make the changes necessary in our lives so that we come closer to God in all that we do. Let us set aside time each and every day to acknowledge God and ask His help in making us a better and newer person. Let us examine way that we can actively make a difference by our actions and deeds. Can we be more compassionate toward those who are suffering from poverty, hunger, homelessness and serious illness? Can we do more to support the spreading of the Good News of Salvation preached by Jesus Christ? Can we make time in our schedules to pray and receive the bread of life, the Eucharist?
As the sports adage says; “The ball is in our court” how are we going to play it?
May the New Year bring peace to the hearts and minds of all people, May the wisdom of God infuse the inner being of all especially the leaders of the worlds governments and religions so that they find a pathway to peace and unity and bring about the promise of The Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. AMEN

An Idea For A New Year's Resolution

A New Year Prayer, A Resolution for Peace On Earth,
A Reflection for January 1 in the year of Our Lord Two Thousand and Seven
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFAMission Saints Sergius and Bacchus,
a Franciscans of the Annunciation mission
www.missionstsergius.org

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EverlastingLoveOfChristMinistry

As we prepare to make our resolutions for the New Year 2007, how about we try this one on for size?I based this reflection on the words to a once very popular prayer/song “Let There Be Peace On Earth” written and copy written in 1955by Sy Miller and Jill Jackson. In this time of world turmoil I feel we need to focus on the issues that have been tearing nations, churches and people apart and make a resolution to do our part to change the direction the world seems to be headed. Daily we are reminded of all the dissention between the various churches which claim to be Christian and other religious denominations that claim the God of Abraham, Isaac, David and Jacob as their father. Every day the news is filled with reports throughout the world, of strife, conflicts over territory and in some countries genocide, poverty, and starvation caused by the need of a minority for power, control and greed. Families have been torn apart over the issue of their child’s sexuality by individuals who claim to represent Christ and have taken upon themselves the role of making judgments that are only God’s right to make. Did not Christ Himself say “Let those among you that is without sin, cast the first stone” We all are sinners to one degree or another, we need to acknowledge that and be repentant for our own misdeeds and assume we are better than the others.The words of this wonderful prayer/song are very poignant. It not only makes a request but it points out that it all must start with each of us individually; “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.” This is a lesson to us that we cannot wait for others to set the ball in motion, we need it to begin within our selves. We need to make a move in our own lives to settle any disagreements we might have with members of our own family, friends, neighbors or employees. If each and every person would work toward the goal of peace in their own live the result would be like a snowball rolling down a very steep hill, it would keep building and growing larger and faster as it traveled along. Each individual action would cause a similar reaction from others and it could spread throughout the world.The second line in this message written in 1955 is also powerful as it directs us to the source of all peace; “Let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be. With God as our Father.” In order to achieve any kind of lasting and meaningful peace we need to turn to the source, Almighty God. We need to place Him at the center of our lives and live according to the way His beloved son, Jesus Christ instructed us. We need to look around us and be thankful for the gifts we have been given and stop grumbling about the things we think we need. We need to come to the realization that we are all children of the same God and therefore brothers and sisters of each other as the prayer/song explains; “brothers all are we, Let me walk with my brother, in perfect harmony.”As we contemplate what kind of resolution we are going to make to change our lives in this new year I suggest that each of us place this as number one and that we make sure that we keep this resolution even if all the others are forgotten as the year progresses; “Let peace begin with me, let this be the moment now, With every step I take, let this be my solemn vow, To take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally.”. Peace is not something to be wished for, it is something one has to work hard to achieve. If these words “ Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me!” are to ever be realized we all have to work together to make it a reality. We cannot be satisfied as long as there is one child of God that is being oppressed because social or economic status, suffering discrimination for any reason, dying because of lack of proper food or medicine, homeless due to inadequate affordable housing, or being violently murdered over drugs or gang disputes. As children of God and followers of Jesus Christ we are called to live the Gospel message not just preach it. Let us resolve to begin this New Year with one single purpose, to do our part in bringing about changes that will make this prayer/songs words a reality.

Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me,Let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be.With God as our Father, brothers all are we,Let me walk with my brother, in perfect harmony. Let peace begin with me, let this be the moment now,With every step I take, let this be my solemn vow,To take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally.Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me! AMEN

I am also adding the prayer of the seraphic father of our order and all the

Franciscan orders, Saint Francis which helps us to understand the things we need to do to achieve a true and lasting peace.

Peace Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;where there is hatred, let me sow love;when there is injury, pardon;where there is doubt, faith;where there is despair, hope;where there is darkness, light;and where there is sadness, joy.Grant that I may not so much seekto be consoled as to console;to be understood, as to understand,to be loved as to love;for it is in giving that we receive,it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. AMEN

May God fill each and every one with an abundance of His mercy, infinite love and grace throughout the new year and grant you the courage and strength to do what is necessary to bring about changes on this planet so that there will be a new beginning for all and a time of peace and reconciliation.

A New Interpretation To 12 Days Of Christmas

A New Meaning to the Twelve Days of Christmas Song
Day 1 A PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR TREE
Jesus, The Son of God
Day 2 2 TURTLE DOVES
The Old and New Testament
Day 3 THREE FRENCH HENS
The Virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity
Day 4 FOUR CALLING BIRDS
The Four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
Day 5 FIVE GOLDEN RINGS
The Pentateuch or first five books of the Old Testament
Day 6 SIX GEESE A LAYING
The six days of creation
Day 7 SEVEN SWANS A SWIMMING
The Seven Sacraments
Day 8 EIGHT MAIDS A MILKING
The Eight Beatitudes
Day 9 NINE LADIES DANCING
The nine fruits of the Holy Spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”
Day 10 TEN LORDS A LEAPING
The Ten Commandments
Day 11 ELEVEN LORDS A LEAPING
The eleven faithful apostles (excludes Judas)
Day 12 TWELVE DRUMMERS DRUMMING
The Twelve points of doctrine found in the Apostles Creed.
1 I Believe in God the Father Almighty, creator of Heaven and earth
2 I Believe in Jesus Christ the Only Son of the Father
3 He was born of the Virgin Mary
4 He became man
5 He Suffered under Pontius Pilot
6 He Was Crucified, Died and was buried
7 On the Third day he rose again.
8 He ascended into heaven
9 He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
10 I believe in the Holy Spirit
11 I believe in the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church
12 I acknowledge one Baptism for the forgiveness of sin.
Rev. Robert Francis Johnnene OFA
Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus
www.missionstsergius.org
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EverlastingLoveOfChristMinistry

Joy To The World, A Christmas Reflection

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!A Christmas Reflection

by Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA,

Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus

Based on the Scriptural Readings from Luke 2:1-14, Titus 2:11-15, Titus 3:4-7, Luke 2:15-20, Hebrews 1:1-12, John 1:1-14

www.MissionStSergius.org

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EverlastingLoveOfChristMinistry

These words of the well know Christmas Carol written by Isaac Watts (1674-1748)“Joy to the World, the Lord has come. Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, And Heaven and nature sing” could not express the feeling we all should be having this blessed day nor the mission we have been called to live by the birth of this infant child called Jesus of Nazareth.On Christmas day there are three sets of readings, one for the Midnight Mass, another for the mass at dawn and the third for the later mass of the day. When you combine them all they provide us with the very powerful truth and reason for living according to God‘s will. John 1 begins with these words “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.” These words are to remind us that Christ came from and is God and that He took on the human form in the same manner as every other human being ever born or to be born, as an infant. He came into this world in the same way as well, in being born of a woman. Let us try to understand the darkness that seems to encompass so many today.I believe that God chose this way in order to let us know that we are all created in His image and we all have a job do to in this world for God. Of course He has also given us free choice therefore we can not accept the job He wishes us to do. There is so much symbolism in the miracle of Christmas. God chose simple people, not the rich and famous. Christ was born in a poor stable filled with the animals of the farmers and travelers. The announcement of Christ’s birth was not to the great and mighty or the High priests but to simple shepherds. God did this to let us know that it is the average person he calls not necessarily the rich and famous. Didn’t Christ say “Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Matthew 19:23-25The readings also provide us with the purpose of Christ’s coming to earth; “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, We are called to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and live sensibly, righteously and goodly. Somehow that message seems to be all together lost on many people today. Everywhere we hear of news of people who steal, rape, murder and let us not forget wage wars all in search of money, power and domination at the expense of others. Only God has the right to dominate things on this earth since He created them and they are His, we are supposed to be the caretakers and we do not even take that God given responsibility seriously. We have been charged by God to care for this planet earth and all God’s creatures yet we are destroying the ecosystem that God created because it is cheaper and more profitable than using alternative energies that are possible. “Christ gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. These things speak and encourage and reprimand all authorities. Let no one take no notice of you.” Titus 2:11-15 Jesus told us He came to clarify the law and to give us a new covenant. He told us the way we should live and prime in that message was “Love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, mind, soul and body and love your neighbor as you love yourself” God so loved the world that He gave His only son to us. There is no greater gift anyone could ever receive and how do we repay god for that Gift? We can repay God by living in the manner that Christ instructed us. We can be kind, considerate, loving, caring, forgiving, charitable, and respectful of the differences that God has created in all things. We are called to worship God and be joyful for the things we have been given. The reading from Hebrews lets us know that even the angels are to worship Christ and that His kingdom will last forever."Let all God's angels worship him. In speaking of the angels he says, He makes his angels winds, his servants flames of fire. But about the Son he says, Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.” Hebrews 1:6-9The Introit of the second mass of Christmas is a reading from Isaiah 9: 6-7 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.”On this Christmas day of 2006 let us follow the directions of the angels who announced the Good News to the shepherds watching their flocks. “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased." Let us try to be persons with whom God will be pleased, so that we can fully enjoy the peace and joy the birth of God’s son we celebrate this day. Let us return God’s gift to us by being more tolerant of the differences in others, charitable by giving to organizations and people in need, concerned about the homeless, sick, and disabled of the world. Let us speak out against injustice, war, and greed. In short, let us make a difference in the world and make it a better place tomorrow than it is today.By doing this we will affirm that indeed there is “Joy in the world because the Lord has come and instilled in us His way so that we have become His instrument here on earth to bring about the promised peace of Christ.”

A Blessed and joyous Christmas be with you all.

Fr. Bob Johnnene OFA

Know The Lord Will Come

Know That the Lord Will Come

A Reflection for the Vigil of Christmas Dec. 24thExodus 16:6-7, Psalm 2: 7-12, Romans 1:1-6, Matthew 1:18-21

By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFAMission Saints Sergius and Bacchus

www.missionstsergius.org

“This day you will know that the Lord shall come to save us and in the morning you shall see His glory” Exodus 16:6-7“And she shall bring forth a son and you shall call his name Jesus, for He shall save all people from their sins” Matthew 1:21

The two passages above are affirmation as to why the celebration of Christmas is to be joyful and filled with rejoicing. Monday we will hear the proclamation of the angels to the shepherds “Fear not, for I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to ALL the People; for this day is born to you a savior, who is Christ the Lord” Luke 2: 10

If ever any have had doubts as to why Jesus came to earth, the above proclamations should resound with crystal clarity. Jesus came to save ALL the people of the earth not just a select few. Jesus came to save us from our sins and gain for us eternal salvation.These gospel passages acknowledge two very important things we need to reflect upon.First, they acknowledge that we are all sinners, God knew that and sent His only begotten son to earth for the purpose of saving us from those sins. Christ took on human form and lived among us to show us the way and to teach us the truth of God. Jesus came, not as a great and powerful king or warrior, but as a simple baby born not in a palace but a humble stable with a bed of straw and the breath of the animals to keep Him warm. The first people to whom the Good News of salvation was proclaimed were not the rich and powerful but simple shepherds tending their flocks on the hillside. God’s message could not be any clearer if He had written it in the heavens for all to see. Power, money, fame, material things are not important but the love and respect for all God’s creation is. God provides individuals with those things to be shared with those who have not. The Magi, kings from different points of the globe brought gifts to honor the little infant Jesus that were considered to be of great worth and precious to the people of that time. This was another message to us that we need to share our wealth and goods with the poor. Christ emphasized this on many occasions in His preaching.Our world today seems to be more interested in the material things of this life and not too many are focusing on the hereafter. There is so much that we can do today to offer God our thanks for sending His only begotten son here to earth to save us. We can begin by speaking out against the genocide that is occurring in some parts of the world. We can try to understand the diversity that God created in this world and try to embrace it as having been God’s will. We can speak out against the senseless killing that is taking place all over the globe, not only in the war torn countries but here at home. These words taken from the Psalms is a warning to us we need to consider seriously, “Take warning, O you judges of the earth. Worship the LORD with reverence, and rejoice with trembling. Do homage to the Son that the Father not become angry and you perish in the way, for His wrath may soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!” Psalm 2:10-12On this last day of Advent, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, let us look deeply within ourselves and determine how we are presenting ourselves before God and Christ. Are we being prejudiced toward others because they are different than we are? Do we offer back to God some of the gifts he has provided to us by being generous to the poor and needy? Do we respect all of God’s children and forgive those who have caused us unhappiness by their words or actions? Do we set aside time every day for giving praise and thanksgiving to God for all He has done for us. Do we turn to God for help in overcome our weaknesses? In short, have we made room in our busy lives for God in our life?When tomorrow comes, what will our gift to the infant Jesus be? Will we present Him with ourselves in a manner consistent with the teachings He gave us or will we just go on about our merry way doing everything as we have without regard for how God might look upon it. God’s love and mercy is unlimited and infinite. It is there for All regardless of their race, creed or sexual orientation as long as everyone has made a prominent place in their life for God and strives to live their life in a decent and respectful way according to how Jesus taught us.One of my favorite preachers who never received proper recognition by the church, I believe, taught that “The family that prays together, stays together” Bishop Fulton J. Sheen (1895 - 1979) others of his quotes we might also consider “Love is a mutual self-giving that ends in self-recovery.” “There are 200 million poor in the world who would gladly take the vow of poverty if they could eat, dress and have a home like I do”. "It is not a unity of religion we seek but a union of religious people. We may not be able to meet in the same pew, but we can meet together on our knees as Christians." Remember, Without Christ there would not be a Christmas to celebrate and no Santa, or gifts or glorious decorations and feasts. I am going to close this reflection with another quote from Oren Arnold “Christmas gift suggestions:To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect.”May the peace of Christ proclaimed by the angels on the night He was born, invade the hearts and minds of all the leaders of the world nations, Religious denominations and government institutions and individual people so that the promise of Christmas is realized for all. AMEN

Rejoicing In The Lord

Reflection for Third Sunday of Advent
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA
Mission Saints Sergius & Bacchus
www.missionstsergius.org
Based on Philippians’ 4:4-7, Psalm 84, John 1:19-28
“Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say Rejoice” (Philippians 4:4)

St. Paul in his letter to the people of Philippi sends us a very powerful message on living life especially during this season of advent as we prepare ourselves for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and the salvation his coming brought to all of the human race.
Paul tell us to; “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Do not worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing, fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”
Rejoice in the Lord! With so many today grumbling about one thing or another, with the daily news services reporting one horrible event after another. With the knowledge that so many children of God around the world are living in poverty, suffering from discrimination, homeless, and being killed because of the greed and power seeking of others. With multitudes of senior citizens lacking adequate medical care and struggling to have the basic needs of life, we might wonder how we could ever REJOICE IN THE LORD!
Possibly the cause of all the suffering facing the world today is that so many have put God far in the back of their minds. So many today do not consider God in their daily lives or take time to offer thanks for the gifts God has provided them. They claim that they are too busy to give God the time necessary and be successful.
If they would just take some time to think about their life and who gave them the abilities they posses to seek recognition in their chosen field of endeavor, they might come to the realization that Almighty God who created them infused them with those abilities. If they had come to that realization then maybe they might come to the awareness that they need to thank God for what He has provided them and take a more active participation in acknowledging God in their life.
All over the globe people are decorating their houses and purchasing gifts for celebrating Christmas and Chanukah both celebrations which honor God, yet most people focus on the commercial aspects of the holidays and forget about the true purpose of them, REJOICING IN GOD!.
Without God, there would not be either of these holidays. Let us focus on this and integrate God into all our preparations. Let us make sure that we have set aside times to thank God for all He has provided us. Let us plan to attend a religious ceremony as a part of our celebration plans. For those who are Christian, attend church and receive the Eucharist. For members of the Jewish faith attend Synagogue.
Remember the words of John The Baptist ““I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize. Though his ministry follows mine, I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal.” (John 1:26-27)
We know whom it was John spoke of, Jesus Christ. Christmas is the time we set aside to recognize His coming to live among us in order to teach us they way to happiness and everlasting peace and to gain for us eternal salvation. Let us acknowledge that precious gift from God, the Gift of His beloved son and make room in our lives every day to “Rejoice in Him” through prayer and deeds. Let us strive to live our life every day in a manner that is in accordance with the way Christ instructed.
Let us work toward being more considerate, compassionate, understanding, forgiving and caring more for all those around us rather than just concentrating on our own needs. What a wonderful way to present our gift to Almighty God in thanksgiving for all He has done for us.

PRAYER
Almighty and merciful God, we come to you this advent season to give you thanks and praise for the many gifts you provide us every day. We ask forgiveness for our transgressions and sins and promise to strive to live our daily lives according to the way you taught us.
Guide us by the gifts of the Holy Spirit to be more mindful of the needs of ALL your children and help us to do our part in bringing about the peace and brotherhood for all the children of God all over this world that was proclaimed by the angels on the night you were born. We ask this in the name of our redeemer and savior, Jesus Christ, your son, whose coming among us we celebrate this Christmas Season. AMEN

An Advent Guide For Our Daily Life from God

Advent Guide for living According to Christ
Reflection by Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA
For the Second Sunday of Advent
In preparing this weeks reflection I contemplated on how we might actually prepare ourselves to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ during this Advent season. I decided to seek out passages in scripture where Christ gave us specific ways to live as His followers.
The following passages say much and there is very little that I or anyone else could add except to say:
“If only all people would follow this guidelines of Christ, what a wonderful world this could be.
We might actually be able to achieve peace with one another, end poverty, injustice, discrimination, violence, and bring about a time when the prime commandments of Almighty God and His beloved son Jesus Christ, are actually practiced and lived to the fullest by all nations and people.
I begin with a passage from Leviticus 19:18 "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.” and in the new testament Jesus repeated it more clearly by saying: “Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself. 40All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Matthew 22:37-40
I pray that you read the compiled passages, and reflect on how you are doing now and what you might need to work on in order to put Christ’s directions on living our daily life into practice. The possibilities of how the world would change if everyone could practice these directions of Christ. “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not think you are superior. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. ’” Romans 12: 9-21
Christ in His sermon on the mount gave us even more indication as to how we should live when He told us:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are they that have been persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men shall reproach you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets that were before you. You are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under the foot of men. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shines till all are in the house. Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good. works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Think not that I came to destroy the law or the prophets: I came not to destroy, but to fulfill the law. Truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Matthew 5:3-19
Christ goes on to say the following; “whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment. But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who holds a brother or sister in contempt is answerable to the law. And anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell. Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. Go first and be reconciled to that person; then come and offer your gift. Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny. Matthew 5:19-26
We are further advised in Romans 12:13-15 “Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
It is very clear that we are called to contribute to the needs of God's people, and pursue the practice of hospitality. We need to learn to live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, snobbish, high-minded or so exclusive we shut people out. We should never overestimate ourselves or be too wise in our own conceits. We must also remember these words of Jesus to His apostles and follow them daily.
“Pray, and when you pray say; Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be you name. Your kingdom come, your will be done here on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from all evil. For yours is the Kingdom and the power and the Glory now and forever. AMEN Luke 11:2-4 and in Matthew 6: 9-13
May Almighty God, in His wisdom, grant each of us the ability to follow these directions each and every day of our lives working toward perfection of them and toward a time when all of God’s children can live in peace and harmony with each other and a time when all who accept Christ and claim Him as redeemer and savior can gather as one family and one body in Christ. . AMEN
Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA
Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus

A Lesson On Trusting In God

Mary’s Lesson on Trusting In God
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA, Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus
www.missionstsergius.org
Email: Mission_St_Sergius@msn.com
The Feast of The Immaculate Conception celebrates Our Lady‘s complete trust in Almighty God. The feast also celebrates God’s greatest gift to humankind, His beloved son Jesus Christ.
The feast celebrates the fact that Almighty God deemed that the woman who was to bring His son into the world would be free of the stain of sin that all the rest of humankind is prone to in order that she would be a pure vessel within which Our blessed Lord would be conceived through the Holy Spirit and nurtured to human life for nine months. When He sent His messenger, the Angel Gabriel, to her to inform her that God had chosen her to bear the promised one of the prophets with these words "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.” Luke 1:29-35. Mary asked; “How can this be, for I know not man?. "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.”
The redeemer foretold by God when He drove Satan from the Garden of Eden in Genesis 3:14-16 “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel” and in Isaiah 11: 1: “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse: from his roots a branch will bear fruit.” was to be born to this unmarried woman.
What faith in God she must have had to accept this message. After all, the punishment for having had a sexual relation without being married , even though betrothed to Joseph they were not married nor had they had relations, was to be stoned to death as an adulteress.
Mary’s response to Gabriel’s message was “Let it be done to me according to God’s will” Luke 1:38
In our daily live we are often faced with challenges or situations where we have great apprehension do we respond to them with “Let it be done to me according to God’s will” as Mary did or do we gross and complain because things are difficult.?
What might have gone through Our Blessed Mothers mind when Simeon told her or our minds if we received this message? "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too." Luke 2: 34-35
Mary gave us an example to follow in our own live and it was to seek out God in prayer and putting our trust in God will for us. When we do we acquire a sense we will come through our difficulties alright. After all, Even Jesus, when faced with what was about to happen after His entry into Jerusalem cried out to God "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done." Matthew 26:41-43For me this feast day has special significance. It was on Dec. 8th, 1957 that I could not fall asleep because of a series of thoughts flashing through my mind, I finally got up and wrote down what I was thinking and went back to bed to fall into a peaceful and deep sleep. Upon awakening the following day I noticed this paper with writing on it , read it and thought, “My mother will like this” and mailed it off to her. 30 years later, after mom passed on, as I was going through her things, I found the original paper I had written that night. I will end this reflection with this advice to you and the words I wrote that Dec. 8th night in 1957.
Always believe in God and put your trust in Him. He will never forsake you or reject you no matter what others may tell you. Talk to Him often, either with formal prayers or just regular conversation as though He were your best friend sitting there with you, WHICH HE IS. AND If you want to do as I did that night in 1957 pray these words I called A SINNER’S PRAYER.
A SINNER’S PRAYER
Written in 1957 By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA
O, Mary Immaculate, virgin so fair, mother of Our Savior, please hear my prayer.
Intercede, dearest mother, to your heavenly son.
Tell Him I am truly sorry for all the wrongs and sins I have done.
Ask Him to guide me by the graces and gifts of the Holy Spirit in all of my ways
So that I might give Him honor, glory and praise with all the Heavenly elect when I come to the end of my earthly days. AMEN

Preparing For Christ's Coming

A Time of Preparing
A Reflection for the First Week of Advent
By Rev. Robert Johnnie )FA
Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus
www.missionStSergius.org
Http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EverlastingLoveOfChristMinistry

Everywhere you look today you see people shopping for the perfect Christmas gift, people’s home being decorated with lights and trimming, and post offices jammed with people sending their greetings. I have to think “I wonder what they are doing to prepare for the coming of Christ?”.
The season of Advent is supposed to be a time when we Christians focus on the promises Christ made to us and to examine ourselves as to whether or not we are living according to Christ’s guidelines.
The word Advent comes from the Latin “Adventus” which means coming or arrival. The Aramaic word is “Marantha” which means “The Lord Cometh”. So, n essence it means to look forward to the Coming of our Savior. The word also has roots from the Latin “Ad” meaning to or toward and “Veni” meaning come.
The season is one of expectation and anticipation of something that is to happen in the future.
Now the question is how are we prepared for the coming that is promised in St. John’s “Apocalypse and the first Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians?
Are we really ready to meet our creator and answer to Him for the way we have lived our lives and used the gifts He has given us?
Are we living our lives “Semper Paratus”--translation Always Ready- the Coast Guard's motto?
We need to call to mind the words of Christ when asked when the He will come to claim His kingdom. The answer he gave was “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the son, but only the Father” (MATTHEW 24:35-37)
If we never know when we will have to face the Lord isn’t it wise for us to always be prepared?
All around us today we see the forces of evil using the same tools that Satin used before the beginning of time in challenging Almighty God. Satin even tempted Adam and Eve with it "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." (GENESIS 3:4-6). He even tempted Christ “the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me." (MATTHEW 4:8-9) The desire for control and power is possibly Satins greatest form of temptation and it is usually couple with man‘s pursuit of wealth which we know is GREED.
We see it in the lives of every day people who are always trying to accumulate more wealth far in excess of what they need for everyday needs. We see it in Government leaders who forsake their responsibilities to those citizens who elected them in favor of gratifying the rich and powerful lobbies that provide funding, and sometimes graft money, for them . We see it in Religious Institutions who have compromised the basic teachings of Jesus Christ in order to attain power and wealth.
When there are children starving and dying all over the world because of poverty and wars when every day millions of food is wasted and thrown in the garbage. When people are turned away from worshiping and giving honor and praise to Almighty God because of their marital status or sexual orientation because it panders to a group of individuals who have many prejudices and deep pockets.
There are some who feel that observing the days of fast and abstinence (WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS) and fasting on all the days of the week are enough according to scripture, What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? ( JAMES 2:13 )The time is now for us to begin to place Christ at the center of our lives, to put the real meaning of Christmas back into the holiday. Without CHRIST there is no Christmas.
Let us truly prepare ourselves by praying more, receiving Eucharist more often, asking God for forgiveness of our failure to live according to His teachings. Let us begin to be more mindful of the needs of others by contributing to charitable organizations and returning a portion of our gifts back to God by supporting ministries that are struggling to proclaim Christ’s message of infinite and everlasting mercy, forgiveness and love for all His children.
I leave you with the following prayer for Advent:
Come, long expected Jesus. Excite in me a wonder at the wisdom and power of Your Father and ours. Receive my prayer as a part of my service of the Lord who enlists me in God’s work for justice.
Come, long expected Jesus. Excite in me a joyful response to the Father’s joy. I seek His will so I can serve Him with gladness and love.
Come, long expected Jesus. Excite in me the love and peace that is a rightful gift to bring to the manger of Our Savior. Raise in me an honest reverence for God and a honest gratitude for His gift of His son to the world.
Come, Long expected Jesus. Fill me with your peace and guide me in my service to you as I attempt to live according to your teaching.
Come, Long expected Jesus. Strengthen me so that I may be your instrument of bringing peace and harmony to all I encounter on my daily journey through life.
I ask these things in your name Jesus as you live and reign with the Father, Almighty God, and the Holy Spirit as one triune God, now and forever unto the ages of ages. AMEN

Statement of Faith

Mission Statement of Faith

Recently I have been asked what are the beliefs of our ministry and where do they derive from. Our beliefs are those of Orthodox Christians and are defined here for clarification.
We believe in one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit — the Trinity one and indivisible. The Father is before all time; the Son of God is begotten of the Father before all ages; and the Holy Spirit proceeds from God the Father from all eternity. We believe in One God, worshipped in the Trinity, eternal, almighty and all-knowing; that of His own Will He created all that exists out of nothing: first, the realm of the angels, invisible to us, and then our visible and material world. God also created people, breathed into us eternal souls, imprinted in our hearts his benevolent law, and gave us free will. He created us to be eternally blessed in communion with Him. We believe that God is eternally just and righteous in His mercy. He governs the entire universe and the life of each one of us, and without His will nothing can be accomplished.When Adam and Eve disobeyed God's word, He did not reject them permanently, but through the prophets began to disclose His plan of salvation, promising to send the Messiah, Christ. When the world was ripe for accepting the true faith, the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, came down to earth, to save us sinners. He taught us how to believe and live righteously. He died on the Cross for our salvation and with His precious blood washed away our sins. On the third day He rose from the dead and began our own resurrection and eternal blessed life in heaven. We believe that on the fiftieth day after His resurrection the Lord Jesus Christ sent the Holy Spirit to the apostles, who even now are present in the Church, supporting her in spirit and truth.
We believe that one Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church is empowered with invincible power against evil even until the end of the world. We believe that the Holy Spirit, through the Sacraments of Baptism, confession, Holy Communion, the laying on of hands and the other Sacraments, purifies and enlightens believers, giving them strength to live a Christian life.
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ will come again a second time upon this earth, at which time there will be the resurrection of the dead and a final judgment, in which every person will be judged according to his deeds. After the judgment, eternal life will begin; for the righteous, eternal bliss in communion with God, for the devil and sinners eternal suffering in hell.We believe that for salvation it is not enough to have faith alone, but it is necessary to live in accordance with faith. For this reason, we admit to the necessity of fulfilling the ten commandments given by God to the Prophet Moses, and the Beatitudes in the Gospel given to us by the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called sons of God. 10 Blessed are they that have been persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye when men shall reproach you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets that were before you. (Matt. 5:3-12).
These laws command us to love God and our neighbor and even to love our enemies
43 Ye have heard that it was said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy:
44 but I say unto you, love your enemies, and pray for them that persecute you; 45 that ye may be sons of your Father who is in heaven: for he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust. (Matt. 5:43-45).
These laws of love place Christian Faith in a moral position above other religions, and from that point of view the Church is the only true path to peace among the nations. Without a sincere love for our neighbor and without forgiveness, wars and total annihilation are inevitable. The Lord Jesus Christ teaches us all to forgive in a remarkable prayer, the "Our Father," when we pray, "and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors." In His sermons the Lord teaches faithfulness, gentleness, patience, and justice towards others. Among His sermons one which stands out is the "sermon of the talents" which calls us to develop within ourselves all the gifts given by the Lord, our abilities and talents. True faith must constantly develop inner growth and produce good deeds, because "faith without works is dead" (James 2:6).Christians must not be materialistic, that is, they must behave dispassionately towards material blessings, not use them for selfish purposes, but rather to meet basic necessities and to help others who are less fortunate. Pride, arrogance, selfishness and egoism are loathsome in the sight of God.
We Believe that each person was created by God with a free will and is therefore responsible for his own behavior. God loves us and has mercy on us sinners. He helps us with every good thing, especially if we call on Him. He promised us: "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you" (Matt. 7:7). Earnest prayer enlightens reason, helps overcome temptation, and assist us to live according to God's commandments. Prayer helps us to enliven our spiritual abilities which become the main purpose for our life on earth.
We believe that when a Christian experiences misfortune or illness, he must not blame God, but remember that the Lord permits us to suffer for our spiritual benefit, for cleansing from sins and the strength to do good deeds. In troubled times, we must pray to the Heavenly Father, "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." “Father, not my will but thy will be done”(Matt. 26:42)We believe that we are called to almsgiving which includes caring for one's family, the elderly, orphans, widows, the sick and the poor. It also requires refraining from criticizing anyone, as the Lord Jesus Himself commanded, "judge not, that ye be not judged" (Matt. 7:1). The purpose of our life is constant striving towards righteousness: "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect" (Matt. 5:48).
This is the beliefs and the truths that Mission Saint Sergius and Bacchus believe in and strives to teach in order to bring each of us closer to Almighty God and the promise of Salvation.
Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA

God and Government

Render Unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s
and unto God the things that are God’s
A Reflection for November 19, 2006
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA
Mission Saint Sergius and Bacchus
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EverlastingLoveOfChristMinistry
Today we are faced with many difficult and discomforting decisions in our day to day lives. We are subjected to many differing voices of opinions on everything from the justification of the wars being waged to an individuals right to life. The ability to be free to marry the person we love and receive the same benefits of every other citizen, and how we treat the homeless and poor with housing and medical care. These are serious life defining questions.
Every one of these issues have government officials and religious leaders that prescribe different points of view.
We should look for the answers in the true teachings of Christ as found in the original manuscripts of the early church before the political ambitions of church leaders distorted the writings.
How we should act becomes increasingly difficult to discern. Who’s opinion and view is the right one. The Gospel reading for the Orthodox church this week might give us a direction to look toward for an answer “Render Unto Caesar the things that are Caesars and unto God the things that are God’s.“ MATTHEW 22:21.
Because of the multiple religious voices who have translated the Holy Scriptures to suite their political agendas and for financial considerations, there are questions as to what is meant by this passage and many others. The dictionary has the following meanings for the word RENDER
1. vt give help: to give help or provide a service (formal) or . vt pay respect: to give what is due or appropriate to somebody who has authority or power (formal) “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s” Matthew 22:21
If we were to consider the first translation (to give help or provide a service) then we as Christians are called to help Government by suggesting the direction they should take.
Many times the lines between Religion and Government have become totally blurred in the past and most recently in the last few decades.
Government officials who claim to be Christians do not always reflect the teachings of Jesus Christ in their legislative rulings. They are like beautifully wrapped gift boxes that when opened are empty. When laws are passed that discriminate against any group of individuals governments are not acting as Jesus did. Jesus never discriminated against anyone who came to him that believed and asked His help.
The role of Government is to insure the Public Safety and well being of all. Government is to protect the public from thieves, adulterers, murderers, cheats, or any behavior that endangers the general well being of the public. When the government invades the private day to day lives of individuals, who are not causing harm to anyone, by promoting laws that discriminate they are not fulfilling their constitutional role.
In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts not one citizen has been harmed from the legalization of same sex unions. In fact the results have actually shown the law to be a benefit to every citizen and strengthened the concept of loving relationships. Yet there are those who are attempting to enforce their religious teachings upon all the citizens of the Commonwealth by attempting to reverse the decision of the courts. What they fear is unknown and unproved but is based solely on their interpretation of Holy Scripture and personal prejudiced fear.
All the references in the Scriptures to same sex relationships are in conjunction with acts that were used as a means of worship to false God’s and were prevalent in ancient times. Many were instansis where people were forced to engage in sexual activity or where people were using sex solely for the pleasure of it and not in a committed and loving relationship as an fulfillment of their love for their partner.
When Government begins to decide what rights and privileges citizens can have based on their religious beliefs they have gone beyond the role of Government. Just as when Religious leaders try to enforce their particular belief on every citizen they have stepped beyond their place. Both scenarios are wrong.
The Middle East is a prime example of what can happen when one religion attempts to suppress another religion and enforce their belief on everyone. Millennium of discord, wars and the resulting deaths of millions have occurred and still the battle rages
As long as people are not hurting others and inflicting undue suffering of others or stealing, murdering or raping others, governments should abide by the rules of “LIVE AND LET LIVE”
Today’s world is in need of more love, not more hate. Governments need to focus on finding ways to bring about peace and harmony among all nations, not wage war.
Governments and their officials need to focus on easing the pain and suffering of the poor, elderly, homeless, and sick. They need to find ways of curing illnesses that diminish the quality of life of individuals with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, HIV/AIDS, MLS, Cancer and SID’s.
Christ told us, 25I have said these things to you while still with you; but the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all I have said to you. Peace I bequeath to you, my own peace I give you, a peace which the world cannot give, this is my gift to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid” JOHN 14:25-28
We need to listen to the Holy Spirit working within us and pray for God’s guidance in our discernment.
We are called to live our daily lives with respect, decency, honesty, and most important, with total and complete trust and love of Almighty God.
We need to work for peace and justice toward all the children of God in the same manner as Jesus Christ did. It is incumbent on each of us to do it not to leave it all to government.
It is not our place to determine who is and who is not going to be acceptable in the eyes of God but to insure that the truth is given and the work done as Christ instructed.
We have a right to express our views on government actions but not the right to enforce our views on everyone. That is one of God’s precious gifts, the freedom to choose. Because I choose to believe and live in a certain way does not mean that it is correct for all. Any group of individuals who attempt to force their way on others is doing a disservice to everyone, including themselves.
Let us follow Christ’s teaching and “Render Unto Caesar the things that are Caesars and unto God the things that are God’s.“ MATTHEW 22:21. AMEN

God's call to Forgiveness

Reflection for 22nd Sunday after Trinity
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA
Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus
www.missionstsergius.org
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EverlastingLoveOfChristMinistry
“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times? Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times”
These words from the Gospel of Matthew 18:21tell us that we are obliged to forgive others for any indiscretions they commit against us. There is no doubt in my mind of how difficult that can be. It is not easy to forgive a person for even one transgression against us, let alone seven or seventy times seven times.
If we think about it though we need to think about how many times we commit sins and expect God to forgive us. What if he forgave us only once and when we, because of our human weakness commit the same sin again, God said: “I have already forgiven you once you went back and made the same mistake so I guess there is no hope for you” This would never happen of course, because God is an everlasting and infinitely merciful and loving God who understands our human weaknesses and will forgive us if we are truly sorry and show some intent to try to not return to the same indiscretion.
How many times have you broken a friendship or held anger within you because of something that another did against you which made you upset and angry and when they asked forgiveness you were unwilling to forgive them?
I know of a case where a adult daughter is unwilling to forgive her father for divorcing the mother and leaving her. She was devoted to her father and was said to be his shadow. When in his company she was never more than a foot away from her dad. When the parents separated she was very hurt and felt that the father left her, which was not the case in any way. That all happened when she was 6. Today she is a brilliant successful lawyer and yet she will not call her father “dad or father” but refers to him by his first name. On many occasions the father has apologized and told her how much he loves her and is proud of her achievements in spite of the fact that he was not there for much of her youth. The young lady has, according to others, actually torn up birthday and Christmas cards which included money or checks without even opening them.
This is not the way God wants us to act. The father can understand the daughters anger over feeling that the father had abandoned her, which was not the case since gifts and other messages were always being transmitted to her. The father always made sure that the children, (there were also two sons in this family) received presents on their birthdays and other occasions and when in the area would visit them.
This kind of anger is not in keeping with what Christ has instructed us, but can be harmful to the health of an individual. I know of another case where a person held anger over things that had happened to them in their youth inside them and the anger ate away at them making them sick much of their life. They held on to the negative things that happened to them and tended to forget all the wonderful things.
God’s promises are forever. They promise us that we may have salvation and eternal life with Him with these words found in Deuteronomy 6:2 “If you fear the Lord your God all the days of your life and if you keep all his laws and commandments which I lay on you, you will have a long life”.
We have been given all the ways to show our love and devotion to God, The rules of the Old covenant were clarified for us by Jesus Christ. Christ affirmed this when he responded to the scribe who asked him what the greatest commandments were and after being told “The scribe said to him, ‘Well spoken, Master; what you have said is true: that he is one God and there is no other. To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself, is far more important than any holocaust or sacrifice.’ Jesus, seeing how wisely he had spoken, said, ‘You are not far from the kingdom of God’. And after that no one dared to question him any more.(Mark 12:33-34)
If we can learn to forgive and strive to in every way live our life daily exhibiting love, compassion and forgiveness to all we encounter we have been promised God’s mercy and forgiveness to us for our transgression with these words.
"This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart."
(Matthew 18:35)
PRAYER
Almighty and merciful God, help me to be more understanding and forgiving toward all those who I perceive have done harm to my either in deed or unkind words, by lies and deceit. Help me to see beyond their transgressions and find that within them that is good. This task is most difficult because of my human nature and so I need the graces of the Holy Spirit to become less judgmental and more forgiving. I ask thin is the name of my redeemer and savior, Jesus Christ, your son who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one triune God now and forever unto the ages of ages. AMEN

Blessed Are The Peacemakers

Blessed Are The Peace Makers
A Reflection for All Saints Day 2006
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA
www.missionstsergius.org
“Blessed are the peace makers for they shall be called children of God”, these words from the sermon on the Mount by Jesus Christ seem to be falling on deaf ears today. Everywhere we turn we are inundated with news of violence and war. Games designed for children promote violence and war.
Some of the most popular television programs have murder or sex as their base story line.
Even sadder than that is the fact that those voices that try to promote peaceful means of settling disputes on a national or local level are called unkind words or described as eternal optimists who are out of touch with reality. I know, because I have been labeled that many times.
My question is where are all the voices of those who call themselves followers of Jesus Christ?
If you are a follower of Christ, that means you accept His words and work hard at attempting to do as He directed.
On this feast celebrating the lives of those women and men who followed Christ’s teachings, many to the death of their earthly bodies, let us examine ourselves as to what we have done or are doing to preach PEACE.
Back in the times of another unpopular war in our nation a group known as “Hippies” went around shouting “Make Peace and love, not war” they were treated with scorn by many and labeled “Flower Children”. What we need to call to mind is that Jesus was also treated in the same way because He preached a way of life that was not the norm.
As followers of Christ we need to exert ourselves to follow His instructions as given on The Sermon On The Mount and work harder to bring about peace between all of God’s children.
Not only between nations, but religious denomination, neighbors, local governing officials and ALL of God’s children.
In recent weeks we have been bombarded with the nastiest of advertisements from all sides of the political arena in order to keep control of power. Where is it written in the teachings of Christ that power is what we should be seeking?
What we need to do as Christians is seek justice, peace, compassion, fairness, equality not power and profit and glory.
As Christians, the glory we should be seeking is the Glory of God.
Just as the Saints who achieved a higher level of spirituality and because of it favor in the eyes of God, we need to seek to live by God’s way and not that of the material world.
Let us call to mind the words of Christ, ““I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:26-28 ).I have come to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Luke 1:78-80)On this feast commemorating those who achieved a higher level of spirituality in their human existence and were blessed by being recognized as saints; let us commit to working harder to live Christ’s teaching and strive to do much more now to put into action the teaching of Christ. “Blessed are the peace makers for they shall be called children of God”, AMEN
“Let their be peace on earth and let it begin with me” (Saint Francis)

God will Provide if you but Trust and Believe

Believe and Trust and God Provides
A Reflection of the Readings for October 29th, 2006
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA
Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus
www.Mission_St_Sergius.org
The messages of today’s readings in both the Western Orthodox and the Roman rites have one common theme and it is, if you trust and believe in God with your whole being He will provide your needs.
We are also reminded to be on guard always against the power and temptations of the evil one.
St. paul begins his letter to the Ephesians 6: 10-20 with this very sage advice “My brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
The Gospels for both rites tell the story of how having faith in God and believing that Jesus Christ is the son of God come to earth to proclaim God’s infinite and everlasting love and forgiveness and to teach us the truth path to salvation can bring miracles.
In the Gospel of John we hear the story of the nobleman, whose son was sick and on the verge of dying. He pleaded with Christ to come with him and cure the boy. Jesus told him, “Go on thy way home, your son lives”. The man did not question Christ but did as he was told and on the way home a servant met him and told him his son was cured.
In the Gospel of Mark 10: 46-52, we hear a similar story of the blind beggar Bartimaeus who hearing Christ was close called out to Christ to heal him. Jesus feeling the man’s faith said to Bartimaeus
"Go your way; your faith has made you well." And immediately the blind beggar received his sight and followed Jesus faithfully from that day on.
The message of these readings is a simple one and yet so many today seem to look elsewhere for help in all things.
Our human nature is so fickle that unless we witness a miracle we begin to question the truth of Christ‘s teachings. This brings me to the warning issued by St Paul in his epistle. “. Put on the armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
One of the tools of the devil is to have us question the truth of Christ and the presence of Almighty God.
We need to be ever diligent in our goal of reaching eternal salvation with Christ every moment of every day. That is our road to Calvary. Because Christ was the son of God and free of all stain of sin to which we as humans are very prone, his road of Calvary which procured for us the redemption of sin, had to be extreme. Some of those who followed after him also suffered persecutions and death in the name of Christ and we celebrate them this Wednesday on the feast of All Saints. They believed and were willing to die for the sake of Christ.
We are being asked to have that same level of trust and faith in God. We have been given a much easier road to travel than Christ and the martyrs if we truly believe and put our complete trust and faith in God. Our best armor to protect us on this dangerous road of life in these times of self satisfaction and self gratification is prayer and the Eucharist.
God’s promise of salvation is for ALL His children who believe in Him and acknowledge their inadequacies and weaknesses and seek His help in living according to the teachings His beloved son Jesus Christ gave us in the Sermon On The Mount and in the Great Commandment “Love the Lord, your God, with your whole heart, mind, soul and body and love your neighbor as you love yourself”
God is compassionate, merciful, forgiving and more loving than any human can ever be. He is there to answer our pleas and provide us with our needs as any good father does for His children. If we trust in him as the men in the gospel stories of today did, He will provide us with what we ask.
With God, all things are possible. Without God in our lives, we are helpless and open to all kinds of attack from the devil.
Christ himself told us “If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me.” (John 12:43-45)Let us go forth from this day on to deepen our trust and faith in God and let us turn to Him before all others seeking His guidance and strength to overcome to temptations that are constantly bombarding us in these trying times so that we will think and act in our daily lives in the same manner that Christ did, accepting each person He encountered as a brother and sister and extending to them compassion, mercy, forgiveness and love.
Let us always call to mind the words found in Matthew 7 :1-3 “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”I close with this prayer;
Almighty and merciful God, grant me the wisdom and understanding and the courage to live according to your ways. Endow me with an abundance of the gifts of your Holy Spirit so that I will be unto all I encounter a reflection of your beloved son, Jesus Christ.
Assist me to be less judgmental of others but to show the same compassion and love as Jesus di to all who approached Him. Open my heart to become more accepting of all and more generous with the gifts you have provided me with. I ask this in the name of your beloved son, my redeemer and savior, Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit as one triune God now and forever unto the ages of ages. AMEN

Ad Majoreum Dei Gloriam

Ad Majoreum Dei Gloriam
A Reflection for All Saints Day
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA
Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus
www.missionstsergius.org
Recently one of the people who are members of our missions blog page suggested that I was a saintly person. I immediately responded that I had not even climbed to the bottom rung of the ladder leading to that distinction and would be happy to even be able to begin the climb.
On Wednesday Nov. 1 the universal church honors all the Saints and the persons remark started me wondering what it was that those who are named saints in the church did to gain that distinction.
It is commonly agreed by theologians that all who die and have lived according to the teachings of Almighty God as given in the Commandments and of Jesus Christ are in heaven and therefore saints. But some individuals are given the extra recognition of being canonized for special recognition of their extemporary lives in the hope they will inspire us to emulate them.
Upon reflection, the one thing that each and every one of them had in common is summed up in the phrase "Ad Majoreum Dei Gloriam," which means “To the Greater Glory of God” Many of us are familiar with the phrase as the motto of the Jesuits. How it became so is a story in and of itself. St. Ignatius de Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit Order, was a Spanish soldier in his early years but was shot in the leg at Pamplona, which resulted in a very serious injury. As he lay in bed for weeks in a hospital, he asked for some reading material, but the only available books were "The Lives of the Saints" and "Life of Our Savior." These books were unappealing at first to the soldier, but Ignatius soon underwent a conversion, which changed his entire world view and led him to become a soldier of Christ. This conversion led Ignatius to found the Jesuits, who have had a lasting impact on the world and continue to influence our world today. One of the favorite phrases of Ignatius is a Latin phrase, "Ad Majoreum Dei Gloriam," which is many times abbreviated AMDG and means "for the greater glory of God." As I was attending Boston College High school that phrase was found every where.
I have concluded that the one common thread in all of the saints lives is summed up in that phrase. Each and every one of them lived their lives with that goal at the forefront and purpose of their life. All their actions were done to give greater glory to Almighty God.
Some became saints by disagreeing with Bishops, Cardinals and Popes because they felt that the hierarchy’s actions where not those acceptable to God and they were put to death for their defiance like Joan of Arc. Many others became martyrs giving up their earthly life rather than go against God’s teachings or worship a false God like the patron saints of our mission Sergius and Bacchus. Still others like Mother Theresa of Calcutta, St. Francis of Assisi, Blessed Father Damien De Veuster, Saint Julie Billiart, St. Dominic Savio and St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton achieved special recognition by devoting their lives to helping the poor, needy, sick and in educating youth.
The common thread, as I have stated before, was that they did everything for the greater honor and glory of God.
The question now arises, How do we live our life for the greater glory of God?
For starters, we accept how God has created us and not try to alter His creation for the sake of vanity and we make the most of the gifts and talents he has given us.
We avoid seeking acclaim for ourselves, which is the sin of pride, and live for the sake of others especially those who society rejects or marginalizes.
We shun excesses in food, alcohol and sexual pleasure and use these gifts of God prudently and for the purpose which they are meant.
We share our bounty and ourselves with others rather than being greedy and hoarding it.
Above all, we seek a closer bond with Almighty God through prayer and the Sacraments.
The one thing that every saint recognized in their life was that God had placed them here to be His servant and to do His work while we enjoy the benefits of His creation.
Our seraphic father of the Franciscan‘s , St. Francis, recognized God in every living creature and in all of creation. His beautiful poem/prayer, the CANTICLE OF BROTHER SUN expresses this in a wonderful way and for that reason I end this reflection with it in the hopes that it will lead you to reconsider how you are living your life today and what changes you might make to become, if not a saint, but at least more saintly. The journey is not easy as the lives of the saints records. It is not fashionable or acceptable by many. You may loose friends and family but then Christ did call us to leave all things and come follow Him. "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." (Matthew 19:20-22
The Canticle of the Sun
by Francis of Assisi
Most high, all powerful, all good Lord! All praise is yours, all glory, all honor, and all blessing. To you, alone, Most High, do they belong. No mortal lips are worthy to pronounce your name.
Be praised, my Lord, through all your creatures, especially through my lord Brother Sun, who brings the day; and you give light through him. And he is beautiful and radiant in all his splendor! Of you, Most High, he bears the likeness.
Be praised, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars; in the heavens you have made them, precious and beautiful.
Be praised, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air, and clouds and storms, and all the weather, through which you give your creatures sustenance.
Be praised, My Lord, through Sister Water; she is very useful, and humble, and precious, and pure.
Be praised, my Lord, through Brother Fire, through whom you brighten the night. He is beautiful and cheerful, and powerful and strong.
Be praised, my Lord, through our sister Mother Earth, who feeds us and rules us, and produces various fruits with colored flowers and herbs.
Be praised, my Lord, through those who forgive for love of you; through those who endure sickness and trial. Happy those who endure in peace, for by you, Most High, they will be crowned.
Be praised, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death, from whose embrace no living person can escape. Woe to those who die in mortal sin! Happy those she finds doing your most holy will. The second death can do no harm to them.
Praise and bless my Lord, and give thanks, and serve him with great humility. AMEN, AMEN All praise and glory be yours Almighty God unto the ages of ages. AMEN

God's Promise Will Give You Strength

God’s Promise Will Give Us Strength
A Reflection on Luke 11: 9-13
By Fr. Robert Johnnene OFA
www.MissionStSergius.org
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EverlastingLoveOfChristMinistry

"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
"Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead?
Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
To me one of the most heart warming and comforting passages found in scripture has to be Luke 11: verses 9 through 13. In it, we hear Christ promising us that if we go to His Father with sincerity and devotion God will, as any good father would, give us what is best for us. The passage also affirms that God is totally aware of our weaknesses and sinful nature but we know from other scripture readings God has infinite mercy and forgiveness if we acknowledge our sinfulness.
We need to pay special notice that the promise, it is to provide us with the gifts of the Holy Spirit not grant us every desire we have for material or worldly things. “Your Father in heaven gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are: found in Isaiah (11:1-3) where he is foretelling the qualities of the Messiah.
“But a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom. The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and understanding, a spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the Lord, and his delight shall be the fear of the Lord.”
With the gifts of the Holy Spirit we also gain the 12 Fruits of the Holy Spirit which will grow in our souls the more we turn to God as our source of consolation and strength.
The fruits, we are told, we will grow and be ready to harvest from our faith and trust in God and by living as Jesus instructed us. They are ( 1 ) greater Charity toward all God‘s children regardless of their race or sexual orientation. ( 2 & 3 ) A sense of Joy and inner Peace in our heart and mind. ( 4 )Greater Patience to deal with the everyday problems of life that beset us. ( 5 ) Benignity, which means we will be more disposed to perform acts of kindness toward others without expectation of recompense. ( 6 ) We will be more inclined to act towards others and seek in our friends and others the Goodness of God. ( 7 ) Another benefit is the ability to endure physical and emotional difficulties that can cause us Long-suffering, like sickness or loss of a job, without complaint. ( 8 ) Mildness which will incline us toward seeking peace with others instead of confrontation. ( 9 ) We will grow in our Faith in Almighty God and be better able to abide by His teachings as given by His Son Jesus Christ in His teachings. ( 10 ) We become more inclined toward being Modest instead of boastful in our manner and also we will be less likely to dress in a provocative way. ( 11 ) We gain Continency, which is the ability to exercise self constraint and moderation in our sexual desires. For those who are called to live their life in ( 12 ) Chastity the gifts of the Holy Spirit will provide the fruit of being able to live up to that promise or vow.
I believe that in this time or turmoil and discord in the world, religions, and between the different races in our cities, God is calling us and attempting to awaken us to seek out His promises. In order to do this we need to turn our thoughts inward toward the spiritual things that will last unto the ages of ages and seek less the gratifications of the material world.
We need to be ready to meet our Lord when He comes and as we are told in Mark 13:32 and 33; "But of that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. Take heed, keep on the alert; for you do not know when the appointed time will come.”
Christ came to earth in the form of man to teach us the will of the Father. In the words of Christ found in Luke 5:32 “I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.” We have Christ’s call to us, Let us answer it by changing our faults into a life that will be in accordance with the will of God and pleasing to Him. Do not let the whims of mere men with their natural human weaknesses cause you to stray away from the love of God because they have told you that you are not worthy but believe the promises of the Father as proclaimed by our savior and redeemer Jesus Christ. "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) AMEN

Missions Patron Saints Feast Day

Little Known, Forgotten or Hidden Saints
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA
Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus
A Franciscans of the Annunciation Mission
Since I will be at the synod for the Western Orthodox Catholic Church this weekend I am posting this reflection now commemorating the patron Saints of this ministry whose feast day is On Saturday October Seventh. Our little mission here in Massachusetts serves the entire New England area and through cyber space the entire world. I have often been asked “who are Saints Sergius and Bacchus?”. The answer is they are a pair of saints, among many, who most people have never heard of because they do not necessarily fit the current church political positions although they are celebrated in the Eastern churches especially the Orthodox churches. I myself had never heard of them and I have read the LIVES OF THE SAINTS from cover to cover through my more than 60 years of religious education and work.
Saints Sergius and Bacchus were soldiers in the Roman army, attached to the household of the Emperor Maximilian. They were Christians. Moreover, they were lovers. Yes you read that correctly. However, it was not for their sexuality these young men were canonized. It was for their faith -- one of history's most poignant ironies, given the church's unflinching campaign against gay love.
I came across their Icon when I was on retreat at the Benedictine monastery in Weston Vermont where I will be again next weekend. I was there trying to perceive how and under who’s patronage I would establish a ministry to the GLBT community under since none of the Roman churches in the area wanted any part of it.
While perusing the gift shop I noticed the Icon of two male saints in an embrace and wondered who they were. When I turned the Icon over and read the history of Saints Sergius and Bacchus I was totally surprised and immediately knew that God had sent me to find them. They, by the way, are not the only saints who had committed same sex relationships there are others like Saints Polyeuct and Nearchus and we all now of King David’s love for Jonathan and others both male and female couples.
Saints Sergius and Bacchus were ordered to enter the Temple of Jupiter to participate in a sacrificial ceremony to the god, they refused. For this act of defiance, the lovers were stripped of their arms and badges of rank, dressed in women's clothing and led through the streets of Arabissus (near Comana in Cappadocia) which, for a Roman soldier, was abject humiliation. Then they were sent to Resapha in Syria (Augusta Euphratesiae in Mesopotamia), where they were tortured. Bacchus was whipped until his flesh was raw and he died October 1st AD290, confessing his faith in Christ.
Sergius's faith faltered with the death of his lover, but was reinforced when Bacchus appeared to him in a vision saying, "I am still with you in the bond of our union." Sergius kept the faith and after a great deal more of torture, he was beheaded on October 7 AD290. Like his lover, he died a martyr for the love of Christ.
The tomb of S. Sergius at Resapha become a famous shrine and was honored by great gatherings of Christians because of the frequent miracles there. Sergius and Bacchus became the heavenly protectors of the Byzantine army, with the two Theodores, Demetrius, Procopius and George. Their "acts" are preserved in Latin, Greek and Syria. In AD431, Bishop Alexander of Hierapolis built a magnificent church in Sergius’s honor. In 434, the town of Resapha was raised to the rank of an episcopal see, was named Sergiopolis, and soon became one of the greatest pilgrimage centers of the East. Many churches in many towns bore the name of Sergius (sometimes with Bacchus) and in the seventh century, a church was dedicated to them in Rome. There have been two popes named after Saint Sergius.
During the Middle Ages, the relationship of Sergius and Bacchus was considered an exemplar of compassionate union, and possibly even marriage, based on agape (brotherly love) and mutual respect. In the East, Sergius and Bacchus were universally honored. Since the seventh century they have had a celebrated church in Rome. Christian Art represents the two saints as soldiers in military garb with branches of palm in their hands. Their feast is observed on 7 October.
Theirs is just one of many sometimes hidden or not made much of because the saints do not fit exactly the current political thinking of the church. I strongly recommend that all who love Christ and believe that he is our savior and redeemer take it upon themselves to read the many histories of the church, not just the Roman version, but the versions that preceded the establishment of Rome as the “central” seat of the church. What we now call the Eastern Orthodox churches were all, except for Russia, established before Rome and their historical records are more intact and open than those of Rome.
I am ending this brief history lesson with a prayer I wrote in honor of the patron saints of our ministry.
Almighty and merciful God, Your Holy Martyrs, Sergius and Bacchus loved each other and You with such complete abandon that they were pleased to suffer torments and give their earthly lives rather than deny you. They were subjected to disgrace, humiliation and ridicule in an attempt to embarrass and discredit them and force them to renounce you, O Lord. Their love for each other and You, O Lord, sentenced them to earthly degradation and loss of their earthly lives but gained for them eternal live and glory with you. I pray that they will intercede on my behalf to you, O Blessed Lord, and plead my case so that I may join them and all the saints, when my days here on earth are over, in giving endless praise honor and glory to You Almighty God and father. Amen

Doing the Work of The Lord

Doing the Work of The Lord
A Reflection of the Readings for October 1, 2006Numbers 11:25-29, Psalm 18, James 5:1-6, Mark 9:38-48
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA
Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus
www.missionstsergius.org
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EverlastingLoveOfChristMinistry
The readings for Sunday have, it seems to me, a very important message for all who claim to be Christians and followers of Christ to consider. One of the most important is found in the message of the Psalm and it affirms the truth about Almighty God that He listens to us and answers our prayers. If we put our lives in God’s hands, He will protect us and make our lives safe for us. There is, of course, one condition and that is we have to live according to how God, through Christ’s teachings and the commandments has instructed us.
I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies. For I have kept the ways of the LORD; I have not done evil by turning from my God. (Psalm 18)
A second and even more powerful message is that by placing our measure of wealth in material things we are leading ourselves to possible destruction. The message found in James 5 is crystal clear, on a couple of points. One concerns how one has gained their earthly wealth. If you have accumulated profit at the expense of others by not paying a just wage, that profit will be like a fire that consumes you. It also places blame on those who live for only the material on many of the troubles that are plaguing the world today.
Now an answer for the rich. Start crying; weep for the miseries that are coming to you. You stored up as your treasure for the last days a burning fire. Laborers mowed your fields, and you cheated them – listen to the wages that you kept back, calling out; realize that the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. On earth you have had a life of comfort and luxury; in the time of slaughter you went on eating to your heart’s content. It was you who condemned the innocent and killed them; (James 5).
A third message found in the readings concerns those who seem to feel that they are the appointed of God. That they and only their message is the correct path to God. When the apostles told Jesus they tried to stop people who were not of their group from prophesizing and performing miracles in the name of Almighty God Jesus said:
‘You must not stop him: no one who works a miracle in my name is likely to speak evil of me. Anyone who is not against us is for us. ‘If anyone gives you a cup of water to drink just because you belong to Christ, then I tell you solemnly, he will most certainly not lose his reward.’ anyone who is an obstacle to bring down one of these little ones who have faith, would be better thrown into the sea with a great millstone round his neck. (Mark 9)
Lastly, the reading from numbers has a very interesting and thought provoking idea for us to ponder upon. This concerns a supposition about what the world would be like if everyone was given the gift of prophesy by God. If only the whole people of the Lord were prophets, and the Lord gave his Spirit to them all!’(Numbers 11)
Just imagine it, every follower of God having the gift of prophesy. If that were actually the case, the world might not be so quick to declare war against other nations. People would be more likely to be concerned about the needs of the poor, hungry, aged, sick, and more likely to be more compassionate and less judgmental. People would realize that a pure love between two people is a good thing not to be disparaged and condemned.
As we contemplate these messages let us realize that throughout all of scripture God have directed us on the way to live and how we can gain everlasting life with Him. God expects us, no He put us here to live and do His work while we are here to gain the greatest wage and wealth of all. Everlasting life in His presence. We have been sent out into the vineyards to be the hands, feet, mouth and spirit of Almighty God and to actively wage the battle against the powers of darkness who are attempting to replace the infinite mercy, love, compassion of God with hatred, discrimination, violence and greed.
Let us offer up a prayer to God, giving ourselves over to Him so that the truth of the Psalm becomes our truth, The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
Almighty God,
I give you my hands to do Your work;
I give you my feet to go Your way;
I give you my eyes to see as You do;
I give you my tongue to speak Your words;
I give you my mind that You may think in me;
I give you my spirit that You may pray in me;
Above all, I give you my heart that You may love in and through me all to whom I come in contact with each and every day.
I dedicate myself to doing Your will in all things and to become an instrument through which You might bring about peace and harmony to all your children here on earth. AMEN
Prayer by Fr. Robert Johnnene OFA © 1987