William Tyndale: 6 October 2009

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/index.html?curid=37669

William Tyndale was born about 1495 near the Welsh border. He studied at Oxford and Cambridge and was ordained to the priesthood in 1521, and soon after began speaking of his desire to translate the scriptures into the English language. It is said that in a dispute with theologians that he said that he would cause a ploughboy to know the scriptures better than the man with whom he disputed.
Finding King Henry VIII to be lacking sympathy for an English Bible, he fled to Germany (and visiting Martin Luther while there). During this time he fled from city to city in exile, in danger of losing his life, and in poverty. In contrast to the popular belief of the time, that we earned our way to heaven, Tyndale preached that salvation was a free gift from God.
He completed his translation of the New Testament in 1525 and had eighteen thousand copies smuggled into England. In 1534 he began work on the Old Testament, and completed the Pentateuch, Jonah, and Joshua through II Chronicles before being captured. He was burned at the stake on this day in 1536, his last words being, “Lord, open the King of England’s eyes.” Miles Coverdale (Jan. 20) went on to finish the work, and up until this time, most Bibles in English are revisions of the Tyndale Coverdale Bible.
For a summary of Tyndales writings, go to English Literature in the Sixteenth Century, Excluding Drama, Oxford UP, 1954), pp 187-191. by C.S. Lewis.
Tyndale and Coverdale actually brought back to England a movement begun by John Wycliff in the 14th century. Since King John’s wife was Anne of Bohemia, Wycliff’s ideas found their way to Prague to influence Jan Huss, who in turn influenced Martin Luther who in turn influenced Tyndale. And interesting circle of ideas. It is believed that the Great Bible, which is the basis for the Authorised (or King James) Version, so that much of Tyndale’s work is preserved in the King James Version.



Collect: Father, you gave to your servant William Tyndale the gifts of knowledge, wisdom and perseverance translate the scriptures into the English language. Grant that we would share his passion to share the scriptures with all the world, that they may be made aware that Yeshuah is the way, the light and the truth, and we pray in the blessed name of Yeshuah, Amen. (red)

St. Francis of Assisi 5 October 2009

http://store.sojo.net/product_p/icnp_sfa.htm

St. Francis was born in Assisi in 1182, the son of a wealthy cloth merchant, who spent much time in France (hence the nickname Francisco). After sickness and military service he heard Christ tell him to fix his falling down house. Francis took this literally and sold a bale of silk and used the money to restore the church. His father was not happy about this and he denounced Francis and disinherited him. Francis gave his father back his purse, and is said to have laid down his clothes to depart naked. Frances claimed for his bride the Lady Poverty, and begged unused stones and did the work on St. Damien’s himself, doing both the manual labour on the church and to earn food. He also scrounged food from the garbage. He staid with the priest, and took care of the lepers as well, cleaning and washing them, as well as feeding them.

Eventually some other young men took up with him, and the Order of Friars Minor was born. In 1210 it was made official by the Pope, and Francis was ordained to the diaconate so he could read the Gospels to his Friars. Francis and his friars not only rebuilt the crumbling church of St. Damien, but renovated the church in a time when clergy were becoming a little too involved with money. His friars went out, following the Gospel to take nothing with them and to give without charge. They preached the Gospel, using words when necessary. Frances probably also set up the first manger scene. He also went to the Holy Land in 1219 to talk with the Sultan, volunteering to walk through the fire to prove the truth of Christianity. He did set up an armistice, but sadly the Christian rulers would not agree to it. There was one good result, the Franciscans were made guardians of the Christian shrines in the Holy Land.

Sadly, the same thing happened to the Order of Friar’s Minor as happened to the early church. Many people joined seeing the joy of the Friars, but were not ready to embrace Lady Poverty, not realizing the joy of being unencumbered by posseions.. While the order was small, Francis was able to keep this practice up. After he retired though, Franciscans began to own houses and other property, and fell quickly from the high ideals of Francis.

Aside from his joy, Francis was also known for his love of animals, whom he often preached to, and which would obey him. During a 40 day fast near the end of his life he received the stigmata, for which he gave thanks, now being able to know first hand the sufferings of Christ. Francis died, October 3, 1226 singing Psalm 141. Francis is one of the most admired of all saints, but the least imitated. Francis wrote many songs showing his joy, some of which we have with us today. A good way to celebrate the day is watching the movie, “Brother Sun, Sister Moon,” about the life of St. Francis. May we learn to be joyful, needing only the Lord Jesus Christ, and nothing else.

Collect: Father, your servant Francis gave up the riches of the world to serve you in poverty. Guide us that we would not only admire Francis, but seek to imitate him as he imitated you. Make us oh Lord, instruments of your peace and help us to know that it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, in giving that we receive and that in dying we are born to everlasting life, this we ask through our Saviour, Yeshuah haMoshiach who lives and reigns with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen. (white)

Mathew 10:7-10, Psalm 141
Note, this day transferred from 4 October. Please note that we give minimal lessons for most saints who are not in the Bible so as disturb in course readings for daily lessons minimally.)

October 1st at Sundown, marks the feast of Sukkoth, or Tabernacles. During this feast the Jewish people build tabernacles or huts, and have all their meals in them and sleep in them as well. Sukkoth was the autumn harvest time and was a type of Jewish thanksgiving. As well, it commemorates the forty years in the desert, and God’s provision. We note in passing, according to Nehemiah, during the forty years in the desert, their clothes did not wear out, in other words, along with manna and water, God provided for all the rest of the people’s needs.

Many Jews today see the Succoth or hut as a sign of God’s protection as well, because God protected the people in the desert as well.

We too, see that Yeshua completes this feast as he does all the others. He provides for us, if we seek the kingdom, and he will protect us. He will not let us be tempted past what we can bear.

As Christians, we too can keep the feast, setting up a tent or dining fly, and having our meals in it. We also set up tents and sleep in them as well, as well as cooking at least lunch and dinner outside. Good time for brisket and smoked turkey as well. We do this in remembrance of the forty years in the desert, and remind ourselves that it took forty years for the children of Israel to become true people of God. Even Jesus spent forty days in the wilderness, and St. Paul spent three years in the wilderness. We might think of it as camping out with God.

During Sukkoth, we remember that becoming a Christian is not an overnight thing, but a process: a process in which for some is quicker, for some is slower, but nevertheless a process in which we learn to apply God’s work to our lives; a process in which we learn to overcome temptation; a process in which we learn to be Yeshua’s hands, and feet and eyes, and mouth; a process in which we learn to trust God; a process in which God builds us into better Christians. As the tent surrounds us, so does God’s provision and protection surround us. We have talked about this process before. The Eastern Orthodox Church refers to it as theosis, that is becoming more God like. As Christ is in God, so we are in Christ. As we become more Christ-like, we become more like the father, for Jesus was his perfect reflection. As Yeshua told Phillip, if you have seen me, you have seen the Father.

It is also a time of thinking. Of the six hundred three thousand plus men to cross the Red Sea and were delivered from slavery in Egypt, only two, Yehoshua (Joshua) and Kalev (Caleb) actually made it to the Promised Land. Yeshua tells us, many are called, but few are chosen. St. Paul tells us to run to win the race, and that the bones of the Israelites littering the ground were given as an example for us to learn. Let us look at this and tremble.

God has called us. Will we follow? Will we trust him to provide for us? Will we speak out for him when it is not popular? Will we call others to follow the Lord Yeshua? The entire Exodus process is something that every Christian must go through, from being baptized to learning in the desert. There will be trials and temptations. God will test and prove us in order to make us strong. After all, God wants people of good character to reside with him forever.

Let us as we celebrate this holiday, analyse where we are in our relationship with Yeshua. Are we crying for meat and melons, or are we advancing for the Kingdom of God? Are we wondering where Moses went, or are we preparing for the battle? Let us pray for all Christians, that they would grow in love, knowledge and obedience to the Lord Yeshua haMoshiach (Jesus the Christ), and let us pray for all Yehudim (Jews) that they would see how Yeshua completes the feast and recognise him as Messiah, and may we trusting in his protection, guidance, power, and providence go to war against Satin and those forces which attempt to enslave us.

Collect for the day: Heavenly Father, as we remember that you caused the Israelites to dwell in tents, and as their clothes and shoes did not wear out, grant that we may rest assured of your protection and blessings. This we ask in the name of our Lord Yeshua haMoshiach, who lives and reins with you and Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen. (white)

Shalom b’Yeshua haMoshiach


Mar Michael Abportus, OSL
Pastor, Congregation Benim Avraham
Bishop of La Porte, Texas

281-867-9081
mjthannisch@sbcglobal.net

Remigius, Archbishop of Rheims: 1 October 2009

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

Remigius was born about 438 and made Bishop at the ripe old age of 22. He served as Bishop of Rheims during the time of the Barbarian invasions and the Arian conflict. In fact it is indeed possible that Remigius changed the history of Europe as he witnessed to Clovis, King of the Franks, who became Catholic Christian as opposed to becoming Arian as did the Goths and the Vandals. Clovis was baptised Christmas day 496 with about three thousand of his followers, and as the Franks were to make big changes in Europe. In fact the Franks prevented the Muslims from taking over France under Charles Martel, and under Charlemagne consolidated power. The Franks also converted the Visigoths so that the Arians no longer had military hegemony over the area. I t should also be noted that Clovis’s descendents helped lead to the conversion of some English royal families during the time of the heptarchy.

I particularly like Religious’ words to Clovis, “Burn what you worshipped, and worship what you burned. Once, Clovis was baptised, Remigius was free to proclaim the Gospel to the Franks, which he did, founding may churches and dioceses. Remigius, like several other saints was known to have a way with animals, sparrows would eat out of his hands as he ate. Chiefly though we remember Remigius for his fine work converting Clovis and the Franks.

Collect: Heavenly Father, as you empowered your Bishop Remigius, to witness the Gospel of our Lord Yeshuah to Clovis, King of the Franks, and to convert him and the Frankish nation, empower us to reach out to the leadership of the nations that they may acknowledge you to be the true sovereign of this world, through our Lord Yeshuah haMoshiach, who lives and reigns with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen. (white)

St. Jerome: 30 September 2009

St. Jerome




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

Jerome was born in about 347and was converted and baptised while a student at Rome. While visiting Trier, he found he was attracted to monastic life, which he tested by living alone in the desert in Syria. He continued his studies in Greek and Hebrew and went to Antioch in about the year 379 and studied under Gregory of Nazianzus. From 382-384 he served as secretary to Pope Damascus and spiritual director to women interested in the Monastic life. After Damascus’s death he returned to Bethlehem and founded a monastery there. He remained there until his death, 30 September 420. Jerome is most famous for his translation of the Bible into the common Latin of the day, which was known as the vulgate. Jerome was one of a long line of people who wanted to make the Bible available to all people. We note in passing that Jerome unlike others of his day used the Masoritic Text, even though most references in the New Testament were actually to the Septuagint.

Collect: Father, you raised up Jerome to render the Bible into the tongue of the common people. Grant in this and every generation men and women who can make your word clear to us that we may truly worship you, this we ask in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Yeshuah haMoshiach. Amen. (white)

St. Michael and all Angels

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.

Biblically, 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 Godl

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
Revelation 1:5-14
Mark 13:21-27
Psalm 14

Yom Kippur: 28 September 2009

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, so 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, Hebrews 9:23-28, Mathew 27:45-51

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