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May 30, 2006
The Earthquake in Indonesia
Our thoughts and prayers go with the thousands of families who have been devastated by the earthquake. The same people of this region had suffered the aftermath of the Tsunami disaster. Our heartfelt sympathies to all those who lost their dear ones. We praythat the Good Lord comfort them in their sorrows and loss and send help their way. Thanks to all the nations that are engaged in this humanitarian outreach to help bring succour to victims.
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May 24, 2006
Da Vinci Lies versus the ASCENSION OF OUR LORD - SURE CERTAINTY THAT HE WILL COME AGAIN
During these past two years, the proponents of Da Vinci Code, have turned into pseudo historian and theologian caring too little for the truth of the matter. The Feast of the Ascension comes to remind us of the fact that Jesus has ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. And He will come again to judge the quick and dead. And His kingdom will have no end. Its easy to buy into a sleezy and cheap stories that the emissaries of the evil one promote, while denying all that is truthful, tested by the sands of time. The certainty of Jesus' return is in the words of the angels:
Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."
While the liars continue their utterances, the freedom that God has given them is taking them in the wrong direction. The two millenia apostolic tradition and the New Testament and the church is a standing testimony to the truth about the Son of God, who came among us.If anyone has ears, let him hear what the evangelist Luke has to say in the Acts of the Apostles:
1In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5For John baptized with[a] water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."
6So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"7He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
9After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.
10They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11"Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."
In the meantime with our hopes fixed on Jesus's certain coming, as St.Peter says,we need to "Be calm, but vigilant. Because your enemy the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to eat. Stand up to him strong in faith.
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May 18, 2006
Da Vinci Code: SOME ADVISE FROM THE ARCHBISHOP
The Da Vinci Code author Don Brown’s mega selling thriller kicks you into high gear. A full 454 pages, and you’ll discover a lot of shocking facts about history and Christianity. Or will you? The answer is a resounding NO! It’s pure trash-yellow journalism, at its absolute worst.
The Code says – Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene, when he named her leader of the church before his death.
The Truth is: This fantasy has no support even from the “Gnostic gospels’ mentioned in the Da Vinci Code Book, let alone from historical data. I’ve read those so called gospels written, in some cases, hundreds of years after the time of the Apostles. They are foolish, childish and all try to deny the divinity of Jesus Christ.
The Code says- Since the year 1099, a super secret society called ‘The Priory of Sion’ has preserved knowledge of Jesus and Mary’s descendents.
The Truth is – Today’s “Priory of Sion” was founded in the 1960’s by a French con man who falsified documents to support the story of Jesus’ blood line.
The Code says – As a “Priory” leader and pagan goddess worshipper, Leonardo Da Vinci coded secret knowledge about Jesus and Mary into his paintings.
The Truth is - Da Vinci had no known ties to any secret societies. Any obscure images in his painting likely reflect his personal creativity.
The movie is being encouraged by a number of mainline denominations and some evangelical groups who have drifted off into fantasy and heresy. Actually, they are only fulfilling what St. John wrote about in his epistle Chapter 4 verses 1,2 3.
1. Beloved do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2. By this you know the Spirit of God: every sprit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh, is of God 3. and every sprit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God, And this is the spirit of the Anti Christ, which you heard was coming, and is now already in the world.
Pope Benedict XVI wrote as Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger in 2003 in book entitled “Truth and Tolerance”. He said
the uniqueness of Christ is directly related to the uniqueness of God and to the concrete form of this. Christ is not an avatar of God, perhaps an especially impressive one, one of the multifarious finite manifestations of the divine, in which we learn to have some inkling of the divine. He is not a “Manifestation” of the divine, but is God. In him, God has shown his face. Any one who sees Him sees the Father Jn14.9
As Christians we cannot allow ourselves to be drawn into persuasions, no matter their Hollywood slickness and presentation. To buy the Da Vinci Code book or to view the soon to be released film is not just a waste of time and money, but it is allowing oneself to seek out, to support, and to encourage those who are enemies of Christ and His Church.
It was St.Paul writing to Timothy in Chapter 4 verse 1-2 who said
“Now the Spirit expressly says that in the latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron.”
The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all
++ Stephen C. Reber Sr.
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Da Vinci Code - A Hoax and greatest SPIN of our times
As Christians we ought to know that heretics and their heresies revisit history. Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code is one such. Many scholors have responded against Dan Brown's fictitious rendition of erroneous facts that has become the best selling controversy - because it is about Jesus Christ, the Son of God and His church. Millions have shed their blood in defending this faith in Him in this two millenia of Christianity. No Dan Brown or a heretic can ever defile the Savior of the universe, with cheap fiction. Many have tried it. Don't we remember the "Last Temptation of Christ" which carried a similar theme years ago?
Dan Brown's claims in his "Da Vinci Code" are ruthless for the following reasons:
Claim #1:That the Divinity of Christ was voted by the Council of Nicea by Emperor Constantine:
Fact: A practice prevalent among the early christians and new catechumans who would be preparing for baptism was the Apostle's Creed, (the Creed that the Apostles believed from their encounter with Jesus during His public ministry and resurrection)which was the bedrock of Christian belief. Across the Christendom this was a baptismal assertion.
- Let us reverence the Lord Jesus Christ, whose blood was given for us. Clement of Rome (C.96)
- The Christians trace the beginning of their religion to Jesus the Messiah. He is called the Sond of the Most High God. It is said that God came down from heaven. He assumed the flesh and clothed himself with it from a Hebrew virgin. And the Son of God lived in a daughter of man. Aristides (c.125)
- The Word... He is Divine. Justin Martyr (c.160)
- He is God, for the name Emmanuel indicates this. Irenaeus(c.180)
- He is God in the form of man, stainless, the minister of His Father's will, the workd of God who is God, who is in the Father, who is at the Father's right hand. And with the form of God. He is God. Clement of Alexandria (c.195)
- Christ's name is extending everywhere, believed everywhere, worshipped by all enumerated nations, reigning everywhere. Tertullian (c.197)
-Jesus Christ Himself is the Lord and Creator of the soul. Origen(c.225)
-Jesus Christ is our Lord and God, is the Son of God the Father and Creator. Seventh Council of Carthage (c.256)
In the Council of Nicea, the early fathers of the church and bishops gathered to promulgate the Apostle's Creed as the universal(catholic) creed and counteract the then prevalent heresy - Arianism.Those who read the early father's teachings know too well, that Dan Brown is absolutely wrong. Emperor Constantine was not the one to authenticate the Divinity of Christ.
The fact is, little does Dan Brown realize, that he is challenging two millennia of church history, which primarily comprised of the Apostolic Tradition that has safeguarded the canons and the interpretation of Scripture.
- Therefore stop your ears when anyone speaks to you contrary to Jesus Christ, who was descended from David, and was also of Mary...His Father raising Him to life- in the same manneras His Father will also raise us up, we who believe in Him by Christ Jesus. Ignatius of Antioch(c.105)
Claim #2 That Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene.
Fact: New Hammadi findings, are coptic scripts, not the aramaic the language of Jesus and the apostles, written 3 centuries later and the coptic tradition has it that they tell their tale through a historic mouthpiece. Scholars agree that the farther the scripts are from the date they signify, the more they lose their credibility. Hence, the false claim based on any of these coptic texts and presumably Dan Brown's interpretation of Da Vinci Code, that Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene is ABSOLUTE NONSENSE. With Shakespeare we can say,'Its a tale told by an idiot full of sound and fury, signifying nothing at all'. People are entitled to their opinion but they cannot undermine a tradition that is two thousand years old, whose veracity has been tested through the sands of times, whose followers have been martyred for their faith in Jesus Christ. So, it was someone's wishful thinking that brought about these extra so called gospels of controversy. Cudos to the archeological discovery! St. Thomas, one of the Twelve, would cringe at the gospel written in his name, 'Gospel of Thomas'. Thomas was an apostle who came to South India, whose feet brought the good news to the coastlands of Southern India. Just because some dunces had some fantastic tale to offer, that does not mean that the saint was clamouring to proclaim his views but that of Christ. His own martyrdom and the tomb stand as historic testimonial to his faith in Jesus Christ, whom he accepted as 'My Lord and My God'. And so is Mary Magdalene, who brought the good news of the resurrection of Jesus to the apostles. And so is Leonardo Da Vinci, who repented at the time of his death and reconciled with his savior.
In every age there are sympathisers and followers even for the most notorious people. It is not surprising that there was a gospel for Judas Iscariot, hailing him as a saint when he was a traitor. Repetition of multiple lies is not going to turn in to truth. If in the year 4000 A.D. should some one unearth a document about a current notorious criminal, whom they idealized as a saint, such document is not going to counter validate the truth, that this person is a criminal.
Thank heavens we are not in those times of retribution when hereteics were burnt at stake. Today we value life over lies, and let people opine. But that does not mean that they can undermine what we treasure, namely our faith in Jesus. Dan Brown will pay a price for his own voluptuous rendition of the Divinity of Jesus Christ, at his own death bed. His cheap shot is not going to malign the nature of Christ. One thing is sure, that all must die some day and meet their Creator who is their savior and judge.
So, if you don't care about this novel or movie and want to boycott them, that is good. But if you read the book or watch the movie, be careful, lies are told subtly and as my friend Don puts it, 'you don't want to gulp crystal clear water, not knowing that it has a pinch of cyanide in it'. Tertullian (c.197) aptly puts it:
Heresies have no power if men would cease to wonder that they have such power. Fot it either happens that, while men wonder, they fall into a snare. Or because they are ensnared they cherish their surprise-as if heresies were so powerful because of some truth which belonged to them.
May we have the discernment in reading the signs of our times and deepen our relationship with the Risen Christ until His sure but second coming. And to all those that are seeking to defend the Truth that Jesus is true God and true man, turn to the early Fathers of the Church who bore witness to Jesus Christ by their life and their death.
Almighty and everlasting Father, who hast promised to be with thy Church to the end of the world: Grant that by the power of the Holy Ghost, we all may hold fast to the faith once delivered to the saints, and in all truth and godly discipline, fulfill the purpose of Him loved it and gave Himself for it, thy Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen
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May 12, 2006
"Father that they may be all one" - Thirst for unity
The thirst for unity was visible in the voice of the people echoing the words of Jesus, 'that they may be all one'.
The sad story of the alphabet soup of the continuing movement is the resultant of the individual characteristics of its shepherds and certainly not the doctrines. This is the basic feeling of faithful anglicans who are tired of division among the continuing movement.
We believe that this thirst for unity is very much the desire of the anglicans, at least we could vouch for in the yearnings of the members of the Diocesan Synod of New Orleans of the Anglican Catholic Church, echoing the sentiments of Anglicans across the nation. "There is more reason for us to work together than there are other reasons against it". Then why not unite and work together for His kingdom and His glory. May His Spirit lead us all to this unity that all of us longing for.
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May 11, 2006
Diocese of New Orleans Synod - ACC
Today we arrived at the Radisson Hotel Opryland to participate in the synod of the Diocese of New Orleans, representing the UECNA. We received a warm welcome from Fr. Bill Zimmerman, whose hometown and local parish is in Nashville TN. There is so much joy and enthusiasm and hope that together as the BODY OF CHRIST we could accomplish so much more for His kingdom until His second coming again.
I thought I could sneak into the hotel, dressed in my priestly clericals. Lo and Behold, I was greeted by this wonderful priest, who went down on my knees to kiss my hand.Wow what an attitude of the servant - Deacon, true to its name. Of course they were wondering where my bishop's ring and cross were. Both of us shared one attire for sure - the clergy collar- a symbol of servitude for Christ and His flock.
Bishop Presley Hutchins is the reason for this synod and for our being here. Let us hope and pray that we will bring peace, harmony and togetherness in accomplishing the mission of Christ.The enthususiasm for Unity in the Body of Christ is very much alive.
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May 4, 2006
God bless America
As we observe the National Day of Prayer, We pray for His blessings on our dear land from sea to shining sea. We pray for His continued protection, guidance and strength for this land.
We are thankful for this great nation, for faith and freedom. That our nation will continue to be the world leader in ensuring peace, security and prosperity. That our leaders will discern the great responsibility of leading this nation and the world. Please take a few moments to pray for this country, men and women in armed forces and all those who are leading us in official capacities.
O LORD, our heavenly Father, the high and mighty Ruler of the universe, who dost from thy throne behold all the dwellers upon earth; Most heartily we beseech thee, with thy favour to behold and bless thy servant THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, and all others in authority; and so replenish them with the grace of thy Holy Spirit, that they may always incline to thy will, and walk in thy way. Endue them plenteously with heavenly gifts; grant them in health and prosperity long to live; and finally, after this life, to attain everlasting joy and felicity; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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