a priest's musings on the journey

Sunday, November 26, 2006

Sermonette: The Feast of the Reign of Christ the Sovereign One

4John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, 5and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, 6and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 7Look! He is coming with the clouds; every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and on his account all the tribes of the earth will wail. So it is to be. Amen. 8“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty. Rev 1:4-8
When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples 2and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. 3If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’” 4They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, 5some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” 6They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. 7Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. 8Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. 9Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,
“Hosanna!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
10Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!”11Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve Mark 11:1-11


The liturgical year ends with the Feast of the Reign of Christ. The Readings give us two pictures of what that Reign looks like. In the Gospel Reading from Mark, we are taken back to Palm Sunday. Once again we witness the crowds waving palm branches and rejoicing in the coming of the King who will liberate them from oppression and establish a righteous Reign of Justice. The alternate Gospel reading from St John's Gospel takes us back to Calvary- where we see the Christ coronated with a crown of thorns, reigning from the Tree of Life. On his right and left he is flanked by thieves and insurrectionists, who, even in their condemnation, are embraced by his outstretched arms of love, and offered a place in his Kingdom.

In the Vision of St John, recorded in the Epistle reading from the Book of Revelation, we see a majestic Christ, the Lord and Sovereign of the Universe, appearing with clouds in Glory. He is seen by all of us as he appears in Glory; but, as we see him in all of his beauty and love, we wail. We wail because we see the wounds that have scarred his sacred heart and his compassionate hands, wounds given to him by our selfish desires, our sins, and our failure to love God and neighbor as we love ourselves. Wounds that bleed every time we ignore the cries of the poor, exclude those who are different from us, persecute those that frighten us, and refuse to be reconciled to our estranged siblings in the household of God. And, yet, the Reigning Christ does not exile us nor does he punish us for our treason. Even though we attempt to kill God, and succeed in doing so, He is merciful to us. His death becomes a door to life, true life, which he offers to the entire creation. He responds to our evil actions with love and compassion; he bids us to turn away from our self-destruction and to receive God's very own life. He draws us in to the Divine Circle of Life, embraces us with those same outstretced arms, crowns us with glory, and offers us a place in His Kingdom.

Of course we are free to decline His invitation. The Reigning Christ is not a tyrrant. He does not force us to submit to His Reign. Rather, he is the Lord of Love and the Prince of Peace. Instead, he tenderly calls us to see God within ourselves, within our neighbors, and within the creation, reflecting the image of the King of Kings, and radiaiting that love and compassion into the darkness of the world. He calls us to be kings and priests in His dominion- calling us to participate in his Rule of Peace, Justice, and Equity.

That all sounds well and good- a lovely idea. But its hard to believe that Christ is truly Reigning when we see war, famine, poverty, increased homelessness, enmity and hatred between peoples and nations and churches. We yearn to find our place in that Rule of Justice; we long for the coming of the Day of Peace, when Christ's rule will hold sway. We await the day when the hungry will be fed, poverty will be no more, swords will be pounded into plowshares and equity and peace will reign in a "earth that is filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea." So, we end this year rejoicing in the Reign of Christ, and we turn our eyes to the new year- to Advent and the expectant hope when the "here...not yet" tension of Christ's rule will be replaced by Christ's final triumph over sin and death as He appears in Glory and establishes the Day of the Lord. "and He shall Reign forever and ever. Hallelujah!"


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:: posted by Padre Rob+, 12:44 PM | link | 2 comments |

Saturday, November 25, 2006

Sermonette: On Giving Thanks

It's fairly easy to be thankful when life is good. When there is peace and prosperity, when one is in good health, when one feels loved and valued, when every day is filled with joy and happiness. It's not so easy to offer a "thanks be to God" when there is war and famine, when one is ill, when one feels lonely and unappreciated, when every day is filled with depression and despair. Some of the most mysterious words for me in the Scriptures are found in the Pauline admonition to give thanks in everything (1 Thessalonians 5:18). In everything? How can this be? How can I be thankful in the midst of a divorce, or in the doctor's office when I have been diagnosed with a terminal illness? How can I be thankful when I have been unemployed for 6 months, or when I really don't know how I will find my next meal? How can I be thankful in the midst of suffering, pain, and despair?

I don't have a neat theological answer for how one is able to offer thanks to God in the midst of great suffering and loss; but, I do know from my own experience that I have found myself repeating the prayer of Blessed Job, "the Lord gives, and the Lord takes away; Blessed be the Name of the Lord." And strangely, those words have been a conduit of grace for me. I don't know how it happens, but when I "by faith" (I suppose) offer thanks to God, the Holy Spirit suddenly makes me aware of the things in my life with which I truly am blessed! I am inspired to offer more thanks; and, I feel God near me and with me. I sense God suffering with me, and loving me and caring for me. How can I not be thankful when Mother Jesus is holding me in his arms like a Parent holds a child who is huritng?

In everything give thanks, because in everything God is present, loving, healing, restoring, and redeeming. In every thing give thanks, because God will never abandon us to our fears and desparations. In everything give thanks, because we belong to God and "our lives are hid with Christ in God, and "nothing will ever separate us from the love of God." In everything gives thanks, because in Christ we have overcome; Christ has triumphed! He has joined our sufferings to his, and sanctifies our sufferings for the sake of the redemption of the world.

Hallelujah!
Praise, you servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord.

Blessed be the name of the Lord both now and forever.

From the rising of the sun to its setting let the name of the Lord be praised.

High above all nations is the Lord; above the heavens God's glory.

Who is like the Lord, our God enthroned on high, looking down on heaven and earth?

The Lord raises the needy from the dust, lifts the poor from the ash heap, seats them with princes, the princes of the people, gives the childless wife a home, the joyful mother of children.

Hallelujah!

Psalm 113
:: posted by Padre Rob+, 4:40 PM | link | 0 comments |

Saturday, November 18, 2006

Sermonette: 19 November, 2006 Mark 13:14-23

Mark 13:14-23
14“But when you see the desolating sacrilege set up where it ought not to be (let the reader understand), then those in Judea must flee to the mountains; 15the one on the housetop must not go down or enter the house to take anything away; 16the one in the field must not turn back to get a coat. 17Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing infants in those days! 18Pray that it may not be in winter. 19For in those days there will be suffering, such as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, no, and never will be. 20And if the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would be saved; but for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he has cut short those days. 21And if anyone says to you at that time, ‘Look! Here is the Messiah!’ or ‘Look! There he is!’ —do not believe it. 22False messiahs and false prophets will appear and produce signs and omens, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. 23But be alert; I have already told you everything.


The Liturgical year ends with the same theme with which it begins; the final days, the End of all things, and the Coming of the Christ again in Glory. In today's Gospel Reading, which is taken from "Mark's Little Apocalypse", the Evangelist describes a scene that seems more like a science fiction novel or one of those "Left Behind" novels than the Good News. He describes a period of great suffering, in which false Christ's will try to deceive even the wisest of disciples by signs and wonders and omens. The reading ends with Jesus warning his disciples to remain alert- and essentially not to be fooled by those who claim to represent him, but teach a faith contrary to his message rooted in love of God and neighbor.

We know this reading is here because we are headed toward the Feast of Christ the King and the beginning of Advent; but, what are we to make of all of this? Well let me start by saying what we, at least in the Anglican Tradition, do not make of this. We do not read this as a prediciton of some final "tribulation period" wherein God will test or punish the hearts of human beings, before destroying evil with the Second Coming. Now that is not to say we do not beleive that Christ will come again- we confess that belief at every Mass. However, we have historically read apocalyptic texts in the Bible more as a description of how life in the world is experienced in tension with how life in God's kingdom is experienced. This Gospel reading is not (only at least) about how God will finally triumph over evil in the end of days; but, it is also about how we experience God's triumph over sin and evil in our lives here and now. It is about how God is present and experienced now in times of great suffering and anguish. It is about the Good News of a compassionate, merciful God who "shortens the days of suffering" lest we perish from the agony; a God who will not allow us to endure more than we can bear, but will provide a way of relief; a God who will bring redemption out of loss, life out of death, blessing out of curses, and glimpses of the Kingdom by the waters of Babylon.

I lived 34 years of my life without experiencing very much suffering at all. And then, in a period of two years experienced more suffering than some people experience in a lifetime. I look back and often wonder, "How did I not lose all of my faith in God?" Of course God's grace sustained me- along with the love of many who carried me to Jesus when I could not go to him on my own; but, there was some conduit that existed in the suffering that fed sustaining grace to me. Moreover, it was in and through this suffering that I really learned what the Kingdom is; it was through this suffering that God delivered me from years of bondage to deceit, shame, and oppression. It was through this suffering that the Holy Spirit led me from death to new life, to falsehood to truth, from a wounded heart to heart filled with joy and peace.

The Good News in this apocalyptic reading is that Jesus comes to each of us in those times of anxiety and pain. When our world is crumbling and we feel that end is near, Jesus comes to redeem and to restore. Jesus warns us to be alert, because there are those who want to tell us that suffering is a sign of God's disfavor- a punishment for our sins; or, else they fool us into wallowing in self-pity and missing out on the redemptive work that God desires to do in our suffering.

Right now the Anglican Communion is enduring the pain of schism. Many are tired of it all and want to give up and walk away. In fact, we read weekly how this or that parish or dicoese has decided to walk away from the pain, instead of struggling through the suffering in order to participate in God's saving actions in the world. And it is sad, because these who walk away fail to see God's hand at work in all of the labor pangs of the birthing Holy Spirit who is calling forth a fuller experience of the Kingdom of God among us. They are walking away, and they will not see the Son of Man Reigning among us when He turns our ashes into beauty, our tears into rejoicing, and our mourning into dancing.

Our Hope lies in Christ's Return, when evil will be finally overturned and God's Kingdom of Peace will hold sway. But, we do not have to wait for the sweet bye and bye to participate in God's Reign. The Kingdom of God is within us, as our Lord said, and Christ's Reign can even now be seen if we will only open our eyes and hearts and see Him at work in the world around us. We pray, "Come Quickly, Lord Jesus"; but, we seek His appearing not only with Clouds in Glory, but also in the faces of every person that crosses our path. Even so, Come Lord Jesus! Amen.
:: posted by Padre Rob+, 10:31 PM | link | 3 comments |

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Perspective: North Carolina Southern Baptist State Convention Passes Anti-Gay Resolution

Great! Hardly anyone outside has even heard of my hometown (unless you are a NCAA college hoops fan, or remember the Woolworth sit-ins in the 60's); and, NOW we make International news because we have hosted the NC Southern Baptist State Convention, which, today, passed a resolution banning from membership in the Convention any congregation which supports gays, ordains gays, or blesses same gender unions. I thought, in defense of this fair city, that I'd share some of the responses to this resolution that were posted on a local message board, so you all will know that there are some evolved human beings in Greensboro, NC. Check these out:


Being gay is not a lifestyle as you say in the news cast, unless you consider being heterosexual a lifestyle as well. Please do not use this word in your newscast again. And sadly, the Baptist church has lost its way. It sounds more like the people Jesus spoke out against, than the people who speak for Jesus.

I think that it's wrong for churches to publicly reject a person's way of life. There's nothing wrong with being homosexual, because that doesn't dictate personal characteristics in any way, and gay people are still- whatever some people may think- people. Homosexuality has existed throughout history. Some eastern countries considered it to be noble even. Why is society clamping down of gay people now? I'm a fourteen year-old 8th grader and this is my opinion. Discrimination against people in any way is wrong! One of my friends is gay, but he's still the coolest and funniest guy I've ever met. It would tick me off severely if someone ever made fun of him just because of the way he chooses to live. Aren't churches supposed to support men and women? Even when no one else will? If we can't find comfort from our religions, where can we find it?

I have been an Southern Baptist since the day I was born. But now I am having second thoughts. I believe and was raised to believe, by the church, that the doors were always open to anyone no matter of race, religion, gender, and even personal beliefs. Now the Baptist are becoming racist in the strongest since. No longer will I attend a church where they discriminate against another human being.

It is very hypocritical for a church to single out one particular group of people that they believe to be sinners, and exclude other churches that acknowledge them. What about the "adulterers, murderers, those that envy".......and so forth. The list goes on, and all of us sin every single day. So what makes one sin worse than another.....and who are we to judge? In my opinion, the Baptist may be focusing on certain scriptures of the Bible dealing with homosexuality..........but forgetting other scriptures such as those dealing with judging one another, and love one another.......and "he that is free of sin.....cast the first stone". Hypocrisy will ruin the Baptist church!

It is amazing how the Southern Baptist Convention Members are only concerned about this one thing. I have never heard that much talk about alcohol drinking, spousal abuse, child abuse, lying, stealing, adultry, fornication, selling drugs, using drugs, racism, etc.,etc.,etc. If I think like the Southern Baptist Convention Members then there is only one sin worth fighting against and that is homosexuality.

I think it is sad that the chuch is now spreading hatred and prejudice against those that live any lifestyle but theirs. I thought that God was supposed to be the judge of all man. It seems that the church has now taken the place of God and is judging the world accordingly to its fears. If the church could only not be so narrowminded and try to understand that homosexuality is not a choice of lifestyle but the way humans were made to think, feel, and love. Humans, made from God. What happened to the love and forgiveness that the word of God taught? Has it been replaced by hatred and cruelty? I lower my head in shame that the church, which is supposed to be a witness of God, is not portraying the love he commanded.

Repetition of history continues to amaze me. We are now in a new era of crusades. In the early crusades it was "Convert to Christianity or Die." In today's time it is "Convert to heterosexuality or lose your life." Losing your life isn't neccessarily death but in terms of losing your rights. How would the heterosexual feel if they were not allowed to marry, love, or receive benefits or belongings from a deceased loved one/life partner. How would they feel to be ridiculed in public and cast out of society. We seem to forget that even the homosexuals are humans too also created from God. Where is the love and humanity for human kind in the christians and in our church?

It is expected that at least a dozen Baptist congregations will be expelled because of their inclusive affirmation of gays in the church. These congregations will (or already have) affiliate with the Alliance of Baptists based in DC. The Alliance of Baptists support same gender marriage and are intenitnally ecumenical. A list of Baptist congregations affiliated with them can be found on their website. But, here are the links to some prominent affirming Baptist congregations in NC.

Pullen Memorial Baptist Church Raleigh

First Baptist Church Asheville

Myers Park Baptist Charlotte

College Park Baptist Church Greensboro


Check out the Alliance of Baptists
website for complete listings nationwide.

The website for Cooperative Baptist Fellowship
also has links to Baptist congregations that are affirming and welcoming.

Blessings to all of my brother and sister Baptists who are taking a stand for justice, equality, love, and the welcome of Jesus to "whosoever will come."
:: posted by Padre Rob+, 4:51 PM | link | 3 comments |

Sunday, November 12, 2006

Perspective: A Little Silliness: Betty Butterfield Visits the Episcopal Church

Betty Butterfield visits the Episcopal Church




Well she's right about all of the faboulous gay clergy; but she apparantly did not stick around for Coffee Hour or an Episcopal Parish Picnic or Potluck Supper. We Episcopalians know how to have a good party, and we know how to work off the extra calories with liturgical aerobics ;-).

Smiles and Laughs to you all! Happy Sunday!
:: posted by Padre Rob+, 12:37 PM | link | 2 comments |

Saturday, November 11, 2006

Perspective: Why We Remember: Thought's on Veteran's/Remembrance Day

Today marks the anniversary of the Armistice that was signed on 11 November, 1918, ending WWI, and the holiday that has since evolved throughout the Western world to remember of the sacrifices of soldiers in all wars. I am a pacifist; so, I will leave the patriotic themes of this observance to the State's celebrations. As a priest, and as a Christian; however, I am compelled to pause and reflect upon the sacrifices that thousands of men and women have made for liberty, justice, and for causes that they believed were true and noble.

I can not help, being an ordained person, to immediately remember the story of the Four Chaplains; Father John Washington (Catholic), Reverend Clark Poling (Dutch Reformed), Rabbi Alexander Goode (Jewish) and Rev. George Fox (Methodist). The Immortal Chaplains Foundation tells their story like this:

A convoy of three ships and three escorting Coast Guard cutters passed through "torpedo alley" some 100 miles off the coast of Greenland at about 1 a.m. on February 3, 1943. The submarine U-223 fired three torpedoes, one of which hit the midsection of the Dorchester, a U.S. Army troopship with more than 900 men on board. Ammonia and oil were everywhere in the fast-sinking vessel and upon the freezing sea.

The four Chaplains on board, two Protestant pastors, a Catholic priest and a Jewish rabbi, were among the first on deck, calming the men and handing out life jackets. When they ran out, they took off their own and placed them on waiting soldiers without regard to faith or race. Approximately 18 minutes from the explosion, the ship went down. They were the last to be seen by witnesses; they were standing arm-in-arm on the hull of the ship, each praying in his own way for the care of the men. Almost 700 died, making it the third largest loss at sea of its kind for the United States during World War II. The Coast Guard Cutter Tampa was able to escort the other freighters to Greenland. Meanwhile the cutters Comanche and Escanaba, disobeying orders to continue the seach for the German U-Boat, stopped to rescue 230 men from the frigid waters that night.

These four Chaplains were later honored by the Congress and Presidents. They were recognized for their selfless acts of courage, compassion and faith. According to the First Sergeant on the ship, "They were always together, they carried their faith together." They demonstrated throughout the voyage and in their last moments, interfaith compassion in their relationship with the men and with each other. In 1960 Congress created a special Congressional Medal of Valor, never to be repeated again, and gave it to the next of kin of the "Immortal Chaplains."

The words of Jesus are familiar to all of us: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13) The love, valour, and integrity of these four chaplains- the self-less giving of oneself for the sake of another is what we remember on this day, not only in the lives of these Four Chaplains, but in the lives and sacrifices of every man and woman who has paid the ultimate sacrifice or has made the sacrifices of leaving family and loved ones to go serve one's country on behalf of others: to ensure freedom and peace. As Christians, we remember these virtues, of course, because they are the very same virutes that were in Christ; they are the virtues that best describe God's nature; they are the virutes we are all called to incarnate in our own lives.

Coincidentally, the Church remembers another soldier on this day who also lived out Christ's call to love and self-giving sacrifice. St Martin of Tours, a soldier in the Roman army in the 4th century, was raised by pagan parents, but while serving in the Roman army, he began to study Christianity and converted. One winter day, while Martin was a catechumen, he came across a poor man, shivering in the cold at the gates to the city of Amiens, asking for alms in the Name of Christ. Martin, moved by compassion, drew his sword, divided his military cloak, and clothed the poor man with half of it. That night, Jesus appeared to Martin, clothed in half of a cloak, and said, "Martin, still a catechumen, has covered me with this garment."

Martin was immediately baptized. A few years later he left the army and was ordained a priest around 350. He retreated to monastic life; and worked to correct the teachings of Arianism which were popular in Gaul. In 371 the Bishop of Tours died and Martin was chosen to succeed him. Martin declined, declaring that he was unworthy. A few months later, Rusticus, a wealthy citizen of Tours, asked Martin to come to Tours to pray for his sick wife. Martin agreed, and when he arrived in Tours on 4 July, 372, he was declared bishop by popular acclamation. He agreed to serve only if he could continue in his accustomed ascetic lifestyle. This made him very popular among the people, but unpopular with other bishops. He was also unpopular because, while he was clearly Orthodox and opposed Arianism, he decried the violent methods that many bishops used to repress heresy in their dioceses. He remained thoroughout his episcopate a missionary and a defender of the poor and helpless.

St Martin of Tours is the patron saint of soldiers; not only because he was one, but also because he was a defender of the poor and helpless. That is what we remember this day: the sacrifices of those who served and died to defend the poor and helpless. We remember them in order to honor them and even to emmulate them; we also remember them so that the strength and compassion of their sacrifices may lead us to the paths of peace. We remember their sacrifices in hopes that future generations will not have to make these sacrficies; in hopes that The Day of Peace will come and God's Kingdom will hold sway.

We also remember the innocent victims of war who have been tortured, killed, or injured and made homeless. We remember innocent civilians throughout Europe and Asia who died in bombings during the great World Wars. We remember the millions of Jews, homosexuals, and mentally ill who were murdered in German Concentration Camps. We remember the people of Tokyo, Hiroshima, and Nagasaki who died and suffered as a result of bombings. We remember the Japanese Americans who were rounded up like criminals and placed in concentration camps in the Western United States. We remember the people of Afghanistan and Iraq and those throghout the world who suffer atthe hands of violence. We remember their pain, their sufferings, and the blood they have spilled. We pray that their blood, and the blood of our fallen soldiers, may be the seeds of peace. God grant it! Lord Have mercy upon us, who put our trust in You.
:: posted by Padre Rob+, 8:38 AM | link | 2 comments |

Thursday, November 09, 2006

Perspective: Stop the Genocide in Darfur

Darfur





Eight years ago I met a Dinka Refugee at a Missions Conference in Asheville, NC. One evening I had the pleasure of taking a hike with him and a few friends after a long morning of meetings. He was tall, lanky, and he walked so fast! In fact it was diffcult to keep up with him. Someone asked if always walked so fast, and he responded that in Sudan one had to learn how to always be on the run, so that they could escape when government soldiers from Khartoum came to kill and pillage. I left that conference saddened by the apparent persecution of Dinka Anglicans in Sudan and impressed by this young man's courage. Yet, his story did not really change my life any. I did nothing.

A few months later, a speaker came to the seminary to give a presentation on the persecuted Church in Sudan. He invited a small group of seminarians to attend a Conference on the genocide in Sudan in DC. The Conference goal was to educate and empower students to become active in demanding help for Sudan. I could not forget my evening hike, and I volunteeered to go.

I sat and listened to lectures about the civil war in Sudan and firsthand accounts of the war, murders, rapes, enslavement, and displacement of thousands of men, women, and children. I sat in tears, horrified that this could actually go on unchallenged. I was not in favor of using military power to stop this; but something had to be done. I of course, along with many other students, wrote letters to the editors of major newspapers, and to senators asking our Government to help. We organized prayer vigils and tries to educate churches about what was happening in Sudan.

Little was ever done. Thank God peace came and these attrocities ended when The Comprehensive Peace Agreement was signed by the government and Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement on January 9, 2005. It ended the war and established the parameters for a new unified government. But before this peace, 2 million people had died and 4 million had been displaced because of their race, ethnicity, and religion.

In 2003 a new civil war eupted in Darfur, and government sanctioned genocide continues. 400,000 have died either from murder, or from the ill effects of unclean water, famine, and harsh living conditions, and thousands of women have been raped by the Janjaweed. 2 million people have been displaced and are homeless because the Janjaweed have torched their villages and stolen what few possessions they had.

And still we do nothing.

Christ lies on the desert sands starving, bleeding, dying...
Christ lies on a sandy floor raped, violated, humilaited...

Christ wanders through the desert almost naked, homeless, joyless
Christ wanders through the desert with no song, no dance, no smiles

What will we do?

Will we cover our faces with our masks of righteousness and garments of antiseptic good deeds, and cross over to the other side so we will not have to be bothered with him?

Will we passby with pitying gaze, hoping that someone else will stop by and assist him?

Will we cry out for justice! Will we squat in the dirt and attend to his wounds, clothe his nakedness, offer him a cup of water and a compassionate embrace?

Or... will we just let Christ die... again.

For more information on the history of the genocide in Darfur, Sudan, and current news and activist links click here Darfur Info.

For more information on what you can do to make a difference, click here:
Darfur Genocide
Save Darfur

Bismillahi rahmaan iraheem Verse 104 in Surah Al Imran of the holy Quran says that:"And let there arise from amongst you, a nation which invites to goodness, enjoins what is right and forbids what is evil. Such are they who are successful." (3:104)
O’ God! Let us here today be the people that invite to goodness, enjoin right, and forbid evil.
O’ God! in you is the best consolation against any calamity, in you is substitute for every loss, and replacement for anything sorely missed.
O’ God! we trust in You, seek Your aid, and are hopeful of Your mercy.
O’ God! All Knowing, All Seeing, All Hearing, we ask you to comfort the hearts and minds of the people of Darfur, to give them patience, strength and solace. To give them hope, faith and light.
O’ God! we ask you to alleviate the oppression and end the atrocity. We ask that the killing stops, the bloodshed ends, that women and children are safe and healthy and happy.
O’ God! protect the people, and protect their helpers. Give the people of Darfur back their homes, their families, their communities, their humanity, and their hope anddreams for the future.
O’ God! put an end to the violence, the horror, the rape, the starvation, disease and mass slaughter of innocent victims.
O’ God! we ask that the international community wakes up in the face of crisis and acts quickly, and that a humanitarian crisis is not permitted.
O’ God! we ask that further genocide is prevented and that the world does not stand by and witness another holocaust, another Rwanda, or another Bosnia.
O’ God! we ask you to give our leaders wisdom,and the ability to use their power for good and not evil.
O’ God! forgive our selfishness, and enable us to feel Darfur’s pain, and enable us to (believe that we can) make a difference, and stand united and strong in the face of adversity.
O’ God! give us greater understanding, greater empathy, and the power to remember.
O’ God! purify our hearts and souls, banish racism and pride from our being.The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or he is oppressed." People asked, "…It is right to help him if he is oppressed, but how should we help him if he is an oppressor?" The Prophet said, "By preventing him from oppressing others."

- A Prayer by Shaykh Ibrahim Mogra of the Muslim Council of Britain

O God, Make Speed to Save Us! O Lord, Make Haste to Help Us!

Other prayers here: Prayers for Darfur
:: posted by Padre Rob+, 2:16 PM | link | 1 comments |

Perspectives: Save Darfur

BBC News on Darfur, 17 Oct 2006



Eight years ago I met a Dinka Refugee at a Missions Conference in Asheville, NC. One evening I had the pleasure of taking a hike with him and a few friends after a long morning of meetings. He was tall, lanky, and he walked so fast! In fact it was diffcult to keep up with him. Someone asked if always walked so fast, and he responded that in Sudan one had to learn how to always be on the run, so that they could escape when government soldiers from Khartoum came to kill and pillage. I left that conference saddened by the apparent persecution of Dinka Anglicans in Sudan and impressed by this young man's courage. Yet, his story did not really change my life any. I did nothing.

A few months later, a speaker came to the seminary to give a presentation on the persecuted Church in Sudan. He invited a small group of seminarians to attend a Conference on the genocide in Sudan in DC. The Conference goal was to educate and empower students to become active in demanding help for Sudan. I could not forget my evening hike, and I volunteeered to go.

I sat and listened to lectures about the civil war in Sudan and firsthand accounts of the war, murders, rapes, enslavement, and displacement of thousands of men, women, and children. I sat in tears, horrified that this could actually go on unchallenged. I was not in favor of using military power to stop this; but something had to be done. I of course, along with many other students, wrote letters to the editors of major newspapers, and to senators asking our Government to help. We organized prayer vigils and tries to educate churches about what was happening in Sudan.

Little was ever done. Thank God peace came and these attrocities ended when The Comprehensive Peace Agreement was signed by the government and Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement on January 9, 2005. It ended the war and established the parameters for a new unified government. But before this peace, 2 million people had died and 4 million had been displaced because of their race, ethnicity, and religion.

In 2003 a new civil war eupted in Darfur, and government sanctioned genocide continues. 400,000 have died either from murder, or from the ill effects of unclean water, famine, and harsh living conditions, and thousands of women have been raped by the Janjaweed. 2 million people have been displaced and are homeless because the Janjaweed have torched their villages and stolen what few possessions they had.

And still we do nothing.

Christ lies on the desert sands starving, bleeding, dying...
Christ lies on a sandy floor raped, violated, humilaited...

Christ wanders through the desert almost naked, homeless, joyless
Christ wanders through the desert with no song, no dance, no smiles

What will we do?

Will we cover our faces with our masks of righteousness and garments of antiseptic good deeds, and cross over to the other side so we will not have to be bothered with him?

Will we passby with pitying gaze, hoping that someone else will stop by and assist him?

Will we cry out for justice! Will we squat in the dirt and attend to his wounds, clothe his nakedness, offer him a cup of water and a compassionate embrace?

Or... will we just let Christ die... agian.

For more information on the history of the genocide in Darfur, Sudan, and current news and activist links click here Darfur Info.

For more information on what you can do to make a difference, click here Darfur Genocide Save Darfur


:: posted by Padre Rob+, 12:41 PM | link | 0 comments |

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Perspective: Behold, I will Do a New Thing, says God!

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(Photo from National Cathedral website)



Thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea ; And a path through the mighty waters, Who brings forth the chariot and horse,The army and the power (They shall lie down together, they shall not rise; They are extinguished, they are quenched like a wick): “ Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness , And rivers in the desert. The beast of the field will honor Me, The jackals and the ostriches, Because I give waters in the wilderness, And rivers in the desert, To give drink to My people, My chosen. This people I have formed for Myself; They shall declare My praise.
Isaiah 43:16-21

She stands confident and graceful, poised to raise her crosier and knock on the Western Door of the Cathedral Church of SS Peter and Paul. She knocks three times, waiting for the People of God to greet the first female Primate in the Anglican Communion. The doors open and ++ Katharine Jefferts Schori is ushered into the cathedral and welcomed as the new Presiding Bishop and Cheif Pastor of the Episcopal Church. The doors open not only to welcome the new Primate; but everything that she embodies as the sucessor to the Apostle's- compassionate authority to safeguard the teachings of Christ and His Gospel of Love, protective support for the marginalized and those in danger of losing faith, and visionary direction by which the baptized are empowered to live out God's dreams for them. The doors welcome ++ Katharine and with her God's new work in the world. They welcome in a new era, a new beginning, a new work that is springing forth and renewing the world.

God's new work, is in fact not really a new work; in Christ all have been reconciled to God. In Christ there is "no longer male, nor female, rich or poor, slave or free [gay or straight]", we are one in Christ. Christ has already "torn down the dividing wall." The entrance of the first female Primate into an Anglican Cathedral is a new thing for us; but, it is nothing new in the dream of God. It is in fact the incarnation of the very core of Jesus' teachings. Her presence in the Church is a prophetic witness to God's longing to embrace all of humanity. Her presence is a prophetic witness to the inclusion of all people into the Body of Christ. Her presence is a prophetic witness to the brooding of the Holy Spirit, which continues to renew the creation and to transform the Church to be more like Christ.

++ Katharine Jefferts Schori is an icon of God's new work in the Church. Having tasted the springs of salvation in the desert, she leads us who are wandering in the wilderness to the living water from which we may drink and never thirst again. The waters of salvation offered to all; the waters of life given freely to even those of us who have been exiled to the desert because of our gender, race, sexual orientation, or social status. She draws us into Christ's embrace and assures us of our place of dignity in His Body. And, recognizing us all as members of Christ's Body in our Baptisms, she calls us all to remember our promises to serve Christ in all persons: to seek out the poor, the sick, the lonely, the hated, and the persecuted and to lead them out of chaos into God's Shalom. We have been loved and accepted by Christ; we in turn are to love and welcome all who seek God in Christ.

God is doing a new work; look it is springing forth! Can you see it? It's coming.. in fact it's here! And there is great rejoicing in the House of God!
:: posted by Padre Rob+, 2:22 PM | link | 1 comments |

Thursday, November 02, 2006

Sermonette: Sunday After All Saints - 5 November 2006

And He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for your reward is great in heaven (Matthew 5:2-12)

On this feast of All Saints we remember the thousands of nameless, faces saints, known only to God, who surround us in that Great Cloud of witnesses who pray and support us in our journey towards God. It is also an opportunity to recall that in our baptisms, we were all made saints- we were set apart and made holy sons and daughters of God. This is why on this Sunday we reaffirm our baptismal covenants, and remind ourselves of who we are in Christ and how we are to live as the holy people of God. The Gospel reading for this feast day recalls some of Jesus’ opening words in his Sermon on the Mount. His sermon both describes the attitudes and dispositions which characterize a saint, and pronounces a blessing on those who incarnate these attitudes in their lives.

The foundational virtue of a saint is poverty of spirit. A saint realizes that s/he is nothing apart from God, and all that s/he has is a gift and possession of God. A saint is detached from the things of the world, and is totally dependent upon God. S/he empties herself to God and is totally open to God’s will. In the most basic senses, sin occurs when one closes one’s heart to God, and trusts his own abilities alone. Those who are poor in spirit are blessed because theirs is the kingdom of heaven. They have abandoned the things of this world which will fade away; they will inherit the things of God which are everlasting and life-giving.

A saint is not only open and vulnerable to God, but s/he is also open to others. Those who are poor in spirit and dependent upon God are also meek; they are gentle and patient with others; they are unselfish and always return good for evil. St John Climacus says this about meekness:

Meekness is an unchangeable state of mind which remains the same in honor and dishonor. Meekness is the rock overlooking the sea of irritability which breaks all the waves that dash against it, remaining itself unmoved. Meekness is the buttress of patience, the mother of love and the foundation of wisdom, for it is said, "The Lord will teach the meek His way." (Psalm 24:9) It prepares the forgiveness of sins; it is boldness in prayer, an abode of the Holy Spirit. "But to whom shall I look," says the Lord, "to him who is meek and quiet and trembles at my word." (Isaiah 66:2) In meek hearts the Lord finds rest, but a turbulent soul is the seat of the devil. (The Ladder of Divine Ascent, Step 24)

The meek are blessed because they will inherit the earth. They reject the lust for greed and power that the world values and uses to own the earth. Yet, those who take by violence and greed will lose everything; and those who love and respect others will gain everything.

Those who are open to God and others know the joys that are given back to them in return. They also see the pain and suffering that comes from following the ways of sin. It is not that the life of a saint is free from suffering- of course there is suffering. But, in God the suffering is redeemed and life-giving. The sufferings of sin lead to destruction and death. The saint, grieved by the knowledge of the destination of so many who follow their own selfish paths, mourns for the world. S/he longs for those enslaved by the bondages of the world to be emancipated by Christ the Liberator, who offers them true fulfillment. Those who mourn are blessed because they will be comforted. God will turn their sorrow into joy, their weeping into dancing. Their tears will reap a harvest of love, and they will rejoice in the reconciliation of all things to God in Jesus Christ.

A saint also mourns his/her own strayings from God. S/he longs to be united fully to God. S/he longs for righteousness and justice, both in one’s own soul and in the world. S/he understands that we humans are restless and empty without God, and as St. Augustine wrote, that “we have no rest, until we find our rest in [God].” S/he understands that one’s relationship with God is not static; rather, we are always growing closer to God, from glory to glory, towards greater union with the uncontainable richness of God. Those who seek after God and the things of God are blessed because they will be filled with God. They will continue to progress in perpetual union with God. St Gregory of Nyssa said it this way:

Thus, in a certain sense, it (our humanity) is constantly being created, ever
changing for the better in its growth in perfection; along these lines no limit can be envisaged, nor can its progressive growth in perfection be limited by any term. In this way, in its state of perfection no matter how great and perfect it may be, it is merely the beginning of a greater and superior stage. (Commentary on the Song of Songs)


As a saint grows in union with God, s/he begins to be like God; to see the world through God’s eyes; to behave as God behaves; to value what God values. S/he begins to incarnate mercy. S/he is compassionate and tender-hearted to those who struggle and stumble from sin. S/he refuses to judge and condemn others, and instead forgives and blesses those who harm him/her. S/he gives mercy because s/he knows s/he needs mercy. S/he will not condemn others because s/he knows without God’s compassionate mercy s/he’d be condemned. S/he is blessed because in giving mercy, s/he will receive mercy. S/he is blessed because the more mercy s/he receives, the more aware s/he will become of the need for mercy: the more ready s/he will be to offer mercy and to “be merciful even as [the] Father in heaven is merciful (Luke 6:36).”

The journey to be like God also produces a purity of heart within the saint. His/her actions are motivated by love and a desire to radiate the light and love of God which scatters the darkness in the world. The pure in heart are free from the dominating powers of sin and death; they are free from selfish motives and sinful intentions. They are only interested in the things of God- those things which produce life, light, and love. The pure in heart are blessed because in their unattachment to the world, they are filled with the brilliance of God’s glory, and in that Light they see Light: they behold the face of God. St Gregory of Nyssa preached:

... the man who purifies the eye of his soul will enjoy an immediate vision of God ... it is the same lesson taught by the Word (i.e. Christ) when He said, "The Kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:21) This teaches us that the man who purifies his heart of every passionate impulse will see the image of the divine nature in his own beauty. You must then wash away, by a life of virtue, the dirt which has clung to your heart like plaster, and then your divine beauty will once again shine forth. (On the Beatitudes, Sermon 6)

Those who see God are able to enjoy the gifts of God. One of the first gifts that Christ left us was the gift of peace. The saint is so filled with the peace of Christ that s/he can not help but share that gift with everyone else. S/he is naturally a peace maker; naturally a non-anxious presence, free from fear and worry. It is not that a saint never experiences inner turmoil, even doubts and uncertainties; a saint does. Yet, in the midst of all the chances and changes of this life, s/he is comforted by that mysterious peace that passes understanding- that Christ-peace that the world can not comprehend. This Christ-peace emanates from a saint; it can be seen on their countenance and heard in their voice. S/he creates peace in every human situation in which s/he enters, by giving birth to the Prince of Peace in the midst of conflicts and strife. Being a peace maker is not always about conflict resolution. Yet, peacemaking is the heart of the ministry of reconciliation. In conflict, a peacemaker refuses to act violently and is not controlled by anger. S/he is never vengeful and never incites discord and contention among others. S/he lives by the Gospel commandment:

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourself, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." No, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
(Romans 12:18-21)


The peacemaker is blessed because s/he will be recognized as a child of God. The world will see Christ in the peacemaker, and God will recognize this peacemaker as a holy, righteous sibling of the Eternal Son. S/he is a child of God because s/he shares in Christ’s work of reconciliation S/he participates in drawing all into the loving embrace of the All-Compassionate God. S/he welcomes all to find a place in God’s community in which s/he has found a place to belong and to be loved.

The result of this identification with Christ and with the recognition of the saint’s true identity as a child of God is persecution. The world did not understand nor accept Christ; it will not accept the follower of Christ. Jesus said:

Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecute me, they will persecute you; if they have kept my word, they will keep yours also. But all this they will do to you on my account, because they do not know Him who sent me. (John 15:20-21)

Suffering is endured, partly, because the world can not comprehend the life of the saint. It is antithetical to all of the ways of the world. In fact, the dispositions and attitudes of the saint are often abrasive and uncomfortable to those in the world. The law of love and peace unsettles those in the world who value power and attain it by force and violence. It affronts them, convicts them, and calls them to abandon those false values and to turn in surrender to God. Those unwilling to reject the ways of the sin and death retaliate by persecuting and belittling the saint who is being fashioned into Christ’s image. Peace is rewarded with violence; love with hate; acceptance with rejection. Jesus says that those who are persecuted because of Him are blessed because theirs is the kingdom of heaven. A kingdom that we await in joyful hope to enjoy in everlasting glory; but, also a kingdom that has already been inaugurated within the saints of God , “the Kingdom is within you,” proclaimed Jesus. Because the saint already experiences the emerging kingdom of God, s/he is called to bear witness to that Kingdom by returning evil with good, by praying for those who persecute him, by blessing those who curse her, by welcoming those who reject him, by loving those that hate her. In so doing s/he refuses to acknowledge the vain attempts of the Evil One to usurp the authority of the Prince of Peace, whose kingdom of loving is holding sway in all of creation. S/he is called by Christ “to rejoice and to be exceedingly glad”, for the reward of eternal bliss with God will outweigh any suffering that s/he may be called to endure for the sake of his/her witness to God’s Reign of Love and Justice.

But I say to you that hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from him who takes away your cloak do not withhold your coat as well ... Love your enemies, and do good, and give, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and selfish. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you ... (Luke 6:27-38)

Then saint rejoices because s/he understands that his/her suffering is a share in Christ’s redemptive suffering: they believe in the hope that,
By His great mercy we have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and to an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while you may have to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold which though perishable is tested by fire, may redound to praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Without having seen Him, you love Him, though you do not now see Him you believe in Him and rejoice with unutterable and exalted joy. (I Peter 1:3-8)
:: posted by Padre Rob+, 8:30 PM | link | 1 comments |

Litany: An All Souls Litany for Those Martyred by Hate

Today the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church commemorates the Feast of All Souls. The observance began in the 11th century when St. Odilio, abbot of Cluny directed all of the Cluniac monasteries to sing the Office for the dead and to offer special prayers for those who had departed on the day after the Solemnity of All Saints. The custom quickly spread and became a universal observance on 2 November in the Roman Church.

It is customary to go to the cemetery or to Church and offer prayers for one's loved ones who have departed. In our prayers we commend them to the hands of a merciful and loving God and we pray that they grow in grace and receive greater Light. We also pray that if they are undergoing purgation, that they may quickly pass through the refining fires (please do not take that literally) and attain greater holiness as they are drawn ever closer and closer to full unity with God. The Church teaches that many graces are given to the dead for who prayers are offered on this day, and throughout November.

We pray for the dead just as we pray for the living because in Christ we are all united in a bond of love and affection. "Christ is risen from the tomb, trampling down death by death." Death no longer separates us from the ones who have passed into the next life. We are bound together in a community of Life and Love in Jesus Christ, and "nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus..." They are just as close to us as our loved ones who remain living on this side of Glory (perhaps they are even closer to us!) So we pray for them, as they continue to pray for us, because we love one another, and in Christ we are united and held together.

The Orthodox Church also teaches that after death, there remains hope for souls to turn to God if there is "a spark of grace" within it. So, we pray that God will have mercy on all the dead, so that spark of grace may grow and turn God's face from wrath to compassionate mercy on the final Day of Judgement.
I also wonder some souls carry with them wounds and pains from their journey on earth into the spiritual realm. I think of St John's vision of heaven, where he saw the souls of the martyrs under the heavenly altar crying out for justice, "How long, O Lord!?" It has become my custom to pray for continued healing and perfection for the souls of the dead who await the final resurrection and glorification of there beings in final and eternal union with God.

On this All Souls Day, I offer special prayers for the dead who were victims of violence, hate, and oppression; both those whoe were killed by violent hatred, and those whose souls were wounded by a life lived in oppression and fear. There are of course too many to name, and too many who suffer annonymously, known to God alone. May God in the infinite mercy of the Divine Love give face and voice and Name to all who the Named ones below symbolize. May all the departed in the mercy of God be filled with graces and blessings, Light, Love, healing and mercy. Amen.

Prayers for All Souls

Psalm 114
I have loved, because our Lord: will hear the voice of my prayer. Because he hath inclined his ear to me: and in my days I will call upon him. The sorrows of death have compassed me: and the pains of hell have found me. I have found tribulation, and sorrow: and I called on the name of our Lord. O Lord, deliver my soul, merciful Lord, and just: and our God hath mercy. Our Lord keepeth little ones: I was humbled, and he hath delivered me. Turn O my soul into thy rest: because our Lord hath done good to thee. Because he hath delivered my soul from death: my eyes from tears, my feet from sliding. I will please our Lord in the country of the living.

Eternal rest give unto them O Lord: and let perpetual light shine unto them

Psalm 137
I will confess to thee O Lord in my whole heart: because thou hast heard the words of my mouth. In the sight of Angels I will sing to thee: I will adore toward thy holy temple, and will confess to thy name. Upon thy mercy and thy truth: because thou hast magnified thy holy name above all things. In what day soever I shall call on thee, hear me: thou shalt multiply strength in my soul. Let all the Kings of the earth O Lord confess to thee: because they have heard all the words of thy mouth. And let them sing in the ways of our Lord: because great is the glory of our Lord. Because our Lord is high, and he beholdeth low things: and high things he knoweth far off. If I shall walk in the midst of tribulation, thou wilt quicken me: and upon the wrath of mine enemies thou hast extended thy hand, and thy right hand hath saved me. Our Lord will repay for me, O Lord thy mercy is forever: despise not the works of thy hands.

Eternal rest give unto them O Lord: and let perpetual light shine unto them

The works of thy hands dispise not O Lord.
I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me.
Blessed are the dead which die in our Lord
.

Magnificat
My soul: doth magnify our Lord. And my spirit hath rejoiced: in God my saviour. Because he hath regarded the humility of his handmaid: for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. Because he that is mighty, hath done great things to me: and holy is his name. And his mercy from generation unto generations: to them that fear him. He hath shewed might in his arm: he hath dispersed the proud in the conceit of their heart. He hath deposed the mighty from their seat: and hath exalted the humble. The hungry he hath filled with good things: and the rich he hath sent away empty. He hath received Israel his child: being mindful of his mercy. As he spake to our fathers: to Abraham, and his seed forever.

Eternal rest give unto them O Lord: and let perpetual light shine unto them.

All, that my Father giveth me, shall come unto me, and he that cometh unto me, I will not cast forth

Psalm 145
My soul praise thou our Lord, I will praise our Lord in my life: I will sing to my God as long as I shall be. Put not confidence in Princes: in the children of men, in whom there is no salvation. His spirit shall go forth, and shall return into his earth: in that day all their cogitations shall perish. Blessed is he whose God of Jacob is his helper his hope in our Lord his God: which made heaven and earth, the sea, and all things that are in them. Which keepeth truth forever, doth judgement for them that suffer wrong, giveth food to the hungry. Our Lord looseth the fettered: our Lord lighteneth the blind. Our Lord lifteth up the bruised: our Lord loveth the just. Our Lord keepeth strangers, the fatherless and widow he will receive: and the ways of sinners he shall destroy. Our Lord shall reign forever, thy God O Sion: in generation and generation

Eternal rest give unto them O Lord: and let perpetual light shine unto them.

From the gate of hell.
Deliver their souls O Lord.
Let them rest in peace
Amen.
O Lord hear my prayer.
And let my cry come unto thee.


Prayer

O God the giver of pardon, and the lover of human salvation, we beseech thy clemency: Incline thine ear to our prayer with which we plead you to save the souls of your beloved children whom you have called to pass out of this world into eternal peace and light, in the fellowship of Christ and the saints. We especially pray for your mercy upon the souls of our loved ones (named here), that they may be granted remission of all their sins and offenses. Blessed Mary ever virgin, we implore your intercessions, with all the saints, for the souls of the departed, so that they all may come to the fellowship of eternal blessedness.

Grant peace and rest to all who have have been taken from this life by violence. Have mercy on the souls of Matthew Shephard, Brandon Teena, Danny Overstreet, JR Warren, PFC Barry Winchell, Billy Jack Gaither, Bill Clayton, Tyra Hunter, and all others who have been killed because of their sexual orientation. Have mercy on the souls of Ayad Tariq, Irianto Kongkoli, Sister Leonella, and all who have been killed because of their faith. Have mercy on the men and women of the armed forces who have lost thier lives in service of their country. Have mercy on the souls of the innocent who have been casualties of war. May their cries to you for Justice bring peace to their souls and to our world.

Have mercy on the souls of those who stand before You and the holy angels ashamed and naked due to their lack of charity, their lack of good deeds, or because of the multitude of their sins. We offer all the good deeds we perform on this day on their behalf; clothe them with these deeds of compassion, that they may obtain graces through them; wash them in your Most Precious Blood, Lord Christ, and prepare them for the heavenly banquet.

Have mercy on the souls who neglected to form relationships with You and the inhabitants of Heaven through prayer and service, and who now feel like strangers, and afraid to look upon Your face, stand alone in the shadows. Send your holy angels to comfort them. May our prayers for them illuminate for them thier place in the Communion of saints. Shine the splendor of your grace upon them, and lead them to greater glory.

Christ our eternal King and God, You have destroyed death and the devil by Your Cross and have restored man to life by Your Resurrection; give rest, Lord, to the soul of Your servant (name) who has fallen asleep, in Your Kingdom, where there is no pain, sorrow or suffering. In Your goodness and love for all men, pardon all the sins he (she) has committed in thought word or deed, for there is no man or woman who lives and sins not, You only are without sin. For You are the Resurrection, the Life, and Repose of Your servant (name), departed this life, O Christ our God; and to You do we send up glory with Your Eternal Father and Your All-holy, Good and Life-creating Spirit; both now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen
:: posted by Padre Rob+, 4:38 PM | link | 3 comments |

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Litany: An All Saints Litany

Today is the Feast of All Saints Day. On this day the Holy Church of God remembers the thousands of nameless, faceless saints who were faithful, loving, merciful disciples of Christ, who now stand before the Throne of God, and who surround us in community of loving support. It is also an oppotunity for all of us who have been baptized into Christ to remember that we are all called to be saints: we are all called to live lives worthy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

For me, it is also a time to reflect upon the saints who were anonymous in that the Church never allowed them to be fully known and fully human- those gay and lesbian saints who faithfully served God, lived lives of holiness, and gave their lives for the sake of Christ's Reign of love. The Church has re-written the stories of some of these saints, removing their homosexual identities. It has forced others to deny their sexual orientation- and they have been hallowed by their martyrdom: by the sacrifice of God's gift of sexuality. The Church is guilty of robbing this gift from these holy men and women; but, God has accepted this offering as sweet smelling savor. It has been united to the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross, and mysteriously, these sacrifices have aided in the reconciliation of all things to God.

I am grateful for thier lives and for the self-offering of themselves for God. I am thankful that they had the strength to make such a huge sacrifice so that (ironically) the Gospel of Christ's all embracing love would continue to be proclaimed and lived. Because of the steps the took before me, I have a place in the Church today. Because they followed Christ, it is easier for me to follow the WAY.

Lord, Have Mercy
Christ, Have Mercy
Lord, Have Mercy

Holy Mary Mother of God, Pray for us
St Michael, Pray for us
All you Holy Angels, Pray for us
St Joseph, Pray for us
Saint Peter and St Paul, Pray for us
Saint John the Beloved, Pray for us
All you Holy Apostles, Pray for us
Saint Perpetua and Saint Felicity, Pray for us
St Aelred, Pray for us
St Alcuin, Pray for us
St Anslem, Pray for us
St Daniel, Pray for us
St David and St Jonathon, Pray for us
SS Sergius and Bacchus, Pray for us
St Longinus the Centurion, Pray for us
St Paulinus, Pray for us
St George, Pray for us
St Marina, Pray for us
St Theodora, Pray for us
St Thekla, Pray for us
St Edward II, King of England, Pray for us
St Augustine of Hippo, Pray for us
St John of the Cross, Pray for us
Blessed John Henry Newman, Pray for us
Blessed Dag Hammerskjold, Pray for us
All you holy gay and lesbian people of God, Pray for us
All you holy men and women of God, Pray for us

Remember not, Lord Christ, our offenses, nor the offenses of our forebears; neither reward us according to our sins. Spare us good Lord, spare your people, whom you have redeemed with your most precious blood, and by your mercy preserve us forever. Spare us, good Lord.

From all evil and wickedness; from sin; from the crafts and assaults of the devil; and from everlasting death, Good Lord, deliver us

From all blindness of heart, from pride, vainglory, and hypocrisy; from envy, hatred, and malice; and from all want of charity, Good Lord, deliver us

From all inordinate and sinful affections; and from all the deceits of the world, the flesh, and the devil, Good Lord, deliver us

From all false doctrine, heresy, and schism; from hardness of heart, and contempt of your Word and commandment to Love, Good Lord, deliver us

From all oppression, exclusion, and hatred; from alienation, marginilization, and degredation, Good Lord, deliver us

From all violence, war, hate crimes and murder; from dying suddenly and unprepared, Good Lord, deliver us

By your Coming to be human, Lord, save your people

By your death and rising to new life, Lord, save your people

By your gift of the Holy Spirit, Lord, save your people

In all time of tribulation; in all time of prosperity; in the hour of death, and in the day of judgement, Lord, save your people

We sinners do beseech you to hear us, O Lord God; that it may please you to rule and govern your holy Catholic Church in the right way,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

That it may please you to illumine all bishops, priests, and deacons with true knowledge and understanding of your Word; and that both by their preaching and living, they may set it forth, speaking the truth, acting justly, and seeking peace;
We beseech you hear us, Good Lord,

That it may please you to bless and keep all people,
We beseech you to hear us, Good Lord,

That it may please you to send forth laborers into your harvest, and to draw every person into your loving embrace,
We beseech you to hear us, Good Lord,

That it may please you to give to all people increase of grace to hear and receive your Word, and to bring forth the fruits of the Spirit,
We beseech you to hear us, Good Lord,

That is may please you to give us hearts to love you, and to love our friends and enemies, recognizing your Presence in each of them,
We beseech you to hear us Good Lord,

That it may please you so to rule the hearts of your servants, the President of the United States, the leaders of all nations, and all others in authority, that they amy do justice, and love mercy, and walk in the ways of truth,
We beseech you to hear us, Good Lord,

That it may please thee to make wars to cease in all the world; to give to all nations unity, peace, and concord; and to bestow freedom and equality to all peoples,
We beseech you to hear us, Good Lord,

That it may please thee to show your pity upon all prisoners and captives, the homeless and the hungry, and all who are desolate and oppressed,
We beseech you to hear us, Good Lord,

That it may please you to preserve, and provide for, all women in childbirth, young children and orphans, the widowed, and all whose homes are broken and torn by strife,
We beseech you to hear us, Good Lord,

That it may please you to strengthen the love and compassion found in all human relationships; and that the love of God manifest in them, all may be drawn to unity with you and one another,
We beseech you to hear us Good Lord,

That it may please you to guide the leaders of this and all Nations to protect the liberties of all monagomously coupled people, and to grace the Church with the courage to sacramentally bless the loving, life-long unions of all your people,
We beseech you to hear us, Good Lord,

That it may please you to visit the lonely; to strengthen all who suffer in mind, body, and spirit; and to comfort with your presence those who are failing and infirm, We beseech you to hear us, Good Lord,

That it may please you to support, help, and comfort all who are in danger, necessity, and tribulation, We beseech you to hear us, Good Lord.

That it may please you to forgive us all our sins and offenses,
We beseech you to hear us, Good Lord,

That it may please you to forgive our enemies, persecutors, and slanderers, and to turn their hearts, We beseech you to hear us, Good Lord,

That it may please you to grant to all the faithful departed eternal life and peace, We beseech you to hear us, Good Lord,

That it may please you to grant that, in the fellowship of the Holy Mother of God and all the saints, we may attain to your heavely kingdom,
We beseech you to hear us, Good Lord

Son of God, we beseech you to hear us
Son of God, we beseech you to hear us.

O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy upon us.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy upon us.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, Grant us your peace.

O Christ, Liberator, hear us
O Christ, Liberator, mercifully hear us.

Kyire Eleison
Christe Eleison
Kyrie Eleison.

Our Father....

O Lord, let your mercy be showed upon us.
Who put our trust in you.

Lord be merciful, Lord save your people
:: posted by Padre Rob+, 8:08 AM | link | 0 comments |