Hagiography

St. Gregory of Nazianzus: Bishop,

2012-01-26T21:22:00.000-08:00

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregory_of_Nazianzus

Gregory of Nazianzus (c. 329– January 25 389 or 390) was Archbishop of Constantinople in the 4th century. He greatly influenced Greek and Latin speaking theologians and his work continues to influence theologians today. He and the two brothers, Gregory of Nyssa, and Basil the great are known as the Cappadocian fathers, and together with Basil the Great and John Chrysostom are the great hierarchs in the Eastern Church.

Gregory’s parents were wealthy, and his mother, Nona converted his father Gregory to Christianity, and Gregory came to be Bishop of Nazianzus. Gregory the son, after studying at home studied in Nazianzus, Caesarea, Alexandria and Athens. On the way to Athens, during a storm which frightened him, Gregory promised God he would serve him if God would save him. He continued to teach in Athens before returning home.

His father desired to ordain him to the presbyterate, so Gregory could help him, but Gregory, preferring the monastic life, resented this, and left, living for a short time with Basil the great, who convince him to return and help his father. Upon his return, he found divisions, which he was able to heal through his gifts of diplomacy and oratory.

By this time, the emperor Julian had declared himself to be opposed to Christianity. Gregory wrote Invectives against Julian stating that the emperor should be opposed through love and patience. He also stated that this was a form of theosis, in which we become more like God. Julian worked against those who opposed him until his death during a war against the Persians. Gregory and Basil then embarked in a rhetorical war against the Arians, and clearly beat the Arians. This success led them to be elected Bishops.

Basil was elected as Bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia, and ordained Gregory as Bishop of Sasima, which he had newly created so that Gregory could aid him. Gregory was unhappy in this position, desiring to return to the contemplative life, and not wishing to be involved in politics as Basil’s pawn. Instead he went to help his father as co-adjutor of Nazianzus until his father’s death. He continued to work in the area, but refused to be named bishop, living a simple life.

In 379, the synod of Antioch under Melatus asked Gregory to go to Constantinople to reestablish Orthodoxy as opposed to Arianism. A cousin offered him a villa, most of which he converted into a church (Anastasia, or Resurrection) from which he delivered powerful sermons on the Trinity and Unity of the Godhead. His opponents fearing his popularity attacked and entered the church, injuring Gregory and killing another bishop. The situation was confused, with Gregory staying (convinced by his followers), but with Arian priests in some of the churches, and remained so until the arrival of the Emperor, Theodosius, who had Gregory enthroned as patriarch of Constantinople, taking the place of Demophilus.

Theodosius and Gregory called the Second Ecumenical Council of Constantinople in 381 for the express purpose of uniting the empire behind Trinitarian Christianity. After the death of the presiding Bishop, Gregory took over the council. In order to prevent division, Gregory renounced his position as Patriarch, and after giving a farewell speech, he returned to Nazianzus as Bishop, struggling with heretics and poor health. Eventually, finding himself to weak to continue his work, he appointed a new bishop to serve Nazianzus and retired to his parents estate where he lived for another five years until his death on 25 January 389 (or 390).

Gregory’s greatest role was in the defense of the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, and in Pneumatology. He gave us the term procession referring to the Holy Spirit and emphasized that Jesus did not cease being God, nor did he lose his divine attributes when he became man.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregory_of_Nazianzus
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07010b.htm
http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Gregory_of_Nazianzus
http://satucket.com/lectionary/Gregory_Nazianzus.htm

Psalm 37:3-6,32-33
Wisdom 7:7-14
Ephesians 3:14-21
John 8:25-32
Collect: Heavenly Father, you strengthened Gregory of Nazianzus through sickness and persecution. As he was on fire with love for you, so train us up that we may be aflame with your love and share it with all the world. This we ask through Yeshua haMoshiach who lives and reins with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen. (white)

Saints Timothy & Titus: Bishops: 26 February 2012

2012-01-25T22:26:00.000-08:00

http://www.christiansynod.org/

http://www.livingwatercommunity.com/saiints/sts%20timothy%20and%20titus.htm

Timothy was from Lystra in Asia minor, son of a Greek father and a Jewish mother, who was a believer in the Lord Yeshua. His name means honouring God. The church in Lystra and Iconium thought well of him, and because of the Jews and his Jewish mother, Paul had him circumcised. Timothy was a devoted companion of St. Paul and was entrusted by him to represent him to the Corinthians,to strengthen the faith of the converts, and the Thessalonicans to encourage them in persecution. He also was Paul’s representative to Ephesus, and is counted by Eusebius to be the first Bishop of Ephesus. He apparently died at about the age of eighty, stoned to death, at about the age of 80 in the year 97, when preaching the Gospel during a pagan procession

Titus, like Timothy was a constant companion of Paul. Titus was a Greek who accompanied Paul to Jerusalem at the time of the Ecumenical Council. Titus, like Timothy went to Corinth to represent St. Paul. Later St. Paul sent him to Crete to organize the churches there, and is counted as the first Bishop of Crete by Eusebius. The last we hear of Titus is a visit to Dalmatia. He died at the age of 95 in about the year 107.

Though both young, St. Paul commends them with great responsibility in administration and in proclaiming the Gospel. Both are commemorated the day after the Conversion of St. Paul since their ministry intertwined with theirs, and because he was their mentro.

Collect: Blessed Lord, you raised up Timothy and Titus to be Bishops in your church. So raise up in this and every generation Bishops who will follow the pure teachings of your blessed word that the church would grow in faith and knowledge and love of you. This we ask in the name of Yeshua haMoshiach who lives and reigns with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen.

Psalm 112:1-9
Isaiah 42:5-9
Acts 15:22-26, 30-33, 16:1-5
John 10:1-10
(If the Eucharist is not celebrated today, used the lesson from Acts at Matins)

Conversion of St. Paul: 25 January 2012

2012-01-24T21:46:00.000-08:00

http://www.comeandseeicons.com/p/ppw02.htm

The account of the Conversion of St. Paul is repeated several times in the Book of Acts. Paul was a citizen of Rome, from Tarsus. He was also a Pharisee, of the tribe of Benjamin and studied under Gamaliel, the most famous Rabbi of his time.

Paul was a true Pharisee, he loved God, but thought that salvation was earned by obeying the 613 Mitzvot (commandments) found in the Tanakh or Old Testament. Paul had it reversed, thinking we are saved because we obey, and he did his best to obey, to the point of witnessing the martyrdom of Stephan, and by getting warrants to throw Christians in prison, and even have them killed.

On his way to Damascus, he has an experience which transforms his life forever. He comes face to face with the risen Lord, who even suggests that Saul might be sympathetic to Christians (why are you kicking against the goads? Says Jesus to Paul). He who was spiritually blind comes face to face with Yeshua and is struck blind literally. We who are spiritually blind need to be careful when we say we see, for our sin will be greater. Paul realizes something is going on, and he fasts for three days. On the third day, Ananias, a follower of the way is directed by the Lord to go heal Saul. Ananias has some misgivings, but obeys the Lord. Saul recovers his sight and is immediately baptised. He has come from trying to be saved through obedience to obeying because he is saved. Would that all Christians would learn to thank the Lord through obedience.

Paul goes from persecuting the church, to proclaiming Yeshua as Messiah, a Messiah not only for Jews, but for Goyim (gentiles) as well, the true saviour of the world. Paul was a prolific writer and evangelist. Thirteen Epistles were written by Paul. He also travelled extensively in what is now Syria, Turkey, Greece, Crete, and Malta. We know he planned on visiting Spain, and probably did. There is also some evidence he may have made it to Britain as well. Only St. Thomas made it further than Paul amongst the Apostles.

Paul talked about a thorn in his flesh, which God would not cure, telling Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in your weakness.” I suggest that the thorn in the flesh (it has been identified with everything from poor eyesight to homosexuality) was deliberately not identified, so that we could each say, God’s strength is made perfect in my weakness in whatever area.

Whether we write, or preach, or go telling others about Yeshua, we need to have Paul’s enthusiasm, and his thankfulness, and great desire to spread the Good News to all nations.

Collect of the Day: Lord, as we remember your appearance to St. Paul and his marvellous conversion on this day, so move in our hearts that we would share his passion to proclaim the Gospel. This we ask in the name of Yeshua haMoshiach who lives and reigns with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen. (white)

Psalm 67
Acts 26:9-21
Galatians 1:11-24
Matthew 10:16-22
If there is no celebration of the Eucharist today, use the lesson from Acts with m

St. Vncent, Deacon, Martyr: 23 January 2012 (trnasferred from 22 January)

2012-01-22T23:11:00.000-08:00

http://www.allmercifulsavior.com/icons/Icons-Vincent.htm

St. Vincent of Zaragoza (died 304)

St. Vincent was born in Huesca, Spain. He lived in Zaragoza and served as Deacon to the Bishop Valerius. According to legend, when he and Valerius were brought to trial, that Valerius could not respond due to a speech impediment. Receiving the Bishops permission to speak, Vincent launched into a fervent defence of the faith. Even his gaoler was converted. Vincent suffered many severe torments, before dying without renouncing his Lord.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vincent_of_Saragossa

Collect: Heavenly Father, as you raised Vincent to be deacon in Saragossa, and gave him eloquence to proclaim and strength to die for his faith, so fill us with your spirit that we would always be ready to proclaim the Gospel and to live and die for Yeshua. In the name of Yeshua we pray, Amen. (red)

Psalm 116:10-17
Jeremiah 26:12-15
Revelation 7:13-17
Luke 12:4-12

St. Agnes, Virgin, Martyr

2012-01-21T08:59:00.000-08:00

http://www.allmercifulsavior.com/icons/Icons-Agnes.htm

St. Agnes (c. 291-21 January 304)

Agnes was born to a noble family in Rome in about the year 291. She was raised as a Christian and was martyred at the tender age of 12. A Roman Prefect had decided that she was to marry his son. When Agnes refused, the prefect ordered that she be put to death. As it was forbidden to kill virgins, she was dragged to the brothel, but the men who attempted to rape her were struck blind. When they took her to the stake to burn her, the wood would not burn. She was finally beheaded by the sword, cheerfully dying for her Lord.

It is said that her martyrdom helped end martyrdoms in Rome, as people were disgusted that paganism had to be preserved by the death of one so young.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Agnes
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01214a.htm

Psalm 45:11-16
Song of Solomon 2:10-13
2 Corinthians 6:16-18
Matthew 18:1-6
(readings may be omitted if no celebration of the Eucharist. )

Collect: Lord Yeshua, who gave even children the strength to stand up for the true faith in face of persecution. Give us Agnes’s child like faith that we may always witness as to what you have done for us. This we ask through Yeshua haMoshiach, who lives and reins with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen. (red)

Fabian, Bishop, Martyr: 20 January 2012

2012-01-20T06:06:00.000-08:00

http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Pope_Fabian

Fabian, attending the election of the new Bishop of Rome became a surprise candidate when a dove landed on his head. The people took this as an omen, and he was elected Bishop of Rome in January of 236, a position which he held until his martyrdom on 20 January 250.

Fabian turned out to be an excellent administrator, and set up the parish structure still in use in Rome today. As well he appointed 14 men to write the lives of the martyrs. He also divided the city into diaconates, and basically set up a structure that was sound and enduring and would help the church survive the coming persecution. Fabian was one of the first martyrs to die under the persecution by Decius, the first persecution of the church which was empire wide. His courage during his beating and death inspired many, and his tomb is still with us today.

http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Pope_Fabian
http://satucket.com/lectionary/Fabian.htm

Collect: O Lord of the Universe, who used a dove to single out Fabien as Bishop of Rome. Grant us power to remember those before us and imitate them in giving all for Christ. This we ask through Yeshua haMoshiach, who lives and reins with you, one God in glory everlasting. Amen (red)

Psalm 126
2 Esdras 2:42-48
1 Corinthians 15:31-36, 44b-49
Luke 21:20-24

Miles Coverdale: 19 Januaary 2012

2012-01-19T04:38:00.000-08:00

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Myles_Coverdale.jpg

Miles Coverdale (c1488-20 Jan. 1569) was a Bible translator during the time of the reformation. He was born in Yorkshire, studied at Cambridge and was a priest at Norwich. Later he joined the Austin Fryers and left after defending Robert Barnes in a heresy trial. From 1525 through 1538 he stayed on the continent working on his translation. Part of this time was spent working with William Tyndale, whose translation of the New Testament was used in Coverdale’s translation. This Bible was smuggled into England and was very popular. After Cramer convince Henry VIII that an English Bible would be a good thing, he put Coverdale to work on editing. Coverdale’s first work was weak, in part because it was translated from Latin, not from the original languages. Coverdale’s work on the Psalms in the Great Bible was very good, and these became the Psalms used in the Anglican Book of Common prayer, making these versions very well known even to today. After Cromwell was executed, Coverdale went back into exile, and did not return until 1548. He was made Chaplain to King Edward, and made Bishop of Exeter, which role he fulfilled well. After the succession of Queen Mary, he was deposed and again went into exile. After Queen Mary’s death, he returned to England in 1559, and server as rector of St. Magnus’s, but was not returned to his Bishopric, probably because of conflicts with Puritans regarding vestments. He was a popular preacher and introduced German theological ideas to England. He died in London and is buried there.

His chief contribution was the translation of the Psalter used in the Book of Common Prayer.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myles_Coverdale
http://www.answers.com/topic/myles-coverdale
http://www.novelguide.com/a/discover/ewb_04/ewb_04_01547.html
http://www.tlogical.net/biocoverdale.htm

Dear Lord, you raised up Miles Coverdale to work on presenting the Bible to the people of England in a language which they could understand. As he suffered much in this work, yet was faithful to you and your word, raise up in this and every generation men who are good and holy with a mission to help Christians understand your word. This we ask in the name of Yeshuah who revealed the Tanakh to the Jews. Amen.

The Confession of St. Peter: 18 January 2012

2012-01-17T23:20:00.000-08:00

http://www.bridgebuilding.com/narr/pwpet.html

Confession of St. Peter

On this day, we remember not so much St. Peter, but his confession recognizing Jesus as Messiah. All the disciples and many others recongnised that Jesus was a holy man or a prophet, but it was Peter who specifically made the jump to recognise Jesus as the Messiah who was sent by God. Jesus’ answer tells us something about our relationship to God. It is not through brains or intelligence that we recognise, but by the Holy Spirit that we come to know him as Messiah.

Heavenly Father, as we remember Peter’s recognition of Yeshua as the Messiah, help us to truly recognize him as well in heart and mind that we may follow Peter, walking on water, healing, raising the dead, and proclaiming the Gospel. This we ask in the name of Yeshua haMoshiach who lives and governs with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen. (white)

Psalm 23;
Acts 4:8-13;
1 Peter 5:1-4;
Matthew 16:13-19

St. Anthony the Great: 17 January 2012

2012-01-16T18:51:00.000-08:00

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_of_Egypt

St. Anthony the Great (251-356)

Anthony was born to wealthy Christian parents in Coma and lower Egypt. One day on his way to church, he was meditating on Jesus saying, “sell of you have, follow me and you will have riches in heaven (Mathew 19:21), At church, the same scripture was used, and as a result, Anthony at the age of 34 looked to the needs of his sister and sold the rest. The land he owned was given to the tenants who worked it. The money he made was given to the poor and he left to live in the desert.

He stayed in the desert for thirteen years, during which time he was faced with temptations by boredom, laziness and images of women. He then moved into a tomb and sealed it. Beaten in the body by the devil, he was found unconscious and taken to a church. After recovering there, he went out to the desert again but to an even more isolated place. Visions of various animals appeared to him to scare him, but he just laughed at them and told them they had no power over Christ. During this time he was locked in an abandoned fort and his only communication was through a crack in the wall. Eventually he emerged, peaceful and enlightened. He went to Alexandria to seek martyrdom and witnessed to many, but was not martyred. He returned to his fort for a while, but so many people came to see him that it interfered with his prayer life, so he moved yet again, deeper into the desert. He found a pool and palm trees and settled there. There he grew a garden and wove mats made of reeds. Many would come to visit him, but actually conversed with members of the community which gathered around him. A vision of an angel ispired his form of dress from here on, and he was never bored again. He prophesied the persecution of the church at this time. In 338 he was called by Athanasius to help him refute Aryanism.

Knowing his time was near, he divided his few possessions and charged the monks to bury him secretly so that his body would not be divided up. They obeyed and to this day the site of his burial is unknown. While not the founder of monastism, or anchorites, his life was an inspiration to both. He was well known for establishing monasteries in Egypt.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_of_Egypt
http://orthodoxwiki.org/Anthony_the_Great
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01553d.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0j07pdXbRf8

Collect: Dear Lord, you raised up Anthony to be a shining light in the desert, encouraging those suffering persecution, and strengthening those tempted by Aryanism, so raise up in this and every generation encouragers to strengthen us in true doctrine. This we ask in the name of Yeshua haMoshiach, who lives and reigns with you and Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen. (white)

Lessons: (omitted if no celebration of the Eucharist)
Psalm 91:9-16 or 1
1 Peter 5:6-10
Mark 10:17-21

Hillary of Poitiers, Bishop: 13 January 2012

2012-01-13T04:47:00.000-08:00

http://www.allmercifulsavior.com/icons/Icons-Hilary.htm
Hillary of Poitiers (c.315-368)

Hillary was born to well off pagan parents in the city of Poitiers. Unusual for his time, in addition to having a good education in Latin, he also studied Greek. Because of knowing Greek he was exposed to the scriptures, and came to know Jesus, and to know who he was, a son of the living God.

Married and the father of one daughter, Hillary was elected by the Christians of Poitiers as Bishop in 353 (Celibacy was not a requirement for many more years). Embroiled in arguments about Arians and removing Arian Bishops, Hillary was exiled to Phrygia. Not one to waste his time, he visited the churches in the area and studied scriptures and put his time to good use. After four years he was sent back to Poitiers because the emperor (an Arian) because “he was a troublemaker and sower of discord, and disturber of the orient.” (In other words, Hillary was gaining ground against the Arians through his preaching.) Hillary took a leisurely trip through Greece and Italy preaching against the Arians as he went.

Hillary wrote several works against the Arians, and several works on the Trinity and on the two natures of Christ. He also brought back hymns from the east, translating them and wrote some of his own compositions. He is regarded as the father of Western hymnody, and also known as the Athanasius of the west. One of his disciples was St. Martin of Tours. Hillary died peacefully in 368, possibly on the 13th of January.

(In passing: Arians did not believe that Jesus was God. They believed he was a higher creation than man, but beneath God. Today the Jehovah’s Witnesses are an example of Arianism)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hilary_of_Poitiers
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07349b.htm
http://www.sthilary.com/St.%20Hilary.htm
http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=55

Collect: Dear Lord, as Hillary of Poitiers stood against heresy, and defended the true faith, help us also to stand against heresy that we may always stand for truth. This we ask through Yeshua haMoshiach who lives and reins with you and Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen. (white)

Readings for the Eucharist If no celebration of the Eucharist, follow the normal readings for Matins and Vespers.

Psalm 37:3-6, 32-33
Zechariah 6:9-15
1 John 2:18-25
Luke 12:8-12

The Holy Name: 1 Januarary 2012

2011-12-31T18:09:00.000-08:00

Today is celebrated by the church as the Circumcision of Christ, or The Holy Name. Both names are important to us. This is eight days after Christmas. All good Jewish boys were circumcised eight days after their birth. This is the first time that Jesus, or Yeshua sacrifices his blood in order to complete the law. He spent the rest of his life obeying the Law perfectly, so that he could be a pure lamb without blemish, which could be sacrificed for our sins.

Secondly, the Holy Name. Yeshua (Jesus in Aramaic) from Hebrew, Yah Shua means, “God Saves.” It is very important that as Christians we understand the full significance of this name. Shua is much more than “save” as we understand the word. Wycliff in his translation of the Bible translated it as heal. Jesus the healer, Jesus died to heal us. Wycliff was not in error. The word means heal just as much as it means saved. The word implies that we are made completely whole, body, mind and spirit. We are saved from death, from hell and from sickness of body, mind or spirit. To be made whole, we are also saved or made whole for this life here on earth. When we have been saved or healed, we begin the process of sanctification, in which we become holy people. God peals us like an onion removing everything that is not of him. Usually this is a gradual process, although there are times when it can be all at once. AS we submit our selves to God, asking him to heal and purify us, we will usually find another problem waiting to be solved. True saints are always aware how sinful they are.

As we submit ourselves more and more to God, and he heals us, from infirmities, disease, addictions, bad attitudes, sin, we experience shalom. Shalom is like shua. It is not just peace as the world defines peace. Shalom is peace with nature, peace with God, peace with society, peace with ourselves. Peace in good times, peace in bad.

So every time we pronounce the name of Yeshua, let us truly think about the salvation he gives us.

Collect: : Emanuel, you who are with us, help us to remember that the name of Yeshua proclaims your salvation and healing, and through his finished work on the cross he completed his obedience to the law and the prophets began on this day, when he first shed blood in obedience. Help us so to contemplate his holy name that we would truly accept that salvation, healing, and wholeness and that our obedience to you would lead to salvation and healing of many. This we ask in the name of Yeshua haMoshiach who lives and governs with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen.

Readings
Psalm 8;
Exodus 34:1-8; Romans1:1-7; Luke 2:15-21

John Wycliffe, reformer, translator: 31 December 2011

2011-12-30T23:24:00.000-08:00

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Wycliffe

John Wycliffe (1320-31 December 1384)

John Wycliffe, often referred to as the morning star of the reformation was born in 1320 at Hipswell, Yorkshire in England. He is known to have been in Oxford by 1345 and was influenced by William of Occam, Roger Bacon and Robert Grosseste. He studied theology, ecclesiastical law and philosophy. He became unhappy with the scholastics and the state of the church, especially the clergy in his day. He supported the king’s power over the church in temporal affairs (and of course we must realise that the King was supposed to be Christian.) He argued that the scriptures should be the centre of authority for the church, that the claims of the papacy had no basis in history, that monasticism was beyond repair and that the unworthiness of many priests invalidated the sacraments.

Since he regarded scriptures as being so important, he began translating the scriptures into English, he himself probably translated the Gospels, and it is possible that he translated Acts, the Epistles and Revelations. The Old Testament was translated by his friend, Nicholas of Hereford. This translation had a great influence on the English language of the time.

Wycliffe desired to see the church return to the simplicity of the first three centuries. He desired to see an end to the hierarchy and replace it with poor priests, bound by no vows, but who would preach the gospel to the people. He created an order of lolard preachers, who went out, two by two, bare foot, dressed in dark red robes, armed with a staff, who taught his doctrines. Wycliffe saw the church as Christ’s body, but not necessarily being the same as the Roman Catholic Church.

Struck with apoplexy, he died rather suddenly on December 31st, 1384 after having written many treatises. After Richard II’s wife, Anne of Bohemia died, her servants brought many of these tracts to Bohemia, where they were to have a great affect on Jan Huss, whose writings in turn affected Martin Luther. Wycliffe’s greatest contribution was the English bible. Wycliffe translators, who translate the Bible into many languages is named in his honour.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Wycliffe
http://www.greatsite.com/timeline-english-bible-history/john-wycliffe.html
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15722a.htm

Psalm 33:4-11
Sirach 43:26-33
Hebrews 4:12-16
Mark 4:13-20

Emanuel, as you raised up John Wycliff to challenge the church to follow Yeshua and to translate scriptures into the language of the common man, raise up for us clergy who will call us to follow you, and who will make scripture clear to all, that we may truly follow Yeshua. This we ask in the name of Yeshua, whose birth we celebrate. Amen. (White)

Thomas Becket: Archibishop, Martyr: 29 December 2011

2011-12-29T13:14:00.001-08:00

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_%C3%A0_Becket

Thomas Becket was born in Cheapside, about 1118, of parents who were property owners. One of his father’s wealthy friends taught him to ride a horse and other gentlemanly pursuits. He began his education at Merton Priory and overseas in France. He attracted the attention of Theobald, Archbishop of Canterbury, who made him Archdeacon of Canterbury as well as Provost of Beverley after demonstrating his abilities in several important missions. Upon Theobald’s recommendation, he was appointed Chancellor, and as such was truly the King’s man, upholding Henry II in all things.

In 1162, Theobald died, and Henry II, thinking to consolidate his power over the church and to remove ecclesiastical courts from the land appointed Becket as Archbishop of Canterbury. At this time, Thomas became an ascetic, and renounced the chancellorship, and a battle began between him and the king. The King tried to force Becket to sign the Constitutions of Clarendon reducing the church’s authority, but Becket refused, and facing trumped up charges on his behaviour as chancellor, fled to France. After several years of exile and negotiations with the Bishop of Rome and threat of excommunication and interdict, Becket was allowed to return. After a severe breaching of the prerogatives of the Archbishop of Canterbury (coronation of King Henry III) which resulted in the excommunication of the Archbishop of York, Bishop of London, and Bishop of Salisbury. The king is said to have said, “What miserable drones and traitors have I nourished and brought up in my household, who let their lord be treated with such shameful contempt by a low-born cleric?” (This is probably what he said, there are other versions, but this is the most likely) Four knights upon hearing this went off to Canterbury on December 29th of 1170 and after Becket refused to accompany them to Winchester, returned with their weapons and killed Becket during vespers at Canterbury Cathedral. As Becket was dying, he said, “For the name of Jesus and the protection of the Church, I am ready to embrace death.” In shorter terms, Becket died for the prerogatives of the church.

Thomas Becket’s death also affected culture in other ways. A popular pilgrimage to Canterbury lasted for more than 350 years, and in fact the Canterbury Tales were arranged around one such pilgrimage. We note in passing that King Henry VIII had Becket’s shrine and bones destroyed.

Emmanuel, you raised up Thomas Becket to protect the church against the authorities of this world. Help us to remember that the church must be in subjection to you and your word, and not to the authorities or whims of this world: this we ask in the name of Yeshua haMoshiach, who took our nature upon himself to redeem it. Amen. (white)
Readings:
Psalm 125
2 Esdras 2:42-48
1 John 2:3-6, 15-17
Mark 11:24-33
Note: If there is no celebration of the Eucharist, the readings of the day may be used for Matins.

Childermas: 28 December 2011

2011-12-27T22:42:00.000-08:00

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massacre_of_the_Innocents

Childermas is usually celebrated on the 28th of December and commemorates the murder of the children of Bethlehem, usually called the Holy Innocents. According to the Bible, these would have been all the children of Bethlehem of two years and under, probably two dozen or less children. . While there are no independent sources of this event, it is highly consistent with King Herod’s actions, who was quite prepared to kill anyone including relatives who were a threat to his sitting on the throne.

In this day, we remember not only those innocents who died after the first Christmas, but also all Holy Innocents killed for political expediency, especially today the children who died from AIDS in Rumania in the 1990’s and the street children murdered by police in Latin America.

In an English tradition, in many Cathedrals, a boy bishop was elected on St. Nicholas Day and continued in office until Childermas, conducting all the minor offices of the Cathedral, and often preaching.

Collect: Emmanuel, as we remember the lives and deaths of those who died when Herod was attempting to kill you, help us to resist tyrants, and to stand strong against those forces today which would destroy innocent lives, whether through neglect or intent: this we ask in the name of Yeshua haMoshiach, who took our nature upon himself to redeem it. Amen. (red)

Eucharistic Readings:
Psalm 124;
Jeremiah 31:15-17;
Revelation 21:1-7;
Matthew 2:13-18
Daily Office Readings:
AM Psalm 2, 26; Isaiah 49:13-23; Matthew 18:1-14
PM Psalm 19, 126; Isaiah 54:1-13; Mark 10:13-16
Note: If there is no celebration of the Eucharist, the Eucharistic reading of the Gospel is to be used for Matins. At the discretion of the celebrant other Eucharistic readings may be used for Matins.

St. John the Evangelist:, Apostle, Bishop: 27 December 2011

2011-12-26T22:13:00.000-08:00

http://www.bridgebuilding.com/narr/lbjoe.html

St. John the Evangelist is believed to be the beloved disciple mentioned in the Gospel of St. John. He and his brother were disciples of John the Baptist before becoming disciples of Jesus. He is believed to have been the author of the Gospel of St. John, the three Epistles of St. John, and the book of Revelations. It is almost certain that the Gospel was edited during his life or after his death in Ephesus, where he served as Bishop. John served in Judea and Galilee some twelve years before Herod Agrippa’s persecution drove him out. He ended up in Ephesus, where he served many years, dying at the age of ninety-eight. He suffered in various persecutions and was imprisoned for a while on the island of Patmos. There were several attempts on his life including poison and being boiled in oil which he survived. There are also several stories of the lengths he would go to in order to bring lapsed Christians back to the faith.

Collect: Emanuel, you raised up John to proclaim the Gospel, to reveal that you are love, and to be Bishop of Ephesus. Help us to so love one another that the world would see you in us and our behaviour and come to know you as Lord, and Saviour: this we ask in the name of Yeshua haMoshiach, who took our nature upon himself to redeem it. Amen. (white)

Eucharistic Readings:
Psalm 92 or 92:1-4,11-14;
Exodus 33:18-23; 1 John 1:1-9; John 21:9b-24
Daily Office Readings:
AM: Psalm 97, 98; Proverbs 8:22-30; John 13:20-35
PM: Psalm 145; Isaiah 44:1-8; 1 John 5:1-12
Note: If there is no celebration of the Eucharist, the Eucharistic reading for the Gospel is to be used for Matins. At the discretion of the celebrant other Eucharistic readings may be used for Matins.

St. Stephan, deacon, protomartyr: 26 December 2011

2011-12-26T08:50:00.000-08:00

http://orthodoxwiki.org/Apostle_Stephen_the_Protomartyr

St. Stephan was the first of the martyrs to die for Christ. He was one of the first seven deacons of the church, and was a powerful witness, working many miracles, and convincing many through his preaching that Yeshuah (Jesus) was the Jewish messiah. We note in passing, that the word martyr, actually means witness, and Stephan was one of many through the ages who would witness to Jesus by dying for him. In Stephan’s sermons in the Bible, we see that he knew his scriptures when preaching, and that we who preach should share that knowledge. As we remember St. Stephan today, may we also be willing to witness to others that Jesus Christ is the Saviour of the world and may we like him be willing to forgive those who persecute us. His dying words, were, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”.

Jeremiah 26:1-9,12-15 Acts 6:8--7:2a,51c-60; Matthew 23:34-39
Daily Office Readings:
AM: Psalm 28, 30; 2 Chronicles 24:17-22; Acts 6:1-7
PM: Psalm 118; Wisdom 4:7-15; Acts 7:59-8:8

Collect: Emanuel, you raised up your servant Stephan to a ministry of service and to preach the Gospel. Teach us like him to forgive those who persecute us, and to be faithful in service and proclaiming your kingdom, this we ask in the name of Yeshua haMoshiach, who took our nature upon himself to redeem it. Amen. (red)
Readings:
Eucharist:
Note: If there is no celebration of the Eucharist, the Eucharistic reading for the Epistle is to be used for Matins. At the discretion of the celebrant other Eucharistic readings may be used for Matins.

St. John of the Cross: 14 December 2011

2011-12-14T05:24:00.001-08:00

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_of_the_Cross

St. John of the Cross was born 24 June 1542 as Juan de Yepes Alvarez. His parents were Spanish Jews who had converted to the Roman Catholic faith. Because of his father’s death when he was young, the family struggled. He studied at a Jesuit school while working at a hospital in Medina del Campo. He entered the Carmelite Order in 1563. He professed the following year, and studied theology at the University of Salamanca, and at the college of San Andres. He was ordained a presbyter in 1567 and was intending to join the Carthusians because of their strict rule of silence and isolation. Before this could happen, he met St. Theresa of Avila, who convinced him instead to work on the reformation of the Carmelites.

This he started in November of 1568 in Duruelo, which became a religious centre. John continued to help Theresa until 1577. These reforms were regarded by many as being too strict, and there was much resistance to the reformers(called discalced, or barefoot). In December of 1577 for refusing to obey his superior’s orders to relocate (and allegedly for working for reform), John was imprisoned and whipped weekly. He managed to escape in August. During this imprisonment he composed much of his first poem, “Spiritual Canticle.” After returning to normal life, he and St. Theresa formally founded the Order of Reformed Carmelites (discalced). He died in 1591.

While being known for being St. Theresa’s confessor and helping her with founding the Reformed Carmelites, St. John is best known for his poems which are considered classics in Spanish. Spiritual Canticle and Dark Night of the Soul are considered two of the greatest poems ever written in Spanish. Other works by John were: “Ascent of Mt. Carmel” and sayings of light and love. John expresses the true joys and sufferings of spiritual union in Christ, St. Johns’ works have influenced many Christians through today (Edith Stein, Thomas Merton among others) and are still important today.

From John we learn about the yearning to truly be with God, to follow him and to be willing to sacrifice all for Christ.

Psalm 121
Song of Solomon 3:1-4
Colossians 4:2-6
John 16:12-15, 25-28

Collect: El Shadai, you gave your servant John of the Cross wonderful gifts of spiritual direction, understanding, and the ability to translate the Christian struggle into marvelous poetry. Give us all great love for you and reforming zeal, that we may reform the church so that all are seeking the giver, and not the gift. This we ask through Yeshua haMoshiach who lives and reigns with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in Shekina glory everlasting. Amen. (white)

St. John of Damascus: 8 December 2011 (transferred from Sunday

2011-12-07T22:05:00.000-08:00

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_of_Damascus

John of Damascus (676-4 December 749) came from a Christian family which served the Caliph of Damascus. His father found a Christian tutor for him, and John received a well rounded education, and served the Caliph in a high position as well from a young age. His name was forged to a document implicating him in an invasion of Damascus. As a result he lost his post, and had his right hand severed. The hand was miraculously restored after a night in prayer.

He retired to Mar Saba Monastery near Jerusalem after this. He was ordained presbyter and wrote several hymns still used in the west, and many hymns still used in the east. He was a defender of icons in the iconoclast controversy, and his writings addressed many of the theological controversies of his time including on the Jakobites, Nestorians, the Monathelites and the Manicheans and of course the Iconoclast controversy.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_of_Damascus

Psalm 29
Ecclesiastes 3:9-14
1 Corinthians 15:12-20
John 5:24-27

Collect: El Shadai, you raised up your presbyter, John of Damascus to defend the faith, and write hymns. So raise up in this and every generations men and women who will defend the church against heresy and who will stand up for the faith. This we ask in the name of Yeshua haMoshiach, who stood against the false teaching of his time, and who lives and reigns with you and Ruach haKodesh, one God in shekina glory everlasting. Amen. (white)

Ambrose of Milan: 7 December 2011

2011-12-06T21:15:00.000-08:00

http://www.allmercifulsavior.com/icons/Icons-Ambrose.htm
Ambrose of Milan
Ambrose was the governor of northern Italy, when the Bishop of Milan died. Fearing that there would be rioting between the Arian and Catholic factions, he attended the meeting to help maintain calm between the warring factions. He appealed for order and good will on both sides, and someone cried out, “Ambrose, bishop.” He resisted this calling as he was not even baptised, though a catholic. When a letter appeared suggesting that Rome should appoint the bishop of Milan, he yielded and was baptised, confirmed, and ordained deacon, presbyter, and bishop on successive days.
Ambrose was often in dispute with the emperor and many of the imperial family, of whom many (and the majority of the soldiers as well) were Arians (Arians believe that Jesus was part of the creation, that he is superior to us, but not God., the Jehovah’s Witnesses are one Arian group today.) His political acumen lead to the Catholics triumph and to the deposition of Arian clergy. When soldiers were ordered to take a church in Milan, Ambrose filled it with Christians singing hymns. The soldiers, unwilling to attack a church filled with singing Christians backed down. Ambrose also led the Emperor to public penance after slaying a large group of people who resisted him. More important, a law was passed, allowing for a cooling off period of 40 days between such death penalty decisions and execution. At the same time he encouraged the emperor to forgive his enemies.
Ambrose, while composing many hymns, and translating others from Greek to Latin, is best known for the Ambrosian chant, which he probably did not write, but encouraged. It is said that he wrote the Te Deum, and some of his iambic pentameter hymns are with us today (tune to Praise God from whom all Blessings Flow).
Perhaps he is best known for helping to bring Augustine of Hippo to Christ and baptizing him. But he is also famous for promoting the cause of local liturgy (especially of interest to those of us in the Synod of St. Timothy.) His saying, “When I am in Rome, I fast on Saturday, when I am Milan, I do not…” became shortened in English to, “when in Rome, do as the Romans do,” a far cry from strict liturgical uniformity practiced by many of his time and later.
Ambrose was also well known of being a help to the poor. Of course, he was not perfect and to some extent represented the values of his day. He was hard on Jews and pagans in a way that we are not today, and promoted relics as well. It is also probable that he wrote the Athanasian Creed. In general, as well as defeating the Arians politically, his knowledge of Greek and Hebrew allowed him to defeat them theologically as well, and his death found the Catholics in a much better position in the western Empire. He healed the sick, raised the dead and proclaimed the kingdom. He died April 4, 397, and is entombed in Milan, where his body still may be seen.
http://orthodoxwiki.org/Ambrose_of_Milan
http://satucket.com/lectionary/Ambrose.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambrose
http://www.comeandseeicons.com/a/cap09.htm
Psalm 27:5-11
Ecclesiasticus 2:7-11,16-18
Acts 4:23-31
Luke 12:35-37,42-44
Collect: El Shaddai, you raised up Ambrose to keep the peace, to teach the faith and to enrich our worship of you. Be for us Lord, medicine when we are sick, our strength when we need help, the way when we long for heaven, our light when all is dark, and our food when we need nourishment. Send your Ruach haKodesh upon us that we would serve you as Ambrose did. This we ask in the name of Yeshua haMoshiach, who lives and governs with you in Shekina glory everlasting. Amen. (white)

St. Nicholas of Myra: 6 December 2011

2011-12-05T21:38:00.000-08:00

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i213/barhege/StNicholasIcon.jpg

St. Nicholas (270-December 6, 346) is one of the most beloved of saints, and many tails surround him.

What is known is that Nicholas was from Lycia (in Turkey today) and made pilgrimage to Palestine and Egypt, supposedly t study with the desert fathers. Returning some years later, he went to Myra (now Demre, Turkey) where he was quickly ordained Bishop. He was imprisoned during the Diocletian persecution, but was released when Constantine made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire. He also attended the council of Nicaea.

Nicholas was known for his generosity. It is said that a poor man had three daughters and that just before each came of age, he would throw a bag of gold through the window, so that she would have a dowry so as not be need to be sold into slavery. The third time the poor man caught him in the act, and Nicholas told him not to thank Nicholas but the thank God.

Many other fantastic tails surround Nicholas, and while they al probably are based on true stories, the form in which they come to us is more like a fairy tale. Nicholas as a result of his kind actions came to be known as a Patron of children and sailors among others.

Many Orthodox countries, as well as the Netherlands and countries in Eastern Europe celebrate St. Nicholas day. Nicholas is always vested as a Bishop and comes on a white horse, rewarding good children with candy (in Holland with chocolate coins) and bad children with lumps of coal. Shoes are left out to receive these gifts. In Dutch, St. Nicholas is Sinter Klas, and in New York with its mix of Dutch and English came to be known as Santa Claus.
Psalm 145:8-13
Proverbs 19:17, 20-23
1 John 4:7-14
Mark 10:13-16
Collect: El Shaddai, as you raised up Nicholas of Myra to be generous to the poor, children and sailors, bless us that we may be blessings to all who are in need, and teach us to protect the poor, children, sailors, and others whom this world has forgotten, and let your blessing be upon them as well. This we ask in the name of Yeshua haMoshiach, who lives and governs with you in Shekina glory everlasting. Amen. (red)

St. Clement of Alexandria: 5 December 2011

2011-12-05T04:37:00.000-08:00

http://satucket.com/lectionary/Clement_Alexandria.htm

St. Clement of Alexandria was from Athens and followed many teachers until he came to the true teacher, Jesus. Athens was a trade and culture center at the time, and it was natural that the catechetical school would develop there. Clement was one of the early teachers, beginning teaching there in about 190. Clements main contribution to theology is in what he taught Origen. Also during the persecution in about 212, he flees Alexandria, and going to Cappadocia to help his former pupil Bishop Alexander during the persecution. The events of his death are unknown, but he died between 212 and 215.

Psalm 34:9-14
1 Samuel 12:20-24
Colossians 1:11-20
John 6:57-63

Collect: El Shaddai, your presbyter Clement of Alexandria came to you after much seeking and dedicated himself to teaching the faith to Christians and Pagans. Grant in this and every place men and women who are dedicated to teaching your holy word to those who know and do not know you, and grant that we would truly teach Christians what is truly meant to walk with you. This we ask through our Saviour, Yeshuah haMoshiach who taught his disciples the truth. Amen. (red)

St. Andrew: 30 November 2011

2011-11-30T09:01:00.000-08:00

http://www.comeandseeicons.com/a/mdg04.htm

St. Andrew, originally a disciple of John the Baptist, was the first disciple to follow Jesus. Andrew seems to have the gift of bringing people to Jesus. He starts with his brother Peter, and it is he who brings the lad with the loaves and fishes to Jesus. When some Greeks wanted to know Jesus, it was Andrew they went to.

Reportedly he preached the Gospel in Byzantium, Thrace, on the Danube, Kiev, the Black Sea, and finally Patra in Peloponesia. Reportedly he met his death there by crucifixion on an X shaped cross for bringing the governor’s brother and the brother’s wife to saving knowledge in Jesus. It is said that Andrew preached to the Christians from the cross.

http://www.comeandseeicons.com/a/mdg04.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Andrew

Psalm 19 or 19:1-6
Deuteronomy 30:11-14
Romans 10:8b-18
Matthew 4:18-22

El Shaddai, you gave your apostle Andrew that special gift of bringing people to Yeshuah, starting with his own brother, Peter. Take away our fear and help us to love you so much that we would always bring people to you. This we ask through Yeshuah, who died that many may enter the kingdom. Amen. (red)

All Saints Day: 1 November 2011

2011-11-01T04:27:00.000-07:00

http://www.goarch.org/special/listen_learn_share/allsaints/allsaints.jpg/image_view_fullscreen

All Saints Day was originally celebrated in May by the church, and is still celebrated in the Sunday after Pentecost by Eastern Orthodox. In the west it was transferred to November the 1st in order to specifically stand against certain Celtic religious holidays. Originally it was to remember martyrs, but was extended to include all who witnessed to Messiah not only by their deaths, but by their lives.

On this day we remember the entire communion of saints, with whom we share communion through our Saviour Yeshua. It is a special day for remembering all of those saints whose names are not remembered each year in the calendar, and it is a special day to remember that we are called to be saints as well. A saint was not a holy person, but a person who believes in Messiah. A saint becomes holy, by taking up his or her cross daily and following Messiah.

All Saints (or the following Sunday) is considered an excellent day for baptism, for when we are baptised, we become saints as well.

Collect: Blessed God, you have raised up saints in every generation to be lights for us to show us that we too can imitate Messiah. So govern our hearts, that as we remember the heroes of the church, that we follow their example and live for you. This we ask in the name of Yeshuah who lives and reins with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God, surrounded by saints and all the company of heaven. Amen. (white)

Reformation Day: 31 October 2011

2011-10-30T21:30:00.000-07:00

October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his ninety-five theses to the castle church door of Wittenberg. This was a common way of making announcements at the time, and since November 1st is All Saints day, a day of special observance, crowds were guaranteed to see the announcements.

At the heart of the 95 theses was a custom of the day, selling indulgences in order to raise money for the church. The general idea was that one could buy more rapid exit from purgatory for one’s self or a relative. In the famous words of Johann Tetzel, “Sobald der Gülden im Becken klingt, im huy die Seel im Himmel springt,“ (as soon as the guilder in the box clings, hurriedly the soul into heaven springs.“)

The Pope was rebuilding St. Peter’s Cathedral in Rome, and needed money to work on it. He sent Tetzel and others to raise money through the sale of indulgences. Martin Luther found this reprehensible, and nailed his objections to the church door. (The 95 Theses can be found at: http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/wittenberg/luther/web/ninetyfive.html

Several points made by Luther:

If the pope had this power than he should let all people out of purgatory.

Money spent on charity would do us more good than money spent on indulgences.

Repentance is necessary.

The Pope had enough money to repair St. Peter’s, and should have used his own money.

Martin Luther’s theses were extremely important to the church and to Europe and eventually the world. They lead to challenging the Roman Catholic Church in other areas (such as holding church services in languages which the people understood, the marriage of clergy and many other factors. Most of the Protestant Churches we have today are a direct or indirect result of this challenge to the Roman Catholic Church. The Roman Catholic Church indeed reformed itself to some extent, to win back people lost to protestant churches. Europe itself, became divided between the Protestant North (Great Britain, Scandinavia, Prussia, Holland, Latvia and Estonia), and the Catholic South. Among the Protestants was a great desire to know God’s word in one’s one language and to apply it to one’s life. Europe was transformed, not only religiously by the reformation, but economically as well. Religious wars changed the face of Europe, and indeed had a great affect on those who wrote the constitution of the USA. George Washington feared sectarian wars, and for this reason the USA did not recognise any one form of Christianity.

Tonight is also Halloween, from All Hallows Even, meaning the evening before the feast of All Hallows (i.e. All Saints Day). This feast was originally held in May but was moved to counteract the Pagan Holliday of Samain. It was believed that the dead walked the Earth, and that it was necessary to scare them away with Jack O’ Lanterns (made of turnips and apples originally. Needless to say, we encourage our churches to have a Saints Day party this evening with everyone coming as a saint or personage from the Bible.

Collect: Heavenly Father, on this day Martin Luther nailed his theses to the door of the Wittenberg Cathedral, not to challenge the church, but to transform it into a true body for mission. Grant us zeal in reforming the church and translating scripture and liturgy so all may understand your word, and be enabled for mission to the entire world. This we ask in the name of our Lord Yeshuah. Amen. (white)

Sts. Simon and Jude: 28 October 2011

2011-10-27T20:43:00.000-07:00

http://holy-icons.com/2008/10/28/st-simon/ https://www.archangelsbooks.com/proddetail.asp?prod=HTM-A355

Sts. Simon and Jude, Apostles

Very little is known of St. Simon, aside from his nickname the zealot. Traditions say that he went from Jerusalem, to North Africa and Carthage. From there he went to Spain, and then Britain. It is said he was crucified on May 10th, in Lincolnshire, Britain.

Another legend says he traveled with St. Jude to Syria, Mesopotamia, and on to Persia, where Simon was sawn in two and Jude martyred with a halberd.

http://www.biblepath.com/simon.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_the_Zealot
http://www.12apostlesofthecatholicchurch.com/simon.html

Of Jude we know little as well. He allegedly preached the Gospel in Judaea, Samaria, Idumea, Syria, Mesopotamia, and Libya. It is also said he visited Beirut. He, together with Jude are believed to have preached the gospel in Armenia as well. According to the Armenians, Jude died in the year 65 AD in Beirut. The Epistle of Jude is attributed to him.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude_the_Apostle

Eucharist:
Psalm 119:89-96
Deuteronomy 32:1-4
Ephesians 2:13-22
John 15:17-27

Daily Office:
AM: Psalm 66; Isaiah 28:9-16; Ephesians 4:1-16
PM: Psalm 116, 117; Isaiah 4:2-6; John 14:15-31

Collect: Heavenly Father, we thank you for the example of Simon and Jude who were zealots for the faith, and who gave their lives for you. Grant us strength and courage to live and die for you as well. This we ask through our Lord and Saviour Yeshua haMoshiach, who lives and reins with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen. (red)

King Alfred the Great: 26 October 2011

2011-10-25T21:48:00.000-07:00

http://www.castles.me.uk/images/king-alfred.jpg

Born in 849 at Berkshire, Alfred wished to become a monk. Instead he became king at the death of his father and four older brothers in 871. At this time the Danes controlled the north-east coast of what we call England today, which was called the Danelaw. Alfred was able to defeat the Danes, and as part of the terms of that defeat, the Danish King, Guthrum became a vassal to Jesus Christ, and therefore so did his nobles. Obviously the baptisms that resulted from this conversion may not have been heartfelt, but, because of this conversion, priests and missionaries were allowed in the Danelaw and in Denmark (which at this time included a portion of Sweden), which in time resulted in legitimate heartfelt conversions.
After defeating Guthrum, Alfred devoted his time to rebuilding the kingdom of Wessex, fortifying it against attack, building schools (including Oxford) and libraries. Enamoured of the Torah’s treatment of the poor, Alfred sought to put such protections in his laws as well. He also translated books and fifty of the Psalms into Anglo Saxon.
The laws which Alfred promulgated are based very much on the Old Testament. In addition to his other talents, Alfred also designed the ships used to defeat King Guthrum.
There are many reason for calling Alfred the Great. Among those not listed above was the protection of England from the Vikings and restoring the peace, allowing British and English Christianity to carry on unmolested. Once King Guthrum had converted he received respect from his Christian subjects in the Danelaw, leading to peace there as well. King Alfred was a man who knew the Bible well, and sought to use it in his life, in the laws and in all he did. Would that our politicians would do likewise.

Collect: Heavenly Father, as Alfred rebuilt England and restored the church, he also witnessed to his enemy Guthrum and persuaded him to receive Messiah. Grant that we too, would pray and witness to all the world, whether they be our friends or our enemies. This we ask through Yeshuah who lives and reins with you and Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen. (white)

For more information see: http://www.dr-fnlee.org/docs6/alfred/alfred.pdf

Ignatius of Antioch: Bishop

2011-10-16T22:16:00.000-07:00

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ignatius_of_Antioch

Ignatius is one of the Apostolic fathers (early leaders in the church who knew the apostles). He is said to have been one of the children that Jesus blessed. He was born around the year 35 and died between 98 and 117. He is counted to be the third Bishop of Antioch (after St. Peter and St. Evodius who died in the year 67. It is said that he knew St. Peter and may have known St. John the Apostle, and it is said that St. Peter appointed him to the see of Antioch. Ignatius is most known to us for the letters he wrote on the way to Rome, where he was martyred by being partially consumed by lions. His remains are in Rome to this day, buried under St. Peter’s Basilica.
Ignatius wrote six letters to churches and one to a bishop. His letters emphasise loyalty to one Bishop per city, who is aided by his presbyters and deacons, the earliest letter to emphasise this. He called the Eucharist the medicine of immortality and looked forward to his martyrdom to be with Jesus face to face. St. Ignatius also is the first to emphasise celebrating the Lord’s day (although Acts 20:7-11 suggests the practice first) saying, “We fashion our lives after the Lord’s day.”
These letters are very important, because we have very little written information about this time in the churches history, guiding us in how we should imitate the primitive church.

For more see: http://www.searchgodsword.org/his/ad/ecf/ant/ignatius/ (note the first seven are those alleged to be genuine.)

Collect: Heavenly Father, as you raised up your servant Ignatius to be Bishop of Antioch and to suffer and die for his faith. Grant that we may gather more frequently to celebrate the Eucharist, sharing the medicine of immortality, and that we would follow the bishop, as Jesus followed the Father, follow the presbytery as we would follow the apostles, and respect the deacons as we respect God’s law. This we ask through our Lord and Saviour Yeshua haMoshiach, who lives and reins with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen. (red)

Theodore of Tarsus, Archbisop of Canturebury: 19 September

2011-09-18T21:56:00.000-07:00

http://www.allmercifulsavior.com/icons/Icons-Theodore.htm

St. Theodore of Tarsus was sent by Pope Vitalian of Rome to take the place of the Anglo Saxon candidate for Bishop, Wighard died in Rome. Theodore, already 65, a monk, but not yet presbyter turned out to be an excellent man for the job. He worked out differences between Roman and Celtic traditions, filled vacant Bishoprics and organized the very first council of the Church of England. He was, according to Bede the first Archibishop whom all the English obeyed. He organized dioceses, set boundaries and basically organized the English church. One of his organizational details is still used by our church. Twenty five percent of the offering to the poor, twenty five percent to maintaining the church, twenty five per cent to the clergy for maintenance of the altar and clergy and twenty five per cent to the bishop for his expenses and misson.

He also founded a school which was attended by Celts and English, helping to unify the traditions, and which taught Greek, Latin, poetry, astronomy and calendar calculation.

When Theodore arrived, things were a mess. When he died twenty three years later at the age of 88 on 19 September, 690, the church was organized and ready for mission.

Collect: Heavenly Father, you sent Theodore to organize and put right the church of England and to reconcile the church of the English with the Church of the Celts. Raise up among us, clergy and laity, who will help organise the church today so that it would be an effective means of evangelising the world in which we live. This we ask in the name of Yeshua, who lives and reigns with you and Ruach ha Kodesh, one God in Glory everlasting. Amen. (white)

Columcille: 9 June 2011

2011-06-08T22:07:00.000-07:00

http://www.stcolumbachurch.org/iconography.html

Columcille (7 December 521 – 9 June 597 AD)

Columcille was born into a family of Irish high kings in 521 in County Donegal, Ireland. He studied at Clonnard Abbey and was ordained Deacon, and then Presbyter. Because of his missionary zeal he was recognised as one of the 12 apostles of Ireland.

In 563,he travelled to Scotland with 12 companions with the intention of preaching the Gospel to the Picts. King Conall, a cousin of Columcille gave him the Isle of Iona, which was about half way between his home country and the Caledonian Picts. A rough monastic settlement was quickly built, with church, refectory, and cells made of wattle, and it became Columcille’s base for proclaiming the Gospel to the Picts, especially north of Strathclyde and as far as Aberdeenshire and the Hebrides as well. It is said that he left for Scotland in order to win as many souls for Christ, as those who died in a war that he may have inspired, over a disagreement which may have had to do with a book he copied.

His first missionary success was with King Bridei who was impressed by miracles wrought at Columcille’s hand.

As Iona was base for evangelising Scotland, it became a missionary school for the entire Island of Britain. We note in passing that King Oswold of Northumbria was educated in Northern Scotland and was therefore affected by teachings from Iona, and requested a Bishop from Iona to convert his people.

In addition to being a missionary outpost, Iona became a centre of learning and study, and Columcille, as a religious man became a diplomat between warring kings.

When at Iona, Columcille was no idle man. He occupied himself in writing hymns, copying books, study and prayer. It is said he died before the altar of the church of Iona.

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04136a.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columba

Psalm 97:1-2,7-12
Isaiah 61:1-3
1 Corinthians 3:11-23
Luke 10:17-20

Heavenly Father, for penance, Columba was sent to gather members for the kingdom. Grant that as he proclaimed the gospel to Scotland, that we in shame for our sins should proclaim with the same fervour the Gospel to our neighbours and families. This we ask through Yeshua who lives and reins with you and Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen. (white)

Nicholas, Count Zinzendorf, Bishop: 10 May 2011

2011-05-09T21:48:00.000-07:00

http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikolaus_Ludwig_von_Zinzendorf
Nikolaus Ludwig Graff von Zinzendorf und Pottendorf (26 May 1700 in Dresden- 9 May 1760 in Herrnhut) (Nicholas Count Zinzendorf)

Nicholas, Count Zinzendorf was born in Dresden in 1700. He was very much a product of his time. Nicholas found the Lutheran Church (Dresdener Landes Kirche) to be rather dry. Influenced by his pietist grandmother, he found a joy in Christianity that seemed to be lacking in the Lutheran church of the time. Even in childhood he had a deep faith, and in adolescence struggled with whether to follow the Gospel or to fulfill his responsibilities to the king of Dresden as Count. At this time he established the Order of the Grain of Mustard Seed, a group in which the young men involved promised to use their position to further the Gospel. He later reordered the group as an adult, and such men as the King of Denmark, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Archbishop of Paris joined.

During his grand tour, he saw the painting ecce homo by Domenico Fette. The legend below the painting stated: "This have I done for you - Now what will you do for me?"
Count Zinzendorf felt that Christ himself was speaking to him and dedicated himself to the cause of Christ.

He married Erdmuth Dorothea von Reuss and took upon his duties at the royal court of Dresden. During this period, a group of Moravian Christians asked for refuge which he granted, and they formed the village of Herrnhut (the Lord’s Watch) on his land. Count Zinzendorf read about the early Unity movement and was impressed. His Moravians went through some serious divisions, and in 1727 Count Zinzendorf retired from public service to reunite them. Through daily Bible readings, they developed the Brotherly Agreement in which all secular activities were subordinated to spreading the Gospel. His communities were unusual in promoting equality of women, and having nobles and peasants working side by side. August 27, 1727 also marked another mile stone. They committed to pray 24 hours per day, 7 days per week for mission. That prayer group continued for more than 100 years and probably is the reason Moravian missions were so successful.

Hernnhut, under the leaderhip of Bishop Zinzendorf sent out missionaries to slaves in the west Indies, to South America, to the US Amerindians, to the Inuit of Greenland and Labrador, to Suriname, South Africa, Lyvonia, and Egypt. Bishop Zinzendorf’s missions often had an interesting twist. For the most part they worked in areas with no Christian presence. Once having developed the mission, they would often hand it over to another church, such as the Baptists or Methodist. In fact, while John Carey is called the father of modern missions, that name really should go to Count Zinzendorf.

In addition to managing Herrnhut, Bishop Zinzendorf had a wide ranging ministry and infected many people with a true love of God, dedicated to helping others, and helping men of means to dedicate themselves to proclaiming the Gospel.

http://www.novelguide.com/a/discover/eemw_06/eemw_06_01212.html

http://satucket.com/lectionary/nikolaus_von_zinzendorf.htm

http://www.zinzendorf.com/index.htm

Readings:
Psalm 101:1-4
Nehemiah 12:27-31a, 43
2 Thessalonians 2:13–3:5
John 16:16-22

Heavenly Father, you raised up Ludwig Count Zinzendorf to build up your church and to send out missionaries. Grant that, like Ludwig, we would love you not just with our minds, but with our hearts as well, seeking to build your kingdom with the tools and position you have given each of us. Remind us daily that we live not for ourselves, but for you. This we ask in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Yeshuah ha Moshiah. Amen.

Isaiah: 9 May 2011

2011-05-08T22:17:00.000-07:00

http://orthodoxwiki.org/Isaiah

Isaiah (Yeshayahu) the prophet was of royal lineage and lived about 700 years before Christ. He was raised to have awe for God and to know and obey the law. He was called by the Lord during the kingship of King Uzziah and continued on for some sixty years. The start of his service began with a remarkable vision (Isaiah 6) in which Isaiah sees the holiness of the Lord and the sinfulness of man.

Isaiah constantly condemns the nation of Israel for injustice, especially against the poor, and calls for Israel to repent. He has a strong image of man’s need to repent, and God’s mercy if we do repent.

Isaiah was also well known for the suffering servant passages, which are both a description of Israel, and of the Messiah. He also predicts the virgin birth, and sets the context for the life of the Messiah.

Isaiah was eventually condemned to death, and sawed in two.

http://orthodoxwiki.org/Isaiah
http://www.comeandseeicons.com/i/phm05.htm
http://www.answers.com/topic/isaiah

Isaiah 6:1-10
Luke 4:16-20

Heavenly Father, you cleansed the lips of Isaiah and raised him up to be a witness to the suffering servant and to help us to recognise the suffering servant. Remind us daily, since we are called by your name, that we are yours, and that we should daily remind those around us of your mighty deeds. Send us Lord into the world to proclaim that Messiah has come to save sinners. This we ask through Yeshua haMoshiach who lives and reigns with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen (red)

St. Monica: 5 May 2011 (transferred from 4 May)

2011-05-04T22:05:00.001-07:00

http://www.comeandseeicons.com/m/phn93.htm

St. Monica (333-387)

Monica, probably a Berber, was born to Christian parents in Tagaste, North Africa. Married at an early age to Patritius, a pagan, she suffered much. He was annoyed at her prayers and alms giving. She was matron to the women and mothers of Tagaste to whom she witnessed and was listened to, because they knew her suffering.

Monica had three children, Augustine, Navigius, and her only daughter, Perpetua. Patritius refused to let her have the children baptised, which caused her sadness as well. After Augustine passed through a period of sickness, she concentrated her efforts on him. He was wayward and by his own admission, lazy. He went to school and fell into grievous sin. His father died soon after becoming a Christian, and Monica’s patient witness resulted in her mother-in-law becoming a Christian as well. Augustine joined the Manicheans, while his siblings became Christians. Uttering heresies at the table, Monica drove him away, but guided by a vision she recalled him. Guided by a bishop, she continued fervent prayer and fasting for her son and followed him to Rome and then to Milan. At Milan, she met St. Ambrose, and after 17 years of prayer for her resisting son, had the joy of seeing him convert to Christianity and be baptised in Milan. She lived in joy with her son in Cassicum, where after six months they decided to return to Africa. On the return trip, Monica died at Ostia, where she was buried.

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10482a.htm
http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/Saints/saint.aspx?id=1120
http://catholicexchange.com/2011/05/04/118184/

Readings: Psalm 115:12-18
Judges 13:2-8
Galatians 4:1-12a
Luke 7:11-17* or John 16:20-42*

Father, you gave Monica the spiritual gifts to persevere in prayer for the conversion of her husband and son. Grant that we may so persevere in our prayers as to draw nearer to you each day. This we ask through Yeshua haMoshiach who lives and reigns with you and Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen. (white)

Jeremiah: 4 May 2011 (transferred from 3 May)

2011-05-03T21:08:00.000-07:00

http://www.comeandseeicons.com/j/ymj08.htm

Jeremiah or Yirmeyahu was a prophet who lived in the 7th Century, B.C. The books of Jeremiah, III and IV Kings, and Lamentations are attributed to him and his secretary, Baruch. He is known as one of the major prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel because their books were longer than the “minor prophets”) While being happy when he was younger, Yirmeyahu was know a the weeping prophet. Yirmeyahu resisted God’s call, but still went out, condemning idolatry, greed among the priests and false prophets. He was commanded to stay away from celebrations and feasting, and to call the people to repentance. His basic message was that the temple, king, and the priesthood were good for nothing as long as human hearts were idolatrous and full of deception. His basic message was that the people needed to return to full worship, and that God would give a new covenant, one that would include the whole world, not just the Hebrews.

Naturally, his message was not popular and his own people threatened his life (Yahweh warned him) and he suffered persecution. Like Isaiah, Yirmeyahu often had to act out his prophesies. As he predicted, Babylone (Bavel) conquered Judah, and many Jews were carried into captivity. The new governor allowed Yirmeyahu to select his dwelling place, but after Yohanan came into power, he forced Yirmeyahu and Baruch to go into Egypt, where he was probably murdered. Very little of what is attributed to Yirmeyahu was written by him. Most of it was written by his friend and disciple, Baruch. The so called letter of Jeremiah is probably not his work.

Jeremiah had a tumultuous relationship with his God. While proclaiming God’s faithfulness, and telling the people that if they repent they can still be saved, he denounces them at the same time, being told not even to pray for them because of their sins. He tells the people that their worship is nothing in God’s sight as long as people did not practice social justice and did not truly turn to God.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremiah
http://www.answers.com/topic/jeremiah
http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Jeremiah

Heavenly Father, you raised up Jeremiah to warn of your judgement and to challenge people to repent and follow you. Raise up men and women to challenge us when we are in sin and to help us return to you. This we ask in the name of Yeshua who lives and reigns with you and the Ruach ha Kodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen.

The Annuncition: March 25, 2011

2011-03-25T05:02:00.000-07:00

One of the oldest Feasts of the church, the Annunciation celebrates Gabriel the Archangel's appearance to Miriam (Mary. When reckoning the date for Christmas in the 4th Century, the early church based the date of Christmas as being nine months form this date. Miriam's response to the Angel, "be it unto me according to your word" marks Yeshua's entry into the world, and should be our answer to the Lord, when he calls upon us. It is also a reflection of the Lord's Prayer, "your will be done on Earth as it is in heaven." May we always answer the Lord, "be it unto me according to your word."

We beseech you o Lord, so fill our hearts with your grace that as we have known the incarnation of your son our Lord Yeshua HaMoshiach by the message of an angel, that so by his cross and passion we may be brought unto the glory of his resurrection. And what we ask for ourselves, we ask for all those for whom Messiah died, that those who sin against you would come to love you, and that those who love you would be drawn nearer to you. To the glory of God the Father, Amen. (Blue)

Gregory the Illuminator, Bishop, Apostle

2011-03-23T05:25:00.001-07:00

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregory_the_Illuminator

Gregory the Illuminator was born in about 257 in Armenia. After his father assassinated the King of Armenia, Gregory was taken to Caesarea to avoid being killed and was raises as a Christian. Gregory eventually returned to Armenia, where he was imprisoned by the King, Tiridates III for around fourteen years. He was called forth from the pit to pray for the King’s healing (the King had become insane). After Tiridates III was healed, he became a Christian in 301 and the nobles soon followed, followed by the peasants. The King also declared Armenia to be a Christian country in the year 301 making Armenia the first Christian nation. Gregory built his cathedral at Echmiadzin, which is still the principal church of the Armenian church.

Although several apostles had visited Armenia and converted some Armenians, it was under Gregory’s leadership that the country truly became Christian. Gregory set up a hereditary office of Catholicos, or chief Bishop (his son, Aristaces, became Bishop after his retirement.) In addition to preaching in Armenia, Gregory also baptised the Kings of Albania, Georgia, and Lazes.

Gregory retired to live in the wilderness with a small group of monks, where he remained until his death on the 23rd of March 331.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregory_the_Illuminator
http://satucket.com/lectionary/Gregory_Illuminator.htm
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07023a.htm
http://www.armenianheritage.com/regreg.htm

Readings
Psalm119:153-160
Job 42:10-12
Acts 17:22-31
Matthew 5:11-16

Heavenly Father, you raised up Gregory to proclaim the Gospel in Armenia and to light up central Asia. Grant us o Lord, people willing to go to the ends of the world for the sake of the Gospel. This we ask through Yeshuah haMoshiach our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen. (white)

Thomas Cranmer, Bishop, Martyr, Liturgist: 21 March 2011

2011-03-21T08:31:00.000-07:00

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Cranmer

Thomas Cranmer (2 July 1489 – 21 March 1556)

Born 1489 in Notinghamshire, Cranmer followed a typical career of younger brother. Since his brother John inherited the family estate, Cranmer and his younger brother were prepared for lives as clerics. Fourteen years old, he came to Jesus College, Cambridge, where he took some eight years to earn his Bachelor of Arts. In 1515 he received his MA and became a fellow of Jesus College. He lost his fellowship after marrying, but regained it after his wife died. He received his Doctorate in Divinity in 1526, having gained Holy Orders in 1520. In June 1527 he met the king, whom he described as the kindest of princes.

From 1527 he became involved with the King’s divorce. During these proceedings, he met some of the continental reformers in 1531. In 1532 he was appointed ambassador to the Holy Roman Empire, and in travelling with the Emperor f rom area to area was able to see the reformation in action. In addition to meeting several reformers, he ended up marrying Ossiander’s niece. Sadly for him, he was unable to convince the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles to support King Henry’s annulment from Catherine (Catherine was Charles’ aunt).

In 1532, he was notified that he would be the next Archbishop of Canterbury and was so consecrated on the 30th of March of 1532. He continued to work on the king’s divorce, with the affair becoming more complicate due to Anne Bolyn’s pregnancy and her secret marriage to Henry VIII. Cranmer declared Henry’s marriage void, and the Pope excommunicated Henry and his advisors. Life was difficult for Cranmer as many of his bishops did not support him in this new role. His life also continued to be made difficult because of the King’s urgent desire for a male heir. He was also not particularly astute in dealing with the bishops.

Fifteen thirty six saw the publishing of the 10 Articles of religion which pleased and annoyed both sides of the debate. The Institution of a Christian Man was printed in response, but the king insisted on changes. Cranmer was the most vigorous in fighting against the King’s changes, especially relating to faith alone and predestination. From 1536 to 1544 there were many ups and downs involving Cranmer which he survived. In 1544 he printed the first legal services in Enlgish, being the Exhortation and the Great Litany, which is still found in many Anglican prayer books today (and indeed in the liturgy used by the diocese of La Porte). Fifteen forty-seven saw the introduction of the Book of Homilies to all parishes (4 written by Cranmer). As many of the reformers were suffering persecution, Cranmer invited them to England and put them to work training clergy. (Reina and Valera who composed the first Bible in Spanish were among these).

It is unknown just how much Cranmer actually wrote in the Book of Common Prayer of 1549. His sources include the Sarum Rite, Hermann von Wied, Ossiander, Justus Jonas (and several other Lutherans), and Quiñones. What we do know is that he was the final editor of this and the 1552 Book of Common Prayer (not used because of Mary accession to the throne. In 1550 he printed an Ordinal, and in the same year: Defence of the True and Catholic Doctrine of the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ , the only book actually printed in his own name. In 1552 he came out with the Articles of Religion.

After Mary took power, Cranmer was imprisoned and during the course of his imprisonment, recanted his Protestant faith. On the day of his death however, he recanted his recantations, and was burned at the stake, placing his right hand in the centre of the fire as a sign of repentance regarding the written recantations.

Cranmer’s greatest influence on the church was the Book of Common Prayer, which was the basis of all Anglican Books of Common Prayer into the 1960’s. His Eucharist also found its way into the Methodist liturgy, and his marriage and burial services are the base services of many denominations. The English used in his BCP has affected the English language as much as the language of the King James Bible and Shakespeare. His second work of genius was transforming morning prayer and evening prayer into something that could be used by any family or by individuals. His third act of genius was slow transformation, which produced a book which has lasted over 450 years.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archbishop_Cranmer
http://www.1911encyclopedia.org/Thomas_Cranmer
http://www.stpeter.org/cranmer.html

Psalm 142 or 124
1 Corinthians 3:9-14
John 15:20--16:1

Collect: Heavenly Father, you granted to your Bishop Thomas Cranmer great gifts in ordering the worship and prayer life of the English people, and though he slipped led him to repent of his recantations. Grant that we would truly seek to worship you in the spirit of holiness, and be ready to give up our lives for you. This we ask through Yeshuah, who lives and reins and is worshipped with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen. (red)

St. Joseph: March 19, 2011

2011-03-18T23:16:00.001-07:00

We know little of the life of St. Joseph. We know, from the offering at the temple that he was a poor man, and we are told by the Bible that he was an honourable man, who did not wish to see his betrothed disgraced (The penalty would have been stoning for her). We do know that he was a man who obeyed the Lord. Each time God spoke to him in dreams, Joseph immediately followed through. As he is not mentioned much in the New Testament, it is believed that he died before Jesus began his public ministry. We do believe that he must have been a very special man to have been given the job of being Jesus’ step father. We pray that we would be like him, obeying the Lord.

Psalm 89:1-29 or 89:1-4,26-29;
2 Samuel 7:4,8-16;
Romans 4:13-18;
Luke 2:41-52

Collect: Heavenly Father, you raised up Yosef to be a step Father to our Lord Yeshuah haMoshiach. Grant that every father would be as faithful as Yosef in his sacred responsibility of modeling your fatherhood to us. This we ask through the same Yeshuah haMoshiach our Lord, who called Yosef, “father.” Amen. (white)

St. Cyril of Jerusalem: 18 March 2011

2011-03-17T20:52:00.001-07:00

http://www.stcyril.us/photos.html

Cyril was born in Jerusalem in about the year 315 and became bishop in about 349. He lived in tumultuous times, and was exiled three times, once by the Athanasians and twice by the Arians. He attended the Council of Constantinople in 381 and supported the Athanasian view of the Trinity.

Cyril is important to us chiefly for three things. It is believed that he was the author of the precursor to the Nicene Creed we use today. Secondly, he organized activities for pilgrims and much of what we do during Holy Week comes from what was done in Jerusalem during his Episcopate. (An account by a Spanish nun is available here: http://www.ccel.org/m/mcclure/etheria/etheria.htm) Thirdly, he is the author of a series of lectures (18 for Lent and five for Easter) given to candidates for baptism and the newly baptised. These probably do not exist in the original form, but he is the original author. (They can be ordered here: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ISBN=0913836397/bookofcommonprayA/ or viewed here: http://www.crossroadsinitiative.com/library_author/4/St._Cyril_of_Jerusalem.html)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyril_of_Jerusalem
http://satucket.com/lectionary/Cyril_Jerusalem.htm
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04595b.htm
http://orthodoxwiki.org/Cyril_of_Jerusalem
Psalm 122
Ecclesiasticus 47:8-10
Hebrews 13:14-21
Luke 24:44-48
Collect: Heavenly Father, you raised up Cyril as Patriarch of Yerushalayim to guide Bishops and Presbyters in their calling to be teachers and ministers of the sacraments. Raise up in this and every generation Bishops and Presbyters who will faithfully instruct your people in practical Christian faith and living. This we ask through the author and perfecter of our faith, Yeshuah haMoshiach our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen. (white)

St. Patrick, Evangelist to Ireland: 17 March 2011

2011-03-16T21:39:00.001-07:00

http://www.allmercifulsavior.com/icons/Icons-Patrick.htm

St. Patrick is the most well known of the Irish saints, a true hero of the church. Sadly his day has become more known for revelry and green beer than truly celebrating what he did.

The exact time and place of his birth is unknown. Guesses range from Wales to Kilpatrick, Scotland. What is know is that his father was a deacon and his grandfather was a priest. They were according to various sources either Romans, or Romanised Celts.

At the age of 14, Patrick was kidnapped by Irish pirates (common at the time) and taken to Ireland where he herded sheep as a slave. During his captivity his prayer life grew, and at about the age of 20, guided by a dream, he found a ship willing to carry him and made his escape. (I find it appropriate that we celebrate another man guided by dreams ((St. Joseph)) in two days.)

He studied to be a presbyter, and eventually was ordained as Bishop. Guided once again by dreams, these expressing the need of the Irish for his presence, he traveled back to Ireland to proclaim the Gospel. Patrick successfully preached the Gospel, aided by disciples he made in Ireland.

Of the legends attributed to him, he used the clover to preach the Gospel. When explaining the trinity he would pluck a clover and ask, is it one leaf or three (botanically speaking it is actually one leaf), and ask the Irish whether it was one or three. Easter at one point fell the same night as a Celtic festival, but Patrick beat them to the draw by lighting a bonfire first. Apparently the king’s men were unable to put it out. Several songs are attributed to Patrick, the most famous being his Lorica or the Deer Cry. It is said when one of the kings was out to capture Patrick, he and his disciples sang this song, and the king’s men only saw deer as they passed by them.

The true miracle behind Patrick’s life though is his great forgiveness. Anyone who can serve as a slave for some 6 years and return to the people who enslaved him to tell them about Jesus shows the true power of forgiveness. Would that we were all so eager to forgive those who sin against us, and to proclaim the Gospel.
Psalm 97:1-2,7-12
Ezekiel 36:33-38
1 Thessalonians 2:2b-12
Matthew 28:16-20
Collect: : Heavenly Father; who gave Patrick the strength to persevere and power to forgive his enemies, give us the strength and ability to forgive those who wrong us, and willingness of heart to tell them of the great love of Yeshuah. This we ask in his name, who lives and governs with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen. (white)

St. Gregory, Bishop of Rome: 12 March 2011

2011-03-11T22:32:00.000-08:00

http://www.allmercifulsavior.com/icons/Icons-Gregory.htm
St. Gregory, Bishop of Rome

Little is know of Gregory’s younger years, except that Italy was in turbulence from Goth invasions. He had three sisters who were nuns, and after the death of his parents converted the house into a monastery. He was ordained deacon, and later served as Papal delegate to Constantinople. He was elected Pope in 590, and immediately set down that he was not claiming St. Peter’s throne, and praised the life of the monks (he was the first Monastic bishop of Rome).

Gregory is most well known for sending missionaries to northern Europe in a time in which the Pope had little authority over Italy, Britain or Spain. Most famous of his missions was sending Augustine to England to proclaim the Gospel to the Anglo Saxon peoples, leading to some conflict with the Celtic church, but eventually leading to a missionary movement spreading form England to the north of Europe and extending as far east as Kiev.

Liturgically, plain song chant, or Gregorian chant is often attributed to him, and more factually the liturgy of the pre-sanctified which is used by the Eastern Orthodox Church until this day for Lent and Holy Week. Private penance is also attributed to him.

Alms were important to him, but most of the money received by the church went immediately to the service of the poor.

Collect: Lord, you raised up Gregory of Rome to be a servant to the servants of God, and inspired him to send missionaries to England. Raise up in this and every generation Bishops who will truly serve their people in imitation of Messiah, and who are willing to proclaim the Gospel to the ends of the earth. This we ask through Yeshuah haMoshiach, who lives and reigns with you and Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen. (white)

Ash Wednesday: 9 March 2011

2011-03-08T22:11:00.000-08:00

Ash Wednesday marks the first day of Lent in the Western tradition. Whereas Shrove Tuesday marks a day of individuals repenting of their sins, Ash Wednesday marks the corporate community confessing its corporate sins. Being marked with the sign of the cross in ashes reminds of Adam who was made from Adamah (dust), and that we are all made from the earth. The sign of the cross is also a sign that we stand together in repentance both for our individual and corporate sins, and is a sign that we are fasting together. Aside from reminding us of our beginnings, ashes are a sign of repentance in both the old and new testaments. Those of you visiting our church during Lent will not that our altar and my vestments are burlap (sackcloth) which is another sign of repentance. (The vestments are trimmed with purple, which stands for penitence, prayer and preparation.)

Old Testament: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Psalm: 103:8 14
Epistle: 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10
Gospel: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

Collect: Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing that you have made, and you forgive the sins of all those who are penitent. Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may receive from you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness of our sins. We make our prayer through Yeshuah haMoshiach, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Please feel free to join us at 6:00 A.M. for Ash Wednesday services.

Thomas Aquinas & Shrove Tuesday: 8 March 2011

2011-03-07T22:11:00.000-08:00

http://www.bridgebuilding.com/narr/nmtha.html

Thomas was born in about 1225 in the Kingdom of Sicily. AS a younger son, his parents placed him in religious life, assuming because of family connections, that he would be abbot some day. He was placed in Monte Casino Monastery at the age of five, and later studied at the University of Naples after war caused problems for Monte Casino. After having spent all this time in a Benedictine house, Thomas resolved to become a Dominican. His parents were very much against this, and the Dominicans attempted to spirit him away to Paris, but he was kidnapped by his brothers, and held as a prisoner by his mother for two years. They even sent a prostitute to him to break his resolve, but he kept his resolve and his celibacy, being strengthened by God to resist. His mother, giving up, arranged to leave a window open so he could “escape” and she could save face.

He travelled to Naples, then to Rome to meet the head of the Order, and was sent to Paris to study. He followed his master, Albertus Magnus to Cologne (declining the abbacy of Monte Casino) where he continued his studies. Because of his quietness and size he was given the name of dumb ox. In 1525 he returned to Paris to finish his studies and began his writing. IN 1261 he was back in Naples to tutor those unable to attend the University, and was assigned to Rome in a teaching position. He continued his writing and wrote a new Liturgy for the new feast of Corpus Christi.

One thousand two hundred and sixty-eight found him once again as regent at the University of Paris, where he had a tumultuous time due to the rising of Averroism. In 1272 he left Rome and was given permission to found a new school where ever he pleased, which was Naples. During this time he worked on the third part of Summa Theologica. During Eucharist at the feast of St. Nicholas, he stopped everything, telling his companions that everything he had done was as straw.

He did recover somewhat and was called to the second council of Lyon in 1274. On the way he was injured and fell ill. He died on 7 March 1274 while giving commentary on the Song of Songs.His writings have continued to affect the church and guide her in the ensuing centuries. Thomas was also known for his hymns, “O Saving Victim” and “Now my tongue the Mystery Telling.” St. Thomas Aquinas was the greatest theologian of the High Middle ages, and is counted by some as the second greatest theologian in Western Christianity.

Because of the rediscovery of Aristotle’s works, Thomas asserted that reason and faith are in basic harmony. “Grace is not the denial of nature, but the perfection of it.” Thomas accomplished this synthesis in his greatest workd, Summa Theologia and Summa Contra Gentiles which continue to influence Christian thought and philosophy today. He was considered a radical in his time, and some of his thoughts were regarded as heretical by his contemporaries.

Thomas understood that when God revealed his name to Moshe, “I am who I am” to mean that God is being, the ultimate reality form which everything else derives its being. The difference between God and the universe, is that God’s essence is to exist, wherefore everything else derives its being from God. God is reflected in his creation, and therefore can be partially understood through the creation. Therefore human reason can demonstrate the existence of God. Distinctive truths about God, though must come through revelation. It is important to note that much of western philosophy today is based on reflection of his thought.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Aquinas
http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/aquinas/
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14663b.htm

Collect: Lord, as you raised Thomas Aquinus as a theologian in your church, grant wisdom as grace that your church may always have teachers to expound the truth and guide us in faith and knowledge of you, that our faith would not be blind, but based on understanding. This we ask through our great teacher Yeshuah, who lives and reins with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen. (white)

Psalm 119:97-104
Wisdom 7:7-14
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Matthew 13:47-52

Shrove Tuesday was the traditional day to confess before the priest and receive one's penance for Lent. The word shrive indicates the process of confessing and receiving absolution. Traditionally fried foods are eaten today as the lard was the last of the meat left in the house.

Collect: Lord, grant that we should make such a true confession, that we would truly walk in love and peace with one another that the light of Yeshua would truly shine through us. This we ask through Yeshua haMoshiach who lives and reins with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. (purple before sunset, Lenten array after sunset)

Please join us for the Great Forgiveness Service at: 9:00 PM Tuesday night.

St. Perpetua and Companions: Martyrs

2011-03-06T21:38:00.000-08:00

http://www.corvalliscommunitypages.com/Europe/iberianonislam/perpetua.htm

Perpetua and her companions were martyrs in the third century. The group consisted of Perpetua, a noble woman, Felicitas a slave, Revocatus, another slave, and two freemen, Saturninus and Secundulas. They were catechumens and were later joined by their catechist, Saturis.

Though implored to abandon the faith, the small group was baptized before being imprisoned. Encouraged by dreams and visions the group was offered up to wild animals to be tortured by a boar, a bear and a leopard for the men, and a wild cow for the women. They were severely wounded by the animals, and gave each other the kiss of peace before being killed by the sword. The swordsman assigned to Perpetua was inept and at first only caused her pain. She had to guide the sword to the proper place, and it is said in the Martyrlogy regarding her, that “perchance so great a woman could not else have been slain had she not herself willed it.

Collect: Dear Lord, you gave Perpetua and her companions boldness to confess your name before the rulers of this world, and courage to encourage one another. Grant us boldness to proclaim your name, and help us to always build up one another in the true faith and perseverance in that faith. This we ask through the author of our faith, Yeshuah haMoshiach who lives and reigns with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen

John & Charles Wesley, Presbyters

2011-03-02T21:59:00.000-08:00

http://www.raptureme.com/resource/wesley/john_wesley.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/people/charleswesley_1.shtml

John and Charles Wesley are counted to be founders of the Methodist church. Their father was a presbyter in the Church of England and they grew up with a Christian education. In October of 1735 they travelled to Georgia, and came into contact with the Moravians, and were inspired by the Moravian’s faith in God during a storm. Upon arriving in Georgia, the brother had hoped to be witnessing to the Amerindians, but were foiled in their attempts. In 1838, John had a conversion experience at a Moravian Church in Aldersgate, and went to study at Herrenhut, the center of the Moravian movement. John Wesley under George Whitfields’s influence began his open air preaching in 1739. He was unhappy about this as he wished no break with the Church of England, but the poor were not being reached and not going to church, and many of the clergy of the church of England closed their doors to him. As sinner were being saved, John began appointing lay preachers and began setting up rules for chapels and itinerant circuit preachers. Up until 1746, he would not baptize nor serve Holy Communion without approval of the Bishop. In 1748 his ideas on the Episcopate started changing, an by 1784 was ordaining presbyters and overseers for the church in the US, Scotland and England, though opposed by his brother Charles in this. After many years of preaching, he died March 2, 1791.

It was Charles that originally founded the Oxford Methodist group at Oxford, where his brother became leader. We note in passing, that part of the Method of the group was receiving the Holy Communion weekly and studying the Bible. Charles, while know mostly for his hymns (he wrote more than six thousand, was also a powerful preacher, and refused to break with the church of England.

The influence of John and Charles is tremendous. We still have many of Charles’s hymns and John’s sermons. Many believe that the Methodist revival helped change English society and helped prevent revolution. It is certain that their message not only transformed the lives of the poor, who were often forgotten by the Church of England, but also the rich, and led in various movements in which the rich began lending aid to the poor, including the construction of schools and orphanages.

The Methodist, Wesleyan, and many Pentecostal and Holiness churches trace their spiritual roots to Johns and Charles Wesley and the teaching of sanctification, somewhat similar to the Orthodox idea of theosis.

http://wesley.nnu.edu/john_wesley/index.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Wesley

http://www.raptureme.com/resource/wesley/john_wesley.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Wesley

http://www.igracemusic.com/hymnbook/authors/charles_wesley.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/people/charleswesley_1.shtml

Readings:

Psalm 103:1-4,13-18
Isaiah 49:5-6
Romans 12:11-17
Luke 9:2-6

Collect: Dear Lord, you gave John and Charles Wesley zeal and gifts of preaching and songwriting. Raise up today preachers who truly are worried for the lost, the poor and the helpless, that we once again would be a community of true faithful proclaiming your word to those whom the world despises. This we ask through Yeshuah haMoshiach, who livers and reigns with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen. (white)

St. Chad: 2 March 2011 (Also Texas Independence Day)

2011-03-01T20:52:00.000-08:00

http://www.dur.ac.uk/StChads/icon.html

Chad and his brother Cedd were students of St. Aiden at Lindisfarne, where he became acquainted with Celtic Spirituality. Two other brothers were also active in the Anglo-Saxon church. Before being ordained as a priest, he traveled to Ireland with St. Egbert to study there. Apparently the custom was not to ordain to the priesthood until about thirty years old, being the age at which Christ began his ministry.

Chad and his brothers were very influenced by Celtic Spirituality which emphasized austerity, Biblical exegesis, and led to a consciousness and focus on the end times.

We find Chad taking his brother Cedd’s place as abbot at Lastingham after Cedd died in the plague, in 663.

Whenever a gale would spring up, Chad would call on God to have pity on humanity. If it intensified he would prostrate himself in prayer, and if it grew worse go to the chapel and sing psalms till the storm abated. When asked by his companions, he explained that storms were sent by God to remind humans of the day of judgment and to humble their pride.

Chad was selected Bishop of York (and Northumbria) by king Oswiu. He had to travel to Wessex where he was ordained by the Bishop of Wessex and two Welsh bishops (as the plague had decimated the number of Bishops, and three Bishops were required for ordination.

Chad was faithful in his call traveling to all the towns and villages, baptizing and confirming, following the Celtic role of Bishop as prophet and missionary. As the king had appointed two bishops for York, and the first one had finally returned, Theodore, Archbishop of Canterbury asked Chad to step down, which he did. Surprised by Chad’s humility, Archbishop Theodore had Chad consecrated as Bishop of the Mercia. Land was donated for the monastery of Lichtfield, and Chad took up residence, and began his work as Bishop in similar vein to before, confirming baptizing, and guiding the people. Chad refused to ride horseback, as Jesus had not done so. He has a dispute with Archbishop Theodore over this who manually lifted him into the saddle. Chad died March 2, 672 after encouraging his monks to persevere.

For more information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chad_of_Mercia
Psalm 95:1-7
Proverbs 16:1-3
Philippians 4:10-13
Luke 14:1,7-14

Collect: Dear Lord who raised up Chad to be Bishop of Lichtfield, and gave him humility to cheerfully to relinquish his honours. Grant in this and every generation that we would seek only your honour and glory. This we ask through Yeshuah haMoshiach, who livers and reigns with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen.

St. Matthias, Apostle: 24 February 2011

2011-02-23T22:41:00.000-08:00

http://www.comeandseeicons.com/m/ygo04.htm

St. Matthias

Little is known of his actual life. We know from the Book of Acts that he was one of the 120 followers of Jesus who were in the upper room. He was selected by lot to take the place of Judas Iscariot as on of the twelve apostles. He preached the Gospel in Judah, and is said to have preached the Gospel in Ethiopia (remembering that when the Christians scattered from Jerusalem because of persecution, they usually sought out Jewish colonies of which there was an ancient one in Ethiopia.), and also preached the Gospel in Colchis (modern Georgia) where he was crucified for his faith. We not in passing, that Georgia, together with Armenia is home of one of the more ancient churches which existed outside the Roman Empire.

Daily Office Readings:
AM: Psalm 80; 1 Samuel 16:1-13; 1 John 2:18-25
PM: Psalm 33; 1 Samuel 12:1-5; Acts 20:17-35
Eucharistic Readings:
Psalm 15
Acts 1:15-26
John 15:1,6-16

Collect: Dear Lord, you raised up Matthias to take the place of Judas Iscariot as a witness to your name amongst the twelve. Grant that your church would not follow false teachers, but in this and every generation their would be faithful men to lead us in your ways; This we ask through Yeshuah haMoshiach, who livers and reigns with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen.

Martin Luther, presbyter, reformer: 18 February 2011

2011-02-18T04:41:00.000-08:00

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther

Martin Luther was born November of 1483. Educated by his father to be a lawyer, instead he became a monk. Luther, as many saints had a great knowledge of his sinfulness and unworthiness before God. He challenged the Roman Catholic Church on the sale of indulgences, and promoted the view of justification by faith, and the priesthood of all believers. Condemned and excommunicated by the Roman Catholic Church, he refused to recant unless proved wrong by scriptures.

Luther, a great scholar encouraged the German Catholic custom of choral singing and wrote many hymns in German, the most well known being, “A Mighty Fortress is our God,” based on Psalm 91. In addition to hymns, Luther (influenced by the ideas of Hus) translated much of the Old and New Testaments into German, and also translated the church services into German. As well he provided two catechisms to guide people in faith. Participating in the dissolution of Monasteries, he took as a wife an ex nun, whom he loved dearly. As many in the church, he made mistakes, but his main focus was on God, and his ideas continue to affect the church even today. He is not only the lead man in the reformation, but the main cause of the counter-reformation as well.

Readings
Psalm 46
Isaiah 55: 6-11
Romans 3:21-28
John 15:1-11

Collect: Dear Lord, you raised up Martin Luther to challenge the church in its errors to reform its ways. Guide the church today that she may always be ready to correct errors and seek you in your word and sacraments. This we ask in the name of our Lord Yeshuah haMoshiach, who lives and reigns with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen.

Cyril and Methodus: 14 February 2011

2011-02-13T23:58:00.000-08:00

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saints_Cyril_and_Methodius

Cyril and Methodius were respectively born in Thessalonica in 827 and 826. There father died when they were about fourteen and their uncle, took over caring for them. Under his guidance, Cyril came to Constantinople to study in the University, and Methodius became an abbot (head of a monastery) in Constantinople. Cyril was particularly adept at linguistics and spoke Greek, Latin, Slavonic and Arabic among others, and began teaching.

In 826 Prince Rastislav of Greater Moravia asked the Emperor and Patriarch of Constantinople to send missionaries for his Slavic subjects. Cyril and Methodius were chosen and began by training helpers, and then began translating the Bible into Slavonic, for which they devised the Glagolictic Alphabet which contained letters for sounds found in Slavonic, but not in Greek. This Alphabet is still used by the Russian and other Orthodox churches today. The Cyrillic alphabet used in Russian and in the Balkan Peninsula today is derived from the Glagolictic. Unfortunately they were opposed by German ecclesiastical authorities who opposed the Slavonic mass.

The brothers wisely sought the help of the Roman Church in their endeavors, which helped the mission to continue. Rome sent them Bishops to ordain some of their helpers, who celebrated the Eucharist in Old Church Slavonic. Cyril, feeling the time of his death was approaching, became a monk and died shortly thereafter on 14 February 869. Methodius continued the work in Pannonia, which led to conflict with the Archbishop of Salzburg. The Pope made Methodius Archbishop of Sirmium (an older title) to supersede the authority of the Bishop of Salzburg. Sirmium included not only Greater Slavonia, but Panonia and Serbia as well. The Archbishop of Salzburg was so annoyed that he managed to get Methodius imprisoned for two and one half years. Through the influence of the Pope, he regained his freedom and authority, but not the right to celebrate the Eucharist in Slavonic. After Methodius’s death in 885 most of his followers were banished and ended up in the Bulgarian Empire, where under the authority of Constantinople they continued their work, which eventually extended as far east as Kiev. This work also laid the foundation of ideas later to reach Jan Huss, Martin Luther and others of preaching to the people in their own language.

The story of Cyril and Methodius is a sad story of how petty jealousy, politics, lack of missionary zeal, and a lack of considering the pastoral needs of the people can get in the way of our true mission. To the credit of Cyril and Methodius, they laid down the groundwork of evangelising Eastern Europe in language understood by the people. They sowed the seed, others reaped the harvest. We should learn to persevere from them, and also learn not to let political expedients derail us from the imperative of proclaiming the Gospel.

Collect: Lord our God, you raised Cyril and Methodius to proclaim the Gospel in a hostile land and gave them intellectual gifts to translate, create an alphabet, and teach, so raise up in this and every land bishops and ministers who are willing to persevere to the end in proclaiming the Gospel of our Lord Yeshuah haMoshiach. This we ask through Yeshua haMoshiach who lives and reigns with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen. (white)

Psalm 69:8-18
Jeremiah 26:12-15
Ephesians 3:1-7
Mark 16:15-20

Martyrs of Japan: 5 February 2011

2011-02-04T22:55:00.000-08:00

http://romanchristendom.blogspot.com/2008/05/saint-of-japan-st-magdalene-of-nagasaki.html

The Martyr of Japan have a story to tell of what it truly is to be Christian. Jesuits first brought the faith to Japan in the 16th century and were followed soon after by the Franciscans. The church grew rapidly, and it is estimated that by the end of the 16th century that there were more than three hundred thousand believers in Japan. Unfortunately there were problems due to rivalries between Franciscan and Jesuits and because of intrigues by both the Spanish and Portuguese governments.

Concerned, the Japanese government had 6 Franciscans and twenty of their converts, crucified and then stabbed at Nagasaki, on 5 February 1597. A nobleman tempted the youngest, a boy to renounce his faith, but instead the boy asked to be shown his cross and embraced it. The church grew. From 1614 until 1854 a programme of persecution began, in which Christians were crucified, buried alive, tortured. Churches were destroyed. But the Japanese Christians proved true martyrs indeed (the word martyr means witness). Despite a lack of clergy and contact with the official church, there were still practicing Christians, worshipping underground, when contact with the west was reestablished.

Two things are to be learned. First, we should all learn from the example from the Japanese Christians, and persevere, no matter what. The second thing we should learn, is that it is very important to concentrate on establishing indigenous pastors from early on, so that if the missionaries are driven out, the church may continue on in its fullness.

Collect: : Heavenly Father, despite much suffering, your church in Japan continued through persecutions. Grant that we observing their perseverance, would have the courage to follow where they lead the way, proclaiming Christ with our very lives. This we ask in his most blessed name. Amen,

Psalm 16:5-11
Lamentations 3:46-48, 52-59
Galatians 2:19-20
Mark 8:34-38

Cornelius the Centurion: 4 February 2011

2011-02-04T09:38:00.000-08:00

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornelius_the_Centurion

Cornelius was a centurion, that is an officer in charge of 100 men. He was considered to be the first gentile convert to the church, an event of great importance, as to this point the church was all Jewish.

Cornelius was already a sympathizer with the Jewish faith, and through a dream was lead to send for St. Peter. St. Peter, as well was guided by a vision that he should accompany the servant and travel to Cornelius’s house. Peter was surprised to see that the Holy Spirit fell on the whole household, and suggested that since they were saved by faith, and had received the Holy Spirit, then the waters of baptism could not be denied to them. Cornelius went on to be bishop of either Caesarea or Scepsis in Mysia, or possibly of both at different times.

Collect: Blessed Saviour, by dreams and visions you ensured that Cornelius the Centurion would be the first Christian of the Goyim. Grant that your Spirit would continue to work in miraculous ways to invite all Jews and Goyim into the kingdom. This we ask in the name of Yeshua haMoshiach who lives and reigns with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen.

Psalm 67
Isaiah 56:6-8
Acts 11:1-18
Luke 13:22-29

My apologies. St. Anskar for yesterday was misfiled.

The Presentation of Messiah in the Temple: 2 February 2011

2011-02-02T06:06:00.001-08:00

http://orthodoxwiki.org/Presentation

Today is forty days after Christmas, when Jesus was presented in the Temple and when Miriam was purified. It is another case showing that Jesus completed the law, but also a link between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant. It has been revealed to Simeon that he will not die until he has seen the Messiah, and he is waiting in the Temple, having been sent there by the Holy Spirit that day. Encountering the baby Jesus, Simeon picks him up, saying, “Lord you now have set your servant free, for I can go in peace as you have promised, for my eyes have the Saviour, whom you have promised to set the world free,” identifying for us and for many who Jesus was, and what he was to do. He warned Miriam that she would suffer. Anna, too prophesied over the life of Jesus, and Miriam and Yosef were astounded.

For this feast, we often start with a candlelight procession. (The Feast is also called Candlemass). We march throughout the town and neighbourhood, to proclaim that Jesus, the light of the world has come to set the nations free. Let us be like Simeon and Anna, quick to recognise the saviour, and like them proclaim him to the nations.

Exodus 13:2
Psalm 84:1-6
Luke 2:22-40

Father, as this day Yeshuah was presented in the temple, grant that our Lord Yeshuah would present us to you that we may serve you truly in this world and the next. This we ask through Yeshua haMoshiach who lives and reigns with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen.

Gregory of Nazianzus: 27 January 2011

2011-01-26T22:20:00.000-08:00

Timothy and Titus: 26 January 2011

2011-01-25T22:22:00.000-08:00

http://www.livingwatercommunity.com/saiints/sts%20timothy%20and%20titus.htm

http://www.christiansynod.org/
Timothy was from Lystra in Asia minor, son of a Greek father and a Jewish mother, who was a believer in the Lord Yeshua. His name means honouring God. The church in Lystra and Iconium thought well of him, and because of the Jews and his Jewish mother, Paul had him circumcised. Timothy was a devoted companion of St. Paul and was entrusted by him to represent him to the Corinthians,to strengthen the faith of the converts, and the Thessalonicans to encourage them in persecution. He also was Paul’s representative to Ephesus, and is counted by Eusebius to be the first Bishop of Ephesus. He apparently died at about the age of eighty, stoned to death, at about the age of 80 in the year 97, when preaching the Gospel during a pagan procession

Titus, like Timothy was a constant companion of Paul. Titus was a Greek who accompanied Paul to Jerusalem at the time of the Ecumenical Council. Titus, like Timothy went to Corinth to represent St. Paul. Later St. Paul sent him to Crete to organize the churches there, and is counted as the first Bishop of Crete by Eusebius. The last we hear of Titus is a visit to Dalmatia. He died at the age of 95 in about the year 107.

Though both young, St. Paul commends them with great responsibility in administration and in proclaiming the Gospel. Both are commemorated the day after the Conversion of St. Paul since their ministry intertwined with theirs, and because he was their mentor.

Collect: Blessed Lord, you raised up Timothy and Titus to be Bishops in your church. So raise up in this and every generation Bishops who will follow the pure teachings of your blessed word that the church would grow in faith and knowledge and love of you. This we ask in the name of Yeshua haMoshiach who lives and reigns with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen.

Psalm 112:1-9
Isaiah 42:5-9
Acts 15:22-26, 30-33, 16:1-5
John 10:1-10
(If the Eucharist is not celebrated today, used the lesson from Acts at Matins)

Conversion of St. Paul: 25 January 2011

2011-01-24T21:13:00.001-08:00

http://www.comeandseeicons.com/p/ppw02.htm

The account of the Conversion of St. Paul is repeated several times in the Book of Acts. Paul was a citizen of Rome, from Tarsus. He was also a Pharisee, of the tribe of Benjamin and studies under Gamaliel, the most famous Rabbi of his time.

Paul was a true Pharisee, he loved God, but saw that salvation was earned by obeying the 613 Mitzvot (commandments) found in the Tanakh or Old Testament. Paul had it reversed, that we are saved because we obey, and he did his best to obey, to the point of witnessing the martyrdom of Stephan, and by getting warrants to throw Christians in prison, and even have them killed.

On his way to Damascus, he has an experience to transform his life forever. He comes face to face with the risen Lord, who even suggests that Saul might be sympathetic to Christians (why are you kicking against the goads? Says Jesus to Paul). He who was spiritually blind comes face to face with Yeshua and is struck blind literally. We who are spiritually blind need to be careful when we say we see, for our sin will be greater. Paul realizes something is going on, and he fasts for three days. On the third day, Ananias, a follower of the way is directed by the Lord to go heal Saul. Ananias has some misgivings, but obeys the Lord. Saul recovers his sight and is immediately baptized. He has come from trying to be saved through obedience to obeying because he is saved. Would that all Christians would learn to thank the Lord through his obedience.

Paul goes form persecuting the church, to proclaiming Yeshua as Messiah, a Messiah not only for Jews, but for Goyim (gentiles) as well, the true saviour of the world. Paul was a prolific writer and evangelist. Thirteen Epistles were written by Paul. He also traveled extensively in what is now Syria, Turkey, Greece, Crete, and Malta. We know he planned on visiting Spain, and probably did. There is also some evidence he may have made it to Britain as well. Only St. Thomas made it further than Paul amongst the Apostles.

Paul talked about a thorn in his flesh, which God would not cure, telling Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in your weakness.” I suggest that the thorn in the flesh (it has been identified with everything from poor eyesight to homosexuality) was deliberately not identified, so that we could each say, God’s strength is made perfect in my weakness in that area.

Whether we write, or preach, or go telling others about Yeshua, we need to have Paul’s enthusiasm, and his thankfulness, and great desire to spread the Good News to all nations.

Collect of the Day: Lord, as we remember your appearance to St. Paul and his marvelous conversion on this day, so move in our hearts that we would share his passion to proclaim the Gospel. This we ask in the name of Yeshua haMoshiach who lives and reigns with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen. (white)

Psalm 67
Acts 26:9-21
Galatians 1:11-24
Matthew 10:16-22
If there is no celebration of the Eucharist today, use the lesson from Acts with matins

St. Vincent of Zaragoza, Deacon, Marty: 22 January 2011

2011-01-21T22:50:00.000-08:00

St. Agnes, Martyr: 21 January 2011

2011-01-20T21:16:00.000-08:00

http://www.allmercifulsavior.com/icons/Icons-Agnes.htm

St. Agnes (c. 291-21 January 304)

Agnes was born to a noble family in Rome in about the year 291. She was raised as a Christian and was martyred at the tender age of 12. A Roman Prefect had decided that she was to marry his son. When Agnes refused, the prefect ordered that she be put to death. As it was forbidden to kill virgins, she was dragged to the brothel, but the men who attempted to rape her were struck blind. When they took her to the stake to burn her, the wood would not burn. She was finally beheaded by the sword, cheerfully dying for her Lord.

It is said that her martyrdom helped end martyrdoms in Rome, as people were disgusted that paganism had to be preserved by the death of one so young.

Collect: Lord Yeshua, who gave even children the strength to stand up for the true faith in face of persecution. Give us Agnes’s child like faith that we may always witness as to what you have done for us. This we ask through Yeshua haMoshiach, who lives and reins with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen. (white)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Agnes
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01214a.htm

Psalm 45:11-16
Song of Solomon 2:10-13
2 Corinthians 6:16-18
Matthew 18:1-6
(readings may be omitted if no celebration of the Eucharist. )

Fabian, Bishop, Martyr, 20 January 2011

2011-01-20T04:52:00.000-08:00

http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Pope_Fabian

Fabian, attending the election of the new Bishop of Rome became a surprise candidate when a dove landed on his head. The people took this as an omen, and he was elected Bishop of Rome in January of 236, a position which he held until his martyrdom on 20 January 250.

Fabian turned out to be an excellent administrator, and set up the parish structure still in use in Rome today. As well he appointed 14 men to write the lives of the martyrs. He also divided the city into diaconates, and basically set up a structure that was sound nad enduring and would help the church survive the coming persecution. Fabian was one of the first martyrs to die under the persecution by Decius, the first persecution of the church which was empire wide. His courage during his beating and death inspired many, and his tomb is still with us today.

http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Pope_Fabian
http://satucket.com/lectionary/Fabian.htm

Collect: O Lord of the Universe, who used a dove to single out Fabien as Bishop of Rome. Grant us power to remember those before us and imitate them in giving all for Christ. This we ask through Yeshua haMoshiach, who lives and reins with you, one God in glory everlasting. Amen (red)

Psalm 126
2 Esdras 2:42-48
1 Corinthians 15:31-36, 44b-49
Luke 21:20-24

Miles Coverdale, Bishop: 19 January 2011

2011-01-18T19:41:00.000-08:00

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Myles_Coverdale.jpg

Miles Coverdale (c1488-20 Jan. 1569) was a Bible translator during the time of the reformation. He was born in Yorkshire, studied at Cambridge and was a priest at Norwich. Later he joined the Austin Fryers and left after defending Robert Barnes in a heresy trial. From 1525 through 1538 he stayed on the continent working on his translation. Part of this time was spent working with William Tyndale, whose translation of the New Testament was used in Coverdale’s translation. This Bible was smuggled into England and was very popular. After Cramer convince Henry VIII that an English Bible would be a good thing, he put Coverdale to work on editing. Coverdale’s first work was weak, in part because it was translated from Latin, not from the original translation. Coverdale’s work on the Psalms in the Great Bible was very good, and these became the Psalms used in the Anglican Book of Common prayer, making these versions very well known even to today. After Cromwell was executed, Coverdale went back into exile, and did not return until 1548. He was made Chaplain to King Edward, and made Bishop of Exeter, which role he fulfilled well. After the succession of Queen Mary, he was deposed and again went into exile. After Queen Mary’s death, he returned to England in 1559, and server as rector of St. Magnus’s, but was not returned to his Bishopric, probably because of conflicts with Puritans regarding vestments. He was a popular preacher and introduced German theological ideas to England. He died in London and is buried there.

His chief contribution was the translation of the Psalter used in the Book of Common Prayer.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myles_Coverdale
http://www.answers.com/topic/myles-coverdale
http://www.novelguide.com/a/discover/ewb_04/ewb_04_01547.html
http://www.tlogical.net/biocoverdale.htm

Dear Lord, you raised up Miles Coverdale to work on presenting the Bible to the people of England in a language which they could understand. As he suffered much in this work, yet was faithful to you and your word, raise up in this and every generation men who are good and holy with a mission to help Christians understand your word. This we ask in the name of Yeshuah who revealed the Tanakh to the Jews. Amen. .

Confession of St. Peter: 18 January 2011

2011-01-18T05:58:00.000-08:00

http://www.bridgebuilding.com/narr/pwpet.html

Confession of St. Peter

On this day, we remember not so much St. Peter, but his confession recognizing Jesus as Messiah. All the disciples and many others recongnised that Jesus was a holy man or a prophet, but it was Peter who specifically made the jump to recognise Jesus as the Messiah who was sent by God. Jesus’ answer tells us something about our relationship to God. It is not through brains or intelligence that we recognise, but by the Holy Spirit that we come to know him as Messiah.

Today is also the first day of the week of prayers for Christian Unity.

Heavenly Father, as we remember Peter’s recognition of Yeshua as the Messiah, help us to truly recognize him as well in heart and mind that we may follow Peter, walking on water, healing, raising the dead, and proclaiming the Gospel. This we ask in the name of Yeshua haMoshiach who lives and governs with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen. (white)

Psalm 23;
Acts 4:8-13;
1 Peter 5:1-4;
Matthew 16:13-19

St. Anthony the Great (251-356): January, 17, 2011

2011-01-17T05:12:00.000-08:00

Hillary: Bishop of Poitier: January 13, 2011

2011-01-13T04:37:00.000-08:00

Epiphany: January 2, 2011

2011-01-05T22:35:00.000-08:00

http://www.bridgebuilding.com/narr/lwhoe.html

The Epiphany, also known as the theophany is an ancient celebration of the church. Epiphany means manifestation, and theophany means manifestation of God. As celebrated originally, Epiphany had a four fold theme, the birth of Christ, the visit of the Magi, the Baptism of Christ, and the first miracle of Christ. Epiphany was celebrated before Christmas, but when the church began celebrating Christmas, this theme was removed from Epiphany except in Armenia, which still does not celebrate Christmas..

With the removal of Christmas, the main theme came to be the visit of the Magi, which occurred when Jesus was about two years old. In fact the gold presented by the magi probably financed the trip to Egypt. The theme of the magi is important to us, because it is when the gentiles (goyim) first come to worship Christ. Many people believe that the Magi were from Persia, and recognised the coming presence of the Messiah from the book and other writings of Daniel.

The theme of the Baptism of Christ is kept for the Sunday following Epiphany and is a highly appropriate day for baptisms. In our church, in year D we observe the Wedding of Cana on the following Sunday.

The season of Epiphany concentrates on manifestations of Jesus, particularly in healing. It is also a time in which we emphasise the need and importance of evangelism.

Collect: Lord God almighty, by the light of a star you guided the Magi into the presence of Yeshua to give him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. So let the light of Yeshua shine out through our hearts, that those around us would be drawn to your presence to render you homage and accept you as Lord and Saviour. This we ask in the blessed name of Yeshua haMoshiach. Amen. (gold)

Psalm 72:1-7,10-14;
Isaiah 60:1-6
Ephesians 3:1-12
Matthew 2:1-12

Holy Name: January 1, 2011

2010-12-31T23:12:00.000-08:00

Thomas Becket: 30 December 2010

2010-12-29T21:44:00.000-08:00

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_%C3%A0_Becket
Thomas Becket was born in Cheapside, about 1118, of parents who were property owners. One of his father’s wealthy friends taught him to ride a horse and other gentlemanly pursuits. He began his education at Merton Priory and overseas in France. He attracted the attention of Theobald, Archbishop of Canterbury, who made him Archdeacon of Canterbury as well as Provost of Beverley after demonstrating his abilities in several important missions. Upon Theobald’s recommendation, he was appointed Chancellor, and as such was truly the King’s man, upholding Henry II in all things.

In 1162, Theobald died, and Henry II, thinking to consolidate his power over the church and to remove ecclesiastical courts from the land appointed Becket as Archbishop of Canterbury. At this time, Thomas became an ascetic, and renounced the chancellorship, and a battle began between him and the king. The King tried to force Becket to sign the Constitutions of Clarendon reducing the church’s authority, but Becket refused, and facing trumped up charges on his behaviour as chancellor, fled to France. After several years of exile and negotiations with the Bishop of Rome and threat of excommunication and interdict, Becket was allowed to return. After a severe breaching of the prerogatives of the Archbishop of Canterbury (coronation of King Henry III) which resulted in the excommunication of the Archbishop of York, Bishop of London, and Bishop of Salisbury. The king is said to have said, “What miserable drones and traitors have I nourished and brought up in my household, who let their lord be treated with such shameful contempt by a low-born cleric?” (This is probably what he said, there are other versions, but this is the most likely) Four knights upon hearing this went off to Canterbury on December 29th of 1170 and after Becket refused to accompany them to Winchester, returned with their weapons and killed Becket during vespers at Canterbury Cathedral. As Becket was dying, he said, “For the name of Jesus and the protection of the Church, I am ready to embrace death.” In shorter terms, Becket died for the prerogatives of the church.

Thomas Becket’s death also affected culture in other ways. A popular pilgrimage to Canterbury lasted for more than 350 years, and in fact the Canterbury Tales were arranged around one such pilgrimage. We note in passing that King Henry VIII had Becket’s shrine and bones destroyed.

Emmanuel, you raised up Thomas Becket to protect the church against the authorities of this world. Help us to remember that the church must be in subjection to you and your word, and not to the authorities or whims of this world: this we ask in the name of Yeshua haMoshiach, who took our nature upon himself to redeem it. Amen. (white)
Readings:
Psalm 125
2 Esdras 2:42-48
1 John 2:3-6, 15-17
Mark 11:24-33
Note: If there is no celebration of the Eucharist, the readings of the day may be used for Matins.

Childermas: 29 December 2010

2010-12-28T19:28:00.000-08:00

St. John the Evangelist: 28 December 2010

2010-12-28T19:24:00.000-08:00

Oops, I slipped up, this should have been posted this morning.

http://www.bridgebuilding.com/narr/lbjoe.html

St. John the Evangelist is believed to be the beloved disciple mentioned in the Gospel of St. John. He and his brother were disciples of John the Baptist before becoming disciples of Jesus. He is believed to have been the author of the Gospel of St. John, The three Epistles of St. John, and the book of Revelations. It is almost certain that the Gospel was edited during his life or after his death in Ephesus, where he served as Bishop. John served in Judea and Galilee some twelve years before Herod Agrippa’s persecution drove him out. He ended up in Ephesus, where he served many years, dying at the age of ninety-eight. He suffered in various persecutions and was imprisoned for a while on the island of Patmos. There were several attempts on his life including poison and being boiled in oil which he survived.

Collect: Emanuel, you raised up John to proclaim the Gospel, to reveal that you are love, and to be Bishop of Ephesus. Help us to so love one another that the world would see you in us and our behaviour and come to know you as Lord, and Saviour: this we ask in the name of Yeshua haMoshiach, who took our nature upon himself to redeem it. Amen. (white)

Eucharistic Readings:
Psalm 92 or 92:1-4,11-14;
Exodus 33:18-23; 1 John 1:1-9; John 21:9b-24
Daily Office Readings:
AM: Psalm 97, 98; Proverbs 8:22-30; John 13:20-35
PM: Psalm 145; Isaiah 44:1-8; 1 John 5:1-12
Note: If there is no celebration of the Eucharist, the Eucharistic reading for the Gospel is to be used for Matins. At the discretion of the celebrant other Eucharistic readings may be used for Matins.

St. Stephen: 27 December 2010

2010-12-26T23:58:00.000-08:00

http://orthodoxwiki.org/Apostle_Stephen_the_Protomartyr

St. Stephan was the first of the martyrs to die for Christ. He was one of the first seven deacons of the church, and was a powerful witness, working many miracles, and convincing many through his preaching that Yeshuah (Jesus) was the Jewish messiah. We note in passing, that the word martyr, actually means witness, and Stephan was one of many through the ages who would witness to Jesus by dying for him. In Stephan’s sermons in the Bible, we see that he knew his scriptures when preaching, and that we who preach should share that knowledge. As we remember St. Stephan today, may we also be willing to witness to others that Jesus Christ is the Saviour of the world and may we like him be willing to forgive those who persecute us. His dying words, were, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”.

Collect: Emanuel, you raised up your servant Stephan to a ministry of service and to preach the Gospel. Teach us like him to forgive those who persecute us, and to be faithful in service and proclaiming your kingdom, this we ask in the name of Yeshua haMoshiach, who took our nature upon himself to redeem it. Amen. (red)
Readings:
Eucharist:
Jeremiah 26:1-9,12-15 Acts 6:8--7:2a,51c-60; Matthew 23:34-39
Daily Office Readings:
AM: Psalm 28, 30; 2 Chronicles 24:17-22; Acts 6:1-7
PM: Psalm 118; Wisdom 4:7-15; Acts 7:59-8:8
Note: If there is no celebration of the Eucharist, the Eucharistic reading for the Epistle is to be used for Matins. At the discretion of the celebrant other Eucharistic readings may be used for Matins.

Nicholas Ferrar, Deacon: 1 December 2010

2010-12-01T06:41:00.000-08:00

http://satucket.com/lectionary/Nicholas_Ferrar.htm

Nicholas Ferrar (1592-1637)

Many wonder when I leave out so many English Saints, why I remember the Deacon from Little Gidding.

After being ordained to the deaconate, Nicholas and his family and some friends retired to Little Gillddng, in Huntindonshire, England. Once there, they dedicated themselves to prayer, fasting and giving of alms. They restored the church there, and were responsible to see that it had services. They also taught the children, and saw to the health of the people in the surrounding district. They recited the daily offices and read through the entire Psaltery daily. They always kept at least one person before the alter kneeling in prayer, so as to pray without ceasing. They also wrote several books including a harmony of the Gospels.

Nicolas and his family were a fine example of how Christians can live, single and married together in community, serving the community around them. The finest of Anglican tradition, with daily Morning and Evening prayer and caring for the need of the people. This was a true case of the people being the church.

http://satucket.com/lectionary/Nicholas_Ferrar.htm
Readings
Psalm 15
Exodus 35:1-5a, 24-29
Galatians 6:7-10
Luke 10:38-42

El Shaddai, you gave your deacon, Nicholas Ferrar the ability to form a Christian community that was truly dedicated to you both in prayer and ministry to others. Grant that we, like the Ferrar family would worship you through prayer and fasting, but also in witnessing and taking care of the poor. This we ask through Yeshua, who prayed, forgave sins and preached to the sinner. Amen. (white)

C.S. Lewis: 22 November 2010

2010-11-22T06:15:00.000-08:00

Clives Staples Lewis
29 November 1898-22 November 1963

Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, C. S. Lewis was baptised into that church at a tender age. As many, he did not receive much nurture from that faith, he fell away from it and officially became an atheist. Like many of his time, Lewis was educated by private tutors and private schools. It was at Malvern College at the age of fifteen that he became an atheist, studying mythology and the occult. He attended Oxford and volunteered to fight in World War I. returning to Oxford afterwards. Influenced by the writings of George McDonald and by G.K. Chesterton, and by J.R.R. Tolkien, Lewis came back to Christ, kicking and struggling in his own words in 1931. Joining the Church of England, his works reflect orthodox Anglicanism of his time. Lewis is chiefly known for, The Pilgirms’s Regress, his Space Trilogy, the Chronicles of Narnia, ere Chrisitanity and the Screwtape Letters. He wrote several other books as well with Christian themes. Lewis is probably the most well know Christian apologist of the twentieth century.

Dear Lord, you gave your servant Clive S. Lewis wonderful ability to proclaim your kingdom, love of you, and spiritual truths through the written and spoken word. Raise up in this and every generation authors who truly love you and proclaim you through word and action. This we ask through Yeshuah haMoshiach who himself used parables to proclaim the truth of the kingdom. Amen. (white)

All Saints Day: November 1, 2010

2010-10-31T22:27:00.000-07:00

Today is All Saints day, a day when we remember all those who lived and died for the Lord Jesus Christ. Originally celebrated in May and celebrated by the Orthodox the Sunday after Pentecost, the purpose of it partially to remember those saints not remembered in the calender, and a day to remember that when we became Christians, we too became Saints.

The Roman Catholic Church moved the feast to November 1st to counteract the popular Druidic rites of Samhaim.

St. Michael and All Angels: 29 September 2010

2010-09-28T22:31:00.000-07:00

St. Michael and All Angels

http://www.stmichaelshouston.org/hope-stmike_pics/hope-stmike-pics.html

Today we recognise the heavenly hosts. Our Greek brothers and sisters refer to them as the bodiless powers, recognising that angels are essentially spiritual beings. Now just, what are angels? The Greek word, Angel means messenger. Angels and Archangels basically then are messengers sent by God. It is reckoned by theologians that only Angels and Archangels have anything to do with men. The other classes are angels in ascending order are: Principalities, Powers, Virtues, Dominions, Thrones, Cherubim and Seraphim. It is not clear to us the purposes of these various classes of spiritual beings, but we know that they serve God, and the last two, cherubim and Seraphim are reckoned as angels of the presence, that is that they are in the highest heaven with the Lord.

Biblicaly, there are several manifestations of angels. First, we hear of the Angel of the Lord, which for the most part is not reckoned to be an angel, but to be the Lord YHWH himself. Next we run into St Michael, the Archangel who is described in Daniel and Revelations. He is counted as the special angel who is in charge of Israel, and who casts Satan out of heaven. He is again mentioned in Revelations. St. Raphael is mentioned in the book of Tobit and accompanies Tobias on his adventures. St. Gabriel is mentioned in the New Testament, and he is the Angel who announces the birth of Jesus. Uriel is mentioned in IV Esdras. Other angels are not mentioned by name. The Seraphim are described by Isaiah in his vision. The Cherubim are described by Ezequiel in his vision. Thrones are mentioned in Colossians, Dominions in Colossians, Virtues in I Peter, Powers in Colossians, and Principalities in Colossians. It should be mentioned that for most classes of angels, there are corresponding classes of demons. When Satan was cast out of heaven one third of the angels followed him. Therefore angles, spiritual thought they may be, are like us, capable of choosing between right and wrong.

This day we remember especially St. Michael and the other angels who minister to us, and to those in heaven who give us the example of constantly praising God!

Please go to the reference above and look at the 71 versions of St. Michael, truly fascinating.

Collect: Dear Lord, as you created a vast order of angelic hosts to worship you and do your will, grant that we too like your angels in heavens would worship you and do your will. This we ask in the name of our blessed Yeshuah who is higher than the angels. Amen.

Lessons: Isaiah 6:1-3
Hebrew 1:7-14
Mark 13:21-27
Psalm 14

2010-09-20T22:03:00.000-07:00

http://www.saintmaryhouston.org/category/image-galleries/icons-at-st-mary/dome-icons

Mathew the Evangelist, also known as Levi. He began as a tax collector and Jesus called him to repentance, and to follow him. Shortly after this, Jesus went to a supper at Mathew’s home where he was rebuked by the Pharisees for eating in the house of the sinner. One hope that Jesus’s reply of being sent to those who need healing may have brought some Pharisees to repentance, but on said subject the Bible is silent. Legends tell us that Mathew worked among the Hebrews for some 15 years before departing for other climes. Legends also claim that he evangelized (and died) just south of the Caspian Sea, as well as visiting Persia, Parthia, Macedonia and Syria.

It is stated that he left a copy of the Gospel to the Hebrews (and this may be the same one that was taken to India by St. Thomas. We believe that that first Gospel was written in Aramaic, but more than likely, our present Gospel of Mathew is not a direct translation, but a translation with some additional materials. The Gospel of Mathew has a clear emphasis on showing that Jesus completed the Law and the Prophets and that Jesus was the Jewish Messiah and Saviour of the world.

Collect: Dear Father, as you raised Mathew from being a tax collector to an ambassador for your kingdom, and caused him to write his Gospel for the Messianic Jews of his time; so transform us that our lives would lead to the conversion of many and help us to remember that our lives may be the only Bible unbelievers will read. This we ask through Yeshuah, who lives and reigns with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen. (red)

Mathew 9:9-13 (Eucharist)
Mathew 13:44-52 (Matins or Vespers if using above lesson for Matins)

Yom Kippur: 18 September 2010

2010-09-17T18:32:00.000-07:00

Today is Yom Kippur, one of the Holiest of the High Holy Days of the Jews which we remember. Our Lesson from Leviticus explains the preparations which the high priest had to make in order to offer the offering for the sins of the people. First he had to wash, a symbol of purity. Then he had to put on the special clothes reserved to the high priest (clothing indicates our deeds). Afterwards, he had to have a sacrifice to pay for his own sins. Then and only then could he enter into the Holy of Holies and sacrifice for the sins of the peoples, which he did by sprinkling blood on the cover of the ark of the covenant. Note even then, he had a rope tied to his foot just in case. The hem of his robe had bells. If the bells stopped ringing, they knew the High Priest had been struck dead for his sins and was pulled out.

Jesus, by his death on the cross finished this sacrifice for ever. Jesus was without sin, so no need to wash, or even sacrifice. He was perfect man, without sin, so he needed no magnificent clothing to symbolize his good deeds, all his deeds were good. Through his goodness and perfection, he was able to enter into that Holy Place, of which the Holy of Holies was only the palest of shadows. Instead of offering the blood of a lamb, he offered his own blood to cover the mercy seat, once and for all, to cover our sins for ever. When Jesus died on the cross, we are told that the curtain ripped in two. This symbolizes that we all have access to the throne of grace through the blood of Jesus.

The Jews wore white on this day, to symbolize they were clean of sin. The same in days gone past, Christians would don a white garment after their baptism, and wear it for fifty days to remind them that Jesus had paid for their sins and they were cleansed indeed.

Today, and every Friday is good to remember that Jesus, through his life and his death on the cross, provided for us a way to enter into God’s presence. Join with me fasting on this day, so that we may join Jesus in his sufferings so as to remember the wonders he did for us.

Lessons: Leviticus 16:1-34 (Eve)
Jonah, Hebrews 9:23-28, Mathew 27:45-51 (morning)

Collect: Heavenly Father, as we remember the day of atonement which prefigured Messiah’s death on the cross. Separate our sins as far from us as the east is from the west, and grant that we may enter into the holy place where you now rein, one God, in glory everlasting. (Lenten array or violet)

St. John Chrysotom: 14 September 2010

2010-09-15T06:03:00.000-07:00

http://www.chrysostom.org/images/chrysostom5.jpg

St. John Chrysostom (349-407) was born in Antioch to pagan parents. His father, a soldier died while John was of an early wage, and John was raised by his mother. He became a Christian, was baptised and became a reader in the church. At first due to his mother’s influence he studied under pagans and developed a gift for rhetoric. As he grew older he studied under Christians and later became a hermit, during which time he spend memorising the Bible. Too much fasting permanently damaged his kidneys and he had to return to Constantinople. Ordained a deacon in 381 and a presbyter in 386 he became well known because of his preaching. In preaching and writing he emphasised the spiritual and physical needs of the poor. His talks were very practical, leading people to a straightforward understanding of the Bible and of Christian duty in everyday life. While in Antioch, he preached 21 sermons leading to whole sale conversion to Christianity by pagans.

In 398 he became Archbishop of Constantinople. It is said that his sermons were so powerful, that people were so enthralled by them that pickpockets had easy targets, and it was suggested that people leave their purses at home. Refusing to have banquets for the rich he made himself unpopular with the upper classes. He also forced priests to go back to where they were supposed to be. Either threw fearlessness, or fault of tact, John found himself with enemies in high places, and the Empress Eudoxia became his enemy and organised a conspiracy against him. A synod was held against him in 403 and he was deposed and to be banished. At his arrest there was an earthquake and the people were rioting so the emperor called him back to his post He was banished once again to Armenia for criticising the empress. During this time he wrote several letters of great influence in Constantinople and was exiled to Georgia. He never made it to his final destination, and was buried in Georgia, where his tomb became a site of pilgrimage.

Considered to be the greatest preacher of the early church (Chrysostom means golden mouthed) he preached extensively from the whole Bible, and many of the congregants copied his sermons and passed them around. He criticised his audience for being too worldly, especially in pagan entertainments, but at the same time formed his sermons so they would be clear to all, especially emphasising care of the needy. He also revised the liturgy and has some connection with the liturgy of St. John Chrysostom.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysostom#cite_note-OCA-19
http://www.orthodoxwiki.org/John_Chrysostom
http://www.stlukeorthodox.com/html/iconography/stjohnchrysostom.cfm

Heavenly Father, as you raised John Chrysostom to preach the Gospel and suffer for the faith. Grant that all preachers would have the eloquence to proclaim your word so as to build us up in faith and knowledge and love of you. Through the Messiah we pray, Amen. (red)

Jeremaih 42:1-6
Psalm 49:1-8
I Corinthians 12:31-13:7
Luke 21:12-15

Rosh Hoshana: 9 September 2010

2010-09-09T04:52:00.000-07:00

Following the Jewish Calendar, today is Rosh Hoshana, the Jewish New Year. Last night we had a festive meal, and dipped our bread and apples in honey signifying that we would like God to give us a sweet year. The shofar will be blown today. The shofar is a ram's horn trumpet with a distinctive sound. Trumpets were used to announce the coming of the king. Our King of course is Yahweh Shabbaoth, the Lord the Lord of Hosts.

Following the lessons and collect is a short poem on my reflections celebrating Rosh Hoshanah in a Messianic Synagogue some years back.

Readings:
Numbers 29:1-6
Jer. 31:1-19
Genesis 1:1-31

Collect:
Father as on this day we commemorate the creation of human kind, help us to repent in truth from our many sins, and to learn to truly walk and talk with you as did Adam and Hava. Let the shofar truly call us to be with you, and may you grant us a sweet year to come. This we ask through Yeshua haMoshiach who lives and reins with you and Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. (white)

What Does the Shofar Say

Listen to the sound of the Shofar, this Rosh Hashanah day,
What is it, what does the Shofar say?
Awake, sleepers arise!
Don’t be like sheep, so sound asleep,
Letting the wolf in the door, to destroy, corrupt and more.
He’s in the music, promoting drugs,
He’s on TV promoting sex and rebellion,
He’s in the school teaching one to be a hellion.
Parents, do you love your children,
Then teach them, teach them.
At their rising, at their sitting,
Going out, coming in, at their eating,
Jesus Christ is Lord, He died for you, and many more,
And expects to be your Lord.

Listen to the sound of the Shofar, this Rosh Hashanah day,
What is it, what does the Shofar say?
Awake, sleepers arise!
Don’t be like sheep, so sound asleep,
False shepherds abound misleading the sheep,
Saying science, psychology is King.
If it feels good do it, if it hurts no-one, ‘tis not a sin, or so they sing.
Jesus is not Lord, he’s just one way, of which there are many more.
Stand up O sheep, flee from such shepherds, For at that last day, they shall flee, or
Be astounded, upon finding resurrection is true,
But alas they are blue,
For never having known Jesus, they have condemned themselves,
And those who followed them to a future so bleak,
That to think upon makes me weak

Listen to the sound of the Shofar, this Rosh Hashanah day,
What is it, what does the Shofar say?
Ti ra! Ti ra! Arise, charge, ‘tis time to fight the good fight,
‘tis time to show the adversary our might.
Put on the Gospel Armour, refrain from retreating,
It is time to gain souls, it is time to gain kings,
It is time to show the world our Lord and King.
We have been asleep, allowing Satan his will
And we have had to pay the bill.
The time is over, Satin take cover,
For the church is called to be on the move.
Blow the shofar, blow the trumpet, Good Christians, ATTACK!
You are the mighty hosts of the Lord, armed with his Spirit and Word,
The battle is yours, the war is the Lord’s.

5 September 2010

2010-09-01T12:11:00.000-07:00

Torah: Numbers 29:1-6
Prophet: Jer. 31:1-19
Writing: Proverbs 20:1-30
Psalm: 119:161-168
For the Epistle: Rev. 15:1-
Gospel: Mark 6:45-56
Collect: Gracious Father, you have blessed us in many ways. Teach us to always use those blessings for the advancement of your kingdom. This we ask in the name of Yeshua haMoshiach who lives and reigns with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting.

Miriam: Theotokous: 16 August 2010 (transferred)

2010-08-15T21:18:00.000-07:00

http://www.coptic.net/pictures/Icon.KingAndQueen.jpg

Actually we know little of Miriam aside from what is told in the Bible. Legend claims that she was born to her parents Joachim and Anna in their old age. She was devout and at a young age was betrothed to Yoseph, who became here husband. While still young, the angel announced to her that she would become the mother of God's child. She asks how this can happen since she is a virgin. The angel announces that God's spirit will take care of this, to which Miriam responds, "be it unto me according to your will, expressing great faith that not only will God do this, but that he will protect her from people assuming adultery, which was punishable by death.

Later at the wedding in Canna, she tells the servants, "To do whatever he tells you," a message which we need to regard as well. She is also present at the crucifixion, and is one of the 120 present at the first Christian Pentecost, where she and others receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

While we don't receive an in depth picture of her life, we do see her faith, and our need to imitate it. According to the Bible and legend, John the Evangelist took her into his home, and she travelled with him to Ephesus, where she died on the 15th of August.

Readings:

Isaiah 61:10-11
Psalm 34 or 34:1-9
Galatians 4:4-7
Luke 1:46-55

Heavenly Father, you raised up Miriam to be the Theotokous, the mother of our Lord Yeshuah haMoshiach, grant that we like her may say, “be it unto me according to your word,” and to obey her instructions, “do whatever he tells you to do. In the name of her son, Yeshuah, we pray. Amen.

Jan Hus, reformer, martyr: 6 July 2010

2010-07-05T23:08:00.000-07:00

http://www.manotick.org/stjames/Archival_pages/jan_huss.htm

Jan Hus, reformer, martyr (c. 1374-6 July 1415)

Jan was born to an humble family in the Kingdom of Bohemia. At a tender age he went to Prague and earned his way by singing and serving in churches. Because of his dedication he received his Bachelor of Arts in 1393 and his Master of Arts in 1396, both at St. Charles University, Prague. He was ordained to the presbyterate in 1400, became rector of the University in 1402 and was appointed preacher in the Bethlehem Cathedral about the same time.

Ann of Bohemia married King Richard II of England. During her time in England, through her influence and the influence of Jerome of Prague, many of John Wycliffe’s writings made their way to Prague and greatly influenced Jan Hus. Jan began his reforms in the early part of the 15th century. His thought was that the Eucharist and other prayers, as well as the lessons from the Bible should be in the language of the people, Czech in his case. (We note in passing that the haček (ˇ) was invented by Jan Hus, so as to make it easier to write in Czech.) He was also against the custom of only giving the communicants the host, as opposed to the host and chalice at communion. (This practice had developed from a fear of spilling the cup). As Martin Luther, he was also against indulgences, and the church charging for everything. As well he was opposed to clergy being involved in government, and declared that the Papacy was an invention of the church for convenience, and had no Biblical warrant. (note: he did not oppose the Papacy, he saw the need of the church of having a head here on earth).

It was this last teaching that aroused the ire of the church against him, as the church was just recovering from the Babylonian captivity and a time of having three popes simultaneously.

Although guaranteed protection, Hus was brought to trial and burned at the stake on 6 July 1415. As he died he sang in Latin, “Christ, Thou Son of the Living God, have mercy upon me. Sadly for him, the King of Bohemia, Vaclav IV was not as powerful (or as sneaky)as Martn Luther’s protector, the Prince Elector of Saxony. As often happens martyrdom gives power to the ideas of the martyrs. Jan Hus’s followers became known as the Moravian and Bohemian brethren and as Wycliffe’s ideas influenced Hus, so did Hus’s ideas influence Martin Luther. (Of course because of the printing press, Martin Luther’s ideas received much more attention and were more widespread) Due to pressure from the Brethren, the Roman Catholic clergy restored the chalice to the laity in the Kingdom of Bohemia. The Brethren still exist in the Czech Republic to this day, although many of them escaped to Saxony, where under the leadership of Bishop Ludwig Count Zinzendorf, they became a mighty missionary force.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_Hus
http://www.tlogical.net/biohuss.htm
http://justus.anglican.org/resources/bio/7.html
http://www.christianity-guide.com/christianity/jan_huss.htm
http://www.greatsite.com/timeline-english-bible-history/john-hus.html

Readings for Eucharist:
Psalm 119:113-120
Job 22:21-30
Revelation 3:1-6
Matthew 23:34-39

Collect: Heavenly Father, you raised up Jan Hus to translate the Bible and liturgy into the Czech language and to die for his faith. Remind us always that your word should always be accessible to your people, and that prayer should be in the common tongue. And help us to be always ready, as Jan was to live fully unto you, and to be ready to die for our faith. In the name of Yeshua we pray. Amen. (red)

Ephrem of Edessa: 10 June 2010

2010-06-09T22:13:00.000-07:00

http://www.comeandseeicons.com/e/phn50.htm

Ephrem of Edessa (306-10 June 379) Was born in Nissibus during a time of persecution. Ephrem was baptised as a youth, and made teacher soon after. He was ordained a deacon at a relatively young age. It is said he founded the school of Nissibus which became the center of learning for the Assyrian Church of the East.

Upon the death of Constantine, Nissibus was attacked by the Persians, but not conquered. One of Ephrem’s early hymns reflects this event. Eventually events lead to Nisibus being conquered, but the Christians were allowed to leave. Ephrem found himself with refugees who ended up in Edessa, where he settled to serve the church.

Edessa was full of heresies, and Ephrem composed at least 400 hymns set to folk melodies in Syriac to oppose these heresies. The hymns were sung by an all woman’s choir. In addition to his hymns, he wrote poetic sermons, and prose work based on the scriptures. IN addition he encouraged reading the scriptures for faith, as opposed to critical analysis.

His works inspired many and he was mourned after his death. He inspires us with a non-european form of Christianity. He also inspires us to use good (secular) music to promote Christian ideas.

http://orthodoxwiki.org/Ephrem_the_Syrian
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ephrem_the_Syrian
http://www.stephrem.org/stephrem.htm

Psalm 98:5-10
Proverbs 3:1-7
Ephesians 3:8-12
Matthew 13:4-52

Oh Lord, as you gave your deacon, Ephrem the ability to compose hymns to build up the church in faith and knowledge of you, raise up in this and every generation those who teach the true faith by song and charitable works, that we may every glorify your holy name. This we ask through Yeshuah haMoshiach, who lives and reins with you and Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen. (white)

Columcille: 9 June 2010

2010-06-08T22:36:00.000-07:00

http://www.stcolumbachurch.org/iconography.html

Columcille (7 December 521 – 9 June 597 AD)

Columcille was born into a family of Irish high kings in 521 in County Donegal, Ireland. He studied at Clonnard Abbey and was ordained Deacon, and then Presbyter . Because of his missionary zeal he was recognised as one of the 12 apostles of Ireland.

In 563,he travelled to Scotland with 12 companions with the intention of preaching the Gospel to the Picts. King Conall, a cousin of Columcille gave him the Isle of Iona, which was about half way between his home country and the Caledonian Picts. A rough monastic settlement was quickly built, with church, refectory, and cells made of wattle, and it became Columcille’s base for proclaiming the Gospel to the Picts, especially north of Strathclyde and as far as Aberdeenshire and the Hebrides as well. It is said that he left for Scotland in order to win as many souls for Christ, as those who died in a war that he may have inspired, over a disagreement which may have had to do with a book he copied.

His first missionary success was with King Bridei who was impressed by miracles wrought at Columcille’s hand.

As Iona was base for evangelising Scotland, it became a missionary school for the entire Island of Britain. We note in passing that King Oswold of Northumbria was educated in Northern Scotland and was therefore affected by teachings from Iona, and requested a Bishop from Iona to convert his people.

In addition to being a missionary outpost, Iona became a centre of learning and study, and Columcille, as a religious man became a diplomat between warring kings.

When at Iona, Columcille was no idle man. He occupied himself in writing hymns, copying books, study and prayer. It is said he died before the altar of the church of Iona.

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04136a.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columba

Psalm 97:1-2,7-12
Isaiah 61:1-3
1 Corinthians 3:11-23
Luke 10:17-20

Heavenly Father, for penance, Columba was sent to gather members for the kingdom. Grant that as he proclaimed the gospel to Scotland, that we in shame for our sins should proclaim with the same fervour the Gospel to our neighbours and families. This we ask through Yeshua who lives and reins with you and Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen. (white)

Bede: 25 May 2010

2010-05-25T08:26:00.000-07:00

http://www.allmercifulsavior.com/icons/Icons-Bede.htm

St. Bede, monk of Jarrow (672 / 673 – May 26, 735)

Bede was a historian in the early English church and spent most of his time at Monkwearmouth and Jarrow, both in Northumbria . He became a monk at an early age, and is our chief source about the early English church, especially in his Eccelisatical History of the English.

He wrote some 59 other books, most of which we still have, and had a correspondence traversing England and was apparently well traveled as well. Bede continued writing even on his death bed, and is an example of the importance of scholarship on the church. Interestingly enough, Bede is the only source mentioning an Anglic goddes, Oster who has been used by some extreme Protestant circles to counteract the celebration of Easter or the name.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bede
http://www.doctorsofthecatholicchurch.com/BV.html
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02384a.htm
http://www.bede.org/bedevenerable.cfm
http://orthodoxwiki.org/Bede

Dear Lord, you gave the venerable Bede great gifts in writing and preserving the life of the early English church. Raise up in this and every generation men and women who can show how His Story is the true history of the world. This we ask through Yeshua haMoshiach who lives and reigns with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen. (white)

Isaiah the propeht: 11 May (transferred from Sunday

2010-05-10T21:26:00.000-07:00

http://orthodoxwiki.org/Isaiah

Isaiah (Yeshayahu) the prophet was of royal lineage and lived about 700 years before Christ. He was raised to have awe for God and to know and obey the law. He was called by the Lord during the kingship of King Uzziah and continued on for some sixty years. The start of his service began with a remarkable vision (Isaiah 6) in which Isaiah sees the holiness of the Lord and the sinfulness of man.

Isaiah constantly condemns the nation of Israel for injustice, especially against the poor, and calls for Israel to repent. He has a strong image of man’s need to repent, and God’s mercy if we do repent.

Isaiah was also well know for the suffering servant passages, which are both a description of Israel, and of the Messiah. He also predicts the virgin birth, and sets the context for the life of the Messiah.

Isaiah was eventually condemned to death, and sawed in two.

http://orthodoxwiki.org/Isaiah
http://www.comeandseeicons.com/i/phm05.htm
http://www.answers.com/topic/isaiah

Isaiah 6:1-10
Luke 4:16-20

Heavenly Father, you cleansed the lips of Isaiah and raised him up to be a witness to the suffering servant and to help us to recognise the suffering servant. Remind us daily, since we are called by your name, that we are yours, and that we should daily remind those around us of your mighty deeds. Send us Lord into the world to proclaim that Messiah has come to save sinners. This we ask through Yeshua haMoshiach who lives and reigns with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen (red)

10 May: Bishop Nicholas Ludwig, Count Zinzendorf

2010-05-09T21:38:00.000-07:00

http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikolaus_Ludwig_von_Zinzendorf
Nikolaus Ludwig Graff von Zinzendorf und Pottendorf (26 May 1700 in Dresden- 9 May 1760 in Herrnhut) (Nicholas Count Zinzendorf)

Nicholas, Count Zinzendorf was born in Dresden in 1700. He was very much a product of his time. Nicholas found the Lutheran Church (Dresdener Landes Kirche) to be rather dry. Influenced by his pietist grandmother, he found a joy in Christianity that seemed to be lacking in the Lutheran church of the time. Even in childhood he had a deep faith, and in adolescence struggled with whether to follow the Gospel or to fulfill his responsibilities to the king of Dresden as Count. At this time he established the Order of the Grain of Mustard Seed, a group in which the young men involved promised to use their position to further the Gospel. He later reordered the group as an adult, and such men as the King of Denmark, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Archbishop of Paris joined.

During his grand tour, he saw the painting ecce homo by Domenico Fette. The legend below the painting stated: "This have I done for you - Now what will you do for me?"
Count Zinzendorf felt that Christ himself was speaking to him and dedicated himself to the cause of Christ.

He married Erdmuth Dorothea von Reuss and took upon his duties at the royal court of Dresden. During this period, a group of Moravian Christians asked for refuge which he granted, and they formed the village of Herrnhut (the Lord’s Watch) on his land. Count Zinzendorf read about the early Unity movement and was impressed. His Moravians went through some serious divisions, and in 1727 Count Zinzendorf retired from public service to reunite them. Through daily Bible readings, they developed the Brotherly Agreement in which all secular activities were subordinated to spreading the Gospel. His communities were unusual in promoting equality of women, and having nobles and peasants working side by side. August 27, 1727 also marked another mile stone. They committed to pray 24 hours per day, 7 days per week for mission. That prayer group continued for more than 100 years and probably is the reason Moravian missions were so successful.

Hernnhut, under the leaderhip of Bishop Zinzendorf sent out missionaries to slaves in the west Indies, to South America, to the US Amerindians, to the Inuit of Greenland and Labrador, to Suriname, South Africa, Lyvonia, and Egypts. Bishop Zinzendorf’s missions often had an interesting twist. For the most part they worked in areas with no Christian presence. Once having developed the mission, they would often hand it over to another church, such as the Baptists or Methodist. In fact, while John Carey is called the father of modern missions, that name really should go to Count Zinzendorf.

In addition to managing Herrnhut, Bishop Zinzendorf had a wide ranging ministry and infected many people with a true love of God, dedicated to helping others, and helping men of means to dedicate themselves to proclaiming the Gospel.

http://www.novelguide.com/a/discover/eemw_06/eemw_06_01212.html

http://satucket.com/lectionary/nikolaus_von_zinzendorf.htm

http://www.zinzendorf.com/index.htm

Gregory the Illumnator: Apostle to the Armenians: 23 March 2010

2010-03-22T21:26:00.000-07:00

Thoma Cramner: 22 March, tranferred from Sunday

2010-03-21T22:12:00.000-07:00

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Cranmer

I apologise that I have not had a chance to write about Thomas. You can read some about him at the following link:

http://satucket.com/lectionary/Latimer_Ridley_Cranmer.htm

My object here is to present the lives of Saints from the Bible, persons whose lives show Christian virtues, and most of all people who were important in the life and development of the Christian Church. Thomas Cranmer was such a person. It was he who helped Henry the VIII tale the church of England from beneath the jurisdiction of Rome. More importantly, he was a wonderful translator who took some of the best of the best in liturgical developments of his time and turned it into the 1549 and 1552 Books of Common Prayer. The 1662 Book of Common Prayer was little changed from the 1552 Book up until recently the prayer book used officially in the Church of England, and until recently the inspiration for the prayer books used by the various churches of the Anglican Communion up until today. Parts of this book can also be found in use by many other denominations to this day in English.

Interestingly enough, the 1662 Book of Common Prayer is not only important in its religious influence, but in its effect on the English language. An amazing number of expressions used in the English language even today go back to the King James Bible, the Book of Common Prayer, and Shakespeare.

Towards the end of his life, Cranmer had troubles making up his mind. He believe in the divine right of kings, and while King Henry VII and Edward VI ruled there was no problem. He tried to submit to Queen Mary, but tore up the documents several times. The last time he signed the document recanting the Protestant faith but he recanted just before being burned at the stake.

St. Cuthbert: 20 March 2010

2010-03-19T23:09:00.000-07:00

http://www.allmercifulsavior.com/icons/Icons-Cuthbert.htm
Cuthbert

http://satucket.com/lectionary/Cuthbert.htm

Psalm 104: 32-35
Isaiah 55:6-12
Romans 12:6-13
John 10:25b-30

Collect: Father, you called Cuthbert from being a shepherd of sheep to being a shepherd of persons. Grant that as we was willing to spread the Gospel in remote and dangerous places, that we too may be willing to proclaim the Gospel in areas of which we might fear and to people of whom we may be afraid. This we ask through Yeshuah haMoshiach, who lives and reigns with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen. (white)

St. Joseph: 19 Mardh 2010

2010-03-18T22:18:00.000-07:00

Cyril of Jerusalem, Bishop: 18 March 2010

2010-03-18T05:15:00.001-07:00

http://www.stcyril.us/photos.html

Cyril was born in Jerusalem in about the year 315 and became bishop in about 349. He lived in tumultuous times, and was exiled three times, once by the Athanasians and twice by the Arians. He attended the Council of Constantinople in 381 and supported the Athanasian view of the Trinity.

Cyril is important to us chiefly for three things. It is believed that he was the author of the precursor to the Nicene Creed we use today. Secondly, he organized activities for pilgrims and much of what we do during Holy Week comes from what was done in Jerusalem during his Episcopate. (An account by a Spanish nun is available here: http://www.ccel.org/m/mcclure/etheria/etheria.htm) Thirdly, he is the author of a series of lectures (18 for Lent and five for Easter) given to candidates for baptism and the newly baptised. These probably do not exist in the original form, but he is the original author. (They can be ordered here: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ISBN=0913836397/bookofcommonprayA/ or viewed here: http://www.crossroadsinitiative.com/library_author/4/St._Cyril_of_Jerusalem.html)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyril_of_Jerusalem
http://satucket.com/lectionary/Cyril_Jerusalem.htm
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04595b.htm
http://orthodoxwiki.org/Cyril_of_Jerusalem

Readings
Psalm 122
Ecclesiasticus 47:8-10
Hebrews 13:14-21
Luke 24:44-48
Collect: Heavenly Father, you raised up Cyril as Patriarch of Yerushalayim to guide Bishops and Presbyters in their calling to be teachers and ministers of the sacraments. Raise up in this and every generation Bishops and Presbyters who will faithfully instruct your people in practical Christian faith and living. This we ask through the author and perfecter of our faith, Yeshuah haMoshiach our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen. (white)

St. Patrick, Bishop, Missionary: 17 March

2010-03-16T22:48:00.001-07:00

http://www.allmercifulsavior.com/icons/Icons-Patrick.htm

St. Patrick is the most well known of the Irish saints, a true hero of the church. Sadly his day has become more known for revelry and green beer than truly celebrating what he did.

The exact time and place of his birth is unknown. Guesses range from Wales to Kilpatrick, Scotland. What is know is that his father was a deacon and his grandfather was a priest. They were according to various sources either Romans, or Romanised Celts.

At the age of 14, Patrick was kidnapped by Irish pirates (common at the time) and taken to Ireland where he herded sheep as a slave. During his captivity his prayer life grew, and at about the age of 20, guided by a dream, he found a ship willing to carry him and made his escape. (I find it appropriate that we celebrate another man guided by dreams ((St. Joseph)) in two days.

He studied to be a presbyter, and eventually was ordained as Bishop. Guided once again by dreams, these expressing the need of the Irish for his presence, he traveled back to Ireland to proclaim the Gospel. Patrick successfully preached the Gospel, aided by disciples he made in Ireland.

Of the legends attributed to him, he used the clover to preach the Gospel. When explaining the trinity he would pluck a clover and ask, is it one leaf or three (botanically speaking it is actually one leaf), and ask the Irish whether it was one or three. Easter at one point fell the same night as a Celtic festival, but Patrick beat them to the draw by lighting a bonfire first. Apparently the king’s men were unable to put it out. Several songs are attributed to Patrick, the most famous being his Lorica or the Deer Cry. It is said when one of the kings was out to capture Patrick, he and his disciples sang this song, and the king’s men only saw deer as they passed by them.

The true miracle behind Patrick’s life though is his great forgiveness. Anyone who can serve as a slave for some 6 years and return to the people who enslaved him to tell them about Jesus shows the true power of forgiveness. Would that we were all so eager to forgive those who sin against us, and to proclaim the Gospel.

Readings
Psalm 97:1-2,7-12
Ezekiel 36:33-38
1 Thessalonians 2:2b-12
Matthew 28:16-20

Collect: : Heavenly Father; who gave Patrick the strength to persevere and power to forgive his enemies, give us the strength and ability to forgive those who wrong us, and willingness of heart to tell them of the great love of Yeshuah. This we ask in his name, who lives and governs with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen. (white)

The Deer Cry

I bind unto myself today
The strong Name of the Trinity,
By invocation of the same
The Three in One and One in Three.

I bind this today to me forever
By power of faith, Christ’s incarnation;
His baptism in Jordan river,
His death on Cross for my salvation;
His bursting from the spicèd tomb,
His riding up the heavenly way,
His coming at the day of doom
I bind unto myself today.

Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

I bind unto myself the Name,
The strong Name of the Trinity,
By invocation of the same,
The Three in One and One in Three.
By Whom all nature hath creation,
Eternal Father, Spirit, Word:
Praise to the Lord of my salvation,
Salvation is of Christ the Lord.

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/s/t/stpatric.htm

Gregory the Great, Bishop of Rome, Apostle to the English: 12 March

2010-03-12T04:42:00.001-08:00

http://www.allmercifulsavior.com/icons/Icons-Gregory.htm
St. Gregory, Bishop of Rome

Little is know of Gregory’s younger years, except that Italy was in turbulence from Goth invasions. He had three sisters who were nuns, and after the death of his parents converted the house into a monastery. He was ordained deacon, and later served as Papal delegate to Constantinople. He was elected Pope in 590, and immediately set down that he was not claiming St. Peter’s throne, and pr\ised the life of the monks (he was the first Monastic bishop of Rome).

Gregory is most know for sending missionaries to northern Europe in a time in which the Pope had little authority over Italy, Britain or Spain. Most famous of his missions was sending Augustine to England to proclaim the Gospel to the Anglo Saxon peoples, leading to some conflict with the Celtic church, but eventually leading to a missionary movement spreading form England to the north of Europe and extending as far east as Kiev.

Liturgically, plain song chant, or Gregorian chant is often attributed to him, and more factually the liturgy of the pre-sanctified which is used by the Eastern Orthodox church until this day for Lent and Holy Week. Private penance is also attributed to him.

Alms were important to him, but most of the money received by the church went immediately to the service of the poor.

Collect: Lord, you raised up Gregory of Rome to be a servant to the servants of God, and inspired him to send missionaries to England. Raise up in this and every generation Bishops who will truly serve their people in imitation of Messiah, and who are willing to proclaim the Gospel to the ends of the earth. This we ask through Yeshuah haMoshiach, who lives and reigns with you and Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen. (white)

Gregory of Nyssa:9 March 2010

2010-03-08T21:25:00.000-08:00

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregory_of_Nyssa

Gregory, with his brother Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzus is considered to be on the Cappadocian fathers. He was born in Turkey and made Bishop by his brother Basil so as to have an ally in the area. He is known chiefly for helping develop the idea of the Trinity and the infinity of God.

He was deposed twoice by the Aryans, but continued to be a strong defender against their teaching.

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07016a.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregory_of_Nyssa

http://www.orthodoxwiki.org/Gregory_of_Nyssa

Collect: : Heavenly Father, you raised up your servant Gregory of Nyssa to proclaim the Christian faith of one God in trinity of persons. Strengthen us, that like him we may continue steadfast in proclaiming the truth faith. This we ask through Yeshuah HaMoshiach, our Lord and Saviour who lives and reigns with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen. (white)

St. Thomas Aquinas: 8 March 2010

2010-03-07T22:08:00.000-08:00

Day of the discovery of the Holy Cross: 6 March

2010-03-05T23:45:00.000-08:00

It is said that St. Helena, the mother of Constantine discovered a portion of the true cross in 326 on this day,. (St. Helena discovered the true sites of many events, guided by dream, a fiend of mine calls her the patron St. of Travel Agents), and while there might be questions about some of the sites, there is a certain amount of archaeological evidence showing that the location of the church of Holy Sepulchre is accurate. The church was dedicated on the 13th of September 335. The following day, the cross was taken out to the hill top believed to be Calvary and venerated.

This day, for us a day of fasting, we remember the cross as the instrument of our salvation. Red vestments are worn.

Dear Lord, as the church to venerate the true cross was dedicated this say, so may we dedicate our lives to you that we would be willing to take up our cross and follow, no matter where you lead. This we ask through our Lord and Saviour Yeshua haMoshiach, who lives and reins with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen. (red)

John and Charles Wesley: 3 March 2010

2010-03-02T21:24:00.000-08:00

John Wesley

Charles Wesley

http://www.raptureme.com/resource/wesley/john_wesley.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/people/charleswesley_1.shtml

John and Charles Wesley are counted to be founders of the Methodist church. Their father was a presbyter in the Church of England and they grew up with a Christian education. In October of 1735 they travelled to Georgia, and came into contact with the Moravians, and were inspired by the Moravian’s faith in God during a storm. Upon arriving in Georgia, the brother had hoped to be witnessing to the Amerindians, but were foiled in their attempts. In 1838, John had a conversion experience at a Moravian Church in Aldersgate, and went to study at Herrenhut, the center of the Moravian movement. John Wesley under George Whitfields’s influence began his open air preaching in 1739. He was unhappy about this as he wished no break with the Church of England, but the poor were not being reached and not going to church, and many of the clergy of the church of England closed their doors to him. As sinner were being saved, John began appointing lay preachers and began setting up rules for chapels and itinerant circuit preachers. Up until 1746, he would not baptize nor serve Holy Communion without approval of the Bishop. In 1748 his ideas on the Episcopate started changing, an by 1784 was ordaining presbyters and overseers for the church in the US, Scotland and England, though opposed by his brother Charles in this. After many years of preaching, he died March 2, 1791.

It was Charles that originally founded the Oxford Methodist group at Oxford, where his brother became leader. We note in passing, that part of the Method of the group was receiving the Holy Communion weekly and studying the Bible. Charles, while know mostly for his hymns (he wrote more than six thousand, was also a powerful preacher, and refused to break with the church of England.

The influence of John and Charles is tremendous. We still have many of Charles’s hymns and John’s sermons. Many believe that the Methodist revival helped change English society and helped prevent revolution. It is certain that their message not only transformed the lives of the poor, who were often forgotten by the Church of England, but also the rich, and led in various movements in which the rich began lending aid to the poor, including the construction of schools and orphanages.

The Methodist, Wesleyan, and many Pentecostal and Holiness churches trace their spiritual roots to Johns and Charles Wesley and the teaching of sanctification, somewhat similar to the Orthodox idea of theosis.

http://wesley.nnu.edu/john_wesley/index.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Wesley

http://www.raptureme.com/resource/wesley/john_wesley.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Wesley

http://www.igracemusic.com/hymnbook/authors/charles_wesley.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/people/charleswesley_1.shtml

Readings: Psalm 103:1-4,13-18
Isaiah 49:5-6
Romans 12:11-17
Luke 9:2-6

Collect: Dear Lord, you gave John and Charles Wesley zeal and gifts of preaching and songwriting. Raise up today preachers who truly are worried for the lost, the poor and the helpless, that we once again would be a community of true faithful proclaiming your word to those whom the world despises. This we ask through Yeshuah haMoshiach, who livers and reigns with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen. (white)

St. Chad: 2 March 2010

2010-03-01T19:45:00.000-08:00

http://www.dur.ac.uk/StChads/icon.html

Chad and his brother Cedd were students of St. Aiden at Lindisfarne, where he became acquainted with Celtic Spirituality. Two other brothers were also active in the Anglo-Saxon church. Before being ordained as a priest, he traveled to Ireland with St. Egbert to study there. Apparently the custom was not to ordain to the priesthood until about thirty years old, being the age at which Christ began his ministry.

Chad and his brothers were very influenced by Celtic Spirituality which emphasized austerity, Biblical exegesis, and led to a consciousness and focus on the end times.

We find Chad taking his brother Cedd’s place as abbot at Lastingham after Cedd died in the plague, in 663.

Whenever a gale would spring up, Chad would call on god to have pity on humanity. IF it intensified he would prostrate himself in prayer, and if it grew worse go to the chapel and sing psalms till the storm abated. When asked by his companions, he explained that storms were sent by God to remind humans of the day of judgement and to humble their pride.

Chad was selected Bishop of York (and Northumbria) by king Oswiu. He had to travel to Wessex where he was ordained by the Bishop of Wessex and two Welsh bishops (as the plague had decimated the number of Bishops, and three Bishops were required for ordination.

Chad was faithful in his call traveling to all the towns and villages, baptizing and confirming, following the Celtic role of Bishop as prophet and missionary. As the king had appointed two bishops for York, and the first one had finally returned, Theodore, Archbishop of Canterbury asked Chad to step down, which he did. Surprised by Chad’s humility, Archbishop Theodore had Chad consecrated as Bishop of the Mercia. Land was donated for the monastery of Lichtfield, and Chad took up residence, and began his work as Bishop in similar vein to before, confirming baptizing, and guiding the people. Chad refused to ride horseback, as Jesus had not done so. He has a dispute with Archbishop Theodore over this who manually lifted him into the saddle. Chad died March 2, 672 after encouraging his monks to persevere.

For more information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chad_of_Mercia

Collect: : Dear Lord who raised up Chad to be Bishop of Lichtfield, and gave him humility to cheerfully to relinquish his honours. Grant in this and every generation that we would seek only your honour and glory. This we ask through Yeshuah haMoshiach, who livers and reigns with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen.

St. Maththias: 24 February 2010

2010-02-23T20:52:00.000-08:00

St. Polycarp, Bishop, Martyr: 23 February 2010

2010-02-22T21:00:00.000-08:00

http://www.comeandseeicons.com/p/pha19.htm

Polycarp was bishop of Smyrna in the 2nd Century. Little is know about him, except that he was a disciple of St. John, and that he suffered martyrdom for refusing to recant the Christian faith. When asked to recant his faith, he replied, “Eighty-six years have I served him, and he never did me any wrong. How can I blaspheme my king who saved me.” Before being led to the stake he praised God for the privilege to be a martyr. After the pile of wood was lit he remained unharmed, surrounded by flames, yet unburned, and finally was stabbed to death. He is chiefly known for his Letter to the Philippians in which he describes apostolic faith. The Martyrdom of Polycarp, is considered to be authentic, and together with his letter to the Philippians are part of the writings of the Apostolic Fathers.

Lessons:
Psalm121
Numbers 23:5-12
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
Matthew 20:20-23

Collect: Heavenly Father, who gave Polycarp courage and boldness to confess Yeshuah as Messiah, Saviour and Lord and to die for that faith, grant us courage, boldness and faith to imitate him that we may be willing to live and die for you. This we ask through Yeshuah haMoshiach, who livers and reigns with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen.

Moshe: Tranfered from Sunday

2010-02-21T22:28:00.001-08:00

http://www.iconograms.org/sig.php?eid=192

As we approach Peshach or Passover and Easter, it is a good thing to consider Moshe Rabeinu (1393?-1273? BC), more well known to us westerners as Moses. There is still speculation about the exact years in which he lived. According to the Rabbis, Moses was born and died on the 7th of Adar. Moses lived in Egypt for 40 years, towards the end of which, he killed an Egyptian who was mistreating one of the Habiru (Hebrew) people. Moshe then spent the next forty years taking care of sheep in the desert. The end of this period he has his encounter with the burning bush. His last forty years he spent combating Pharaoh and leading the Hebrews to freedom.

We can look at this in a different way. During Moshe’s first forty years he attempted to save his people through his own efforts. His second forty years were spent learning to depend on God. His last forty years were spent in allowing God to use him to save his people.

Forty is an important number in the Bible. Forty is a number which symbolises trials, temptations and preparations. Moses spends forty years getting to know God in the desert. The children of Israel spend forty years in the desert to prepare to enter the promised land. Yeshua (Jesus) spent forty days in the desert to prepare for his ministry, and of course we have forty days of Lent.

Moses, when he encounters the burning bush approaches to see this strange sight. God instructs him to remove his sandals and come no closer because he is standing on holy ground. Today, the Cohen (Jewish priest) removes his shoes before giving the Aaronic blessing. In both the Coptic and Assyrian churches, the congregation remove their shoes in memory of this verse, and that their church is holy ground. I myself usually remove my shoes before entering the church, or at the least before approaching the alter, in memory of this verse.

Moses does not jump at the opportunity to save his people. Perhaps the memory of the slain Egyptian gives him doubts. Perhaps he did not want to confront the Pharaoh, of whom the Midrash and Talmud suggest grew up with Moses, perhaps he has finally realised that he is not worthy. But God is not concerned with our worthiness. He is concerned with our brokenness and our willingness to be used by him. Moses was a murderer, yet God used him. Samson was a philanderer, yet God used him. You and I are sinners (or were before we accepted Jesus, but now we are saints, we’ll save that for another day). Moses was broken when he fled Egypt, Sampson when his eyes were removed. Are we broken? Have we come to the point that we realise that we are not worthy, nor will we ever be ready for God’s gift of eternal life to us? Do we really appreciate what a wonderful gift this is?

When we are truly broken, and realise that we have no power to help ourselves, nor do those things that God wants us to do, then we are ready to be used by God. “Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord and he will lift you up.” (James 3:16) His strength and power are truly manifest in our weakness.

But Moshe hesitates. He tells Adonai YHWH that he is slow of speech. (An aside on this, according to the Talmud, Moshe was a very intelligent child, so intelligent in fact that the Pharaoh became worried that Moshe would supplant his son. Pharaoh’s counsellors suggested that they test Moshe by putting a piece of gold and a burning ember in the crib. If Moshe took the gold, they would know there was danger. Moshe began to reach for the gold, but an angel of YHWH (blessed be the name) pushed Moshe’s hand to the ember which he took and put in his mouth burning his tongue). Anyway, the Lord reminds Moshe that it was the Lord YHWH who created Moshe and gave him his mouth, and of course arranges for Aaron to speak for Moshe. The point that we need to take is that if YHWH calls us to do something, he will give us the power to do it. The Lord sent me to Honduras. It took me a year to learn Spanish, but I was preaching in my first week of travel in Mexico. I was sent to the Miskito Coast. In six months the language was learned. Brothers and sisters, this was not me, it was the Lord. When he gives us a job, he gives us the ability to complete it. This is not just a job in missions or ministry. This is in holiness as well. God calls us to be holy as he is holy.

Friends, I am deeply disappointed by seeing all the smokers rush to the door of their church (close by our house) so they can get that cigarette. I am appalled by gluttony that I see in Christian brothers (and myself, but I am in battle, 22 pounds down and 42 to go). I am disgusted that George Barna’s statistics show that Christian youth are more likely to be involved in sex than non-church attendees. Oh Lord, forgive us, have we done such a sorry job teaching our children.

There are two problems. One, we have lost the power of self-discipline. When I was in high school, contraception methods were pretty primitive. The birth control pill had not yet been invented, yet one girl in four years in a class of 900 plus got pregnant. Times they have changed. My first year in a regular public high school, fourteen of about 200 students that I had were pregnant. People tell me times are changed we cannot go back. My response is balderdash. First we need to remember that sex is a gift for use in marriage only. Secondly we need to know that God will give us the power to overcome any sin in our life. Any sin. Sexual sin, addiction, any sin.

When I gave up my snuff, I had been using it fourteen years. The good Lord showed me that it was messing up my witness with the youth group with which I worked. I was reminded on Christian radio that God was bigger than my tobacco habit. I laid my can of tobacco on the altar, asked the Lord to take away my desire and have been free ever since (twenty-three years now).

Brothers and sisters, God is calling you to personal holiness. You know where if you are listening to him. He will give you the power to conquer sin in your life. God is also calling you to work for him. I do not know where, but you do. Have no doubts. God will give you the power. Twenty-two years ago I left Conroe, Texas on my motorcycle with $90.00 in my pocket. About 10 weeks later I arrived in Honduras still with money in my pocket. God had cleared a way for me miraculously to make it all the way to Honduras. A week after I showed up at the Episcopal School in Tela, the teacher had to leave on an emergency trip because her father was dying. It is amazing how God moves.

Don’t be afraid. Don’t argue with God. Don’t tell him you cannot do it. Be like Samuel and tell him, “Speak Lord, your servant is listening.” Tell him, “I cannot do it on my own, but with you at my side all things are possible.

Moshe Rabeinu, (once he got going) displayed faith. Note, before each of those miracles, except the food ones, Moshe had to obey God, and trust God to do the rest. Let us all go out and do the same.

Readings: Exodus 3:1-14

Collect: Yahweh Shabbaoth, you raised up your prophet Moshe to free the Hebrew people and to talk to you face to face. Grant that we freed from our sins by the blood of Yeshuah would know the liberty of truly being your friends and children as Moshe was. This we ask through Yeshua haMoshiach, who lives and reins with you and Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen. (white)

18 February: Martin Luther

2010-02-17T20:58:00.001-08:00

Ash Wednesday

2010-02-16T22:08:00.000-08:00

Please excuse me for not putting in today's readings. Several in the family are sick and one cousin wrecked her car so my attention was diverted.

Ash Wednesday is the fast day which begins Lent in the west. Lent is 46 days to allow for 40 days of fasting. (We do not fast on Sundays because they are days in which we celebrate the resurrection of the Lord Yeshuah haMoshiach and so are feast days)

Lent was originally the final time of preparation to prepare catechumates for baptism, the end of a three year process. In time it also became a time in which people who were excommunicated were prepared to renter communion with the church. Eventually it became a time in which all Christians made special restitution for their sins.

Traditionally, Lent follows Shrove Tuesday. On Shrove Tuesday, Christians would go to their priest or anamchara for confession and receive absolution (In Old English, the priest would "Shrive" them, hence the term Shrove Tuesday, "Shrove" being past tense of "Shrive"). As part of the process of absolution, the person would receive a penance assigned to them by the priest or Anamachra. The penance would begin on Ash Wednesday and end on the Saturday before Easter.

Traditionally we refrain from meat and animal products during Lent, and those who wish to follow a stricter practice will abstain from food on Wednesdays and Fridays during Lent. We have no fixed rule, but we do encourage our congregation to abstain from pleasures during Lent, whether they be food, television or whatever. Time or money saved should go to charity or to the church. Many who fast use the money they save to contribute to the local food bank. Time saved by not watching TV might be used to study ones Bible, or take some time out to visit your neighbours and tell them about Christ. Lent should not be just about restrictions, but about doing positive things for Christ ans well.

Readings:
Isaiah 58:1-12
Psalm 103
Epistle 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10
Gospel Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

Collect: Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing that you have made, and you forgive the sins of all those who are penitent. Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may receive from you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness of our sins. We make our prayer through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, now and forever. Amen.