We Are Called to Sanctification
A Reflection for the Second Sunday of Lent
Based on 1 Thess. 4. 1-17, 2 Timothy 1:8-10, Matthew 17:1 – 9
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA
Mission Sts. Sergius and Bacchus
www.missionstsergius.org
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EverlastingLoveOfChristMinistry
God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto sanctification: in Christ Jesus our Lord. (I Thess. 4. 1-17 )
We are called to a life of sanctification according to the reading today from Paul’s letter to the people of Thessalonica after his departure in 51 or 52 A.D.
If we are called to a life of sanctification then we need to diligently work toward that goal.
A life of sanctification means to live in God, meaning to live as Jesus instructed us, in other words to abhor degradation, hatred, violence, prejudice and war.
The only war we should be carrying out is the war against Satan and the minions of Satan.
Looking around the world today we see the fruits of Satan’s temptations all around us. We even see it in the actions of some who claim to represent Jesus Christ.
We see it in those who minds are closed to exploring the truth and those who accept everything that is fed to them by individuals who are paid to disseminate, sometimes inaccurate, information in order to sell a product, a candidate or a special interest point of view.
Jesus said; “Seek and you will find” To seek means to explore, to open ourselves up and reflect on the historical truths, to investigate all claims that people make including claims made by those who say they are teachers of God’s word.
Holy Scripture MUST be taken in light of the times and customs in which it was written. Those who wrote the Scriptures, although under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, did so within the understanding and customs of their times. This must be taken into account when interpreting and using Scripture, especially when dealing with many contemporary issues.
We need to ask ourselves, for example, if Jesus were on earth today what role would He give to women in the church today. It is very clear to me, considering how much respect He had for the woman who faithfully followed him and their prominence in His ministry, that women would have had a much more prominent role in ministry today.
The fact is that in the early early church, they did, we have reference to Phoebe and other women and the qualities a woman deacon should possess written in Paul's Epistles. We know that women had a place in ministering the Eucharist and in leading liturgies, so why are they relegated in this modern world to lesser roles?
You and I have been called by God, to live a life that reflects the teachings of Jesus.
The prime teaching of Christ could not be any clearer. LOVE ONE ANOTHER AS I HAVE LOVED YOU.
When you love someone, you do not, under any circumstances, want to be the cause of pain and suffering. When you love someone, you try to shield them from harm. You gently advise them of their mistakes and guide them. If necessary you try to obtain healing for them. That is Love. Last Thursday we celebrated St. Valentine’s Day, a day set aside to honor those we love. But like most things, that day has become more of a commercial venture and less about love.
If today, we had more love for all God’s creatures and children the world would not be in the mess it is in.
You and I are being called to actively live a life of sanctity, a life that reflects to all we encounter God’s infinite love. We are being called to do all within our power to bring about a change in the attitudes that are causing so much pain and suffering in this world. Every tiny thing we do that makes progress toward this call from God to a life of sanctity will bring us a deeper love for God and God will love us more and live within us thereby giving us the strength we need to continue His work here on earth.
Paul begins his second letter to Timothy with these words, “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher”. (2 Timothy 1:8-10)
We must always keep in mind the revelation that is found in all the accounts of the transfiguration from God “This is my Son, the Beloved; he enjoys my favor. Listen to him.” (Matthew 17:5)
I will end this reflection with the admission that to live a life of sanctity is not easy and to be afraid that we will not measure up to it is natural. Mother Teresa of Calcutta even had her doubts or “dark moments” as she called them but if we have faith and trust in God we can endure. Keep in mind what Christ told his apostles after God spoke on that mountain top; “Stand up,’ he said ‘do not be afraid.”. Matthew 17:7
Our message today is the knowledge that God is there for us and hears our cry and will give us the strength to endure if we but seek Him and His truth. Let us continue to prepare ourselves for the resurrection of our last days by living a life of Faith, Trust, and Godly Love for all God’s children here on earth. AMEN
A mission of the Franciscans of Divine Mercy. We are a welcoming and affirming faith community to all who feel disenfranchised, unwanted, and rejected by Faith Communities. We welcome all persons who believe Christ was the redeemer and savior. The mission pastor is Rev. Robert Johnnene OFD
Showing posts with label Catholic Religion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Catholic Religion. Show all posts
Friday, February 15, 2008
Friday, May 18, 2007
On Prudence and Mutual Charity
Be Prudent and Have Mutual Charity
Reflection for the Sunday within Octave of Ascension
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA
Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus, Holliston MA.
www.missionstsergius.org
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EverlastingLoveOfChristMinistry
“Dearly beloved, be prudent and watch in prayers. But before all things have a constant mutual charity among yourselves: for charity covers a multitude of sins. Using hospitality one towards another, without murmuring: as every man hath received grace, ministering the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speaks, let him speak, as the words of God: if any minister, let him do it, as of the power which God administered: that in all things God may be honored through Jesus Christ our Lord;”
These words from the First Epistle of Peter, chapter 4 verses 7-11 clearly outline how we, as Followers of Jesus Christ, should be living our daily lives. Notice that the first item on the list is to be prudent. According to the dictionary prudence is wisdom in the way of caution and provision; having discretion; being careful in the decisions you make. "Prudence is principally in reference to actions to be done, and due means, order, seasons, and method of doing or not doing." Sir M. Hale. "Prudence supposes the value of the end to be assumed, and refers only to the adaptation of the means. It is the relation of right means for given ends." Whewell.
The second instruction is to have mutual charity. Let us examine exactly what that means in our daily living. Charity is being kind to all persons regardless of their nationality, sex, sexual orientation or religious affiliation and not being resentful or mean towards them and certainly not inflicting anyone with pain or injury as a result of our actions. Charity means being tolerant of the differences that make up the human condition and not being prejudice towards anyone.
Charity means being compassionate and forgiving just as Jesus was toward those who crucified Him. Charity is being generous toward the poor and less fortunate and contributing to the support of your church by tithing with financial assistance or time. Charity means having sympathy for others who are suffering from afflictions like AIDS, cancer, or the loss of a dear one. Charity is being considerate of the needs of others and sometimes having to put the needs of others before your personal gratification.
In short, we are called to look out for each other as we are all children of God and brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ and therefore we need to look upon every human being in that way.
The Gospel is the promise that Christ gave to the Apostles before He ascended back to the Father. “At that time, Jesus said to His disciples: When the Paraclete cometh, whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeded from the Father, He shall give testimony of Me: and you shall give testimony because you are with Me from the beginning. These things I have spoken to you, that you may not be scandalized. They will put you out of the synagogues: yes, the hour comes, that whosoever kills you will think that he does a service to God. And these things will they do to you, because they have not known the Father, nor Me. But these things I have told you, that, when the hour shall come, you may remember that I told you of them. (John 15:26-16:4)
There are some who claim that the promise of the coming of the Holy Spirit and the actual descending of the Spirit upon the apostles means that only those who were in the upper room received the Holy Spirit and it is passed on only to those who have been consecrated and ordained as presbyters. That is so very wrong for all who have been Baptized and Confirmed receive the gifts of the Spirit according to God’s desire. The Holy Spirit works within all in differing ways and is not the exclusive property of a few. Throughout the history of the church God has chosen to enlighten individuals with His insights and direct them to bring His message to all who would listen. The Holy Spirit is called the enlightener of God and does not always open the hearts and minds of the hierarchy but to simple peasants or a humble friar like St. Francis inspiring them to change the wrong direction that the church seems to be headed and back to the truthful teachings of God as proclaimed by Christ. The Church has so often in the past, and I believe currently, diverted from God’s plan in order to gain power, wealth and prestige for the hierarch of the church and to exert control over the minds of people in order to achieve there political and financial gain. Church history is very clear on that.
Over the past centuries the church has modified or changed things that existed for a millennium in order to achieve the above stated goals. They even have changed historical facts in order to do this. As believer in Almighty God and the teachings Christ gave us in word and deed, we need to practice the message of today’s Epistle and call upon the Holy Spirit to inspire us to knowing the truth and we need to be more mindful of how we relate to others each and every day.
In this coming week as we prepare to celebrate the decent of The Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and disciples and thereby the entire Universal Church and by our Baptism and Confirmation each of us I offer this prayer which asks the Holy Spirit to enlighten us and assist us in becoming a better follower of Christ and have a deeper love and greater service to Almighty God.
Prayer to the Holy Spirit
By Father Robert Johnnene OFA
O Most Holy Spirit, merciful Comforter; Come, I beseech You, and take up abode in my heart.
Let my weaknesses be penetrated with your strength, so that I may always do what is right and just.
Fill my heart with charity toward all I encounter.
Enlighten me in my ignorance, advise me in my doubts.
Purify and cleanse me of all sin and sanctify my soul protecting and shielding me from all the temptations that plague me.
Make me truly humble that I may be pleasing to Almighty God.
Instill within me an honest respect of Almighty God and all of his creations.
Assist me to be an instrument of God's Word to all I encounter.
Give unto me the gift of Wisdom to know and live according to God’s will.
By your generous bestowing of your gifts, help me to live a holy life and grow in the everlasting love of Christ so that I may join with all the heavenly elect when my days here on earth are ended.
I ask this through Jesus Christ, my redeemer and savior, who lives, and reigns with you and our creator Almighty God as one triune God, now and forever.
AMEN
Reflection for the Sunday within Octave of Ascension
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA
Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus, Holliston MA.
www.missionstsergius.org
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EverlastingLoveOfChristMinistry
“Dearly beloved, be prudent and watch in prayers. But before all things have a constant mutual charity among yourselves: for charity covers a multitude of sins. Using hospitality one towards another, without murmuring: as every man hath received grace, ministering the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speaks, let him speak, as the words of God: if any minister, let him do it, as of the power which God administered: that in all things God may be honored through Jesus Christ our Lord;”
These words from the First Epistle of Peter, chapter 4 verses 7-11 clearly outline how we, as Followers of Jesus Christ, should be living our daily lives. Notice that the first item on the list is to be prudent. According to the dictionary prudence is wisdom in the way of caution and provision; having discretion; being careful in the decisions you make. "Prudence is principally in reference to actions to be done, and due means, order, seasons, and method of doing or not doing." Sir M. Hale. "Prudence supposes the value of the end to be assumed, and refers only to the adaptation of the means. It is the relation of right means for given ends." Whewell.
The second instruction is to have mutual charity. Let us examine exactly what that means in our daily living. Charity is being kind to all persons regardless of their nationality, sex, sexual orientation or religious affiliation and not being resentful or mean towards them and certainly not inflicting anyone with pain or injury as a result of our actions. Charity means being tolerant of the differences that make up the human condition and not being prejudice towards anyone.
Charity means being compassionate and forgiving just as Jesus was toward those who crucified Him. Charity is being generous toward the poor and less fortunate and contributing to the support of your church by tithing with financial assistance or time. Charity means having sympathy for others who are suffering from afflictions like AIDS, cancer, or the loss of a dear one. Charity is being considerate of the needs of others and sometimes having to put the needs of others before your personal gratification.
In short, we are called to look out for each other as we are all children of God and brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ and therefore we need to look upon every human being in that way.
The Gospel is the promise that Christ gave to the Apostles before He ascended back to the Father. “At that time, Jesus said to His disciples: When the Paraclete cometh, whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeded from the Father, He shall give testimony of Me: and you shall give testimony because you are with Me from the beginning. These things I have spoken to you, that you may not be scandalized. They will put you out of the synagogues: yes, the hour comes, that whosoever kills you will think that he does a service to God. And these things will they do to you, because they have not known the Father, nor Me. But these things I have told you, that, when the hour shall come, you may remember that I told you of them. (John 15:26-16:4)
There are some who claim that the promise of the coming of the Holy Spirit and the actual descending of the Spirit upon the apostles means that only those who were in the upper room received the Holy Spirit and it is passed on only to those who have been consecrated and ordained as presbyters. That is so very wrong for all who have been Baptized and Confirmed receive the gifts of the Spirit according to God’s desire. The Holy Spirit works within all in differing ways and is not the exclusive property of a few. Throughout the history of the church God has chosen to enlighten individuals with His insights and direct them to bring His message to all who would listen. The Holy Spirit is called the enlightener of God and does not always open the hearts and minds of the hierarchy but to simple peasants or a humble friar like St. Francis inspiring them to change the wrong direction that the church seems to be headed and back to the truthful teachings of God as proclaimed by Christ. The Church has so often in the past, and I believe currently, diverted from God’s plan in order to gain power, wealth and prestige for the hierarch of the church and to exert control over the minds of people in order to achieve there political and financial gain. Church history is very clear on that.
Over the past centuries the church has modified or changed things that existed for a millennium in order to achieve the above stated goals. They even have changed historical facts in order to do this. As believer in Almighty God and the teachings Christ gave us in word and deed, we need to practice the message of today’s Epistle and call upon the Holy Spirit to inspire us to knowing the truth and we need to be more mindful of how we relate to others each and every day.
In this coming week as we prepare to celebrate the decent of The Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and disciples and thereby the entire Universal Church and by our Baptism and Confirmation each of us I offer this prayer which asks the Holy Spirit to enlighten us and assist us in becoming a better follower of Christ and have a deeper love and greater service to Almighty God.
Prayer to the Holy Spirit
By Father Robert Johnnene OFA
O Most Holy Spirit, merciful Comforter; Come, I beseech You, and take up abode in my heart.
Let my weaknesses be penetrated with your strength, so that I may always do what is right and just.
Fill my heart with charity toward all I encounter.
Enlighten me in my ignorance, advise me in my doubts.
Purify and cleanse me of all sin and sanctify my soul protecting and shielding me from all the temptations that plague me.
Make me truly humble that I may be pleasing to Almighty God.
Instill within me an honest respect of Almighty God and all of his creations.
Assist me to be an instrument of God's Word to all I encounter.
Give unto me the gift of Wisdom to know and live according to God’s will.
By your generous bestowing of your gifts, help me to live a holy life and grow in the everlasting love of Christ so that I may join with all the heavenly elect when my days here on earth are ended.
I ask this through Jesus Christ, my redeemer and savior, who lives, and reigns with you and our creator Almighty God as one triune God, now and forever.
AMEN
Sunday, February 11, 2007
A Valentine Reflection
Love Is Patient and Kind
A Reflection for Saint Valentines Day
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA
Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus
www.missionstsergius.org
http://gropups.yahoo.com/group/EverlastingLoveOfChristMinistry
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud (1 Corinthians 13:4)
February 14th had been celebrated by the church for centuries as the day to honor the three Saint Valentine’s but in 1969 it was removed from the church official calendar but is extremely popular as a commercial holiday set aside to give special recognition to your loved ones. According to history St. Valentine was a priest in the Roman Empire who helped hide and save persecuted Christians during the reign of Claudius II, was thrown in jail and later beheaded on Feb. 14. There is supposed to be another St. Valentine who was the Catholic bishop of Terni and was also beheaded during the reign of Claudius II. According to some historians there was a third St. Valentine who secretly married couples when marriage was forbidden in Africa and was later beheaded. The one common factor for all the St. Valentines is that they lost their heads over love. Possibly that explains why so many men and women seem to loose their heads when they think they are in love.
There was also a conventional belief in Europe during the middle Ages that birds chose their partners in the middle of February. Thus the day was dedicated to love, and people observed it by writing love letters and sending small gifts to their beloved. Legend has it that Charles, duke of Orleans, sent the first real Valentine card to his wife in 1415, when he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. (He, however, was not beheaded, and died a half-century later of old age.)
These words from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians sums up what love really is “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud” It is not the sexual or physical attraction that counts, but the deeper spiritual actions one puts forth toward others. Mother Teresa put it nicely when she would tell people “Give your hands to serve and your hearts to love.'' - Mother Teresa
Christ, himself, told us that love was the greatest commandment, Love of God and Love of your neighbor. Today the word love is far too often confused with sex and nothing could be further from the truth. When two people are deeply in love, yes sex is a means of sharing and expressing that love and in the case of heterosexual couples of creating a physical expression of their love in children. But for true love to blossom and bloom there has to be understanding, honesty, trust cooperation and devotion. Both parties have to be willing to give 100% of themselves to the other.
Galatians 5:22 reminds us that love is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit and therefore it is a special gift that comes from Almighty God “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness”, (Galatians 5:22) and like all gifts from God it should not be taken lightly but appreciated and used in accordance with God’s intentions. Take special not of the gifts that follow love and its placement as the first gift.
On Saint Valentines day (even though the Roman church no longer celebrates it as a feast day) let us show our love for God’s children by doing more than sending a special greeting to a few friends and lovers, but put into actions that show all our love for God and for all God’s children by voicing our indignation for the actions of governments and individuals who promote hatred, bigotry, discrimination and violence. Let’s speak out in favor of funding for quality affordable health care for all, adequate affordable housing, affordable quality education for every child. “The Lord is waiting for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who seek his help”. (Isaiah 30:17-19)
“But love your enemies, do well to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. (Luke 6:35) these words from Luke even advise us to love our enemies and one way to show that love is to pray for them. Pray that God will open their hearts to find solutions to the things that have caused the discord.
I close this reflection for Valentines Day with this prayer from 2 Thessalonians 2 : 16-17 “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” AMEN
May Almighty God’s love overflow within your hearts and out on to all those with whom you come in contact with.
Have a Blessed St. Valentines Day.
A Reflection for Saint Valentines Day
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA
Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus
www.missionstsergius.org
http://gropups.yahoo.com/group/EverlastingLoveOfChristMinistry
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud (1 Corinthians 13:4)
February 14th had been celebrated by the church for centuries as the day to honor the three Saint Valentine’s but in 1969 it was removed from the church official calendar but is extremely popular as a commercial holiday set aside to give special recognition to your loved ones. According to history St. Valentine was a priest in the Roman Empire who helped hide and save persecuted Christians during the reign of Claudius II, was thrown in jail and later beheaded on Feb. 14. There is supposed to be another St. Valentine who was the Catholic bishop of Terni and was also beheaded during the reign of Claudius II. According to some historians there was a third St. Valentine who secretly married couples when marriage was forbidden in Africa and was later beheaded. The one common factor for all the St. Valentines is that they lost their heads over love. Possibly that explains why so many men and women seem to loose their heads when they think they are in love.
There was also a conventional belief in Europe during the middle Ages that birds chose their partners in the middle of February. Thus the day was dedicated to love, and people observed it by writing love letters and sending small gifts to their beloved. Legend has it that Charles, duke of Orleans, sent the first real Valentine card to his wife in 1415, when he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. (He, however, was not beheaded, and died a half-century later of old age.)
These words from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians sums up what love really is “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud” It is not the sexual or physical attraction that counts, but the deeper spiritual actions one puts forth toward others. Mother Teresa put it nicely when she would tell people “Give your hands to serve and your hearts to love.'' - Mother Teresa
Christ, himself, told us that love was the greatest commandment, Love of God and Love of your neighbor. Today the word love is far too often confused with sex and nothing could be further from the truth. When two people are deeply in love, yes sex is a means of sharing and expressing that love and in the case of heterosexual couples of creating a physical expression of their love in children. But for true love to blossom and bloom there has to be understanding, honesty, trust cooperation and devotion. Both parties have to be willing to give 100% of themselves to the other.
Galatians 5:22 reminds us that love is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit and therefore it is a special gift that comes from Almighty God “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness”, (Galatians 5:22) and like all gifts from God it should not be taken lightly but appreciated and used in accordance with God’s intentions. Take special not of the gifts that follow love and its placement as the first gift.
On Saint Valentines day (even though the Roman church no longer celebrates it as a feast day) let us show our love for God’s children by doing more than sending a special greeting to a few friends and lovers, but put into actions that show all our love for God and for all God’s children by voicing our indignation for the actions of governments and individuals who promote hatred, bigotry, discrimination and violence. Let’s speak out in favor of funding for quality affordable health care for all, adequate affordable housing, affordable quality education for every child. “The Lord is waiting for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who seek his help”. (Isaiah 30:17-19)
“But love your enemies, do well to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. (Luke 6:35) these words from Luke even advise us to love our enemies and one way to show that love is to pray for them. Pray that God will open their hearts to find solutions to the things that have caused the discord.
I close this reflection for Valentines Day with this prayer from 2 Thessalonians 2 : 16-17 “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” AMEN
May Almighty God’s love overflow within your hearts and out on to all those with whom you come in contact with.
Have a Blessed St. Valentines Day.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Sexagesima Sunday Reflection, Let Your Light Shine Forth
Let Your Light Show Forth
A Reflection for Sexagesima Sunday
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA
Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus
www.missionstsergius.org
http://groups.yahoo.com/EverlastingLoveOfChristMinistry
"No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.” (Luke 8:16)
These words are from the last line of the Gospel of Luke’s reading for Sexagesima Sunday and I have chosen them because they inform us that we should never hide our faith and be ashamed of believing in God.
They follow the parable story of the farmer who sowed his seed which represented the word of God that has been sown to us through Holy Scripture. Christ explained the parable in this way; “The seed is the word of God. Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop”.(Luke 8:11-15)
Most of us have heard the gospel and scripture stories all our lives, some have been read the Bible stories from the time they were little children which means we have heard the inspired word of God as given to the prophets and the disciples but what have we done with it?
During this time of the liturgical year when we are preparing ourselves for the season of lent and taking inventory of our spiritual live we need to examine which of the people Christ describes we are.
Are we the seeds that fell along the path but allowed Satan to trample upon them and harden our hearts against God because of the actions of people who are supposed to represent God here on earth but in reality are doing the work of Satan?
Are we like the seeds that fell upon the rocks who have heard the word but claim the Holy Scripture is just a lot of myths and fables and has nothing to do with God or how we should act and live our lives and even go so far as to say there is no God but that we are all masters of our own destiny?
Possibly we are among those who are like the seeds that have fallen on thorns, we believed when we were young but because of the difficulties we had to face or our need to follow a road that gives us more pleasure, fame and riches have let our faith die.
Hopefully, we are among the people who like the seeds that fell on fertile soil and have been nourished through prayer, the sacraments and by our living according the Christ’s teachings by being kind, generous, loving, merciful and welcoming to all of God’s children.
If you believe that you belong to the latter group, be sure not to be boastful about it, instead take heed from the words of the Epistle for this Sunday; “My power is strongest when you are weak. So if Christ keeps giving me his power, I will gladly brag about how weak I am. Yes, I am glad to be weak or insulted or mistreated or to have troubles and sufferings, if it is for Christ” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
Paul acknowledges that it is Christ that provides us with the strength to live our lives in a way that is pleasing to Almighty God and it is when we recognize that we can only follow Christ by admitting our weaknesses and attempting to overcome them that God sends us the ability to do so.
The one common denominator of almost all the saints, and certainly those who are revered among the greatest saints, is their admitting how sinful they were and their constant imploring God for forgiveness and strength to overcome their weaknesses. Why should we be any different than they? Morning and night and during the day I often turn to God and pray for the ability to resist the temptations that plague me. I pray for guidance and direction in my ministry. I plead for the means to proclaim God’s infinite mercy and love for all His children and to not give in to the thoughts that I am failing God because of the limitations I have.
Like any journey we travel on we encounter many different roads. Some are lined with the beauty of God’s creation with verdant fields or lush foliage, others are filled with pot holes and detours and we struggle to reach out destination.
The destination we are aiming for is everlasting life with Almighty God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, Our beloved mother Mary and all the angels, saints and heavenly elect. During the time of inventory before the season of lent let us take a good inventory of our life and where we are in the journey and then make the necessary plans to follow a road that is most desirable and will bring us to the promises of Christ.
AMEN
A Reflection for Sexagesima Sunday
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA
Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus
www.missionstsergius.org
http://groups.yahoo.com/EverlastingLoveOfChristMinistry
"No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.” (Luke 8:16)
These words are from the last line of the Gospel of Luke’s reading for Sexagesima Sunday and I have chosen them because they inform us that we should never hide our faith and be ashamed of believing in God.
They follow the parable story of the farmer who sowed his seed which represented the word of God that has been sown to us through Holy Scripture. Christ explained the parable in this way; “The seed is the word of God. Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop”.(Luke 8:11-15)
Most of us have heard the gospel and scripture stories all our lives, some have been read the Bible stories from the time they were little children which means we have heard the inspired word of God as given to the prophets and the disciples but what have we done with it?
During this time of the liturgical year when we are preparing ourselves for the season of lent and taking inventory of our spiritual live we need to examine which of the people Christ describes we are.
Are we the seeds that fell along the path but allowed Satan to trample upon them and harden our hearts against God because of the actions of people who are supposed to represent God here on earth but in reality are doing the work of Satan?
Are we like the seeds that fell upon the rocks who have heard the word but claim the Holy Scripture is just a lot of myths and fables and has nothing to do with God or how we should act and live our lives and even go so far as to say there is no God but that we are all masters of our own destiny?
Possibly we are among those who are like the seeds that have fallen on thorns, we believed when we were young but because of the difficulties we had to face or our need to follow a road that gives us more pleasure, fame and riches have let our faith die.
Hopefully, we are among the people who like the seeds that fell on fertile soil and have been nourished through prayer, the sacraments and by our living according the Christ’s teachings by being kind, generous, loving, merciful and welcoming to all of God’s children.
If you believe that you belong to the latter group, be sure not to be boastful about it, instead take heed from the words of the Epistle for this Sunday; “My power is strongest when you are weak. So if Christ keeps giving me his power, I will gladly brag about how weak I am. Yes, I am glad to be weak or insulted or mistreated or to have troubles and sufferings, if it is for Christ” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
Paul acknowledges that it is Christ that provides us with the strength to live our lives in a way that is pleasing to Almighty God and it is when we recognize that we can only follow Christ by admitting our weaknesses and attempting to overcome them that God sends us the ability to do so.
The one common denominator of almost all the saints, and certainly those who are revered among the greatest saints, is their admitting how sinful they were and their constant imploring God for forgiveness and strength to overcome their weaknesses. Why should we be any different than they? Morning and night and during the day I often turn to God and pray for the ability to resist the temptations that plague me. I pray for guidance and direction in my ministry. I plead for the means to proclaim God’s infinite mercy and love for all His children and to not give in to the thoughts that I am failing God because of the limitations I have.
Like any journey we travel on we encounter many different roads. Some are lined with the beauty of God’s creation with verdant fields or lush foliage, others are filled with pot holes and detours and we struggle to reach out destination.
The destination we are aiming for is everlasting life with Almighty God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, Our beloved mother Mary and all the angels, saints and heavenly elect. During the time of inventory before the season of lent let us take a good inventory of our life and where we are in the journey and then make the necessary plans to follow a road that is most desirable and will bring us to the promises of Christ.
AMEN
Saturday, February 03, 2007
Septuagesima Sunday Reflection
gesima,A Time of Reflection, Sacrifice, and Renewal
A Reflection for Septuagesima Sunday
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA, Mission St. Sergius & Bacchus
Holliston MA
www.missionstsergius.org
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EverlastingLoveOfChristMinistry
February begins the countdown and beginning of the church season set aside to remind us of what Christ was willing to do for us and how we are doing, as followers of Christ, in living according to His instructions.
We are reminded during the weeks leading up to the official start of Lent on Ash Wednesday to begin our period of reflection and preparation by the titles of the Sundays leading up to Ash Wednesday.
The 17-day period beginning on Septuagesima Sunday is intended to be observed as a preparation for the season of Lent, which is itself a period of spiritual preparation.
In the Catholic liturgy, the Alleluia ceases to be said during the liturgy, effective at First Vespers of Septuagesima Sunday, and is not sung again until Easter. Violet Vestments are worn, except on feast days, during the period from Septuagesima Sunday until Holy Thursday. The readings of the Divine office during this time are from the Books of Genesis which describe the Creation of the universe, the human race and the fall from grace of man by disobedience of God’s law, the sin of Cain and Abel and continue with the promises of redemption and the Messiah made to Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Moses. The Gospel Story for Septuagesima Sunday is that of the Prodigal son and is meant to remind us of the forgiving and infinite merciful way of God.
Usually during this week I try to spend time reflecting on the past year and how well I did in living up to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Was I kind and considerate of others, even those who were not so nice to me? Did I give back to God a portion of what he provided me with, sometimes called tithing, in time or financial resources? Did I care for the sick and needy? Did I discriminate against anyone or put anyone down? Did I cause anyone to become angry and if so, did I apologize and try to make amends? I ask myself how I can become a better person and how I can best serve God. Where I find weaknesses in my life or when I think of ways to improve myself, I write them down as something to put on my list of things I need to do.
Sexagesima” is Latin for “sixtieth”; this Sunday is so called because it is roughly sixty days from Easter. Sexagesima brings us a firm warning that as we work for Christ and His Kingdom, we must always be aware that any success we may see is not due to our own efforts, but to God’s direction and His Grace. This Sunday is a perfect time to reflect on where we are and why and how we got here and what part and for what reason God placed us here. During this week I ask if I am doing all that I can to be a true servant and disciple of Christ.
Quinquagesima Sunday marks the period of fifty days before Easter. It begins with the Sunday before Ash Wednesday, called Dominica in Quinquagesima or Esto Mihi from the beginning of the Introit of the Eucharistic Liturgy; it is a Sunday of the second class, and the Color for the vestments of the Mass is violet. In the past, for early Christians it was the beginning of fasting period, and is called “The days without Meat” by many nationalities. This is the Sunday that I usually have my list of things that I need to do to improve myself in living according to the teachings of Christ prepared and posted somewhere that I can see it every day.
This year Ash Wednesday begins on the 21st of the month and on this day, worshippers are blessed with ashes by the priest. The priest or minister marks the forehead of each participant with black ashes, in the shape of a cross, and the worshipper traditionally retains until washing it off after sundown as a reminder of their mortality and sinfulness. The symbolism echoes the ancient Near Eastern tradition of throwing ash over one's head signifying repentance for the sins one has committed (as related numerous times in the Scripture). The priest marks the forehead of the person with one of these three blessings: "Remember, man that you are dust and unto dust you shall return." (Latin: Memento homo, quia pulvis es, ET in pulverem reverteris.) From Genesis 3:19 or "Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel." Or "Repent, and hear the good news."
The ashes are prepared by burning palm leaves from the previous year's Palm Sunday and mixed with olive oil; as a fixative. Ash Wednesday is observed by both fasting and abstinence and is a day of contemplating one's transgressions. The ashes are not a Sacrament but a Sign or Sacramental. (A Sacramental is something that aids one’s devotion to God but is not a sacrament.) Sacramentals are commonly divided into six classes: prayer, anointing, eating, confession, giving, and blessings.
As the title of this reflection indicates this is a time for us to reflect on our past and how well we are doing in coming closer to God and on what we might have to change from our current way of life and to plan for making those changes. It is a time of Sacrifice, of giving up some of the comforts we are accustomed to, reflecting the sacrifice Christ offered up for us and also of the forty days and nights that Christ fasted in the desert.
It is a time of Renewal, a time to make our selves over so that we better reflect Christ in our day to day lives.
God placed us here to achieve the promise of everlasting life with Him and all the heavenly elect but we have to earn that by living our lives in accord with the way Christ instructed us. We need to adhere to what Christ Called the two great commandments “Love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, soul, mind and body and the second is like unto it, Love your neighbor as you love yourself” AMEN
A Reflection for Septuagesima Sunday
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA, Mission St. Sergius & Bacchus
Holliston MA
www.missionstsergius.org
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EverlastingLoveOfChristMinistry
February begins the countdown and beginning of the church season set aside to remind us of what Christ was willing to do for us and how we are doing, as followers of Christ, in living according to His instructions.
We are reminded during the weeks leading up to the official start of Lent on Ash Wednesday to begin our period of reflection and preparation by the titles of the Sundays leading up to Ash Wednesday.
The 17-day period beginning on Septuagesima Sunday is intended to be observed as a preparation for the season of Lent, which is itself a period of spiritual preparation.
In the Catholic liturgy, the Alleluia ceases to be said during the liturgy, effective at First Vespers of Septuagesima Sunday, and is not sung again until Easter. Violet Vestments are worn, except on feast days, during the period from Septuagesima Sunday until Holy Thursday. The readings of the Divine office during this time are from the Books of Genesis which describe the Creation of the universe, the human race and the fall from grace of man by disobedience of God’s law, the sin of Cain and Abel and continue with the promises of redemption and the Messiah made to Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Moses. The Gospel Story for Septuagesima Sunday is that of the Prodigal son and is meant to remind us of the forgiving and infinite merciful way of God.
Usually during this week I try to spend time reflecting on the past year and how well I did in living up to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Was I kind and considerate of others, even those who were not so nice to me? Did I give back to God a portion of what he provided me with, sometimes called tithing, in time or financial resources? Did I care for the sick and needy? Did I discriminate against anyone or put anyone down? Did I cause anyone to become angry and if so, did I apologize and try to make amends? I ask myself how I can become a better person and how I can best serve God. Where I find weaknesses in my life or when I think of ways to improve myself, I write them down as something to put on my list of things I need to do.
Sexagesima” is Latin for “sixtieth”; this Sunday is so called because it is roughly sixty days from Easter. Sexagesima brings us a firm warning that as we work for Christ and His Kingdom, we must always be aware that any success we may see is not due to our own efforts, but to God’s direction and His Grace. This Sunday is a perfect time to reflect on where we are and why and how we got here and what part and for what reason God placed us here. During this week I ask if I am doing all that I can to be a true servant and disciple of Christ.
Quinquagesima Sunday marks the period of fifty days before Easter. It begins with the Sunday before Ash Wednesday, called Dominica in Quinquagesima or Esto Mihi from the beginning of the Introit of the Eucharistic Liturgy; it is a Sunday of the second class, and the Color for the vestments of the Mass is violet. In the past, for early Christians it was the beginning of fasting period, and is called “The days without Meat” by many nationalities. This is the Sunday that I usually have my list of things that I need to do to improve myself in living according to the teachings of Christ prepared and posted somewhere that I can see it every day.
This year Ash Wednesday begins on the 21st of the month and on this day, worshippers are blessed with ashes by the priest. The priest or minister marks the forehead of each participant with black ashes, in the shape of a cross, and the worshipper traditionally retains until washing it off after sundown as a reminder of their mortality and sinfulness. The symbolism echoes the ancient Near Eastern tradition of throwing ash over one's head signifying repentance for the sins one has committed (as related numerous times in the Scripture). The priest marks the forehead of the person with one of these three blessings: "Remember, man that you are dust and unto dust you shall return." (Latin: Memento homo, quia pulvis es, ET in pulverem reverteris.) From Genesis 3:19 or "Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel." Or "Repent, and hear the good news."
The ashes are prepared by burning palm leaves from the previous year's Palm Sunday and mixed with olive oil; as a fixative. Ash Wednesday is observed by both fasting and abstinence and is a day of contemplating one's transgressions. The ashes are not a Sacrament but a Sign or Sacramental. (A Sacramental is something that aids one’s devotion to God but is not a sacrament.) Sacramentals are commonly divided into six classes: prayer, anointing, eating, confession, giving, and blessings.
As the title of this reflection indicates this is a time for us to reflect on our past and how well we are doing in coming closer to God and on what we might have to change from our current way of life and to plan for making those changes. It is a time of Sacrifice, of giving up some of the comforts we are accustomed to, reflecting the sacrifice Christ offered up for us and also of the forty days and nights that Christ fasted in the desert.
It is a time of Renewal, a time to make our selves over so that we better reflect Christ in our day to day lives.
God placed us here to achieve the promise of everlasting life with Him and all the heavenly elect but we have to earn that by living our lives in accord with the way Christ instructed us. We need to adhere to what Christ Called the two great commandments “Love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, soul, mind and body and the second is like unto it, Love your neighbor as you love yourself” AMEN
Friday, January 26, 2007
Hve Faith, Love and Trust in God
Have Faith, Love and Trust In God
A Reflection for the Fourth Sunday After Epiphany
Readings: Romans 13:8-10, Matthew 8:23-27,
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA
Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus
www.missionstsergius.org
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EverlastingLoveOfChristMinistry
The readings for this Sunday sum up the basic truths of Christ and God’s desire for the human race. I believe that if we do not start to implement this every day in our lives that the situation the world finds itself in will only get worse. We first need to Love God totally and completely for the day is fast approaching when we will need to answer for the way we lived our life. The Epistle reading clearly states how the writer of the letter to the Romans understood what Jesus taught when He was asked what the greatest commandment was and Christ replied “Love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, mind, soul and body is the first and most important commandment and the second is like unto it, Love your neighbor as yourself” Today we hear the words from the letter to the Faith community of Rome which is very clear and precise; Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet, and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. (Romans 13:8-10
“Love is the fulfillment of the law” Love of God and love for all God’s children.” If we love someone we do not go about causing them pain and suffering. When we love someone we attempt to insure that they are comfortable, well fed, healthy, and safe. We do not intentionally place someone we love in the way of danger or somewhere that they are apt to be killed. I will elaborate more on this after I introduce the second part of today’s message, the need to put our complete trust in Almighty God. The second reading is the story of how the disciples and Jesus had gone out on the lake and a sudden storm arose while Jesus was asleep in the bow of the boat. The apostles became very frightened and woke Jesus with these words; "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!" Jesus replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!" Matthew 13:25-27 The lesson here is one of faith and trust in God. How often have we gone into a panic about something and totally forgotten to turn to God and place the result into His hands?
Granted, the results we desire are not always the results that God will provide, but they are His answer and we have to accept those results as being God’s will. We have to trust that God has a very good reason for things turning out the way they do and if we do trust God we eventually will learn God’s reason. I can testify to that myself. So many times in the past things have happened that I did not understand why and I agonized over what I might have done to cause what I perceived was a negative result. The events usually forced me to make changes in my life that I had not planned on. The strange thing was that each time I found myself being led closer and closer to what eventually became my current life. I must admit I had some help in accepting the changes. When I was in the depths of depression of one of the climatic changes in my life I actually was contemplating ending it all but in a moment of desperation and I must admit anger, I threw open the Bible and it opened to the Book of Job. I read the story of Job and it was like a spotlight was beaming down upon me. I realized that I had spent most of my life searching for fame and fortune I thought important because of the gifts I was blessed with instead of seeking out what it was that God wanted me to do with those gifts.
When I stopped living according to me plans and began to ask God to lead me where He wanted me things became clearer and though not always smooth my road was mapped out for the remaining journey of life.
Each day I awake thankful for another day to try to do God’s will and to proclaim to all that I can of the everlasting mercy and love of God for all His children. God is Love, not vengeance, retaliation, discrimination, hatred, or condemnation. God asks us only to love and trust in Him, to accept His desire for us and to live our life in a manner that does not hurt anyone else.
Today our world is embroiled in conflicts between political parties, nations and even churches. This is not God’s way. Conflict is the domain of Satan and He uses it to tear families, governments and nations apart in order to cause pain and suffering and to attempt to turn people away from God just as he did with Job.
Our country is following in a pattern that has caused the downfall of every great empire and kingdom since the beginning of time. When the great empires tried to force their religious and cultural ideologies on others and expand their land holdings and wealth and domination of other cultures, they eventually came to a crashing demise. That history has been repeated from the Ancient Babolonians, Egyptians, Greeks, Roman, Spanish, English, and French and Prussian empires.
Without respect and love for others there will never be peace. Love has to begin with loving ourselves and loving and accepting the way God created us. We cannot truly love others until we love and accept ourselves.
In order to comply with the teaching of the lesson from scripture this week we need to begin the process by accepting who we are, and then going about and making the best of the gifts we have been given by actively promoting peace and brotherhood in our families, neighborhoods and speaking out against injustices we observe being done to others by our friends, neighbors, government and churches. By doing that we are demonstrating our love of God and the love He has for all His children. We become a beacon of God’s love here on earth to all we encounter.
I end with the words of St. Francis’s Peace Prayer;
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 seek to 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
A Reflection for the Fourth Sunday After Epiphany
Readings: Romans 13:8-10, Matthew 8:23-27,
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA
Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus
www.missionstsergius.org
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EverlastingLoveOfChristMinistry
The readings for this Sunday sum up the basic truths of Christ and God’s desire for the human race. I believe that if we do not start to implement this every day in our lives that the situation the world finds itself in will only get worse. We first need to Love God totally and completely for the day is fast approaching when we will need to answer for the way we lived our life. The Epistle reading clearly states how the writer of the letter to the Romans understood what Jesus taught when He was asked what the greatest commandment was and Christ replied “Love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, mind, soul and body is the first and most important commandment and the second is like unto it, Love your neighbor as yourself” Today we hear the words from the letter to the Faith community of Rome which is very clear and precise; Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet, and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. (Romans 13:8-10
“Love is the fulfillment of the law” Love of God and love for all God’s children.” If we love someone we do not go about causing them pain and suffering. When we love someone we attempt to insure that they are comfortable, well fed, healthy, and safe. We do not intentionally place someone we love in the way of danger or somewhere that they are apt to be killed. I will elaborate more on this after I introduce the second part of today’s message, the need to put our complete trust in Almighty God. The second reading is the story of how the disciples and Jesus had gone out on the lake and a sudden storm arose while Jesus was asleep in the bow of the boat. The apostles became very frightened and woke Jesus with these words; "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!" Jesus replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!" Matthew 13:25-27 The lesson here is one of faith and trust in God. How often have we gone into a panic about something and totally forgotten to turn to God and place the result into His hands?
Granted, the results we desire are not always the results that God will provide, but they are His answer and we have to accept those results as being God’s will. We have to trust that God has a very good reason for things turning out the way they do and if we do trust God we eventually will learn God’s reason. I can testify to that myself. So many times in the past things have happened that I did not understand why and I agonized over what I might have done to cause what I perceived was a negative result. The events usually forced me to make changes in my life that I had not planned on. The strange thing was that each time I found myself being led closer and closer to what eventually became my current life. I must admit I had some help in accepting the changes. When I was in the depths of depression of one of the climatic changes in my life I actually was contemplating ending it all but in a moment of desperation and I must admit anger, I threw open the Bible and it opened to the Book of Job. I read the story of Job and it was like a spotlight was beaming down upon me. I realized that I had spent most of my life searching for fame and fortune I thought important because of the gifts I was blessed with instead of seeking out what it was that God wanted me to do with those gifts.
When I stopped living according to me plans and began to ask God to lead me where He wanted me things became clearer and though not always smooth my road was mapped out for the remaining journey of life.
Each day I awake thankful for another day to try to do God’s will and to proclaim to all that I can of the everlasting mercy and love of God for all His children. God is Love, not vengeance, retaliation, discrimination, hatred, or condemnation. God asks us only to love and trust in Him, to accept His desire for us and to live our life in a manner that does not hurt anyone else.
Today our world is embroiled in conflicts between political parties, nations and even churches. This is not God’s way. Conflict is the domain of Satan and He uses it to tear families, governments and nations apart in order to cause pain and suffering and to attempt to turn people away from God just as he did with Job.
Our country is following in a pattern that has caused the downfall of every great empire and kingdom since the beginning of time. When the great empires tried to force their religious and cultural ideologies on others and expand their land holdings and wealth and domination of other cultures, they eventually came to a crashing demise. That history has been repeated from the Ancient Babolonians, Egyptians, Greeks, Roman, Spanish, English, and French and Prussian empires.
Without respect and love for others there will never be peace. Love has to begin with loving ourselves and loving and accepting the way God created us. We cannot truly love others until we love and accept ourselves.
In order to comply with the teaching of the lesson from scripture this week we need to begin the process by accepting who we are, and then going about and making the best of the gifts we have been given by actively promoting peace and brotherhood in our families, neighborhoods and speaking out against injustices we observe being done to others by our friends, neighbors, government and churches. By doing that we are demonstrating our love of God and the love He has for all His children. We become a beacon of God’s love here on earth to all we encounter.
I end with the words of St. Francis’s Peace Prayer;
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 seek to 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
Friday, January 19, 2007
Living In Peace and Harmony With All People
Reflection for Third Sunday after Epiphany
Living in Peace, Harmony in Compliance With God’s Will
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA
Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus, Holliston, MA
www.missionstsergius.org
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EverlastingLoveOfChristMinistry
From Romans 12:16-21, Psalm 101:16-17, Matthew 8:1-13,
“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position, do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my 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 16-21)
These powerful words from the Epistle of Paul to the Romans seem to have fallen on the deaf ears of the powerful world leaders if one looks at their actions. Instead of attempting to live in harmony they prefer to cause strife and war. Their actions cause pain and suffering and huge loss of innocent lives.
The same can also be said of some leaders of the Christian churches who it seems would rather exclude whole sections of people because they feel that they do not fit their life style and reject the truth that God creates all things and people for purposes known only to God alone.
It is also clear that many of the hierarchy of churches did not pay attention to the section of the reading that says; “Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody”, for if they did they never would have allowed pedophile priests to continue in positions where they could abuse children by transferring them around.
Do not take revenge, my 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.” Instead of adhering to this teaching people seem quite willing to live by the adage “Revenge is Sweet”.
The time has come, if we ever hope to actually know a time of peace and brotherhood, for all people, especially those who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ, to stop traveling the road leading to strife and misery, the road that causes suffering and pain to so many parents and children by the loss of their mother, father, sister or brother. We need to stop using bombs and guns to bring about peace and begin using food and medicine, education and diplomacy to promote stability and peace. The road we have traveled is not working, it has not worked in the past and it certainly is not working now.
The time is now for us to be more mindful of the needs of others who have not been as blessed as we have. We need to learn to appreciate the cultural artistic and religious differences of countries and stop trying to make all carbon copies of the US. We need to search for the things we have in common with each other and not focus on the differences; this applies to all the religious denominations that claim to believe in the teachings of Jesus Christ.
All around us we see the glorification of excess. Ads promote treatments not for disease that are killing people like cancer, Parkinson’s, AIDS but for the search for the fountain of youth and beauty or to enhance ones sexual pleasure. Every other advertisement in the papers, television, magazines, radio and now over the internet promotes items that pander to the carnal nature of man or greed. People put themselves in debt to acquire things like 60” flat screen home theater systems so they can impress their neighbors.
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” The final sentence of Paul’s letter to the Romans implores us to not allow ourselves to be overcome by evil but for us to overcome evil by doing good. As we reflect on this reading I suggest that we look within ourselves and seek out the places in our lives where we can make a difference. What can I do to make a change for the good in my personal life, in my families’ lives, in the neighborhood and in the world?
I will close with this prayer:
Almighty and Merciful God instill within me the knowledge and truth of your teachings, guide me in all my actions, thoughts, words and deeds through the gifts of the Holy Spirit to better serve you. Inspire me as to ways that I can make a difference in my own live and in the lives of all those with whom I touch. Help me to better serve you and all your children each and every day. Forgive me for any transgressions I may have committed in though, word, deed or action in the past and lead me on your road to eternal life. I ask this through your beloved son, Jesus Christ, my redeemer and savior who lives with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. AMEN
Living in Peace, Harmony in Compliance With God’s Will
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA
Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus, Holliston, MA
www.missionstsergius.org
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EverlastingLoveOfChristMinistry
From Romans 12:16-21, Psalm 101:16-17, Matthew 8:1-13,
“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position, do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my 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 16-21)
These powerful words from the Epistle of Paul to the Romans seem to have fallen on the deaf ears of the powerful world leaders if one looks at their actions. Instead of attempting to live in harmony they prefer to cause strife and war. Their actions cause pain and suffering and huge loss of innocent lives.
The same can also be said of some leaders of the Christian churches who it seems would rather exclude whole sections of people because they feel that they do not fit their life style and reject the truth that God creates all things and people for purposes known only to God alone.
It is also clear that many of the hierarchy of churches did not pay attention to the section of the reading that says; “Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody”, for if they did they never would have allowed pedophile priests to continue in positions where they could abuse children by transferring them around.
Do not take revenge, my 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.” Instead of adhering to this teaching people seem quite willing to live by the adage “Revenge is Sweet”.
The time has come, if we ever hope to actually know a time of peace and brotherhood, for all people, especially those who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ, to stop traveling the road leading to strife and misery, the road that causes suffering and pain to so many parents and children by the loss of their mother, father, sister or brother. We need to stop using bombs and guns to bring about peace and begin using food and medicine, education and diplomacy to promote stability and peace. The road we have traveled is not working, it has not worked in the past and it certainly is not working now.
The time is now for us to be more mindful of the needs of others who have not been as blessed as we have. We need to learn to appreciate the cultural artistic and religious differences of countries and stop trying to make all carbon copies of the US. We need to search for the things we have in common with each other and not focus on the differences; this applies to all the religious denominations that claim to believe in the teachings of Jesus Christ.
All around us we see the glorification of excess. Ads promote treatments not for disease that are killing people like cancer, Parkinson’s, AIDS but for the search for the fountain of youth and beauty or to enhance ones sexual pleasure. Every other advertisement in the papers, television, magazines, radio and now over the internet promotes items that pander to the carnal nature of man or greed. People put themselves in debt to acquire things like 60” flat screen home theater systems so they can impress their neighbors.
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” The final sentence of Paul’s letter to the Romans implores us to not allow ourselves to be overcome by evil but for us to overcome evil by doing good. As we reflect on this reading I suggest that we look within ourselves and seek out the places in our lives where we can make a difference. What can I do to make a change for the good in my personal life, in my families’ lives, in the neighborhood and in the world?
I will close with this prayer:
Almighty and Merciful God instill within me the knowledge and truth of your teachings, guide me in all my actions, thoughts, words and deeds through the gifts of the Holy Spirit to better serve you. Inspire me as to ways that I can make a difference in my own live and in the lives of all those with whom I touch. Help me to better serve you and all your children each and every day. Forgive me for any transgressions I may have committed in though, word, deed or action in the past and lead me on your road to eternal life. I ask this through your beloved son, Jesus Christ, my redeemer and savior who lives with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. AMEN
Friday, January 05, 2007
Baptism of Jesus, The Beloved Son
This Is My Beloved Son In whom I am Well Pleased
A Reflection for The Baptism Of Christ/First Sunday After Epiphany
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA
Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus
Holliston, MA
www.missionstsergius.org
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EverlastingLoveOfChristMinistry
“Console my people, console them, says your God.” (Isaiah 40:1) These are the opening words of one of the first Readings for this feast celebrating the Baptism of Christ. The Reading for this feast whether it is celebrated Sunday January 7th as in the Roman church or on January 13th as in many Eastern and other churches, are words that shout clearly Almighty God’s desire for all people.
In all the readings assigned for this day there is found words of affirmation, comfort and a clear truth that all should embrace. The truth, Jesus Christ is the Son of God made man, He is the Messiah promised to all the prophets. Jesus came to bring us the truth and to be the light that would lead us to the father. In Luke 3:15 - 22 we hear John The Baptist proclaim; “someone who is more powerful than I am, and who I am not fit to undo the strap of his sandals will come; he will Baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Now when all the people had been Baptized, and while Jesus after his own baptism was at prayer, the heavens opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily shape, like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; my flavor rests on you’.
In John 1:29-34 we find further affirmation of the event as John the disciple was an observer of the event and recorded it in His Gospel “ The next day when John was Baptizing by the Jordan River and He saw Jesus coming toward him he exclaimed “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! He is the one I told you about when I said, "Someone else will come. He is greater than I am, because he was alive before I was born." I didn't know who he was. But I came to baptize you with water, so that everyone in Israel would see him.” The passage goes on to tell us what happened after Christ was baptized with water; “I was there and saw the Spirit come down on him like a dove from heaven. And the Spirit stayed on him. Before this I didn't know who he was. But the one who sent me to baptize with water had told me, "You will see the Spirit come down and stay on someone. Then you will know that he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. I saw this happen, and I tell you that he is the Son of God.”Another reading assigned to this feast, from Titus 2:11 and 3:7, provides us with even more of God’s truth and another reason for us to not only be thankful to Almighty God but to have hope. “You see, God’s grace has been revealed, and it has made salvation possible for the whole human race and taught us that what we have to do is to give up everything that does not lead to God, and all our worldly ambitions; we must be self-restrained and live good and religious lives here in this present world, while we are waiting in hope for the blessing which will come with the Appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Christ Jesus. But when the kindness and love of God our savior for mankind were revealed, it was not because he was concerned with any righteous actions we might have done ourselves; it was for no reason except his own compassion that he saved us, by means of the cleansing water of rebirth and by renewing us with the Holy Spirit which he has so generously poured over us through Jesus Christ our Savior. He did this so that we should be justified by his grace, to become heirs looking forward to inheriting eternal life”.
I personally do not know how things could be made any clearer to us. When we read these words of the readings for the Feast of The Baptism Of Christ and couple them with the teachings Christ gave us with his words and actions how can we possibly claim to be followers of Christ is we continue to discriminate against others, allow people to go hungry while others luxuriate in excesses? How can we justify the taking of another person’s life in the name of justice? How, as Christians can we take upon ourselves the rite to question why God creates people differently? How can we accept the old rule of “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth”, when Christ said: “Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”If we are to actually live our lives as followers of Christ, and we acclaim Jesus as our Redeemer and our Savior we need to begin to set aside the petty differences that have caused the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic church to be divided into many segments and look to the basic truths of Christ as the glue that should bind us and hold us together. In the early church priests were married, Commitments between same sex individuals were blessed, There were women deacons, Bishops, priests lived simple lives and used simple vessels to celebrate the Eucharist and did not wear jeweled encrusted clothing but simple home spun clothing.
All the trappings that we have come to associate with the celebration of the liturgies and the vestments worn by the clergy came about when the hierarchy began to consider themselves equal with royalty. They even began to call some PRINCES OF THE CHURCH, a title that is still being used in some circles.
All religious are called and have accepted to be Christ’s servant and instrument here on earth. Our task is to be the instrument through which the compassion and mercy of Almighty God are made known to all people. We should not be driving people away, but trying to bring them home like the shepherd searching for the lost sheep.
On this day which confirms the truth of Christ being the Son of God, the creator and father of all things, let us evaluate ourselves and seek out what changes we need to make in our lives to completely and joyfully truly live as followers of Christ and believers in God. Then let us go forth to turn our decisions into actions that will bring about changes for the betterment of the human race. Let us work hard to bring about the changes that will improve the environment. Let us do our part in ending oppression, hunger, homelessness, discrimination, and division and become an instrument of Almighty God and a true follower of Christ working to bring peace to all God’s children. AMEN
A Reflection for The Baptism Of Christ/First Sunday After Epiphany
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA
Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus
Holliston, MA
www.missionstsergius.org
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EverlastingLoveOfChristMinistry
“Console my people, console them, says your God.” (Isaiah 40:1) These are the opening words of one of the first Readings for this feast celebrating the Baptism of Christ. The Reading for this feast whether it is celebrated Sunday January 7th as in the Roman church or on January 13th as in many Eastern and other churches, are words that shout clearly Almighty God’s desire for all people.
In all the readings assigned for this day there is found words of affirmation, comfort and a clear truth that all should embrace. The truth, Jesus Christ is the Son of God made man, He is the Messiah promised to all the prophets. Jesus came to bring us the truth and to be the light that would lead us to the father. In Luke 3:15 - 22 we hear John The Baptist proclaim; “someone who is more powerful than I am, and who I am not fit to undo the strap of his sandals will come; he will Baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Now when all the people had been Baptized, and while Jesus after his own baptism was at prayer, the heavens opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily shape, like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; my flavor rests on you’.
In John 1:29-34 we find further affirmation of the event as John the disciple was an observer of the event and recorded it in His Gospel “ The next day when John was Baptizing by the Jordan River and He saw Jesus coming toward him he exclaimed “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! He is the one I told you about when I said, "Someone else will come. He is greater than I am, because he was alive before I was born." I didn't know who he was. But I came to baptize you with water, so that everyone in Israel would see him.” The passage goes on to tell us what happened after Christ was baptized with water; “I was there and saw the Spirit come down on him like a dove from heaven. And the Spirit stayed on him. Before this I didn't know who he was. But the one who sent me to baptize with water had told me, "You will see the Spirit come down and stay on someone. Then you will know that he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. I saw this happen, and I tell you that he is the Son of God.”Another reading assigned to this feast, from Titus 2:11 and 3:7, provides us with even more of God’s truth and another reason for us to not only be thankful to Almighty God but to have hope. “You see, God’s grace has been revealed, and it has made salvation possible for the whole human race and taught us that what we have to do is to give up everything that does not lead to God, and all our worldly ambitions; we must be self-restrained and live good and religious lives here in this present world, while we are waiting in hope for the blessing which will come with the Appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Christ Jesus. But when the kindness and love of God our savior for mankind were revealed, it was not because he was concerned with any righteous actions we might have done ourselves; it was for no reason except his own compassion that he saved us, by means of the cleansing water of rebirth and by renewing us with the Holy Spirit which he has so generously poured over us through Jesus Christ our Savior. He did this so that we should be justified by his grace, to become heirs looking forward to inheriting eternal life”.
I personally do not know how things could be made any clearer to us. When we read these words of the readings for the Feast of The Baptism Of Christ and couple them with the teachings Christ gave us with his words and actions how can we possibly claim to be followers of Christ is we continue to discriminate against others, allow people to go hungry while others luxuriate in excesses? How can we justify the taking of another person’s life in the name of justice? How, as Christians can we take upon ourselves the rite to question why God creates people differently? How can we accept the old rule of “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth”, when Christ said: “Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”If we are to actually live our lives as followers of Christ, and we acclaim Jesus as our Redeemer and our Savior we need to begin to set aside the petty differences that have caused the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic church to be divided into many segments and look to the basic truths of Christ as the glue that should bind us and hold us together. In the early church priests were married, Commitments between same sex individuals were blessed, There were women deacons, Bishops, priests lived simple lives and used simple vessels to celebrate the Eucharist and did not wear jeweled encrusted clothing but simple home spun clothing.
All the trappings that we have come to associate with the celebration of the liturgies and the vestments worn by the clergy came about when the hierarchy began to consider themselves equal with royalty. They even began to call some PRINCES OF THE CHURCH, a title that is still being used in some circles.
All religious are called and have accepted to be Christ’s servant and instrument here on earth. Our task is to be the instrument through which the compassion and mercy of Almighty God are made known to all people. We should not be driving people away, but trying to bring them home like the shepherd searching for the lost sheep.
On this day which confirms the truth of Christ being the Son of God, the creator and father of all things, let us evaluate ourselves and seek out what changes we need to make in our lives to completely and joyfully truly live as followers of Christ and believers in God. Then let us go forth to turn our decisions into actions that will bring about changes for the betterment of the human race. Let us work hard to bring about the changes that will improve the environment. Let us do our part in ending oppression, hunger, homelessness, discrimination, and division and become an instrument of Almighty God and a true follower of Christ working to bring peace to all God’s children. AMEN
Epiphany Reflection
Jan. 6th Feast of Epiphany
Also known as Three Kings Day
A Reflection by Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA
Mission Saints Sergius & Bacchus
www.missionstsergius.org
If we look up the word EPIPHANY in a dictionary you find it has more meanings than just a feast we celebrate on January sixth celebrating the presentation of gifts by the Three Wise Men to the Infant Jesus and the Holy Family. One of the meanings is “manifestation of a divine being”; the other meaning is “A Sudden intuitive leap of understanding or faith, especially through an ordinary but striking occurrence”.
The feast of The Epiphany fits both definitions. God mad His son known to the world through the Three Wise Men’s visit after following a star that they, as astronomers and astrologers believed foretold of the birth of the king of all kings. , The Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates the feast as the baptism of Jesus Christ.
The event certainly fits both definitions; a manifestation of a divine being and an intuitive leap of understanding or faith through an ordinary but striking occurrence, for that is exactly what happened. The three wise men believed an astrological sign and followed a star which was not one they knew and which seemed to be a beacon traveling through the sky to Bethlehem to behold the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. The birth of such a child had also been prophesized not only in Jewish writings but in the writings of other religions, probably those who trace themselves back to Abraham.
In Hispanic and Latin cultures, as well as some places in Europe, the feast day is known as Three Kings’ Day. Because of differences in church calendars, mainly between the Eastern Orthodox and the western Catholic and Protestant traditions, both Christmas and Epiphany have been observed at different times in the past. Today, most of the Eastern Orthodox traditions follow the western church calendar. The exceptions are some Greek Orthodox Churches and related traditions. The Russian and Serbian Orthodox churches still follow the older calendar and celebrate Epiphany as the Feast of Theophany (From the Greek, Theo (God), and phainein (to show forth), Theophany means an appearance of God to man.) on January 19th.
Epiphany marks the end of the Christmas Season and the Twelve Days of Christmas, which are usually counted from December 25th until January 5th. In most traditions, the day before Epiphany is the Twelfth Day of Christmas, the evening of which is called Twelfth Night. This is an occasion for feasting in some cultures, including the baking of a special King's Cake as part of the festivities of Epiphany. Polish people celebrate the feast by marking the initials of the three Kings, (Casper, Melchior, Balthasar) over their door with the numerals of the year in the following manner; (20CMB07) which they believe will bring them good fortune throughout the year and their dining table upon which they feast is covered with straw under a linen cloth to simulate the manger where Christ was born.
What we need to reflect on is the wonderful manifestation of God’s only Son, who came to us as a poor infant human with all the characteristics and difficulties of the human race and what that should mean to each of us.
God in His goodness and wisdom made himself visible to us in Jesus Christ. Prior to this all the recorded manifestations of God to humans were in tongues of fire, a burning bush, a cloud, but never in human form. In fact the Jewish people and even the prophets believed that looking directly at God would mean death. Not exactly the picture of a loving, merciful, forgiving God.
I believe that God decided that it was time to reveal the true God and the best way for God to do that was through the birth of Jesus. Jesus came, as He himself told us, to give us a new covenant. Jesus came to make clear to us the way, the truth and the life. Jesus is the light which would guide us to the Father.
Jesus said: “Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. 7 If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!” Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Fathers who lives in me does his work through me. Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me.” (John 14:5-11)
Jesus came to teach us the way to the father, Jesus gave us the two great commandments “Love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, mind, soul and body and the second is like unto it Love your neighbor as yourself”
In John 14:15-21 Jesus makes the reason for his being sent to earth for all men to see and touch completely clear, He was not a disjointed voice booming out of clouds or in a burning bush, He was flesh and blood. He said: “If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. I will send The Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you, No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you. Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live. When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.”
The manifestation of God in the person of Jesus Christ that we celebrate on the feast of Epiphany came about in an ordinary way, not as a sudden appearance but in a natural birth that followed the nine month pregnancy of Mary, the Theotokos. The pronouncement of the birth of the King of Kings by the Wise men to Herod and the world and how they arrived in Bethlehem certainly was a striking occurrence.
The birth of Christ and the pronouncement of that event brought into the world a message of hope, forgiveness and the promise of everlasting life for all people, not just the Jewish people. Christ promised us that by living justly and as He instructed and gave an example we would all find a peace that the world can not give.
In this time of trouble throughout the world each of us needs to acknowledge Christ and love Him and through Him, the Father who sent Him. We need to look to them for our deliverance from the worlds and churches’ troubles and seek guidance from the Holy Spirit for a way of ending the divisions that separate us and are causing so much pain and strife for so many. We need to express our love more, we need to open our hearts to forgiveness and mercy, we need to pray more and seek self gratification less. As Christ has promised; "Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching and My Father will love him. We will come to him and make our home with him. Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. The words you hear me say are not my own. They belong to the Father who sent me. (John 14:23-24)
On this feast of Epiphany, take time to reflect on Christ’s teachings, take time to offer thanks to God for the things He has given you, set aside time to talk to God and Christ using your own words or by reading aloud a portion of scripture or the Psalms or just recite the Our Father. Make a visit to a church and partake of the liturgy and most especially, the Eucharist. Give God honor and praise by living your life according to Christ’s example and teachings. Practice you love of God by your deeds. I can think of no better way to praise God and to celebrate our thanks for God’s decision to make known to us His truth by sending us His beloved son to live among us as a human.
“Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.” AMEN
Also known as Three Kings Day
A Reflection by Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA
Mission Saints Sergius & Bacchus
www.missionstsergius.org
If we look up the word EPIPHANY in a dictionary you find it has more meanings than just a feast we celebrate on January sixth celebrating the presentation of gifts by the Three Wise Men to the Infant Jesus and the Holy Family. One of the meanings is “manifestation of a divine being”; the other meaning is “A Sudden intuitive leap of understanding or faith, especially through an ordinary but striking occurrence”.
The feast of The Epiphany fits both definitions. God mad His son known to the world through the Three Wise Men’s visit after following a star that they, as astronomers and astrologers believed foretold of the birth of the king of all kings. , The Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates the feast as the baptism of Jesus Christ.
The event certainly fits both definitions; a manifestation of a divine being and an intuitive leap of understanding or faith through an ordinary but striking occurrence, for that is exactly what happened. The three wise men believed an astrological sign and followed a star which was not one they knew and which seemed to be a beacon traveling through the sky to Bethlehem to behold the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. The birth of such a child had also been prophesized not only in Jewish writings but in the writings of other religions, probably those who trace themselves back to Abraham.
In Hispanic and Latin cultures, as well as some places in Europe, the feast day is known as Three Kings’ Day. Because of differences in church calendars, mainly between the Eastern Orthodox and the western Catholic and Protestant traditions, both Christmas and Epiphany have been observed at different times in the past. Today, most of the Eastern Orthodox traditions follow the western church calendar. The exceptions are some Greek Orthodox Churches and related traditions. The Russian and Serbian Orthodox churches still follow the older calendar and celebrate Epiphany as the Feast of Theophany (From the Greek, Theo (God), and phainein (to show forth), Theophany means an appearance of God to man.) on January 19th.
Epiphany marks the end of the Christmas Season and the Twelve Days of Christmas, which are usually counted from December 25th until January 5th. In most traditions, the day before Epiphany is the Twelfth Day of Christmas, the evening of which is called Twelfth Night. This is an occasion for feasting in some cultures, including the baking of a special King's Cake as part of the festivities of Epiphany. Polish people celebrate the feast by marking the initials of the three Kings, (Casper, Melchior, Balthasar) over their door with the numerals of the year in the following manner; (20CMB07) which they believe will bring them good fortune throughout the year and their dining table upon which they feast is covered with straw under a linen cloth to simulate the manger where Christ was born.
What we need to reflect on is the wonderful manifestation of God’s only Son, who came to us as a poor infant human with all the characteristics and difficulties of the human race and what that should mean to each of us.
God in His goodness and wisdom made himself visible to us in Jesus Christ. Prior to this all the recorded manifestations of God to humans were in tongues of fire, a burning bush, a cloud, but never in human form. In fact the Jewish people and even the prophets believed that looking directly at God would mean death. Not exactly the picture of a loving, merciful, forgiving God.
I believe that God decided that it was time to reveal the true God and the best way for God to do that was through the birth of Jesus. Jesus came, as He himself told us, to give us a new covenant. Jesus came to make clear to us the way, the truth and the life. Jesus is the light which would guide us to the Father.
Jesus said: “Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. 7 If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!” Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Fathers who lives in me does his work through me. Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me.” (John 14:5-11)
Jesus came to teach us the way to the father, Jesus gave us the two great commandments “Love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, mind, soul and body and the second is like unto it Love your neighbor as yourself”
In John 14:15-21 Jesus makes the reason for his being sent to earth for all men to see and touch completely clear, He was not a disjointed voice booming out of clouds or in a burning bush, He was flesh and blood. He said: “If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. I will send The Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you, No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you. Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live. When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.”
The manifestation of God in the person of Jesus Christ that we celebrate on the feast of Epiphany came about in an ordinary way, not as a sudden appearance but in a natural birth that followed the nine month pregnancy of Mary, the Theotokos. The pronouncement of the birth of the King of Kings by the Wise men to Herod and the world and how they arrived in Bethlehem certainly was a striking occurrence.
The birth of Christ and the pronouncement of that event brought into the world a message of hope, forgiveness and the promise of everlasting life for all people, not just the Jewish people. Christ promised us that by living justly and as He instructed and gave an example we would all find a peace that the world can not give.
In this time of trouble throughout the world each of us needs to acknowledge Christ and love Him and through Him, the Father who sent Him. We need to look to them for our deliverance from the worlds and churches’ troubles and seek guidance from the Holy Spirit for a way of ending the divisions that separate us and are causing so much pain and strife for so many. We need to express our love more, we need to open our hearts to forgiveness and mercy, we need to pray more and seek self gratification less. As Christ has promised; "Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching and My Father will love him. We will come to him and make our home with him. Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. The words you hear me say are not my own. They belong to the Father who sent me. (John 14:23-24)
On this feast of Epiphany, take time to reflect on Christ’s teachings, take time to offer thanks to God for the things He has given you, set aside time to talk to God and Christ using your own words or by reading aloud a portion of scripture or the Psalms or just recite the Our Father. Make a visit to a church and partake of the liturgy and most especially, the Eucharist. Give God honor and praise by living your life according to Christ’s example and teachings. Practice you love of God by your deeds. I can think of no better way to praise God and to celebrate our thanks for God’s decision to make known to us His truth by sending us His beloved son to live among us as a human.
“Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.” AMEN
Saturday, December 09, 2006
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
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
Saturday, November 18, 2006
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
Friday, November 17, 2006
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
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
Saturday, November 04, 2006
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
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
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
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)
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)
Sunday, October 29, 2006
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
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
Thursday, October 26, 2006
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
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
Thursday, October 12, 2006
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
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
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