April 13, 2007
Easter Musings
Due to a technical upgrade, I could not wish you a HAPPY EASTER! However, liturgically we are in the Easter Octave and therefore, "Happy Easter" and may the peace of the Risen Christ and the joy of the holy season be yours.
The Holy Week was a loaded one, both spiritually and emotionally for all those who participated in the services. Partaking in the passion, death and resurrection of Christ in the kairological mode, though we do this in chronological times, was very involving. It's a wonderful way to own up to the Passion, Death and Ressurection of Christ to ourselves.
The Risen Savior is in our midst, having faced all the agonies of humanity in his passion. Jesus is, in His Risen Glory, much closer to us in our humanity. He is "Emmanuel" - God who is with us - through every phase of our lives. As in the Blessing of the Paschal Candle of the Easter Vigil service, we read:
Christ yesterday and today
the Beginning and the end Alpha
and Omega (omega below the cross)
all time belongs to him
and all the ages
to him be glory and power
through every age for ever. Amen
Here's St. Paul's quote of Jesus as the image of the invisible God.How wonderful is the knowledge of this.
10And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 13For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins..15He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross (Colossians 1:10-20)
May the Lord of our lives bless you during this Easter season and everyday of your life with His own words, "Peace be with you!"
Posted by frleo at 8:27 AM | Comments (0)
June 13, 2005
GAY MARRIAGE and CANTERBURY
The Archbishop of Canterbury has okayed the marriage of gay priests. Where is the church going to? Many bloggers have been opining on this.
The hypocrisy of Canterbury is only being revealed, when it opposed the same issue with ECUSA in its Windsor Report. And now the Archbishop has approved same sex unions for the clergy in the Church of England. According to the Windsor Report it was only a matter of time.
"BECAUSE AT THIS TIME WE ARE NOWHERE NEAR CONSENSUS" ...
When this was written, the approval of same-sex unions was only a consensus away. The Lambeth Commission has acted already on this premise once: Right or wrong, if there is a consensus it is okay for them to approve -- as long as there is consensus. There is a similar paradigm in the case of the ordination of women. It seems that morality is based on majority opinion, not on Scripture or Apostolic Tradition.
At the time of the Windsor Report, Canterbury's position on ECUSA was very stiff. But now the Archbishop has gone ahead approved the "marriage" of gay clergy. All the while, ordination of gay clergy was a clandestine affair. Now it has come out into the open.
Those who are leaving ECUSA and seeking Anglican Communion are only jumping from the frying pan into the fire. Where can they turn? Perhaps the continuing churches? YES.
I belong to the United Episcopal Church of North America. We cannot boast of big dollars and buildings. The properties are owned by the people and we are purely attending to their spiritual and pastoral needs. Some of our stories are heart wrenching, when we chose to continue in the Faith, instead of embracing ECUSA's tampering with theology and liturgy in the form of the 1979 BCP. Martin Luther said, "Let goods and kindred go, This mortal life also; The body they may kill, God's truth abideth still." Thirty years ago we saw the finality of ECUSA's liberalism.
We hope Anglicans will hold on to their faith even though some of their leaders are leading them astray.
Posted by frleo at 3:55 PM | Comments (0)
June 10, 2005
Speak When You Must
In my Marriage and Family Counseling Class, we were examining various types of families -- the nuclear, blended, single parent ... gay/lesbian couples. The discussion continued until at one point, the gay/lesbian couple style of family almost came to be accepted as a "normal" mode of existence. I was sitting there, waiting for my turn to speak of course.
Just then our professor asked this question: As a counselor what would you do if a gay couple came to you for counseling? After having listened to what was going on, I could not but open my mouth and speak. I understand that this is a current phenomena, but that does not mean it is a normal. Each of us come from a different background and might have different take on it. As for me, coming from a traditional and spiritual background, I cannot counsel a gay couple. First of all, my own prejudice would prevent me, and also perhaps I might not do justice to the profession. Therefore, the best thing for me would be to refer them to another counselor. The professor thought my answer was a professional one, but then the argument continued on the importance of developing an open mind and a challenge.
Then began a volume of exchange regarding the respect to the human person. One person asked, if a pre-teen who continues to have pre-marital sex came to you, what would you do? The question was not directed to me. Then during the break we went over this and I told my professor my take. If something is sinful, it is sinful, and I would welcome any person. But as a priest I am obligated to correct them, whether it is a question of pre-marital sex or homosexuality. Just then my friend quipped, what we are looking at is not disregard for the human person, but disregard of the behavior. He is right: we are called to respect every fellow human being, but that does not mean we have to accept their behavior. Slowly we could see the whole class looking at it from their own natural and religious perspective.
If you don't speak out, that is tantamount to your acceptance of it. Unfortunately, that's how silence is interpreted these days!
Posted by frleo at 2:09 PM
June 2, 2005
On Leading and Misleading
In this time of turbulance caused by the mainstream ECUSA, it is great to ponder on the role the Fellowship of Concerned Churchmen played during the 1977 Congress of St. Louis and the Affirmation of St. Louis which resulted. The mission of their magazine, The Christian Challenge, is to promote and safeguard orthodoxy. It was during the time of the 1977 St. Louis Congress that the UECNA began its journey of adhering to the faith already, when ECUSA wanted to tamper with the Book of Common Prayer.
It is good for the continuing churches do an examen of conscience and see whether we are the custodians of faith and morals, a responsibility that we need to be conscious of. On Midwest Conservative Journal, I agree with EJN's comment on the Tradition of the 1928 Book of Common Prayer, whose theology and liturgy we observe very meticulously. I am a priest of the United Episcopal Church of North America who focusses on the origin of our traditions which are Biblically sound, sacramentally orthodox and Apostolically valid. I believe that all the like-minded continuing churches can together and lead the people of God, preserving and protecting the 'faith once given to the saints." The differences among the many continuing churches are not that of theology but that of churchmanship.
May His Spirit lead us on toward this unity which Jesus prayed for, "that they may all be one." Grace and Peace.
Posted by frleo at 11:20 AM
May 31, 2005
Of Clowning ...
To those of who think this stunt is new on the part of ECUSA, please remember that they have been there and done that. I am referring to the "Clown Eucharist" at Trinity Episcopal Church in New York this past Trinity Sunday. Turning the Holy Eucharist into a play thing pretty much bespeaks of ECUSA's leniency and the ease with which they carry out their experimentations, ignoring the sanctity of the sacraments.
Sorry, but we cannot let these people continue with their aberrations, which apparently know no limit. These guys need to understand their calling and be sensitive to the sacredness of all that is dear to us Christians. Holy Eucharist is the ultimate symbol of Christ's love and is His parting gift to us. How could anyone make a baffoonery and lampoon the sacrament in this way?
For those of us who seek guidance in spirituality, ECUSA is not the right place to look to. It undermines everything for which the apostles and the martyrs laid down their lives.
Where can we go from here? To the Anglican Communion? The reasons for which people are abandoning ECUSA are the very things being embraced within the Anglican Communion. Check this out. Those who are making a leap into the Anglican Communion are but jumping from the frying pan into the fire.
We need to pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and pray that the good Lord will guide the actions of these people and bring them to realize that not only they are misled, but they are misleading believers as well.
"I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:8)
Posted by frleo at 6:09 PM
May 26, 2005
Memorial Day Musings
Memorial Day takes us down memory lane: invoking sad but also fond, patriotic memories of all those who laid down their lives in defending our nation. War Cemetriesand War Memorials stand to tell us of their sacrifice for us. In one of the War Memorials in Kohima, India, the inscription reads: "When you go home tell them of us and say for your tomorrow we gave our today." It is for our Tomorrow that they gave their TODAY.
What can I do TODAY for our future generation tomorrow? It is reminiscent of the words of President John F. Kennedy: "Ask not what your country can do for you -- ask what you can do for your country." It is good to think what we can responsibly pass on to future generations, as we pay tribute to the memories of those who are dear to us and have gone before us. It could be faith, morals, lifestyle, values, research or anything for that matter.
Let us remember all the men and women in uniform who are placed in strategic and yet risky fronts -- that they may be protected as they continue to give their todays for our tomorrows.
Let us remember those who have gone before us -- that they may enjoy peace and eternal rest in the Lord.
Posted by frleo at 12:38 PM
May 11, 2005
Is 'Homosexuality" An Issue of ECUSA Alone?
The answer is no.
The following is not meant to put anyone down but to inform people what they are getting when they seek an alternative within the Anglican Communion in place of their present predicament within ECUSA.
In my previous reference to the homosexuality issue, I made a point that it is not an issue of ECUSA alone and that even the Anglican Communion is no exception:
The Anglican Bishop of London, Richard Chartres, has warned his gay clergy to end homosexual relationships or face disciplinary action, reports The Sunday Times. Bishop Chartres leads a diocese in which the proportion of gay priests is estimated at 30 to 40 percent, the highest in the Church of England. Many live with their companions, often describing them as "lodgers."
Or read this, where the Canon Jeffrey John, who would have become Britain's first openly gay bishop but for a storm of protest from Anglican conservatives. This is a repeat scenario of ECUSA's Gene Robinson, the only difference being that Gene Robinson gladly embraced it at the cost of demoralizing and hurting ECUSA and the other did not. And this interview with one of Canon John's supporters.
Hence, a word of caution to those looking for a reprieve from ECUSA and seeking solace within the Anglican Communion: Know what you are embracing. Don't be naive and vulnerable.
Come be a part of the UECNA, a tradition that seeks to guard and defend, instruct and guide its faithful without compromising any aspect of the "faith once given to the saints." Our responsibility is enormous. It is our duty to pass this faith untainted to the generations to come.
Posted by frleo at 8:19 AM
May 10, 2005
Six Priests Face Suspension
Christianity Today has a story of the six priests from Connecticut who are facing suspension from their ECUSA bishop Smith. Extolling their courage in the face of impending threat from their hierarchy, I have touched base with one of their senior wardens. I have also touched base with the Rector of Christ's Episcopal Church in Overland Park, KS, and another Rector in Lexington, KY. But unfortunately, as has been customary, they are looking forward to an Episcopal oversight from Africa and want to remain within the Anglican Communion.
However, there are also problems within the Anglican Communion under the direction of present leadership. Homosexuality is very much prevalent among the clergy -- should that alone be the criterion for their stand.
If there are seekers of tradition and orthodoxy among any of them wanting to join the Anglican Communion, their effort is tantamount to jumping from the frying pan into the fire. Homosexuality alone should not be the criterion for their decision. Where does their church stand on abortion, euthanesia, justice and the values of the Kingdom that Jesus preached?
As we have assured them of our support and prayers, we pray that they will behold the truth and embrace it in its entirety.
Posted by frleo at 9:47 PM
May 9, 2005
KINGDOM OF HEAVEN: Eleven dollars
"Kingdom of Heaven? Eleven dollars." That was what I heard over the counter for the movie tickets for two. Does that not sound familiar regarding the sale of indulgences for passport to Heaven? Martin Luther challenged the Roman Catholic Church regarding indulgences, and now the Roman Catholic Church acknowledges that Luther was right!!!
"Kingdom of Heaven." Enamoured by this title, Holly and I went to see this movie last Saturday. What saw the struggle to fight for the Holy Land -- the Crusaders and the Muslims at odds. Lives were lost and blood was shed all in God's holy name. The film was a wonderful rendition of the sad saga of our history and is definitely a must-see.
Ridley Scott's KINGDOM OF HEAVEN is an epic adventure about a common man who finds himself thrust into a decades-long war. A stranger in a strange land, he serves a doomed king, falls in love with an exotic and forbidden queen, and rises to knighthood. Ultimately, he must protect the people of Jerusalem from overwhelming forces while striving to keep a fragile peace. The film is a great portrayal of what would have happened during the times of the Holy Crusades.
Coincidentally (Coincidence does not work with me: I call it Providence, because nothing ever happens to us without God's willing it. Therefore, it is Providence and not Coincidence), Providentially, last Sunday's gospel reflected on Jesus words: "yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service." Think of the terrorism, fundamentalism and politics within the religious system, all of them in God's name. The gospel concluded with Jesus' words: "But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them."
"Kingdom of Heaven" exhibits a predilection for the lives of the people versus fighting over a piece of land. This certainly echoes the words of Jesus that the kingdom of God is within you. Understanding this within our own selves, we can understand the words of Fr. Henry M. Nouwen, "when you stand before another person, remember you stand on a holy ground, just as Moses did when he stood before the burning bush."
One of the things that any book or movie on the end times does is to cause fear and anxiety in people. When Christ comes, will I be caught up in a rapture or will I left behind? A faithful walk in God's ways will allay all such fears, for God is always faithful. St. Catherine of Sienna reflected on this beautifully: Heaven is not at the end of the road. The road all the way is heaven. If this is so, then why not make Heaven on Earth and stop the insanity of terrorism and massacre in God's name?
Don't miss this wonderful film. It is worth reliving those moments of our past in order to derive sanity for our present.
Posted by frleo at 11:43 AM
May 7, 2005
Mother's Day
"God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers."
Today we honor our mothers, the greatest gift of God to us all. But for her we would not be here on this earth. She has been there for us all along. We salute our mothers who gave us this precious gift of life.
Someone beautifully described her thus:
My Mother taught me LOGIC - "If you fall off that swing and break your neck, you can't go to the store with me." My Mother taught me MEDICINE - "If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they're going to freeze that way." My Mother taught me ESP - "Put your sweater on; don't you think that I know when you're cold?" My Mother taught me TO MEET A CHALLENGE - "What were you thinking? Answer me when I talk to you ... Don't talk back to me!" My Mother taught me HUMOR - "When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me." MY Mother taught me PATIENCE - "Sure, you can do that. As soon as you're 21 and leave the house!" My Mother taught me DIPLOMACY - "I don't want to hear who started it, it takes two to fight." My Mother taught me SHARING - " Play nicely with that or I'll just take it away from both of you." My Mother taught me ETIQUETTE - "Use your fork! If I see that hand on the table again I'll slap it!" But most of all, My Mother taught me LOVE - "You know that whatever you do or whatever happens, I'll stand behind you because I Love you."
Whether our mothers are here on gone Heaven's way, we would like to remember them this day and say: Thank you mom and God bless you!
Posted by frleo at 11:28 PM
Is My Church Faithful?
We all need to sincerely do some soul searching. No matter what church we belong to, we need to be aware of what that particular church stands for, because a church is supposed to be built on the Rock upon which Christ has built His church.
Today many people feel betrayed by their churches. One of the burning issues is homosexuality. That gay bishop and this gay priest, this pedophile clergy and that sexually scandalous clergy annoys them. That is ok, but that's not all. Ask yourself, "Where does my church stand in terms of valuing human life? Does it advocate abortion or euthenasia? Where does it stand in regard to justice, especially in defense of the poor and widowed -- the anawim of Yahweh?"
It is a very nice thought at this time to rally against the liberal episcopal church, but where do we go from thence? The Anglican Communion? Where does the Anglican Communion stand on all of these teachings?
We are called to HOLINESS -- to live in the grace of God, in the presence of God always. Anyone who teaches otherwise is not doing God's will. This should teach us to know the real from the phony. We are called to obey those two commands, the greatest of them all: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your mind and with all your soul. And the second is like unto it. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thy self."
To those who think that the Old Testament is not the inspired word of God and that it is outdated and conveniently emphasize the New Testament alone, Jesus says, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven." (Mt 5:17-19).
Many say, that Jesus is silent about many issues, implying that he acknowldeged its correctitude. I f we go down on our knees in prayer and listen to God speaking to us, God's word will shed light on our every action. As the Psalm says, "Your word O Lord is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path."
As we await the great feast of Pentecost, let us pray that we will worship God in Spirit and Truth. The truth indeed will set us all free! Where does my church stand on all the teachings of Christ? Jesus said, "when the Son of Man comes will He find enough faith on this earth?"
"He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8)
Posted by frleo at 11:20 AM
April 26, 2005
Where Anything Is Okay
Its difficult to refrain from reacting to instances like this. Check this out: "Back by popular demand and once again stripping off for a charity calendar – but this time they’re getting wet!" These are the doings of an Anglican boys choir. The 2005 Heavenly Hunks Calendar will be the third calendar for which members of Portsmouth Cathedral Choir have posed. And note what their Bishop had to comment on this:
The Bishop of Portsmouth, The Rt Rev Kenneth Stevenson, has fully endorsed this project, which has been set up by the Portsmouth Cathedral Choir Association, and said: "'I support anything that involves young people having fun as part of the church and congratulate these lads who have bared more than their souls to raise money for these charities!"
It is instances like these people have to put up with in today's world whether it is ECUSA or the Anglican Church. The church is meant to teach and educate its faithful in faith and morals, as a faithful steward until the Lord comes. That is what Christ meant when He said, the Counselor will reprove the world of sin (because they don't believe in me), of righteousness (because I am away and gone to the Father), and of judgement (because the prince of the world is judged).
The second reproval is worth considering. Even though the Master is away, we cannot do anything and everything and teach people to do the same. The responsibility of the church is to take care of His flock faithfully in accordance with His words.
Wait a minute! Here's more!
The latest regarding Bishop Gene Robinson, is that he is reinterpreting the Gospel to fit his homosexual agenda. In the latest Christian Challenge, there is a reference to this fact. Gene Robinson seems to have alluded to the fact that Christ could have been gay himself, because one of his disciples, it was said, he loved the most and he hung around in groups of men. Can you believe it? This is the path down which they are leading their flocks. We have responsibility to safeguard and teach. We will be judged on this. Here is a watch word for the clergy: More has been given to you; much will be expected of you.
A word of caution to those that are disenchanted with ECUSA and are wanting to join the Anglican Communion: Such a consideration is worth pondering in terms of instances and issues like these -- homosexuality, abortion, etc. It is not just ECUSA becoming wayward.
Some argue that Christ had not said anything openly about these practices. However, if we worship God in SPIRIT and TRUTH, the Spirit of the Living God will make everything clear, when you ask for His guidance with the sincere heart.
Posted by frleo at 8:54 PM
April 22, 2005
Earth Day
God's own gift to us is the Earth, the wonderful abode that the Creator intended for humanity. Caring for the Earth begins with deep respect for the planet and ensuring that we keep its environs clean so that we may responsibly hand over this very Earth to our generations to come. While we appreciate and thank God for the wonder of creation and the habitat for humanity, let us remind ourselves that we need to use this home responsibly so that our children and children's children will still have a home that is safe and good.
Let us remember the words of St. Francis of Assisi: In giving we receive. In other words, what we sow we will reap. What we give to the planet Earth will be returned back to us naturally. So let us take care and use this planet and its resources responsibly.
Posted by frleo at 3:03 PM
April 13, 2005
There Is Hope Within The United States!
The "faith once given to the saints" has been subjected to much compromise to fit the convenience of some individuals. Faithful people are therefore constantly challenged by the proponents of such compromise. Those who abide by Scripture and Tradition are not necessarily conservatives; They are merely faithful. Those who abdicate from Scripture and Tradition are apostates. The faithful are being punished for their stand by the apostates.
Recently, in Connecticut, Bishop Andrew Smith of ECUSA threatened to punish six of his priests who followed the dictates of their conscience and opposed their Bishop's support of Gene Robinson. The vestry of one of these faithful churches in Connecticut put forth a powerful letter to Bishop Smith, denying him permission to meet with their pastor in private. This voicing of moral convinction in unison was an expression of the power of the people. Pat Robertson, in his show last night on CBN, commented that these priests and their congregation just need to leave this apostate church and move on to join the Anglican Communion.
Such faithful ministers of God and their faithful people need not look to Africa for apostolic oversight. There is hope within United States. There is The United Episcopal Church of North America (UECNA), which rejected ECUSA's slippery slope from the very start, 30 years ago. UECNA continues to be faithful to the faith and morals codified in the Scriptures and Apostolic Tradition. The 1928 Book of Common Prayer is what we use in worship, adhering to theology, liturgy and all the great time honored values they encompass. UECNA is biblically sound, sacramentally orthodox and apostolically valid. We will continue serving the Lord until His Second Coming.
If your ECUSA church is struggling against tremendous odds to remain true to the traditional values of your beloved Anglican faith, please visit St. Gabriel's website and the website of our national church, The United Episcopal Church of North America. There is hope within the United States!
May His blessings be with you as you stand up for the truth. The truth will set you free!
Posted by frleo at 10:53 PM
April 11, 2005
Seeking Your Prayers
Tonight, as a pastor, I feel out of my wits. Many of my sheep are in need of God's healing touch. So I am reaching out to the rest of the flock seeking your powerful prayers for their health and well being.
I need your prayers for a person who has resigned to let go of his life and spending last few days on this earth, after having been treated by so much of chemotherapy. I feel for his family to accept such a difficult decision. I need your prayers for people who are undergoing surgery in the hospital tomorrow morning.
Heavenly Father,
You know our thoughts and minds and bodies. Let your Holy Spirit support and sustain, heal and comfort them through these moments of their surgery. Thou knowest us Lord through and through. Be near those who are in need of thy loving touch right now. In Jesus' name we pray. AMEN.
Just as I was typing this tonight, I receive a call from my brother that he has problems with the heart.
I know that God is near to us than we can imagine. He will continue to care for us. I entrust everyone in His loving hands tonight as I retire to rest.
Posted by frleo at 9:29 PM
The Good Shepherd Sunday and UECNA
Wow! What a great reflection for the church to ponder on the character and qualities of a faithful shepherd of Christ. Just as He is the GOOD SHEPHERD and not a hireling who will run for life in case of danger and leave the sheep to the onslaught of the robbers. Nor the shepherd of this calibre would mislead his flocks to terrains that are not safe and dubious. This imagery of the good shepherd applies to our times, our church leaders NOW more than ever.
Rooted in the Scriptures, enshrining tradition, a good shepherd would lay down his life for his sheep just as the GOOD SHEPHERD did. We are the flock and He is the Shepherd. We need to listen to His voice and get to know Him just as He knows each of us individually.
A pastor in today's circumstances needs to be faithful to this GOOD SHEPHERD and protect the flock entrusted to his care with truth, integrity and honesty, ever leading them closer to the heart of Christ.
The United Episcopal Church of North America, is not interested in owning properties and wealth (As a matter of fact, the property where the churches are, belong to the people) but is deeply focussed on the spiritual care of the flock entrusted to its care. We do not compromise on Scriptures or tradition and the great familial values of the traditions we have inherited and will be passing on to the generations to come.
Posted by frleo at 12:00 PM
April 8, 2005
Adieu Great Shepherd!
The world has lost a great spiritual leader and a shepherd. Regardless of who the local representatives of the church are, Pope John Paul II was a charismatic spiritual leader who constantly guided his flock to the heart of Christ.
As we have committed him to the earth, we pray that he will share the kingdom promised for us since the foundation of the world and the kingdom for which he tirelessly worked.
I remember his great pilgrimage to India in 1987 and my own pilgrimage to Rome and my concelebration of the Papal mass with him in November 2001. It was a privileged moment to be celebrating the Holy Eucharist with the holy man of God. For all the great memories he has left us, for all the great values he defended and stood for, we owe him a debt of gratitude.
May he rest in peace Amen.
Posted by frleo at 5:09 PM
April 3, 2005
Reflection on Life
These days we have been witnesses to many kinds of ending of life: the sudden ending of life in the case of massacred school teachers and students, forced termination of life in the case of Terri Schiavo, the sudden unexpected death of Bill, our own Jim Webster’s brother, and the natural passing away of a great apostle of Christ, Pope John Paul II. When tragedy strikes us so close to home, we are rendered speechless. It is worthwhile to ponder death so that it gives us appreciation of life.
We must accept, for one thing, death cannot be at one’s call except the call of the Creator. Death does not discriminate how young or how old a person is. That is His call and whenever or however he calls we need to be ready. And so is life. We did not come into this world at our choosing of the time, place or the family into which we were to be born. Life is God’s gift. A well lived life is our gift back to God. No one has control over life except God.
Sitting in my Life Science class of the Counselor Education program, thoughts were shared on Terri’s death and the way her life was terminated. In a land where animals enjoy special treatment, and where punishment would be meted out should one be found treating animals with cruelty, a fellow human being was starved to death. Of course, it was a matter of choice and respecting the wish of the dying, claimed another. However, if her death was a natural one, none of us would have questioned, because it is natural that we all meet our end, either because of sickness or accident.
These very sentiments were unceasingly echoed by the world’s greatest spiritual leader, Pope John Paul II. He was a true disciple of Christ and walked and talked the way of the gospel. Two decades ago he ushered this concern, Culture of Life. From cradle to grave, from womb to tomb, human life must be treated with dignity and respect. Thereby he defended the defenceless, the vulnerable, the voiceless in their right to life -- be it the unborn, the handicapped, the sick, the aged or the dying. The whole world mourns the death of Pope John Paul II, and also celebrates his life -- the way his life mattered to the million especially to the voiceless, the vulnerable, the defenceless and marginalized. Today we are able to celebrate his memory because of his faithfulness to Christ and the Gospel. Even when his life was under attack, he forgave his assailant, heeding the words of Christ, Father forgive them for they know not what they do.
Our life or death can be celebrated if it is rooted in Christ, i.e., “what we are and what we can become”, can be turned into something beautiful for God, given our existence on this earth. Let us ask ourselves, "What can I do for God today?" Or at the end of the day, "What have I done for Him today?" Each one of us can be the doer of the word in our schools, at work, in our families, in the community. This could be a life well lived, and that could be our way of thanking God.
Death could be despair, cruel and meaningless, if we do not have faith. Our faith would be absurd if Christ did not indeed rise from the dead, after his suffering and death. Yet, in the midst of our absurdities, Christ stands among us and gives us Peace: “Peace be with you”. Christ is here, where two are three are gathered in His name. Christ comes in even if we should shut ourselves in as the disciples did in today’s gospel. Open the doors of your hearts to Christ, the late Pope John Paul would say. Let Him come in and breathe peace and comfort, confidence and faith, hope and assurance. “Be not afraid for I have overcome the world." If we let the Son of God into our lives then that is eternal life, St. John says in today’s epistle: God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
Let us make of our lives something beautiful for God. As His disciples, we can love Him with our whole being and care for our fellow human beings with utmost concern, merging the vertical –- God and us -- and the horizontal –- others and us, creating the dimensions of the cross in our own lives. Each of us can be living crosses during our lives on this planet earth.
Posted by frleo at 1:35 PM
April 2, 2005
Pope John Paul II
Pope John Paul II. The greatest legend of our times. The most humane and deeply spiritual servant of God. It is a very sad moment for the entire world as we see his life ebb out of him gradually.
He has fostered the Culture of Life, aculture which respects the lives of everyone and moreso the vulnerable and disabled. It encompasses the concept of respecting life from the cradle to the grave with dignity and respect. It is very sad to see the health of this great shepherd deteriorating. The Most Rev. Stephen Reber, our Presiding Bishop, says that we have a brother in Pope John Paul II as the shepherd of another part of the body of Christ.
Having grown up in the midst of the communist regime, John Paul II became a champion of the downtrodden, the vulnerable and the oppressed, while preaching the Gospel to the length and breadth of the world. Let us pray for this great servant of God as he leaves for the eternal paradise that is promised for all.
Posted by frleo at 10:44 AM
April 1, 2005
The Culture of Life
In my Life Science class of my Counselor Education program, we touched on this sacred topic of LIFE. It was great to see the awareness of everyone upon the tragic conditions of Terri Schiavo's death. In a country where animals are given utmost care, where laws are created to protect them from persecution and torture, we all witnessed a fellow human being literally starved to death.
This is good consideration for all of us: where do we stand with regard to compassion and mercy? Perhaps we need to revamp our value systems or listen to our hearts more than getting involved in the political debate. Let us remember that the whole world is looking up to our great nation. Also, let us remember that today it is somebody's turn, tomorrow it will be ours.
The Culture of Life needs to be esteemed, appreciated and upheld. Life is a gift from God. We have no right over it. Just as while coming into the world we did not get permission from God, so we will return.
One contemporary hymn put it this way:
How many years have I here?
How many years have I to go?
How many years have I here?
I really don't know.
But someday will be my going home day
Someday when the Lord will call
Someday the Lord will call for me
There's a day for each and all
I just have to be ready for
that great and glorious day
I just have to be ready to
follow right away.
We do remember to pray for our brother Pope John Paul II as he has been a great apostle of Christ, in defense of the culture of life. Certainly, he has been the greatest blessing to the world and to the church. We join the rest of the catholic brethren and pray for God's holy will.
Posted by frleo at 7:40 AM
November 29, 2004
ADVENT: COMING IN HUMILITY, COMING IN GLORY
The Holy Season of Advent symbolises the need to be ready for the two fold coming of Jesus. Jesus' coming in humility 2,000 years ago and His glorious Second Coming (The Parousia). The collect for the day sums up these two comings. This beautiful and moving prayer was written specifically for the The Book of Common Prayer (1549) by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer is addressed to the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) and the themes reflected in the epistle and the Gospel, cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armour of light, and Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the quick and the dead
We need to be ready when He comes, found doing our duty faithfully. The following story is self explanatory--It's the story of Colonel Davenport, Speaker of the Connecticut House of Representatives back in 1789. One day, while the House was in session, the sky of Hartford suddenly grew dark and gloomy. Some of the representatives looked out the windows and thought this was a sign that the end of the world had come. An uproar ensued with the representatives calling for immediate adjournment. But Davenport rose and said, “Gentlemen, the Day of Judgment is either approaching or it is not. If it is not, there is no cause for adjournment. If it is, I choose to be found doing my duty. Therefore, I wish that candles be brought.” Candles were brought and the session continued.
We need to be vigilant but avoid being paranoid or complacent. This is a period of reconciliation with God and neighbor, penance and preparation for His Coming. Will the Son of Man find enough faithfulness in us when He comes?
Posted by frleo at 9:35 AM
November 16, 2004
God Bless You For Your Love And Care!
Dearest Members,
Thought I could catch up with you all and THANK YOU for your kindness and love in helping us to relocate close to the church. Your pastor is only a phone call and a few doors away. We would love to see St.Gabriel's grow. Holly and I are dedicated to St.Gabriel's prosperity.
God has been gracious to us in so many little ways. Our family is glad that we are closer to the church, that is, closer to all of you. Our special thanks to Vicky and Matt Drachenberg for coordinating the effort and to all from Bella Vista -- The Vawters, The Crosses, The Critellis, The Drachenbergs -- also The Lays, our senior warden Ed Knox, The Johansons, The Websters, Walt Swindells and all those who have helped us in one way or the other.
May GOD bless you all.
Posted by frleo at 11:07 AM
October 25, 2004
Invitation to the Eternal Banquet
The Bible often refers to salvation as a banquet, a banquet associated with God’s final victory. Invitation to the eternal banquet: the significance of this message is for their time as well as for all times.
For Jesus’ times: The first invited guests are the people of Israel. The servants who went out with invitation are the prophets. Ages ago, the Israelites accepted to be His chosen people. But they changed their heart. One went to the farm, the other went to attend his business. They were both not bad things in themselves. But the reason for the king being so upset with them is the insult they brought upon rejecting his invitation after having accepted it. To accept the invitation and turn it down was serious, because the king sending the invitation is God the Father. The reason for the party is the union of God with humankind in the person of Jesus.
For all times: We have accepted the invitation and commitment to God’s salvation plan in our baptism and confirmation. It is not a one-time deal to don a baptismal cloak. The robe of righteousness needs to shine on. Our yes to the Lord is not a momentary or a temporary one. Our commitment to God must grow too. If not it will atrophy and die.
The wedding garment expected of us is a personal commitment required in order to take our place at the feast. The Holy Eucharist is the eternal banquet left by Jesus as a memorial of His passion, death and resurrection until His coming again. Jesus said, “I will not drink this cup until the very day when I drink it new with you in my father’s kingdom” (Mt 26:29). Let us feed on Him with faith and thanksgiving, until His second coming.
Posted by frleo at 7:23 PM
October 19, 2004
On the Windsor Report
I received a call from the Arkansas Democratic Gazette on my thoughts on the Windsor Report. The following is my response.
The Windsor Report comes as a slap on the face for those conveniently undermining the authority of Scripture in order to suit their agendas. The report falls back on the foundation of Anglicanism, Sacred Scripture, Apostolic Tradition and Reflected Reasoning. The Windsor Report has not only reprimanded the Episcopal Church USA (ECUSA), but also has asked ECUSA to openly express its regret and put a moratorium on the election of homosexual candidates for the orders and the Rite of Blessing of same-sex unions. Consecrators of Gene Robinson are invited to consider in conscience their withdrawal from representative functions within Anglican Communion.
St. Gabriel's national church, The United Episcopal Church of North America (UECNA) realized ECUSA's departure from the faith 25 years ago, when ECUSA began tampering with the Book of Common Prayer and rewrote its theology and liturgy in the form of 1979 Book of Common Prayer. Regarding the article, “What Next” in the Arkansas Democratic Gazette, I responded in a previous post:
Exclusive claims of compassion to the detriment of morality and time-honored traditional family values, need careful consideration. Approving what is Biblically incorrect in order to make people feel comfortable requires a lot of soul searching. The Church, as an institution and guardian of faith and morals, needs to be be compassionate while also being forthright and continuing to do its duty.
The Windsor Report references Scripture as the source of authority, and it demands the rationale of homosexuality in terms of Scripture. Bishop Gene Robinson, during his recent visit to St. Mark’s Cathedral in Minneapolis, was quoted in Christian Challenge (August/September 2004) as saying, "We do not worship a God who got locked up in Scripture 2000 years ago." Gene Robinson stands diametrically opposed to the directive of the Windsor Report, which re-emphasizes the authority of Scripture and “bishops as teachers of the scripture” (see para. 58).
While clamping down on ECUSA, the Diocese of New Westminster and the Canadian Church for their stance on homosexuality, the report reiterates that such a stand is detrimental to the communion or the Instruments of Unity. Therefore, it puts moratorium on the election of any candidate who lives in same sex union to the orders, restricts the jurisdiction of the New Hampshire See in terms of acceptability of the candidate in other provinces and urges ECUSA to express regret over the breach of bond of communion surrounding the election and consecration of a bishop for New Hampshire (see para. 134) .
In terms of Inculturation, the report recommends rooting of the faith in one’s culture. The report’s emphasis on Pauline example is compelling evidence against the stand of the ECUSA:
In Paul’s world, many cultures prided themselves on such things as anger and violence on the one hand and sexual profligacy on the other, Paul insists that both of these are ruled out for those "in Christ."
The Windsor Report recommends that both the principles of adiophora (in terms of the importance of issue at hand -- para. 87) and subsidiary (in terms of the handling of issues at a local level -- para. 94) be maintained while observing the dictum, "the clearer it is something indifferent in terms of Church’s central doctrine and ethics, the closer to the local level it can be decided." The decision on such a serious matter, in other words, should have been decided within the communion and not unilaterally by ECUSA.
Regrettably for ECUSA, sanctions had to come from without, whereas in truth, ECUSA could have introspected itself in terms of the great Anglican foundation of Scripture, Tradition and Reason. Everything is well said except for the factor of “acceptability” of this issue by the rest of the communion "until new consensus emerges." This is a cause for concern. In the issue of women’s ordination, the Anglican Communion bypassed apostolic tradition in passing it by consensus, and what began as an individual practice came to be a consensus in terms of acceptability (see "Recent mutual discernment within the communion" para. 12-16). Such precedence only speaks of the potency of similar approval for the homosexual issue as well.
Conversely, the position of UECNA in both the issues of women’s ordination and homosexuality has been orthodox. Therefore, UECNA maintains its role of safeguarding the tradition, namely male candidacy to ordination and the sanctity of heterosexual union and family based on Scripture and Tradition.
After apparent reprimand, the Windsor Report also admits the fact that ECUSA may or may not comply with the recommendations of the Communion/Instruments of Union. “Should the call to halt and find ways of continuing in our present communion not be heeded, then we shall have to begin to learn to walk apart” (para. 157).
Whither will go the Episcopal Church USA? Will they go it alone or will they go with the flow of Anglicanism?
Posted by frleo at 5:23 PM
October 12, 2004
What's Next? Compassion or Compromise?
This is in reference to the story “What Next,” in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette (click here to read the full article), evaluating the impact of Gene Robinson’s bishopric on ECUSA and other churches. Our church pondered over this article, and I wish to clarify the aspect of "compassion" quoted by ECUSA.
"Compassion" is not the exclusive claim of ECUSA alone. Most churches are naturally loving and compassionate. Being compassionate after the heart of Christ and reaching out to everyone is indeed Christian and not solely Episcopalian by any means. However, a distinction needs to be made between compassion and compromise -- between reaching out to people versus subscribing and promoting what is incorrect Biblically. The paradigm is given by our Lord in the instance of the woman caught in adultery standing before her accusers who wished her dead. Jesus said “Has no one condemned you? Neither do I,” but He also instructed her to “Go and sin no more.”
With Christ's compassion came the duty to correct her wrong ways. Jesus did not patronize adultery as the modern "champions of compassion" do in the context of homosexuality and other issues. In Christian parlance, there needs to be a dividing line between what is sin and what is grace. It would be a disgrace to accord sin the status of grace.
Exclusive claims of compassion to the detriment of morality and time-honored traditional family values, need careful consideration. Approving what is Biblically incorrect in order to make people feel comfortable requires a lot of soul searching. The Church, as an institution and guardian of faith and morals, needs to be be compassionate while also being forthright and continuing to do its duty.
Posted by frleo at 10:50 AM
October 7, 2004
Episcopalians: More Catholic Than Catholics
This morning we learned that Marge Parhurst was at the Boozman Clinic in Rogers for post-operative care and check-up, along with Gena her friend. Marge is doing well after her second cataract surgery on her right eye. Please pray for her.
As it was Marge's turn to meet the doctor she went with a nurse, while a couple came by me and said: "Are you a priest?" (Of course I was with in my clergyman's dress). I said "Yes I am. I am an Episcopalian Priest" "Are you from India?" "Yes I am." "Oh, we have a priest from India too as our pastor, and he is great story teller!" said Eileen. Thus began our conversation with Bill and Eileen. My wife, Holly also joined in.
The conversation ranged from the Pope to the difficulties of the Episcopalians, Baptists etc. While speaking of the Roman Catholic Church with a few of their priests abusing children, Bill said, "My father and grandfather would turn in their grave at the fact of the pedophile priests." He went on to add that Episcopalians "are more catholic than the Catholics." He has a friend who is so devoted to the Episcopal Church.
What impressed me is the simple faith these people have in human intermediaries, namely their priests. They expect so much of you as the custodian of faith and morals. But when that erodes, their whole world is shaken. Bill said that as a child he was told to abstain from meat on Fridays, but later as an adult he came to learn that it was the church's law in order to help out the fish market that was going down the tubes.
May God bless the people's faith in their pastors. May the pastors measure up to their expectations so that they may practice what they preach.
Posted by frleo at 2:01 PM
October 4, 2004
Seventeenth Sunday After Trinity
A contemporary hymn rephrases today’s epistle this way:
One Bread One Body One Lord of all
One cup of blessing which we bless.
And we, though many, throughout the earth,
we are one body in this one Lord:
Gentile or Jew, Servant or free, Woman or man, No more!
“We are very members incorporate in the mystical body of Christ” We declare in the prayer of thanksgiving after Holy Communion.
The signs of bread and wine under which Jesus comes to us in the Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist signify this deeper meaning of unity. Many grains are ground to make the bread, and many grapes are crushed to make the wine. The fact that all of us partake of the same cup accentuates the unity and brotherhood within the body of Christ. It is imperative to speak of St. Ignatius who was appointed by St. Peter as Bishop of Antioch. He used this analogy even while he was being martyred for Christ as noted by St. Jerome, the great Biblical commentator:
When he was brought condemned to the theatre, and heard the roaring of the beasts which were to devour him, he felt a strong eagerness to suffer, even as he himself put on record: "I am Christ's wheat; let the teeth of wild beasts be my mill, that I may be ground up in such wise as to become good bread unto Christ."
We hear the same echoed by Paul, the apostle of Christ, to declare that all members of the Body of Christ have the right to the same dignity and honor of being a follower of Christ. Jesus counted everyone as another person in whom the fullness of God dwells.
In today’s gospel, Jesus takes the occasion of a dinner invitation and works the miracle for the man who had dropsy. Some people see today's gospel as Jesus teaching table etiquette and good manners in choosing seats when invited to a dinner. But when we try to read it through the eyes of the early Christians whose assembly was mainly to share in the feast of the Eucharist, we begin to see that there is much more than etiquette involved here. Jesus is teaching the basic Christian virtues of humility and solidarity with the poor, and he does this in two stages using two parables.
The first parable, on the One Invited to the Wedding Feast (verses 7-11), is addressed to Christians as those who are invited to the feast of the Lord's Supper. Irrespective of social status and importance, we come to the Eucharist as brothers and sisters of equal standing before God "Our Father." The Letter of James reports and condemns a situation where Christians "make distinctions" in the Christian assembly:
If a person with gold rings and in fine clothes comes into your assembly, and if a poor person in dirty clothes also comes in, and if you take notice of the one wearing the fine clothes and say, "Have a seat here, please," while to the one who is poor you say, "Stand there," or, "Sit at my feet," have you not made distinctions among yourselves? (James 2:2-4).
The second parable, on the One Giving a Great Dinner (verses 12-14), is addressed to Christians as those who invite others to the feast of the Lord's Supper.
When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind (verses 12-13).
In this second part of his teaching Jesus goes beyond leveling out the distinctions and calls for preferential treatment of the poor and the disabled among us. Hence, there is no time nor hour when we cannot reach out to the other. As co-members of this body of Christ, we need to feel for the other: Laugh with others while they are happy, cry with others while they are sad.
Today’s miracle is proof that Jesus honors humanity more than the laws that are set to safeguard. Jesus reiterates His kingdom’s values once again: In His kingdom there will not be discrimination: a service rendered in humble submission to God’s holy will, will gain the greatest merit. For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. (Lk 14:11)
Posted by frleo at 7:26 PM
September 14, 2004
Love Thy Neighbor
Florida, Cuba, Louisiana -- though they may be far from us, they are not far from safety. It is good for us to assist them through our prayers, even as we hear or read news of these natural calamities caused by the hurricanes. Wherever it may happen we are affected inasmuch as it affects our fellow human beings. Its good to take a moment and send our prayers their way, that someone would be an angel to them and help them through these moments of crisis. Why not take a moment, then, and pray for them all that are enduring so much loss. Let us be a true neighbor and invoke God's protection on them.
Posted by frleo at 3:49 PM
September 2, 2004
Jessa Scott
This morning I had a wonderful visit with Jess Scott from Rogers, Arkansas, administering Holy Communion for her. We are so grateful to God for the wondrous faith we find in our seniors. They are the pillars of tradition and sure want to walk in the ways of the Lord. Jessa has been a great member of St.Gabriel's and has not been able to attend church for the past two years on account of her sickness. With respect and gratitude, I saw her tear-filled eyes as she felt happily overwhelmed by our encounter in the name of Christ.
May God bless all His faithful ones, who long to join us for worship but are unable because of their age or health situation.
Posted by frleo at 11:50 AM
August 29, 2004
We Have The Same Boss
This Saturday, Holly and I drove to Eureka Springs to celebrate Holy Communion with John and Marge Parkhurst. What a great experience to share the Sacrament with this wonderful couple who have been married for over 50 years and have been very faithful to their Morning and Evening Prayers. Even their cat, Maumo, is in attendance when it's time for Prayer. God bless the three of them!
After the service, we headed to Hillspeak to meet with Captain Swindells, from whom we received a vestment, prayer books and hymnals for the Bella Vista Mission. It was time for lunch, so we drove to a local restaurant. Eureka Springs hosts special events each weekend, and this time it was a BMW rally. We drove around in circles to find a parking space and thought we would pull up alongside the driveway without disturbing the traffic. A gentleman rushed out and told us not to park there, but then he saw that I was a clergyman and said "well, pull up a little in front and park." Thank God!
As we stepped out of the car, he said, "You must be from India." I knew he was Roman Catholic from his pendant. I said "yes" and asked him about his pastor in Eureka Springs, who is also from India. I told him I was an Anglican priest, and to this he replied, "We have the same boss -- never mind Anglican or Roman!"
WE HAVE THE SAME BOSS. What a wonderful sentiment and what a great analogy. No matter what denomination we belong to in the corporate body of the Church, we all have the same boss -- the same CEO -- our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!
Posted by frleo at 9:02 AM
August 27, 2004
Take the name off the list?
It's nice to hear someone tell you to take their name off the Prayer List because they are well. Isn't it amazing what Prayer can do? I believe in the prayer of intercession, for when two or three of us gather in His name and ask, it is granted. Prayers do wonders. They heal, they support, uphold, bring clarity, and accompany someone through difficult journies.
In this sense, we are our brothers' keepers, and we have a right to support each other in prayer. During one of my visits Jan told me, "we will be there at St. Gabriel's to show our appreciation and gratitude." She did get well and she came -- not just herself, but her entire family. This is another confirmation that when we agree together and ask the Good Lord, He delivers what we ask. And in our circle, what goes around comes around -- the more we give, the more we will receive.
Posted by frleo at 10:19 PM
August 26, 2004
Love to Belong
After our great worship each Sunday, the coffee hour bustles with life -- visitors and parishioners in a pleasant exchange. There is a new exhuberance in everyone, and there are exciting future plans in the offing. In addition to our Women's Auxiliary, we are starting a Women's Ministry, a wonderful opportunity for women in Spirituality. There will be a Men's Guild (in traditional Episcopalian terms it was known as The Brotherhood of St. Andrew) and of course there is the GYC -- Gabriel's Youth Community.
St. Gabriel's has been experiencing the touch of Divine Providence and the power of God's Spirit. There is a greater sense of belonging and love for the house of God. While we humbly follow His ways and accept His graciousness, we pray for His continued guidance.
May His presence guide us all wherever we are.
Posted by frleo at 2:23 PM
August 25, 2004
Passing on the Wellness Wish
Hello again! Glad to touch base with you after a brief spell. I have been visiting Jean Chase, who is recuperating at Washington Regional. I also had a wonderful visit with Don Gregory at Northwest Medical Center. Don was hillarous. He introduced me to the dietician as "Dr. Leo from the Middle East" and told her to watch out for my bombs. Returning the humor, I said "yes, I do bombard the minds of people and touch their hearts with His Gospel." What grace-filled moments these were, as I was able to share with them God's words of comfort and love and give them His Body as spiritual food.
Hospitals are not homey certainly. I don't wish that for anybody. If we should land there, the first few days would be hard to focus on anything else other than our health. But then there would come moments of boredom, wondering what to do. It is in these moments that we could take time to pray for others who are in a more serious health situation than ourselves -- someone known to us or perhaps even a stranger.
Emmanuel "God with us" is ever at our side, especially in moments of sickness and struggle. Once we receive His comforting presence, shall we not pass it on to others?
Posted by frleo at 11:25 AM
August 20, 2004
God I Wish I Knew What You Are Up To!
Life takes its turns -- sometimes unexpected and at times amazing. We wish we knew what is cooking for us in the future. Yet nothing ever happens to us without His knowledge.
We tend to hold on to people, places and things and wish the happy times would last forever and the ecstasy would be prolonged. But then something happens to shake us up into the real world. We need to sit back and relax, knowing that He is in control. He knows all. Our past, present and future are but "here and now" for Him.
We can only take one day at a time and move along cherishing His loving presence. Let us not waste our time wondering what tomorrow will bring. Cherish every moment so that it becomes a reminiscent past, and welcome every new moment with openness.
CAUTION: IT'S THE WEEKEND. TAKE YOUR TIME AND JUST RELAX IN HIS PRESENCE
Posted by frleo at 8:08 PM
August 19, 2004
Thank You God For Being There For Me
Sometimes life takes us through its ups and downs. We are happy when things are fine and moody when we are in the dumps. Such a fluctuation often leads us into thinking like William Shakespeare's Sonnet No. 29:
"When, in disgrace with Fortune and men's eyes,
I all alone beweep my outcast state,
And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries,
And look upon myself and curse my fate,
Wishing me like to one more rich in hope,
Featured like him, like him with friends possessed,
Desiring this man's art, and that man's scope,
With what I most enjoy contented least..."
It is good to stop thinking the greatness of ourselves, of our uniqueness, and seek HIS presence in such moments. It is good to remember that there is a God who knows me by name, who knows each of my moves. That He will not let anything happen to me without His knowing. That not one sparrow falls dead to the ground without His knowlege. That each of us is not just another entity in the faceless crowd.
As He knows the name of the stars, He knows us by name. We are carved on the palm of His Hand. This thought alone would be sufficient to carry us through. A LITTLE BIT OF PARADISE WILL SET EVERYTHING ALRIGHT as someone has said.
Posted by frleo at 5:17 PM
August 18, 2004
It Is God's Grace Indeed
"The cry of every newborn reminds us that God is not yet tired of the world," said Tagore the nobel laureate poet from India. Not just the occasion of the newborn, but our lives are filled so much with God's visitations and encounters all the time. All we need to do is sit back and count the blessings and we will see Him present.
If you have reached your destination safely, its His grace.
If your needs are addressed today, His grace has been there.
Why, the fact that you are breathing is itself a lifetime miracle.
If you received an encouraging letter or instant message, it's His grace.
If you have seen something beautiful or the smile or greeting of another fellow human being, it's GOD'S GRACE INDEED.
To borrow St. Patrick's words, He is there within you, without you, before you, behind you. CHERISH HIS COUNTENANCE AND LOVING PRESENCE THIS DAY.
Posted by frleo at 10:23 AM