“And if any were to cast in prison a person who owed ten mites, and not the man himself only, but wife and children and servants for his sake; and another were to come and not to pay down the ten mites only, but to give also ten thousand talents of gold, and to lead the prisoner into the king’s courts, and to the throne of the highest power, and were to make him partaker of the highest honour and every kind of magnificence, the creditor would not be able to remember the ten mites; so hath our case been. For Christ hath paid down far more than we owe, yea as much more as the illimitable ocean is than a little drop.” - ST. John Chrysostom, Epistle to the Romans, Homily X, Rom 5:17
The problem with thinking the narrow definition of justification is "the lot" is to miss out on the goodies that follow: (using the above) the gift of all that gold, being led to the throne of the highest power, given a seat at the Table of the Maker of the Universe and a place in His eternal palaces forever.
All these are founded in the payment of the debt owed, but my goodness, our Giver God goes so, so far beyond just declaring us "not guilty!" I can't help but wonder if he might think that we're being ungrateful when we fixate on that to the exclusion of what He has brought us into in Christ Jesus!
31 January 2006
30 January 2006
Patristic Quote for the Day
His invitation is one of kindness, His goodness is beyond description... And see whom He calls! Those who have spent their strength in breaking the law, those who are burdened with their sins, those who can no longer lift up their heads, those who are filled with shame, those who can no longer speak out. And why does He call them? Not to demand an account, not to hold court. But why? To relieve them of their pain, to take away their heavy burden. For what could ever be a heavier burden than sin?..."I shall refesh you who are weighed down by sin," He says, "and you who are bend down as if under a burden; I shall grant you remission of your sins. Only come to Me!" - St. John Chrysostom
29 January 2006
Patristic Quote for the Day
No sin is so great it can conquer the munificence of the Master. Even if one is a fornicator, or an adulterer... the power of the gift and the love of the Master are great enough to make all sins disappear and to make the sinner shine more brightly than the rays of the sun. - St. John Chrysostom
28 January 2006
Homily for Epiphany 4
“Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?”
Well, let’s see: the wind is howling, lightning is flashing, the waves are crashing over the boat, the boat is beginning to sink, we’re faced with death and drowning - and you happen to be asleep and oblivious to all this. How’s that for reasons to be fearful - no matter what size our faith is?
The astonishing thing is that Jesus just doesn’t "get" the life of fear that we understand so perfectly. Who here today has the least trouble identifying with the disciples and what they were going through? Who here today is puzzled by their behavior? Fear is something we understand all too well. We know what it is to be afraid. Afraid of losing a family a member, afraid of the uncertainties of the future, afraid of a relationship breaking up, afraid of losing friends, afraid of suffering, afraid of another’s anger, afraid of losing control, afraid of gaining control, afraid of responsibility, afraid of getting hurt again, afraid of disappointing those who depend on us, afraid of change, afraid that things will never change, afraid that we’ve done something too awful for God or others to forgive, afraid that people will hate us if they really knew the evil we hide inside.
And so, yes, to us Jesus asks the question - and asks it as the winds howl and the waves crash and beat against the boat and our life feels like its going down - why are you fearful, O you of little faith?
If we ponder together that seemingly ridiculous question, a whole new world opens up to us: the world in which our Lord lived and which He came to open up for us, so that we could live in it too. It would not be going too far to describe it as a life devoid of being afraid. Which is not quite the same as a life without fear.
For there is always the fear of Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom. But the fear of the Lord is not the same thing as being afraid. The fear of the Lord is at the end of the Gospel reading today, not the beginning: The fear of the Lord leads them to marvel, saying, “Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” And it is precisely the fear of the Lord which releases from being afraid. As a wise man once said: “Fear the Lord, and then you need fear nothing else.”
A life without being afraid? A life where there is no terror in the dark, where every circumstance and person is met with confidence and joy, where suffering is not feared and death is not dreaded and remorse does not paralyze and peace reigns over all? Such a life belongs to Jesus and He lived it out fully. He was never afraid, for He could out with the Psalmist: “The Lord is my Light and my Salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?” He cried that prayer with every ounce of His being and so in Him there was no fear, and He summons us with our little faith to enter into that life with Him and live - really live.
For what is there to be afraid of when Jesus is with you in your boat? When He is with you in your life? Does death terrify you? But He is the Resurrection and the Life, He is the Death of death. He is death’s worst nightmare come into human flesh. Death cannot hold you when He who died and rose again calls you from the grave. Death will have to release you and you will arise in your body - He has made death like a little slumber, like the nap He took on the boat.
Do your sins terrify you? But He is the Pardon for all your sins, nailed to Calvary’s cross, wiping out the handwriting that was against you entirely. His angels have tossed from heaven the evil one who would accuse you, the baptized.
Do you fear the loss of friends and family? But any who are in Him are never lost, for those who die in Him still live! And He has promised a desired reunion in heaven.
Are you afraid that you won’t have enough, that you’ll suffer hunger or poverty? But He promises you daily bread and even better, He freely gives you a food that that supplies your deepest and enduring need: His body and His blood imparting to you the pardon of sin, the promise of your resurrection, and the gift of life with Him forever.
Are you afraid that He may have suffering in mind for you and your loved ones? Don’t worry. He does! He promises that suffering awaits. How could it not? If we are walking the path of love with Him, this world which rejects that love will see that we suffer. But He also promises that through every hardship He will bring you nothing but blessing, because He works all things together for the good of those who love Him.
You see, the One in the boat who asks: “Why are you fearful?” has literally taken away from us every reason to be afraid of anything in this creation. Anything at all. He manifests the entirety of life and creation itself as a gift of love from a heavenly Father, and the measure of that love is that He gave His Son into the flesh that you might never fear, ever again.
Ah, but in our weakness, we still do fear. The Church knows this. In her wisdom, she teaches us to pray. There is a prayer that has come down to us from the dark days when Viking raiders could show up at night to plunder house and home - stealing, raping, murdering, doing all kinds of evil. Th Collect for Peace. In it, the Church asks God for a most precious gift: “and that we, being defended by thee from the fear of our enemies, may pass our time in rest and quietness.” Did you catch that? The Church does not ask God to deliver her from her earthly enemies, but from the fear of them. The problem was never the Vikings or any terrorist or terror ever since. The problem is always with our being afraid of them, as though they had some power over us to separate us from the love of God in Christ! No way.
To belong to Christ, to have the Crucified and Risen One present in your life, means learning to live without fear - except for the fear of bowing before Him and confessing Him to be the Almighty God in our flesh and blood. Indeed, “the wind and waves still know His voice who ruled them when on earth below.” Amen.
Well, let’s see: the wind is howling, lightning is flashing, the waves are crashing over the boat, the boat is beginning to sink, we’re faced with death and drowning - and you happen to be asleep and oblivious to all this. How’s that for reasons to be fearful - no matter what size our faith is?
The astonishing thing is that Jesus just doesn’t "get" the life of fear that we understand so perfectly. Who here today has the least trouble identifying with the disciples and what they were going through? Who here today is puzzled by their behavior? Fear is something we understand all too well. We know what it is to be afraid. Afraid of losing a family a member, afraid of the uncertainties of the future, afraid of a relationship breaking up, afraid of losing friends, afraid of suffering, afraid of another’s anger, afraid of losing control, afraid of gaining control, afraid of responsibility, afraid of getting hurt again, afraid of disappointing those who depend on us, afraid of change, afraid that things will never change, afraid that we’ve done something too awful for God or others to forgive, afraid that people will hate us if they really knew the evil we hide inside.
And so, yes, to us Jesus asks the question - and asks it as the winds howl and the waves crash and beat against the boat and our life feels like its going down - why are you fearful, O you of little faith?
If we ponder together that seemingly ridiculous question, a whole new world opens up to us: the world in which our Lord lived and which He came to open up for us, so that we could live in it too. It would not be going too far to describe it as a life devoid of being afraid. Which is not quite the same as a life without fear.
For there is always the fear of Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom. But the fear of the Lord is not the same thing as being afraid. The fear of the Lord is at the end of the Gospel reading today, not the beginning: The fear of the Lord leads them to marvel, saying, “Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” And it is precisely the fear of the Lord which releases from being afraid. As a wise man once said: “Fear the Lord, and then you need fear nothing else.”
A life without being afraid? A life where there is no terror in the dark, where every circumstance and person is met with confidence and joy, where suffering is not feared and death is not dreaded and remorse does not paralyze and peace reigns over all? Such a life belongs to Jesus and He lived it out fully. He was never afraid, for He could out with the Psalmist: “The Lord is my Light and my Salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?” He cried that prayer with every ounce of His being and so in Him there was no fear, and He summons us with our little faith to enter into that life with Him and live - really live.
For what is there to be afraid of when Jesus is with you in your boat? When He is with you in your life? Does death terrify you? But He is the Resurrection and the Life, He is the Death of death. He is death’s worst nightmare come into human flesh. Death cannot hold you when He who died and rose again calls you from the grave. Death will have to release you and you will arise in your body - He has made death like a little slumber, like the nap He took on the boat.
Do your sins terrify you? But He is the Pardon for all your sins, nailed to Calvary’s cross, wiping out the handwriting that was against you entirely. His angels have tossed from heaven the evil one who would accuse you, the baptized.
Do you fear the loss of friends and family? But any who are in Him are never lost, for those who die in Him still live! And He has promised a desired reunion in heaven.
Are you afraid that you won’t have enough, that you’ll suffer hunger or poverty? But He promises you daily bread and even better, He freely gives you a food that that supplies your deepest and enduring need: His body and His blood imparting to you the pardon of sin, the promise of your resurrection, and the gift of life with Him forever.
Are you afraid that He may have suffering in mind for you and your loved ones? Don’t worry. He does! He promises that suffering awaits. How could it not? If we are walking the path of love with Him, this world which rejects that love will see that we suffer. But He also promises that through every hardship He will bring you nothing but blessing, because He works all things together for the good of those who love Him.
You see, the One in the boat who asks: “Why are you fearful?” has literally taken away from us every reason to be afraid of anything in this creation. Anything at all. He manifests the entirety of life and creation itself as a gift of love from a heavenly Father, and the measure of that love is that He gave His Son into the flesh that you might never fear, ever again.
Ah, but in our weakness, we still do fear. The Church knows this. In her wisdom, she teaches us to pray. There is a prayer that has come down to us from the dark days when Viking raiders could show up at night to plunder house and home - stealing, raping, murdering, doing all kinds of evil. Th Collect for Peace. In it, the Church asks God for a most precious gift: “and that we, being defended by thee from the fear of our enemies, may pass our time in rest and quietness.” Did you catch that? The Church does not ask God to deliver her from her earthly enemies, but from the fear of them. The problem was never the Vikings or any terrorist or terror ever since. The problem is always with our being afraid of them, as though they had some power over us to separate us from the love of God in Christ! No way.
To belong to Christ, to have the Crucified and Risen One present in your life, means learning to live without fear - except for the fear of bowing before Him and confessing Him to be the Almighty God in our flesh and blood. Indeed, “the wind and waves still know His voice who ruled them when on earth below.” Amen.
Tastier
Is there anything tastier than bacon, eggs, and coffee? Sigh. Every morning should taste so good...
Patristic Quote for the Day
Repentance (metanoia) is fitting at all times and for all persons, for sinners as well as for the righteous who look for salvation. There are no bounds to perfection, for even the perfection of the most perfect is nothing but imperfection. Hence, until the moment of death, neither the time nor the works of perfection can ever be complete. - St. Isaac the Syrian
27 January 2006
Just an Idea
We are not talking about a platonic republic here, Melanchthon protested in the Apology. The Church, he insisted, has a concrete and real existence in this world.
But too often hasn't Lutheranism been reduced to a mind-set, a way of thinking, assent to a set of propositions? If you agree to X, Y, and Z, then, congratulations! You're a Lutheran.
Thus, Lutherans AGREE that private confession and absolution is a good thing. But don't ask them to do it! That would be "legalistic" (i.e., it would require moving out of the realm of ideas).
Thus, Lutherans AGREE that Baptism means death to the old Adam. But don't ask them fast! That would be "legalistic" (i.e., it would require moving out of the realm of ideas).
Thus, Lutherans AGREE that the Symbols are a "true exposition of the Word of God" but don't refer to Mary with any of the titles that they do ("Blessed, Ever-Virgin, Most-holy, Pure and Holy", etc), or you're imposing personal beliefs on people (and you'd be moving out of the realm of ideas).
Thus, Lutherans AGREE that the Saints are to be honored, but do it without mentioning them, please! We don't want to be mistaken for Rome (in other words, keep it in the realm of ideas, not practice).
Thus, Lutherans AGREE that there is a third use of the Law, but God forbid that a pastor expect a person to actually follow one of the commandments! The Law is there to accuse and that's about it, remember? That keeps it nicely in the realm of ideas. Safely away from my life!
I may be being too harsh (it certainly would not be the first time), but it seems to me watching and listening and thinking about theological discourse of late, that any time the discussion moves away from the realm of mere ideas, the typical Lutheran response among many so-called "Confessionalists" is to squirm with discomfort and cry foul.
Can Lutheranism survive merely as an idea? Can the idea of Lutheranism be disconnected from the concrete forms in which she has lived her life? I am thinking of how it was reported to me that a professor at one of our seminaries can argue that both Fr. High Church and Pastor Billy-Bob Church Growther are both fine and upstanding Lutheran pastors. Why? Because they hold to the same ideas, they hold opinions that mark them as Lutheran. Lutheranism as an idea is not Lutheranism at all in my book; unlike Sasse, I agree with Elert, there is a morphe to Lutheranism, a shape that results from the impact of the Gospel. Take away that concrete shape and all you have left is the Gospel as an idea.
I am reminded of the words of St. Basil the Great: "If we attacked unwritten customs, claiming them to be of little importance (read: adiaphora), we would fatally mutilate the Gospel, no matter what our intentions - or rather, we would reduce the Gospel teachings to bare words (read: ideas)." par. 66 *On the Holy Spirit*
I am afraid the great Father nailed that one. And it is why Article XV of the AC is a DOCTRINAL article.
Thoughts?
But too often hasn't Lutheranism been reduced to a mind-set, a way of thinking, assent to a set of propositions? If you agree to X, Y, and Z, then, congratulations! You're a Lutheran.
Thus, Lutherans AGREE that private confession and absolution is a good thing. But don't ask them to do it! That would be "legalistic" (i.e., it would require moving out of the realm of ideas).
Thus, Lutherans AGREE that Baptism means death to the old Adam. But don't ask them fast! That would be "legalistic" (i.e., it would require moving out of the realm of ideas).
Thus, Lutherans AGREE that the Symbols are a "true exposition of the Word of God" but don't refer to Mary with any of the titles that they do ("Blessed, Ever-Virgin, Most-holy, Pure and Holy", etc), or you're imposing personal beliefs on people (and you'd be moving out of the realm of ideas).
Thus, Lutherans AGREE that the Saints are to be honored, but do it without mentioning them, please! We don't want to be mistaken for Rome (in other words, keep it in the realm of ideas, not practice).
Thus, Lutherans AGREE that there is a third use of the Law, but God forbid that a pastor expect a person to actually follow one of the commandments! The Law is there to accuse and that's about it, remember? That keeps it nicely in the realm of ideas. Safely away from my life!
I may be being too harsh (it certainly would not be the first time), but it seems to me watching and listening and thinking about theological discourse of late, that any time the discussion moves away from the realm of mere ideas, the typical Lutheran response among many so-called "Confessionalists" is to squirm with discomfort and cry foul.
Can Lutheranism survive merely as an idea? Can the idea of Lutheranism be disconnected from the concrete forms in which she has lived her life? I am thinking of how it was reported to me that a professor at one of our seminaries can argue that both Fr. High Church and Pastor Billy-Bob Church Growther are both fine and upstanding Lutheran pastors. Why? Because they hold to the same ideas, they hold opinions that mark them as Lutheran. Lutheranism as an idea is not Lutheranism at all in my book; unlike Sasse, I agree with Elert, there is a morphe to Lutheranism, a shape that results from the impact of the Gospel. Take away that concrete shape and all you have left is the Gospel as an idea.
I am reminded of the words of St. Basil the Great: "If we attacked unwritten customs, claiming them to be of little importance (read: adiaphora), we would fatally mutilate the Gospel, no matter what our intentions - or rather, we would reduce the Gospel teachings to bare words (read: ideas)." par. 66 *On the Holy Spirit*
I am afraid the great Father nailed that one. And it is why Article XV of the AC is a DOCTRINAL article.
Thoughts?
25 January 2006
Long Day
Very tired tonight. The last two days I attended a pastoral conference, and I must confess that there are few things that tire me out nearly so much as sitting, listening, and thinking. Highlights: seeing, visiting and eating with friends, playing pinochle (though being beaten by Herb and Jim was NOT a highlight, was it Dave? And can Herb ever gloat. Geez. Glad I'm not like that... [dodging the lighting]), getting a hug from Michael and hearing his kind words, talking with Stu and Brian, visiting with all my former PALS pastors (though not long enough!), finding out Jenn is pregnant and getting some of her delicious salsa, seeing Lizzy and Lydia, hearing Kirk state so simply the missing piece to the puzzle that the good Dr. Rast was hunting around for, listening to the sound of a room full of Lutheran pastors belting out hymns and liturgy, getting a new book to read from Sister Sandy.
Also a great highlight: finding out that the brakes on the van were okay. Deo gratias!
Lighten our darkness...
Also a great highlight: finding out that the brakes on the van were okay. Deo gratias!
Lighten our darkness...
23 January 2006
Patristic Quote for the Day
God's will is done on earth as in heaven when, in the way indicated, we do not disparage one another, and when not only are we without jealousy but we are united one to another in simplicity and in mutual love, peace, and joy, and regard our brother's progress as our own and his failure as our loss. - St. Makarios of Egypt, Par. 27 of The Makarion Homilies.
21 January 2006
Cleaning Day
Cindi and I are trying to de-junk at least once a weekend. It's amazing the amount of stuff we try to carry around with us. Today I spent dejunking clothes and books. I am amazed that I am still carrying around books on literary criticism, something I really haven't been interested in for the past 25 years! The back of the van is packed up with stuff to head to Good Will. Cindi was just starting on de-junking the music when I headed over to Church. Years ago we enjoyed reading Don Aslett's works on cleaning and I still remember his advice: "If it doesn't love you back, get rid of it!" Our hope is to have the entire parsonage completely dejunked in a couple months. Now, if only we could keep from bringing new junk in...
A Prayer of St. Basil the Great
I bless You, O Lord.
Though I am powerless, You strengthen my weakness.
You stretch from above Your helping hand
and bring me back unto Yourself.
What shall I render to You, O all-good Master,
for all the good things You have done
and continue to do for me,
the sinner?
I will cease not to bless You all the days of my life,
my Creator,
my Benefactor,
and my Guardian.
Though I am powerless, You strengthen my weakness.
You stretch from above Your helping hand
and bring me back unto Yourself.
What shall I render to You, O all-good Master,
for all the good things You have done
and continue to do for me,
the sinner?
I will cease not to bless You all the days of my life,
my Creator,
my Benefactor,
and my Guardian.
Patristic Quote for the Day
Someone prays, for example, for victory over those who fight against him. He hears nothing and sees no deceitful sign; or even if he does hear or see something, either in sleep or when awake, he gives it absolutely no credence. But after a certain length of time he observes that the battle is being won by God's grace and that certain thoughts are drawing the intellect towards humility and the knowledge of his own weakness. Yet he still does not put his trust in this, fearing that it might be deception, but waits for many years. It was such an attitude, according to St. John Chrysostom, that Christ wanted to induce in the apostles: that is why He warned them of coming tribulations, adding, 'He who endures to the end will be saved' (Mark 10:22), so that they would not grow careless or over-confident, but would struggle on out of fear. For a person derives no benefit from the other virtues, even though he dwells in heaven, if he is in the grip of the presumption that led to the fall of the devil, Adam, and many others. - St. Peter of Damaskos
20 January 2006
Patristic Quote for the Day
Christ is by nature both God and man. In an ineffable and supranatural manner we participate by grace in Him as God, while He in His incomprehensible love for men shares as man in our lot for our sake by making Himself one with us with a form like ours. - St. Maximos the Confessor, Fourth Century on Various Texts, #25
19 January 2006
Patristic Quote for the Day
'Sing the psalms with understanding' says the Psalmist; and the Lord says, 'Search the Scriptures.' He who pays attention to them is illumined, while he who pays no attention is filled with darkness. - St. Peter of Damaskos, On Holy Scripture
18 January 2006
Patristic Quote for the Day
Performing in Himself the sacred mystery of our re-creation, the Logos offered Himself up on our behalf through His death on the cross, and He continually offers Himself up, giving His immaculate body to us daily as a soul-nourishing banquet, so that by eating and by drinking His precious blood we may through this participation consciously grow in spiritual stature.... Thus we do not belong to ourselves, but to Him who has united us to Himself through this immortal meal and has made us by adoption what He Himself is by nature. - Nikitas Stihatos (disciple of St. Symeon, the New Theologian, Nikitas was born around the start of the 11th century)
Confession of St. Peter
This morning we celebrated the Confession of St. Peter at St. Paul's with Matins and the Eucharist. We let St. Bede preach, since the Confessions quote him on the topic of the "rock" in Matthew 16. Missed Vicar, though, who is at the Haj in Fort Wayne.
Today promises to be full of joy: Chapel with the TSP children on St. Peter's Confession; Pericopal Study group, lunch, Confessions study; visiting David at Barnes in the p.m.; Vespers, dinner, Bible class and wrapping up with Compline.
I absolutely love these days that start with the faithful gathering to pray the Psalms in the darkness and receive the Eucharist and walking out into the light. It is the tale of our lives: from the darkness, enlightened by Christ, and into the Day without evening in the Kingdom of our Father!
Today promises to be full of joy: Chapel with the TSP children on St. Peter's Confession; Pericopal Study group, lunch, Confessions study; visiting David at Barnes in the p.m.; Vespers, dinner, Bible class and wrapping up with Compline.
I absolutely love these days that start with the faithful gathering to pray the Psalms in the darkness and receive the Eucharist and walking out into the light. It is the tale of our lives: from the darkness, enlightened by Christ, and into the Day without evening in the Kingdom of our Father!
17 January 2006
The Coming One
Here is an outstanding article that a friend sent my way today:
http://tinyurl.com/ax27o
Typical John Behr - dense with goodies. Here's a teaser:
"In other words, baptism is not simply a stepping stone to membership of the Church. Rather the paschal dimension of baptism characterizes the totality of the Christian life, shaping and informing every aspect of it, until we are finally raised in Christ. The mode of becoming a Christian, through conversion and instruction, is the mode of remaining a Christian, all the while learning to confess Christ more fully and so put on his identity more perfectly."
I was also intrigued by his pointing out that for St. Irenaeus' famous dictum about the glory of God being a man fully alive, the reference is not to a man living with gusto, enjoying this age to the fullest (this is how John Powell, the Jesuit, takes it). But rather to a martyr. A person who is fully alive in his death to this world and in his life oriented solely toward to the Coming One.
Thoughts?
http://tinyurl.com/ax27o
Typical John Behr - dense with goodies. Here's a teaser:
"In other words, baptism is not simply a stepping stone to membership of the Church. Rather the paschal dimension of baptism characterizes the totality of the Christian life, shaping and informing every aspect of it, until we are finally raised in Christ. The mode of becoming a Christian, through conversion and instruction, is the mode of remaining a Christian, all the while learning to confess Christ more fully and so put on his identity more perfectly."
I was also intrigued by his pointing out that for St. Irenaeus' famous dictum about the glory of God being a man fully alive, the reference is not to a man living with gusto, enjoying this age to the fullest (this is how John Powell, the Jesuit, takes it). But rather to a martyr. A person who is fully alive in his death to this world and in his life oriented solely toward to the Coming One.
Thoughts?
16 January 2006
Oh, I almost forgot!
Doing the happy dance again this morning. After 2 weeks on induction, weight had gone back from 167 to 155. Dr. Aktins, thanks be to God for your diet. Let the naysayers say nay all they want. My dr. tells me: "Whatever you're doing diet-wise, keep it up!" And I will.
Atkins really is an interesting discipline. You just learn a whole different way of eating, and as long as you stick to it (we've been doing it for five years!), it really works well. What does a typical Atkins day look like? This morning I fried up some sausage and served it up with an egg over medium for both Cindi and me. Cindi made a roasted turkey for lunch. We ate it with a low-carb gravy and a salad of fresh spinach, feta, and crumbled egg in an oil and vinegar dressing. Dinner was some of that turkey stir fried with veggies and fajita sauce, served over fresh salad greens and with a coconut-milk custard for dessert. The day finished up with a cube or three of Jarsburg cheese and sipping some charodonnay - the boxed variety. What's not to like about this way of eating, I ask you?
Of course it would be totally CADDY of me to mention that the men won at Pinochle on Sunday night AND on Friday night. So I won't mention it - but if any of you see Cindi or Crystal or Rachel, you sure can - right, Randy and Scott? : )
Atkins really is an interesting discipline. You just learn a whole different way of eating, and as long as you stick to it (we've been doing it for five years!), it really works well. What does a typical Atkins day look like? This morning I fried up some sausage and served it up with an egg over medium for both Cindi and me. Cindi made a roasted turkey for lunch. We ate it with a low-carb gravy and a salad of fresh spinach, feta, and crumbled egg in an oil and vinegar dressing. Dinner was some of that turkey stir fried with veggies and fajita sauce, served over fresh salad greens and with a coconut-milk custard for dessert. The day finished up with a cube or three of Jarsburg cheese and sipping some charodonnay - the boxed variety. What's not to like about this way of eating, I ask you?
Of course it would be totally CADDY of me to mention that the men won at Pinochle on Sunday night AND on Friday night. So I won't mention it - but if any of you see Cindi or Crystal or Rachel, you sure can - right, Randy and Scott? : )
Voters' Assembly
Tonight St. Paul's holds its January Voters' assembly.
My opening devotion will simply be to read these portions of the Acathyst of Thanksgiving:
KONTAKION 11
Through the icy link of the ages, I feel the warmth of Your Divine breath; I hear the flow of blood. You are already near; time has partly vanished. I see Your Cross; it is for my sake. My spirit is in ashes before the Cross, where there is a triumph of love and salvation, and unceasing praise unto all ages: Alleluia!
Ikos
Blessed is he who will have supper in Your Kingdom, but You have already admitted me to this bliss. How many times have You extended to me with Your Divine Hand, Your body and blood; and I, such a sinner, have taken this sacred gift and felt Your love - unutterable and beyond all being:
Glory to You, for the unfathomable, life-giving power of grace,
Glory to You, Who have raised up Your Church as a refuge of peace for an
exhausted world,
Glory to You, Who breathe new life into us with the life-giving water of
Baptism,
Glory to You, Who restore the purity of immaculate lilies to those who
repent,
Glory to You, inexhaustible abyss of forgiveness,
Glory to You, for the cup of life, for the bread of eternal joy,
Glory to You, Who led us to heaven,
Glory to You, O God, unto ages of ages.
KONTAKION 12
Many times I have seen the reflection of Your glory on the faces of the dead. What unearthly beauty and joy shone from them; how ethereal and immaterial were their features. This is the triumph of happiness and peace received gracefully, as they silently call upon You. At the hour of my death also illumine my soul as I call: Alleluia!
Ikos
How can I give praise to You? I have not heard the songs of the cherubim. That is the gift of the highest of souls. But I know how nature gives praise to You: in winter I have beheld the moonlight stillness when the whole earth quietly prays to You, clothed in white and sparkling with diamonds of snow; I have seen how the rising sun rejoices in You and the choirs of birds resound in praise; I have heard the forest speak mysteriously of You, the waters murmur and the choirs of stars preach of You with their harmonious movement in infinite space. But what is my praise? Nature responds to Your laws, but I do not! Yet while I am alive I see Your love; I want to thank You, to pray to You, and call out:
Glory to You, Who have shown us light,
Glory to You, Who have loved us with love immeasurable, deep, Divine,
Glory to You, Who have surrounded us with light, and with hosts of angels
and saints,
Glory to You, all Holy Father, Who have willed us Your Kingdom,
Glory to You, all Holy Son, the Way, the Truth, and the Life,
Glory to You, all Holy Spirit and life-giving sun of the future age,
Glory to You for everything, O Divine Trinity, all bountiful,
Glory to You, O God, unto ages of ages.
KONTAKION 13
O all bountiful and life-giving Trinity, accept this gratitude for all of Your mercies and make us worthy of your Divine gifts so that having multiplied the talents given us, we may enter into the eternal joy of our Lord with victorious praise: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
And here is my pastoral report:
PASTOR’S ANNUAL REPORT
The year 2005 was the 149th year that our God who is a great Lover of Mankind has faithfully fed and nourished, sustained and blessed, a Lutheran parish in New Gehlenbeck. The year began with the joy of two adult confirmations on the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord: Mary Bender and Adam Rhodes received the laying on of hands and were welcomed to the Lord’s table. Also that month we were blessed to welcome into our family of faith Raymond and Tamara Barker.
Toward the end of February, the waters of Holy Baptism embraced little Grace Hanvey and brought her the gift of adoption into the heavenly Father’s family.
March found us observing Lent, meditating upon our Lord’s passion and rejoicing in His unspeakable grace. We bade farewell to Lucille Meyer and rejoiced that her earthly pilgrimage was completed. Because Easter fell so early, the confirmation of the youth was not held on Palm Sunday. Easter again brought us “joy, joy, joy to the heart” and our musicians outdid themselves as usual. We were very blessed at the Easter Vigil to baptize Elizabeth Auten into the faith and receive her at the altar. We also saw a number of families transfer in: Ben Shashack, Brent and Melissa Buckner, Patrick, Denise and Hannah Strader were all officially joined to our parish.
In April, the waters of Baptism were flowing again. On April 5 Ryker and Ryton Miller received Holy Baptism at Anderson hospital shortly after their birth. And as the parish was wrapping up its celebration of the Easter season, on April 30, Adam Overby had his sins washed away and the gift of eternal life given to him.
The very next day, May 1, Myah Lindley was brought to Jesus in the font and received into His loving embrace. And two Sundays later: Erik Johnson, Dillon and Shane Meyer, Tim Messer, Rebecca Newton, Daniele Reising, Cally Reising, Justin Thiems, and Daniel Weiler gave forth the good confession, received the laying on of hands, and were given their Baptismal birthright: the Holy Sacrament of the Altar.
June and July were relatively quiet months, as usual. We held our Vacation Bible School. Sarah Freitag and Michael Schwarz were married at Trinity in Worden because the floors of St. Paul’s sanctuary were being refinished. And we also celebrated the heavenly birthdays of two saints of God: Arline Bultmann on July 7 after several months of deteriorating health due to cancer and Lydia Henke on July 16th, after quite suddenly and unexpectedly falling asleep in Jesus after her noon lunch. Also at the end of July we said a sad goodbye to Vicar Karl and Nancy Gregory. We were truly blessed by their service to us during the year.
In August we began by welcoming in Vicar Charles Lehmann. In His great mercy and love, the Lord took to Himself our brother Earl Henkhaus. Although it has been years and years since Earl was able to usher, it still seems “wrong” on Sunday mornings not to see his face beaming back there in the Narthex. His funeral was celebrated on August 12. Marriage bells rang out of Lynda McQuillis and William Prante Jr on August 13 and for Nicolette Wollerman and Dan Rikli on August 20. Our school went back into session in August and the work that Ron, Sheila, Denny, Kristi and several others put into making the class rooms sparkle really paid off.
In September the waters of Baptism were bringing new life again: this time to Sadie Lippoldt on September 17th and the following day to Brandon Cann. What a joy it was to see Brandon speak his confession of faith and receive the washing of new life! The Lord has stirred up in him a mighty hunger for the Eucharist, and he is eagerly awaiting the day he will be permitted to receive Christ’s body and blood. While the waters of Baptism were flowing and bringing new life, Martha Boeker’s baptism was being completed. Her funeral was celebrated September 12. St. Paul’s had the privilege of welcoming in new members of the family: Milton Ruepert, Amy, Brian, Mallory and David Deist; and sadly bidding goodbye to Lori Schlabs and Glen and Thelma Wuehler who had moved to Highland and started attending Hope. Marriage bells rang out in September for Buffy Struebig and Tim Ridens on the 10th and the following week for Joyce Mueth and Robert Burnett.
October began with a pair of baptisms: Taylor and Mackenzie Heberer were cleansed in the font of living water on the 8th. At the end of the month the marriage of Cheri Mulach and Mark Tschetschot was solemnized at St. Paul’s.
November was a busy month. It began with our joyful celebration of All Saints at which Kaci Shashack and Sara Schwarz were confirmed. The following week Turner Fravell was baptized into Christ, on Nov 12. On the 19th Dustin Riechmann and Amanda Long spoke their vows to one another before the Lord’s altar and received His blessing. On November 21st the funeral of Lester Meyer was celebrated – and it was sort of a double loss for St. Paul’s since Doris went then to live in Florida with her daughter. On November 23 Anya Sander had her sins washed away and on November 27th Riley Stipcak was clothed in the robe of Christ’s righteousness in Holy Baptism. That month we were privileged to welcome Mitch and Sarah Day into our parish family. Our board of Christian Life organized a food drive for Thanksgiving Day the food from which we took to the Glen-Ed Pantry and they were very grateful.
Come December, with the church beautifully decorated for Advent and Christmas, we were blessed with a double Baptism on December 11: Zachary Melcher and Justin Ethington were received into the Savior’s church and given a new birth of faith. Shortly before December, Elsie Hellmann’s earthly pilgrimage came to an end and she was given Christian burial on St. John’s Day, December 27th. The month of December also saw the St. Paul family welcome in Ray and Janet Munzert, and children Amanda and Daniel, and also Barbara Melcher.
It was thus yet another year of God’s great mercy and grace to us as a parish. As we prepare to enter our 150th year as a parish, our membership stands as follows: 741 baptized; 571 communicant; with an average attendance over a weekend of 309. That means 42% of our baptized membership attends on a given weekend. A better average than the Synod as a whole, and certainly better than some neighboring parishes, but a far cry short of our Lord’s expectations for us. But despite our faithlessness, His faithful mercy and love continue to us. To Him be the glory forever and ever! Amen.
Respectfully submitted,
William Weedon,
In the 13th year of his pastorate
My opening devotion will simply be to read these portions of the Acathyst of Thanksgiving:
KONTAKION 11
Through the icy link of the ages, I feel the warmth of Your Divine breath; I hear the flow of blood. You are already near; time has partly vanished. I see Your Cross; it is for my sake. My spirit is in ashes before the Cross, where there is a triumph of love and salvation, and unceasing praise unto all ages: Alleluia!
Ikos
Blessed is he who will have supper in Your Kingdom, but You have already admitted me to this bliss. How many times have You extended to me with Your Divine Hand, Your body and blood; and I, such a sinner, have taken this sacred gift and felt Your love - unutterable and beyond all being:
Glory to You, for the unfathomable, life-giving power of grace,
Glory to You, Who have raised up Your Church as a refuge of peace for an
exhausted world,
Glory to You, Who breathe new life into us with the life-giving water of
Baptism,
Glory to You, Who restore the purity of immaculate lilies to those who
repent,
Glory to You, inexhaustible abyss of forgiveness,
Glory to You, for the cup of life, for the bread of eternal joy,
Glory to You, Who led us to heaven,
Glory to You, O God, unto ages of ages.
KONTAKION 12
Many times I have seen the reflection of Your glory on the faces of the dead. What unearthly beauty and joy shone from them; how ethereal and immaterial were their features. This is the triumph of happiness and peace received gracefully, as they silently call upon You. At the hour of my death also illumine my soul as I call: Alleluia!
Ikos
How can I give praise to You? I have not heard the songs of the cherubim. That is the gift of the highest of souls. But I know how nature gives praise to You: in winter I have beheld the moonlight stillness when the whole earth quietly prays to You, clothed in white and sparkling with diamonds of snow; I have seen how the rising sun rejoices in You and the choirs of birds resound in praise; I have heard the forest speak mysteriously of You, the waters murmur and the choirs of stars preach of You with their harmonious movement in infinite space. But what is my praise? Nature responds to Your laws, but I do not! Yet while I am alive I see Your love; I want to thank You, to pray to You, and call out:
Glory to You, Who have shown us light,
Glory to You, Who have loved us with love immeasurable, deep, Divine,
Glory to You, Who have surrounded us with light, and with hosts of angels
and saints,
Glory to You, all Holy Father, Who have willed us Your Kingdom,
Glory to You, all Holy Son, the Way, the Truth, and the Life,
Glory to You, all Holy Spirit and life-giving sun of the future age,
Glory to You for everything, O Divine Trinity, all bountiful,
Glory to You, O God, unto ages of ages.
KONTAKION 13
O all bountiful and life-giving Trinity, accept this gratitude for all of Your mercies and make us worthy of your Divine gifts so that having multiplied the talents given us, we may enter into the eternal joy of our Lord with victorious praise: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
And here is my pastoral report:
PASTOR’S ANNUAL REPORT
The year 2005 was the 149th year that our God who is a great Lover of Mankind has faithfully fed and nourished, sustained and blessed, a Lutheran parish in New Gehlenbeck. The year began with the joy of two adult confirmations on the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord: Mary Bender and Adam Rhodes received the laying on of hands and were welcomed to the Lord’s table. Also that month we were blessed to welcome into our family of faith Raymond and Tamara Barker.
Toward the end of February, the waters of Holy Baptism embraced little Grace Hanvey and brought her the gift of adoption into the heavenly Father’s family.
March found us observing Lent, meditating upon our Lord’s passion and rejoicing in His unspeakable grace. We bade farewell to Lucille Meyer and rejoiced that her earthly pilgrimage was completed. Because Easter fell so early, the confirmation of the youth was not held on Palm Sunday. Easter again brought us “joy, joy, joy to the heart” and our musicians outdid themselves as usual. We were very blessed at the Easter Vigil to baptize Elizabeth Auten into the faith and receive her at the altar. We also saw a number of families transfer in: Ben Shashack, Brent and Melissa Buckner, Patrick, Denise and Hannah Strader were all officially joined to our parish.
In April, the waters of Baptism were flowing again. On April 5 Ryker and Ryton Miller received Holy Baptism at Anderson hospital shortly after their birth. And as the parish was wrapping up its celebration of the Easter season, on April 30, Adam Overby had his sins washed away and the gift of eternal life given to him.
The very next day, May 1, Myah Lindley was brought to Jesus in the font and received into His loving embrace. And two Sundays later: Erik Johnson, Dillon and Shane Meyer, Tim Messer, Rebecca Newton, Daniele Reising, Cally Reising, Justin Thiems, and Daniel Weiler gave forth the good confession, received the laying on of hands, and were given their Baptismal birthright: the Holy Sacrament of the Altar.
June and July were relatively quiet months, as usual. We held our Vacation Bible School. Sarah Freitag and Michael Schwarz were married at Trinity in Worden because the floors of St. Paul’s sanctuary were being refinished. And we also celebrated the heavenly birthdays of two saints of God: Arline Bultmann on July 7 after several months of deteriorating health due to cancer and Lydia Henke on July 16th, after quite suddenly and unexpectedly falling asleep in Jesus after her noon lunch. Also at the end of July we said a sad goodbye to Vicar Karl and Nancy Gregory. We were truly blessed by their service to us during the year.
In August we began by welcoming in Vicar Charles Lehmann. In His great mercy and love, the Lord took to Himself our brother Earl Henkhaus. Although it has been years and years since Earl was able to usher, it still seems “wrong” on Sunday mornings not to see his face beaming back there in the Narthex. His funeral was celebrated on August 12. Marriage bells rang out of Lynda McQuillis and William Prante Jr on August 13 and for Nicolette Wollerman and Dan Rikli on August 20. Our school went back into session in August and the work that Ron, Sheila, Denny, Kristi and several others put into making the class rooms sparkle really paid off.
In September the waters of Baptism were bringing new life again: this time to Sadie Lippoldt on September 17th and the following day to Brandon Cann. What a joy it was to see Brandon speak his confession of faith and receive the washing of new life! The Lord has stirred up in him a mighty hunger for the Eucharist, and he is eagerly awaiting the day he will be permitted to receive Christ’s body and blood. While the waters of Baptism were flowing and bringing new life, Martha Boeker’s baptism was being completed. Her funeral was celebrated September 12. St. Paul’s had the privilege of welcoming in new members of the family: Milton Ruepert, Amy, Brian, Mallory and David Deist; and sadly bidding goodbye to Lori Schlabs and Glen and Thelma Wuehler who had moved to Highland and started attending Hope. Marriage bells rang out in September for Buffy Struebig and Tim Ridens on the 10th and the following week for Joyce Mueth and Robert Burnett.
October began with a pair of baptisms: Taylor and Mackenzie Heberer were cleansed in the font of living water on the 8th. At the end of the month the marriage of Cheri Mulach and Mark Tschetschot was solemnized at St. Paul’s.
November was a busy month. It began with our joyful celebration of All Saints at which Kaci Shashack and Sara Schwarz were confirmed. The following week Turner Fravell was baptized into Christ, on Nov 12. On the 19th Dustin Riechmann and Amanda Long spoke their vows to one another before the Lord’s altar and received His blessing. On November 21st the funeral of Lester Meyer was celebrated – and it was sort of a double loss for St. Paul’s since Doris went then to live in Florida with her daughter. On November 23 Anya Sander had her sins washed away and on November 27th Riley Stipcak was clothed in the robe of Christ’s righteousness in Holy Baptism. That month we were privileged to welcome Mitch and Sarah Day into our parish family. Our board of Christian Life organized a food drive for Thanksgiving Day the food from which we took to the Glen-Ed Pantry and they were very grateful.
Come December, with the church beautifully decorated for Advent and Christmas, we were blessed with a double Baptism on December 11: Zachary Melcher and Justin Ethington were received into the Savior’s church and given a new birth of faith. Shortly before December, Elsie Hellmann’s earthly pilgrimage came to an end and she was given Christian burial on St. John’s Day, December 27th. The month of December also saw the St. Paul family welcome in Ray and Janet Munzert, and children Amanda and Daniel, and also Barbara Melcher.
It was thus yet another year of God’s great mercy and grace to us as a parish. As we prepare to enter our 150th year as a parish, our membership stands as follows: 741 baptized; 571 communicant; with an average attendance over a weekend of 309. That means 42% of our baptized membership attends on a given weekend. A better average than the Synod as a whole, and certainly better than some neighboring parishes, but a far cry short of our Lord’s expectations for us. But despite our faithlessness, His faithful mercy and love continue to us. To Him be the glory forever and ever! Amen.
Respectfully submitted,
William Weedon,
In the 13th year of his pastorate
Patristic Quote for the Day
Thus make peace with the Lord in the person of those who are offended; give Him cause to be glad in the person of those who sorrow; visit Him in the person of those who are infirm; feed Him in the person of those who hunger. In the person of a weary traveler, prepare a soft bed for Him, wash His feet, seat Him at the head of your table, break your bread and share it with Him, and give Him also your cup. He has already shown His great love for you; He has broken His body for you and given you His blood to drink. - St. Ephrem the Syrian, *A Spiritual Psalter* #32
15 January 2006
Patristic Quote for the Day
An interesting Law/Gospel observation in St. Maximos:
He who is a beginner on the spiritual way must not be brought to practice the commandments by kindness alone, but must more often be induced to continue the struggle by being rigorously reminded of God's judgment. In this way he will not only be moved by love to desre what is divine, but will be moved by fear to avoid what is evil. For 'I will sing to Thee, O Lord, of mercy and judgment' (Ps 101:1, LXX) He will sing to God charmed by love, and steeled by fear he will have strength for the song. (Second Century on Theology, par. 99)
He who is a beginner on the spiritual way must not be brought to practice the commandments by kindness alone, but must more often be induced to continue the struggle by being rigorously reminded of God's judgment. In this way he will not only be moved by love to desre what is divine, but will be moved by fear to avoid what is evil. For 'I will sing to Thee, O Lord, of mercy and judgment' (Ps 101:1, LXX) He will sing to God charmed by love, and steeled by fear he will have strength for the song. (Second Century on Theology, par. 99)
Father Arseny again
I was blessed to have some time to read this afternoon, and I finished up the Father Arseny work. Amazing, utterly amazing. It provided a powerful answer to something I was struggling with a bit, and I am thankful to God for that. It has the effect of opening up your own soul and letting you see the truth about yourself, and not despairing despite that, but reposing entirely upon the mercy of God. (The picture is of Fr. Arseny's tomb in Rostov, Russia - it would be a wonderful thing, I think, to make a pilgrimage there and pray at this tomb.)
14 January 2006
Sigh
One task that I really dread doing each year is the Annual Report for the parish. I don't mind WRITING it up; I mind calculating the data. When it is told as a story, it is great. Fortunately, Marianne, our wondrous parish secretary (wonder woman of St. Paul's!) assembles the data for me by month. But since I had to calculate, I figured I'd share. Saint Paul's Hamel ended the year with 741 baptized members; and 571 confirmed members. During the year we baptized 15 people (including one adult); we confirmed 14 people (including 5 adults). Seven marriages were solemnized. Seven funerals were held. Twenty people transferred into the parish; and nineteen were transferred out or released from membership. The average Sunday attendance was 42% of the congregation's baptized membership or about 309 folks worshipping over your average weekend.
12 January 2006
Good reading
While still trying to finish Rice's work, I made the mistake of opening up *Father Arseny*. Woah. Unbelievably beautiful account of a Russian priest's faith, sufferings, and life of prayer in one of Stalin's special camps. It will leave you in tears and astonishment. Only half-way through and its one you just can't put down. A huge thanks to Deaconess Bowers for pointing me to it (and lending me her copy - but I have to get my own now, so I can lend it out!). So now, as soon as I'm through with *Father Arseny* THEN back to the fabulous Rice work.
http://tinyurl.com/b53r5
http://tinyurl.com/b53r5
Patristic Quote for the Day
The grace of the New Testament is mystically hidden in the letter of the Old. That is why St. Paul says that 'the Law is spiritual'. Thus the letter of the Law, superseded, grows old and decays; while its spirit, perpetually renewed, stays young. For grace is altogether immune from decay. The Law is the shadow of the Gospel. The Gospel is the image of the blessings held in store. The Law checks the actualization of evil. The Gospel brings about the realization of divine blessings. - Saint Maximos the Confessor, *First Century on Theology* par. 89, 90
11 January 2006
From the Akathist of Thanksgiving...
When sunset descends over the earth and the peace of eternal sleep and the stillness of the fading day come to reign, I see Your abode in the guise of glistening palaces and clouds hovering in the evening light. Fiery red, gold and azure speak prophetically of the unutterable beauty of Your world and cry out triumphantly: "Let us go to the Father!"
(Both pictures were taken by my son today right here in boring old southern Illinois!)
Patristic Quote for the Day
The mystery of the incarnation of the Logos is the key to all the arcane symbolism and typology in the Scriptures, and in addition give us knowledge of created things, both visible and intelligible. - St. Maximos the Confessor, *First Century on Theology* par. 66
10 January 2006
Patristic Quote for the Day
So I have a BROAD definition of "Patristic." Deal with it.
Talking to vicar about this poem yesterday made me decide to post it up on ye olde blog. Do not miss the pun on the poet's name and the word "done"!
A HYMN TO GOD THE FATHER.
by John Donne
I.
WILT Thou forgive that sin where I begun,
Which was my sin, though it were done before?
Wilt Thou forgive that sin, through which I run,
And do run still, though still I do deplore?
When Thou hast done, Thou hast not done,
For I have more.
II.
Wilt Thou forgive that sin which I have won
Others to sin, and made my sin their door?
Wilt Thou forgive that sin which I did shun
A year or two, but wallowed in a score?
When Thou hast done, Thou hast not done,
For I have more.
III.
I have a sin of fear, that when I have spun
My last thread, I shall perish on the shore ;
But swear by Thyself, that at my death Thy Son
Shall shine as he shines now, and heretofore ;
And having done that, Thou hast done ;
I fear no more.
Talking to vicar about this poem yesterday made me decide to post it up on ye olde blog. Do not miss the pun on the poet's name and the word "done"!
A HYMN TO GOD THE FATHER.
by John Donne
I.
WILT Thou forgive that sin where I begun,
Which was my sin, though it were done before?
Wilt Thou forgive that sin, through which I run,
And do run still, though still I do deplore?
When Thou hast done, Thou hast not done,
For I have more.
II.
Wilt Thou forgive that sin which I have won
Others to sin, and made my sin their door?
Wilt Thou forgive that sin which I did shun
A year or two, but wallowed in a score?
When Thou hast done, Thou hast not done,
For I have more.
III.
I have a sin of fear, that when I have spun
My last thread, I shall perish on the shore ;
But swear by Thyself, that at my death Thy Son
Shall shine as he shines now, and heretofore ;
And having done that, Thou hast done ;
I fear no more.
08 January 2006
Personal Ramblings...
So, today we saw Lauren off to Seward again. We won't see her till sometime in March. Sadness. But it was truly a great, great break (for us anyway, and I think for her too). She's hooked up with a splendid young man, Dean, planning on being a Lutheran pastor. He is from, of all places, Collinsville! Yet they meet in Seward. Go figure. Lauren appears to be utterly taken with him.
David also seemed to have a joyous break, and he'd barely gotten back to school last week than he was off to Bloomington for a Theatre workshop. He had a blast. And he's switching jobs. One manager at Shop-N-Save hassled him senselessly once too often, so he'll be joining Anna and Bo at Pizza Hut. I hope he likes it. He confessed to enjoying the cart job, but not that one manager. He gets off tonight and is headed out to the movies with Misha.
Bekah has remained inseparable from Shawn over this break (as in the months before!). In fact, the only two home right now are Bekah and Shawn, and I think she is subjecting him to "Little House on the Prairie" (Cindi got the first season for Christmas). I can't believe how fast that young lady has grown up.
Cindi and I took down the tree this afternoon and sorted through the ornaments. We have many antique ornaments (from my great aunt, Aunt Gee, and from Cindi's grand-parents) and we put those away, and over the years we've been given so very many the tree is rather overwhelmed with them. We ended up setting some of these aside for the kids if they want them. I enjoy the simple look of the house again after the Christmas stuff is put away almost as much as I enjoy setting the Christmas stuff up. I dread going into the Church though, because it always looks so devastatingly bare when the Christmas decorations disappear.
Both Cindi and I had dumped the Atkins way of eating for most of the month of December - and we paid for it in weight gain. New Year's Day we returned to induction, and now after a week, Cindi has lost 14 pounds and I've lost 10. I'm looking forward to induction being over next week, though, because I really miss eating nuts - macadamias and almonds have to be my favorites.
Christ is in our midst! He is and ever shall be!
David also seemed to have a joyous break, and he'd barely gotten back to school last week than he was off to Bloomington for a Theatre workshop. He had a blast. And he's switching jobs. One manager at Shop-N-Save hassled him senselessly once too often, so he'll be joining Anna and Bo at Pizza Hut. I hope he likes it. He confessed to enjoying the cart job, but not that one manager. He gets off tonight and is headed out to the movies with Misha.
Bekah has remained inseparable from Shawn over this break (as in the months before!). In fact, the only two home right now are Bekah and Shawn, and I think she is subjecting him to "Little House on the Prairie" (Cindi got the first season for Christmas). I can't believe how fast that young lady has grown up.
Cindi and I took down the tree this afternoon and sorted through the ornaments. We have many antique ornaments (from my great aunt, Aunt Gee, and from Cindi's grand-parents) and we put those away, and over the years we've been given so very many the tree is rather overwhelmed with them. We ended up setting some of these aside for the kids if they want them. I enjoy the simple look of the house again after the Christmas stuff is put away almost as much as I enjoy setting the Christmas stuff up. I dread going into the Church though, because it always looks so devastatingly bare when the Christmas decorations disappear.
Both Cindi and I had dumped the Atkins way of eating for most of the month of December - and we paid for it in weight gain. New Year's Day we returned to induction, and now after a week, Cindi has lost 14 pounds and I've lost 10. I'm looking forward to induction being over next week, though, because I really miss eating nuts - macadamias and almonds have to be my favorites.
Christ is in our midst! He is and ever shall be!
Patristic Quote for the Day
Worship, then, the Saviour who is above all and mighty, even God the Word, and condemn those who are being defeated and made to disappear by Him. When the sun has come, darkness prevails no longer; any of it that may be left anywhere is driven away. So also, now that the Divine epiphany of the Word of God has taken place, the darkness of idols prevails no more, and all parts of the world in every direction are enlightened by His teaching. - St. Athanasius *On the Incarnation of the Word* par. 55
07 January 2006
Back to Normal
I love the time between Christmas and Epiphany, but I also love the "back to normal" schedule. It was hard not having Bible Class for two weeks in a row!
Today I prayed Matins, had breakfast with Lauren, Bekah, and Cindi (David has been away on a drama trip); visited a dear member who had sections of her colon removed for cancer, but looks really good now; back for lunch with the family; then out to take the Sacrament to a kind and gentle old widower who is struggling to remain at home but grows weaker by the day, assaulted by mini-strokes. I read him Bishop Laache's devotion for Epiphany. He wept as I read the Gospel for Epiphany. It about broke my heart. Then back home to write up the prayers for the liturgy, and get ready for Confession (sadly, no penitents this afternoon - but I did get to talk to a friend on the phone for a while). Prayed Vespers and now am getting ready for the Evening Divine Service. A good day all in all. And David will be home tonight, God willing.
This week promises to be good and busy as well.
Today I prayed Matins, had breakfast with Lauren, Bekah, and Cindi (David has been away on a drama trip); visited a dear member who had sections of her colon removed for cancer, but looks really good now; back for lunch with the family; then out to take the Sacrament to a kind and gentle old widower who is struggling to remain at home but grows weaker by the day, assaulted by mini-strokes. I read him Bishop Laache's devotion for Epiphany. He wept as I read the Gospel for Epiphany. It about broke my heart. Then back home to write up the prayers for the liturgy, and get ready for Confession (sadly, no penitents this afternoon - but I did get to talk to a friend on the phone for a while). Prayed Vespers and now am getting ready for the Evening Divine Service. A good day all in all. And David will be home tonight, God willing.
This week promises to be good and busy as well.
Liturgy Quote for the Day
Our parish regularly moves Epiphany's observance to a Sunday. With the way things fell this year, we'll be observing Epiphany on the Sunday within Epiphany's octave.
The Western Rite for January 7th provides the following as the antiphon for the Benedictus at Lauds:
"From the East there came wise men to Bethlehem, to worship the Lord: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him precious gifts: gold as to a mighty King, incense as to the true God, and myrrh to foreshew His burial. Alleluia" (From the Monastic Diurnal Noted)
The same themes are picked up in the hymn that is used today, composed by Aurelius Clemens Prudentius (348-413) - you can sing it to the tune Stuttgart:
Earth has many a noble city;
Bethl'hem, thou dost all excel:
Out of thee the Lord of heaven
Came to rule His Israel.
Fairer than the sun at morning
Was the star that told His birth,
To the world its God announcing
Seen in fleshly form on earth.
Eastern sages at his cradle
Make oblations rich and rare:
see they give, in deep devotion,
gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
Sacred gifts of mystic meaning:
Incense doth their God disclose,
Gold the King of kings proclaimeth,
Myrrh his sepulchre forshows.
Jesus, whom the Gentiles worshipped
At Thy glad Epiphany,
Unto Thee, with God the Father
And the Spirit, glory be! Amen.
The Western Rite for January 7th provides the following as the antiphon for the Benedictus at Lauds:
"From the East there came wise men to Bethlehem, to worship the Lord: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him precious gifts: gold as to a mighty King, incense as to the true God, and myrrh to foreshew His burial. Alleluia" (From the Monastic Diurnal Noted)
The same themes are picked up in the hymn that is used today, composed by Aurelius Clemens Prudentius (348-413) - you can sing it to the tune Stuttgart:
Earth has many a noble city;
Bethl'hem, thou dost all excel:
Out of thee the Lord of heaven
Came to rule His Israel.
Fairer than the sun at morning
Was the star that told His birth,
To the world its God announcing
Seen in fleshly form on earth.
Eastern sages at his cradle
Make oblations rich and rare:
see they give, in deep devotion,
gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
Sacred gifts of mystic meaning:
Incense doth their God disclose,
Gold the King of kings proclaimeth,
Myrrh his sepulchre forshows.
Jesus, whom the Gentiles worshipped
At Thy glad Epiphany,
Unto Thee, with God the Father
And the Spirit, glory be! Amen.
04 January 2006
Patristic Quote for the Day
"Passion is an impulse of the soul contrary to nature." - St. Maximos the Confessor, Second Century on Love, #16
03 January 2006
Patristic Quote for the Day
The malice of the demon of pride takes two forms. Either he persuades the monk to ascribe his achievements to himself and not to God, the Giver of all goodness and helper in every achievement, or, if this fails, he suggests that he should belittle those of his brethren who are less perfect than himself. Influenced in this way, he does not realizet that the demon is persuading him to deny God's help. For if he belittles his brethren for their lack of achievement, he clearly infers that he has achieved something through his own powers. But this is impossible, since, as our Lord has said, 'Without me you can do nothing.' For even when impelled toward what is good, our weakness cannot bring anything to fruition without the Giver of all goodness. - St. Maximos the Confessor, Second Century on Love, #38
02 January 2006
An Epiphany Homily
The star didn’t do the job, did it? I mean, it told them that a king had been born to the Jews. And so off they trotted to Jerusalem to give their gifts to him, to honor and worship him. But he’s not there. Further, no one in Jerusalem had the slightest idea what they were talking about, but it made everyone nervous all the same. Herod didn’t suffer rivals gladly and when Herod wasn’t happy, wasn’t anyone in Jerusalem who was happy. He was that sort.
But if the star can’t do the job, the Scriptures can. Herod knows where to turn for an answer – that really makes us think, doesn’t it? He asks the scribes, the Bible scholars, where the Christ was to be born. They point right away to Micah’s prophesy. “In Bethlehem of Judea.” But do they run off to see the new King then? Does Herod? No. Fact is, they don’t want that new King. They’ve sort of settled into their own routines and made peace with the way things go in this world and in their own lives and they were not at all happy with the idea of someone coming on the scene who might challenge the status quo.
I am reminded of William Butler Yeat’s poem “The Second Coming.” “And what rough beast, it’s hour come round at last, slouches off toward Bethlehem to be born.” Yeats didn’t doubt that Christ was born in Bethlehem – he just thought that it was a terrible thing and brought the downfall of what he thought of as the splendid culture of the ancient world.
Before we recoil in horror, we need honestly to ask ourselves how welcome Christ’s intrusion is into our own lives. I mean, he doesn’t leave well enough alone. He doesn’t let us make peace with the status quo. He’s always wanting to change us, to transform us, to make us be different – and that can be a bother and half! He’ll keep after you about holding grudges; and He won’t let you be at peace with gossiping; and you know he really will keep you up at night about those pet sins you try to hold onto and which he stubbornly insists on prying from your grasp. He’s more tenacious than a bulldog. Do we really welcome that?
The wisemen did. Talk about lives turned upside down. From being star-worshippers to being led by the light Scripture to the worship of the True God – who is before them as a little Child. Every idea they’d ever had about God flew out the window when they saw that little one come toddling toward them with his arms open to be held. They’d come to give their gifts, and give them they did, but why is that they had the feeling that it was all backwards? That even though he stood before them in poverty, they were the ones who were poor? That his love, his hug, his embrace was greater than all the treasures they had in their sacks? That He was the one who had come to give the real gifts? They offered gold, frank-incense and myrrh. He offered Himself, a pardon for sins, a welcome into the family of God, freedom from fear and death. And more: dissatisfaction with anything less than life in his perfect love.
Poetry again. Elliot this time. He puts these words in to the one of the Magi’s mouths as he reflects on it all years later: “All this was a long time ago, I remember, / and I would do it again, but set down / this, set down / this: were we led all that way / for Birth or Death? There was a Birth, certainly, / we had evidence and no doubt. I had seen birth and death, / but had thought they were different; this Birth was / hard and bitter agony for us, like Death, our death. / We returned to our places, these Kingdoms, / but no longer at ease here, in the old dispensation, / with an alien people clutching their gods. / I should be glad of another death.”
The Magi risked the great risk. They welcomed the King – not just to earth, but into their hearts. The result was that their hearts were never the same again. The old pleasures were not the same. They tasted empty and futile. They ached for something more, something else, something greater. And so even death was welcome to them for it would bring them again to the Child.
The One who turned their lives upside down has not ceased His work of making people dissatisfied with themselves and their world in all the years since. His love still stirs up in hearts the ache for the home where He alone is the Light and there is no need of sun or moon. Such an ache he fosters not by star-gazing, but by listening to the words of the Scriptures. Words that unmistakably point to Him. Listen to how Peter described it: “And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.” Those are words of a man in whose heart God has stirred up the great home-sickness for Himself; words of a heart that cried out for face of God in Christ.
Epiphany then is not a Feast for faint hearts. Be warned! If you draw too near the Light of this feast your life will be changed and there will be no lasting joys for you anymore here in this world, but only an ache for the joy and blessedness of an Age to come and so the prayer: “Come, Lord Jesus!” Indeed, with the Magi we can rejoice with exceedingly great joy – and to miss out on that joy is the only true sadness in the world, and yet though that joy is in the world, it is not of the world and it does not reach its fullness until we see the One to whom the star pointed face to face.
And so we end the Christmas cycle as we began it. Marantha. His coming to us, His gifts to us, they make us only hunger and ache inside for being with Him forever, for feasting our eyes in all eternity on the face of Him whom the Magi saw as a little boy, but who grown to manhood endured the cross and shattered the tomb, for us. For love of us! Maranatha. Our Lord, come! Amen.
But if the star can’t do the job, the Scriptures can. Herod knows where to turn for an answer – that really makes us think, doesn’t it? He asks the scribes, the Bible scholars, where the Christ was to be born. They point right away to Micah’s prophesy. “In Bethlehem of Judea.” But do they run off to see the new King then? Does Herod? No. Fact is, they don’t want that new King. They’ve sort of settled into their own routines and made peace with the way things go in this world and in their own lives and they were not at all happy with the idea of someone coming on the scene who might challenge the status quo.
I am reminded of William Butler Yeat’s poem “The Second Coming.” “And what rough beast, it’s hour come round at last, slouches off toward Bethlehem to be born.” Yeats didn’t doubt that Christ was born in Bethlehem – he just thought that it was a terrible thing and brought the downfall of what he thought of as the splendid culture of the ancient world.
Before we recoil in horror, we need honestly to ask ourselves how welcome Christ’s intrusion is into our own lives. I mean, he doesn’t leave well enough alone. He doesn’t let us make peace with the status quo. He’s always wanting to change us, to transform us, to make us be different – and that can be a bother and half! He’ll keep after you about holding grudges; and He won’t let you be at peace with gossiping; and you know he really will keep you up at night about those pet sins you try to hold onto and which he stubbornly insists on prying from your grasp. He’s more tenacious than a bulldog. Do we really welcome that?
The wisemen did. Talk about lives turned upside down. From being star-worshippers to being led by the light Scripture to the worship of the True God – who is before them as a little Child. Every idea they’d ever had about God flew out the window when they saw that little one come toddling toward them with his arms open to be held. They’d come to give their gifts, and give them they did, but why is that they had the feeling that it was all backwards? That even though he stood before them in poverty, they were the ones who were poor? That his love, his hug, his embrace was greater than all the treasures they had in their sacks? That He was the one who had come to give the real gifts? They offered gold, frank-incense and myrrh. He offered Himself, a pardon for sins, a welcome into the family of God, freedom from fear and death. And more: dissatisfaction with anything less than life in his perfect love.
Poetry again. Elliot this time. He puts these words in to the one of the Magi’s mouths as he reflects on it all years later: “All this was a long time ago, I remember, / and I would do it again, but set down / this, set down / this: were we led all that way / for Birth or Death? There was a Birth, certainly, / we had evidence and no doubt. I had seen birth and death, / but had thought they were different; this Birth was / hard and bitter agony for us, like Death, our death. / We returned to our places, these Kingdoms, / but no longer at ease here, in the old dispensation, / with an alien people clutching their gods. / I should be glad of another death.”
The Magi risked the great risk. They welcomed the King – not just to earth, but into their hearts. The result was that their hearts were never the same again. The old pleasures were not the same. They tasted empty and futile. They ached for something more, something else, something greater. And so even death was welcome to them for it would bring them again to the Child.
The One who turned their lives upside down has not ceased His work of making people dissatisfied with themselves and their world in all the years since. His love still stirs up in hearts the ache for the home where He alone is the Light and there is no need of sun or moon. Such an ache he fosters not by star-gazing, but by listening to the words of the Scriptures. Words that unmistakably point to Him. Listen to how Peter described it: “And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.” Those are words of a man in whose heart God has stirred up the great home-sickness for Himself; words of a heart that cried out for face of God in Christ.
Epiphany then is not a Feast for faint hearts. Be warned! If you draw too near the Light of this feast your life will be changed and there will be no lasting joys for you anymore here in this world, but only an ache for the joy and blessedness of an Age to come and so the prayer: “Come, Lord Jesus!” Indeed, with the Magi we can rejoice with exceedingly great joy – and to miss out on that joy is the only true sadness in the world, and yet though that joy is in the world, it is not of the world and it does not reach its fullness until we see the One to whom the star pointed face to face.
And so we end the Christmas cycle as we began it. Marantha. His coming to us, His gifts to us, they make us only hunger and ache inside for being with Him forever, for feasting our eyes in all eternity on the face of Him whom the Magi saw as a little boy, but who grown to manhood endured the cross and shattered the tomb, for us. For love of us! Maranatha. Our Lord, come! Amen.
Akathist of Thanksgiving
My wonderful wife bought me the CD of this beautiful Akathist hymn for Christmas. The priest who wrote it was martyred under the communists. I believe it was written in captivity. It's long, but take the time to read through this and pray it, giving glory to God! You can order it for yourself (and hear a sample) here:
http://www.liturgica.com/cart/musicInfo.jsp?catNo=AJ046
THE AKATHIST OF THANKSGIVING
“Glory to God for all things!”
The Very Reverend Father Gregory Petroff (+1942)
KONTAKION 1
Incorruptible King of all ages, holding in your hand every path of human life through the power of Your saving Providence. We thank you for all the good things You do, those we know and those we don't know, for earthly life and for the heavenly joy of Your Kingdom to come. Hold us in Your mercy now and ever we who sing: Glory to You, O God, unto ages of ages.
Ikos
Into the world I was born as a weak, helpless child, but Your Angel spread wings of light over me, guarding my crib. Ever since then Your love lights all my paths, wonderfully guiding me towards the light of eternity. Gloriously, the generous gifts of Your Providence have been manifest from the very first day. I am thankful to You and with all who have come to know You, call out:
Glory to You, Who called me to life,
Glory to You, Who have shown me the beauty of the universe,
Glory to You, Who have opened before me the sky and the earth as an
eternal book of wisdom,
Glory to the eternity of You, in the midst of the world of time,
Glory to You, for Your hidden and evident goodness,
Glory to You, for every sigh of my sadness,
Glory to You, for every step of my life, for every moment of joy,
Glory to You, O God, unto ages of ages.
KONTAKION 2
Lord, how good it is to be Your guest; the delicately scented wind, the mountains stretching to the sky, the waters reflecting like infinite mirrors, the golden rays of sun, the airiness of clouds. All nature secretly whispers, full of tenderness, and even the birds and beasts bear the mark of Your Love. Blessed is mother earth with her transient beauty, longing for the homeland which is eternal and where an imperishable beauty rings out: Alleluia.
Ikos
You brought me into this life as into an enchanting paradise. The sky is a deep blue vessel of azure out of which rings the sound of birds; there is the rustling sound of the forest and the sweet sounding music of the waters; the fragrant and sweet fruit and honey which we eat. It is good to be with You on earth, joyous to be Your guest:
Glory to You, for the festival of life,
Glory to You, for the fragrant lilies of the valley and the roses,
Glory to You, for the delectable variety of berries and fruits,
Glory to You, for the morning dew, shining like diamonds,
Glory to You, for the smile of awakening enlightenment,
Glory to You, for all that is heavenly, foreshadowing eternal life,
Glory to You, O God, unto ages of ages.
KONTAKION 3
Every flower is fragrant through the power of the Holy Spirit, in a delicate flow of aroma and tenderness of color; the beauty of the Great contained in what is small. Praise and honor to God Who gives life, Who spreads forth the meadows like a flowering carpet, Who crowns the fields with golden ears of wheat and azure basilisks, and the soul with the joy of contemplation. Let us rejoice and sing to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos
How beautiful You are in the triumphant festival of spring, when all creatures come to life again and in a thousand ways joyfully call out to You: You are the source of life; You are the victor over death.
To the song of the nightingale, the valleys and forests stand in snow white bridal array by the light of the season. All the earth is Your bride, waiting for the immortal bridegroom. If You clothe even the grass in such a splendid way, how will You transfigure us in the future age of resurrection, how will our bodies be made light and our souls be made luminous:
Glory to You, Who brought out of the earth's darkness diversity of color,
taste, and fragrance,
Glory to You, for the warmth and caress of all nature,
Glory to You, for surrounding us with thousands of Your creatures,
Glory to You, for the depth of Your wisdom reflected in the whole world,
Glory to You, I kiss reverently the footprint of Your invisible tread,
Glory to You, Who kindled before us the bright light of eternal life,
Glory to You, for the hope of immortal, ideal, incorruptible beauty,
Glory to You, O God, unto ages of ages.
KONTAKION 4
How you bring sweetness to those who think of You, how life-giving is Your Word, it is softer than oil, it is sweeter than honey to talk with You. Praying to You brings Life into us and gives us wings. What trembling then fills the heart. What dignity and greatness and wisdom there are in nature and all of life. Where You are not there is emptiness. Where You are there is richness of soul, a torrent of life: Alleluia!
Ikos
When sunset descends over the earth and the peace of eternal sleep and the stillness of the fading day come to reign, I see Your abode in the guise of glistening palaces and clouds hovering in the evening light. Fiery red, gold and azure speak prophetically of the unutterable beauty of Your world and cry out triumphantly: "Let us go to the Father!"
Glory to You, in the stillness of the evening,
Glory to You, Who have bestowed great peace to the world,
Glory to You, for the last rays of sunlight,
Glory to You, for rest and the gift of sleep,
Glory to You, for Your presence in darkness, when the world is so remote,
Glory to You, for prayer from the depth of a heart touched by You,
Glory to You, for the promise of awakening to the joy of the eternal,
unending day,
Glory to You, O God, unto ages of ages.
KONTAKION 5
The storms of life are not frightening to one in whose heart shines the light of Your Fire. All around the weather is bad; there is darkness, horror, and the howling wind. But in the soul of such a one there is peace and light. Christ is there! And the heart sings: Alleluia!
Ikos
I see Your heavens glittering with stars. O how rich You are, how much light You have! Eternity looks at me through the rays of distant worlds; I am so small and inconsequential, but the Lord is with me, His loving hand is everywhere protecting me:
Glory to You, for Your constant care of me,
Glory to You, for providential encounters with people,
Glory to You, for the love of relatives, the devotion of friends,
Glory to You, for the gentleness of animals who serve me,
Glory to You, for the luminous moments of my life,
Glory to You, for the bright joys of my heart,
Glory to You, for the happiness of living, of moving and contemplating,
Glory to You, O God, unto ages of ages.
KONTAKION 6
How great and near You are in the power of thunderstorms, how visible is Your mighty hand in the blinding curves of lightning, amazing in Your greatness. The voice of the Lord is over the fields and in the sound of the forests; the voice of the Lord is in the birth of the thunder and rain; the voice of the Lord is over many waters. Praise be to You in the thundering of volcanoes spitting fire. You shake the earth about like a garment. You lift up the waves of the sea into the sky. Praise be to You Who humble human pride, drawing out the repentant cry: Alleluia!
Ikos
When the palaces of earth are suddenly lit up by lightning bursting forth, how paltry seem our ordinary lights afterward. In just such a way You suddenly light up my soul during the times of deepest joy in my life. And after the brilliance of Your light, like lightning, how colorless, dark and unreal these moments seem. And my soul rushes in pursuit of You:
Glory to You, beyond the limit of the highest human dream!
Glory to You, for our tireless thirst for You,
Glory to You, Who have inspired in us dissatisfaction with earthly things,
Glory to You, Who have enveloped us in the delicate rays of Your light,
Glory to You, Who have broken the power of the spirits of darkness, and
Who have doomed to annihilation every kind of evil,
Glory to You, for Your revelations, and for the happiness of feeling Your
presence and living with You,
Glory to You, O God, unto ages of ages.
KONTAKION 7
One hears Your call in a wonderful composition of sounds. You open for us the environment of our future paradise in melodious singing and harmonious tones, in the height of musical color, in the brilliance of artistic creativity. All that is truly beautiful carries the soul to You in a mighty call, and forces it to sing rapturously: Alleluia!
Ikos
Through the descent of the Holy Spirit You enlighten the thought of artists, poets and scientific geniuses. Through the power of the inmost mind, they are prophetically able to perceive Your laws, opening for us the abyss of Your creative wisdom. Their works involuntarily speak of You; of how great You are in Your creations, of how great You are in man:
Glory to You, Who have manifested the unfathomable force of the laws of
the universe,
Glory to You, all of nature is full of the laws of Your being,
Glory to You, for all that has been revealed to us through Your goodness,
Glory to You, for all You have kept hidden in Your wisdom,
Glory to You, for the genius of the human mind,
Glory to You, for the life-giving strength of work,
Glory to You, for the fiery tongues of inspiration,
Glory to You, O God, unto ages of ages.
KONTAKION 8
How near You are in the days of illness; You Yourself visit the sick. You Yourself bend down to the bed of the sufferer and the heart speaks to You. In times of hardship and suffering, You illumine the soul with peace; You send unexpected help. You are consoling, searching and saving love, and to You we sing the song: Alleluia!
Ikos
When as a child I consciously called to You for the first time, You answered my prayer and my soul knew a wonderful peace. Then I understood that You are goodness; blessed are those who seek You. I began to call to You again and again, and call to You even now:
Glory to You, Who grant my wishes when they are good,
Glory to You, Who watch over me day and night,
Glory to You, curing hardships and losses with the healing course of time,
Glory to You, for Whom there is no such thing as a hopeless loss; You give
eternal life to all,
Glory to You, Who have made immortal all that is good and lofty, Who
have promised our desired reunion with those who have died,
Glory to You, O God, unto ages of ages.
KONTAKION 9
Why does all nature smile mysteriously on feast days? Why is the heart filled at these times with a wonderful lightness that is incomparable to anything on earth; how is it that the very air at the altar and in the Church become light bearing? This is the breath of Your grace, the glow of the light of Tabor; the sky and the earth are singing at these times in praise: Alleluia!
Ikos
When You have inspired me to serve those around me and illumined my heart with humility, one of Your innumerable rays falls on my heart making it light bearing, as iron in fire; and I saw Your mysterious, imperceptible Face:
Glory to You, Who have transfigured our life with the good things that we
do,
Glory to You, Who have imprinted an unutterable sweetness on every
precept of Yours,
Glory to You, Who clearly abide where there is kindness and generosity of
heart,
Glory to You, Who send failures and sorrows to us so that we might be
sensitive to the sufferings of others,
Glory to You, Who have placed a great reward on the value of goodness in
itself,
Glory to You, Who accept our moments of soaring,
Glory to You, Who have raised love higher than anything on earth or in
heaven,
Glory to You, O God, unto ages of ages.
KONTAKION 10
That which is broken cannot be restored, but You can set aright those whose conscience has become decayed; You restore the soul to its former beauty in those who have lost it beyond all hope. With You there is nothing that cannot be put aright. You are all love. You are the Creator and the Restorer. To You we sing praise: Alleluia!
Ikos
My God, You Who know the fall of the proud angel, save me through the power of Your grace, do not let me fall away from You, do not allow me to doubt You. Sharpen my hearing so that every minute of my life I can hear Your mysterious voice, and call to You Who are everywhere present:
Glory to You, for providential coincidences,
Glory to You, for the gift of premonitions,
Glory to You, for the guidance of a secret inner voice,
Glory to You, for revelations in dreams and when awake,
Glory to You, Who destroy our useless plans,
Glory to You, Who sober us from the heat of passions with suffering,
Glory to You, Who humble pride of heart to save us,
Glory to You, O God, unto ages of ages.
KONTAKION 11
Through the icy link of the ages, I feel the warmth of Your Divine breath; I hear the flow of blood. You are already near; time has partly vanished. I see Your Cross; it is for my sake. My spirit is in ashes before the Cross, where there is a triumph of love and salvation, and unceasing praise unto all ages: Alleluia!
Ikos
Blessed is he who will have supper in Your Kingdom, but You have already admitted me to this bliss. How many times have You extended to me with Your Divine Hand, Your body and blood; and I, such a sinner, have taken this sacred gift and felt Your love - unutterable and beyond all being:
Glory to You, for the unfathomable, life-giving power of grace,
Glory to You, Who have raised up Your Church as a refuge of peace for an
exhausted world,
Glory to You, Who breathe new life into us with the life-giving water of
Baptism,
Glory to You, Who restore the purity of immaculate lilies to those who
repent,
Glory to You, inexhaustible abyss of forgiveness,
Glory to You, for the cup of life, for the bread of eternal joy,
Glory to You, Who led us to heaven,
Glory to You, O God, unto ages of ages.
KONTAKION 12
Many times I have seen the reflection of Your glory on the faces of the dead. What unearthly beauty and joy shone from them; how ethereal and immaterial were their features. This is the triumph of happiness and peace received gracefully, as they silently call upon You. At the hour of my death also illumine my soul as I call: Alleluia!
Ikos
How can I give praise to You? I have not heard the songs of the cherubim. That is the gift of the highest of souls. But I know how nature gives praise to You: in winter I have beheld the moonlight stillness when the whole earth quietly prays to You, clothed in white and sparkling with diamonds of snow; I have seen how the rising sun rejoices in You and the choirs of birds resound in praise; I have heard the forest speak mysteriously of You, the waters murmur and the choirs of stars preach of You with their harmonious movement in infinite space. But what is my praise? Nature responds to Your laws, but I do not! Yet while I am alive I see Your love; I want to thank You, to pray to You, and call out:
Glory to You, Who have shown us light,
Glory to You, Who have loved us with love immeasurable, deep, Divine,
Glory to You, Who have surrounded us with light, and with hosts of angels
and saints,
Glory to You, all Holy Father, Who have willed us Your Kingdom,
Glory to You, all Holy Son, the Way, the Truth, and the Life,
Glory to You, all Holy Spirit and life-giving sun of the future age,
Glory to You for everything, O Divine Trinity, all bountiful,
Glory to You, O God, unto ages of ages.
KONTAKION 13
O all bountiful and life-giving Trinity, accept this gratitude for all of Your mercies and make us worthy of your Divine gifts so that having multiplied the talents given us, we may enter into the eternal joy of our Lord with victorious praise: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
http://www.liturgica.com/cart/musicInfo.jsp?catNo=AJ046
THE AKATHIST OF THANKSGIVING
“Glory to God for all things!”
The Very Reverend Father Gregory Petroff (+1942)
KONTAKION 1
Incorruptible King of all ages, holding in your hand every path of human life through the power of Your saving Providence. We thank you for all the good things You do, those we know and those we don't know, for earthly life and for the heavenly joy of Your Kingdom to come. Hold us in Your mercy now and ever we who sing: Glory to You, O God, unto ages of ages.
Ikos
Into the world I was born as a weak, helpless child, but Your Angel spread wings of light over me, guarding my crib. Ever since then Your love lights all my paths, wonderfully guiding me towards the light of eternity. Gloriously, the generous gifts of Your Providence have been manifest from the very first day. I am thankful to You and with all who have come to know You, call out:
Glory to You, Who called me to life,
Glory to You, Who have shown me the beauty of the universe,
Glory to You, Who have opened before me the sky and the earth as an
eternal book of wisdom,
Glory to the eternity of You, in the midst of the world of time,
Glory to You, for Your hidden and evident goodness,
Glory to You, for every sigh of my sadness,
Glory to You, for every step of my life, for every moment of joy,
Glory to You, O God, unto ages of ages.
KONTAKION 2
Lord, how good it is to be Your guest; the delicately scented wind, the mountains stretching to the sky, the waters reflecting like infinite mirrors, the golden rays of sun, the airiness of clouds. All nature secretly whispers, full of tenderness, and even the birds and beasts bear the mark of Your Love. Blessed is mother earth with her transient beauty, longing for the homeland which is eternal and where an imperishable beauty rings out: Alleluia.
Ikos
You brought me into this life as into an enchanting paradise. The sky is a deep blue vessel of azure out of which rings the sound of birds; there is the rustling sound of the forest and the sweet sounding music of the waters; the fragrant and sweet fruit and honey which we eat. It is good to be with You on earth, joyous to be Your guest:
Glory to You, for the festival of life,
Glory to You, for the fragrant lilies of the valley and the roses,
Glory to You, for the delectable variety of berries and fruits,
Glory to You, for the morning dew, shining like diamonds,
Glory to You, for the smile of awakening enlightenment,
Glory to You, for all that is heavenly, foreshadowing eternal life,
Glory to You, O God, unto ages of ages.
KONTAKION 3
Every flower is fragrant through the power of the Holy Spirit, in a delicate flow of aroma and tenderness of color; the beauty of the Great contained in what is small. Praise and honor to God Who gives life, Who spreads forth the meadows like a flowering carpet, Who crowns the fields with golden ears of wheat and azure basilisks, and the soul with the joy of contemplation. Let us rejoice and sing to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos
How beautiful You are in the triumphant festival of spring, when all creatures come to life again and in a thousand ways joyfully call out to You: You are the source of life; You are the victor over death.
To the song of the nightingale, the valleys and forests stand in snow white bridal array by the light of the season. All the earth is Your bride, waiting for the immortal bridegroom. If You clothe even the grass in such a splendid way, how will You transfigure us in the future age of resurrection, how will our bodies be made light and our souls be made luminous:
Glory to You, Who brought out of the earth's darkness diversity of color,
taste, and fragrance,
Glory to You, for the warmth and caress of all nature,
Glory to You, for surrounding us with thousands of Your creatures,
Glory to You, for the depth of Your wisdom reflected in the whole world,
Glory to You, I kiss reverently the footprint of Your invisible tread,
Glory to You, Who kindled before us the bright light of eternal life,
Glory to You, for the hope of immortal, ideal, incorruptible beauty,
Glory to You, O God, unto ages of ages.
KONTAKION 4
How you bring sweetness to those who think of You, how life-giving is Your Word, it is softer than oil, it is sweeter than honey to talk with You. Praying to You brings Life into us and gives us wings. What trembling then fills the heart. What dignity and greatness and wisdom there are in nature and all of life. Where You are not there is emptiness. Where You are there is richness of soul, a torrent of life: Alleluia!
Ikos
When sunset descends over the earth and the peace of eternal sleep and the stillness of the fading day come to reign, I see Your abode in the guise of glistening palaces and clouds hovering in the evening light. Fiery red, gold and azure speak prophetically of the unutterable beauty of Your world and cry out triumphantly: "Let us go to the Father!"
Glory to You, in the stillness of the evening,
Glory to You, Who have bestowed great peace to the world,
Glory to You, for the last rays of sunlight,
Glory to You, for rest and the gift of sleep,
Glory to You, for Your presence in darkness, when the world is so remote,
Glory to You, for prayer from the depth of a heart touched by You,
Glory to You, for the promise of awakening to the joy of the eternal,
unending day,
Glory to You, O God, unto ages of ages.
KONTAKION 5
The storms of life are not frightening to one in whose heart shines the light of Your Fire. All around the weather is bad; there is darkness, horror, and the howling wind. But in the soul of such a one there is peace and light. Christ is there! And the heart sings: Alleluia!
Ikos
I see Your heavens glittering with stars. O how rich You are, how much light You have! Eternity looks at me through the rays of distant worlds; I am so small and inconsequential, but the Lord is with me, His loving hand is everywhere protecting me:
Glory to You, for Your constant care of me,
Glory to You, for providential encounters with people,
Glory to You, for the love of relatives, the devotion of friends,
Glory to You, for the gentleness of animals who serve me,
Glory to You, for the luminous moments of my life,
Glory to You, for the bright joys of my heart,
Glory to You, for the happiness of living, of moving and contemplating,
Glory to You, O God, unto ages of ages.
KONTAKION 6
How great and near You are in the power of thunderstorms, how visible is Your mighty hand in the blinding curves of lightning, amazing in Your greatness. The voice of the Lord is over the fields and in the sound of the forests; the voice of the Lord is in the birth of the thunder and rain; the voice of the Lord is over many waters. Praise be to You in the thundering of volcanoes spitting fire. You shake the earth about like a garment. You lift up the waves of the sea into the sky. Praise be to You Who humble human pride, drawing out the repentant cry: Alleluia!
Ikos
When the palaces of earth are suddenly lit up by lightning bursting forth, how paltry seem our ordinary lights afterward. In just such a way You suddenly light up my soul during the times of deepest joy in my life. And after the brilliance of Your light, like lightning, how colorless, dark and unreal these moments seem. And my soul rushes in pursuit of You:
Glory to You, beyond the limit of the highest human dream!
Glory to You, for our tireless thirst for You,
Glory to You, Who have inspired in us dissatisfaction with earthly things,
Glory to You, Who have enveloped us in the delicate rays of Your light,
Glory to You, Who have broken the power of the spirits of darkness, and
Who have doomed to annihilation every kind of evil,
Glory to You, for Your revelations, and for the happiness of feeling Your
presence and living with You,
Glory to You, O God, unto ages of ages.
KONTAKION 7
One hears Your call in a wonderful composition of sounds. You open for us the environment of our future paradise in melodious singing and harmonious tones, in the height of musical color, in the brilliance of artistic creativity. All that is truly beautiful carries the soul to You in a mighty call, and forces it to sing rapturously: Alleluia!
Ikos
Through the descent of the Holy Spirit You enlighten the thought of artists, poets and scientific geniuses. Through the power of the inmost mind, they are prophetically able to perceive Your laws, opening for us the abyss of Your creative wisdom. Their works involuntarily speak of You; of how great You are in Your creations, of how great You are in man:
Glory to You, Who have manifested the unfathomable force of the laws of
the universe,
Glory to You, all of nature is full of the laws of Your being,
Glory to You, for all that has been revealed to us through Your goodness,
Glory to You, for all You have kept hidden in Your wisdom,
Glory to You, for the genius of the human mind,
Glory to You, for the life-giving strength of work,
Glory to You, for the fiery tongues of inspiration,
Glory to You, O God, unto ages of ages.
KONTAKION 8
How near You are in the days of illness; You Yourself visit the sick. You Yourself bend down to the bed of the sufferer and the heart speaks to You. In times of hardship and suffering, You illumine the soul with peace; You send unexpected help. You are consoling, searching and saving love, and to You we sing the song: Alleluia!
Ikos
When as a child I consciously called to You for the first time, You answered my prayer and my soul knew a wonderful peace. Then I understood that You are goodness; blessed are those who seek You. I began to call to You again and again, and call to You even now:
Glory to You, Who grant my wishes when they are good,
Glory to You, Who watch over me day and night,
Glory to You, curing hardships and losses with the healing course of time,
Glory to You, for Whom there is no such thing as a hopeless loss; You give
eternal life to all,
Glory to You, Who have made immortal all that is good and lofty, Who
have promised our desired reunion with those who have died,
Glory to You, O God, unto ages of ages.
KONTAKION 9
Why does all nature smile mysteriously on feast days? Why is the heart filled at these times with a wonderful lightness that is incomparable to anything on earth; how is it that the very air at the altar and in the Church become light bearing? This is the breath of Your grace, the glow of the light of Tabor; the sky and the earth are singing at these times in praise: Alleluia!
Ikos
When You have inspired me to serve those around me and illumined my heart with humility, one of Your innumerable rays falls on my heart making it light bearing, as iron in fire; and I saw Your mysterious, imperceptible Face:
Glory to You, Who have transfigured our life with the good things that we
do,
Glory to You, Who have imprinted an unutterable sweetness on every
precept of Yours,
Glory to You, Who clearly abide where there is kindness and generosity of
heart,
Glory to You, Who send failures and sorrows to us so that we might be
sensitive to the sufferings of others,
Glory to You, Who have placed a great reward on the value of goodness in
itself,
Glory to You, Who accept our moments of soaring,
Glory to You, Who have raised love higher than anything on earth or in
heaven,
Glory to You, O God, unto ages of ages.
KONTAKION 10
That which is broken cannot be restored, but You can set aright those whose conscience has become decayed; You restore the soul to its former beauty in those who have lost it beyond all hope. With You there is nothing that cannot be put aright. You are all love. You are the Creator and the Restorer. To You we sing praise: Alleluia!
Ikos
My God, You Who know the fall of the proud angel, save me through the power of Your grace, do not let me fall away from You, do not allow me to doubt You. Sharpen my hearing so that every minute of my life I can hear Your mysterious voice, and call to You Who are everywhere present:
Glory to You, for providential coincidences,
Glory to You, for the gift of premonitions,
Glory to You, for the guidance of a secret inner voice,
Glory to You, for revelations in dreams and when awake,
Glory to You, Who destroy our useless plans,
Glory to You, Who sober us from the heat of passions with suffering,
Glory to You, Who humble pride of heart to save us,
Glory to You, O God, unto ages of ages.
KONTAKION 11
Through the icy link of the ages, I feel the warmth of Your Divine breath; I hear the flow of blood. You are already near; time has partly vanished. I see Your Cross; it is for my sake. My spirit is in ashes before the Cross, where there is a triumph of love and salvation, and unceasing praise unto all ages: Alleluia!
Ikos
Blessed is he who will have supper in Your Kingdom, but You have already admitted me to this bliss. How many times have You extended to me with Your Divine Hand, Your body and blood; and I, such a sinner, have taken this sacred gift and felt Your love - unutterable and beyond all being:
Glory to You, for the unfathomable, life-giving power of grace,
Glory to You, Who have raised up Your Church as a refuge of peace for an
exhausted world,
Glory to You, Who breathe new life into us with the life-giving water of
Baptism,
Glory to You, Who restore the purity of immaculate lilies to those who
repent,
Glory to You, inexhaustible abyss of forgiveness,
Glory to You, for the cup of life, for the bread of eternal joy,
Glory to You, Who led us to heaven,
Glory to You, O God, unto ages of ages.
KONTAKION 12
Many times I have seen the reflection of Your glory on the faces of the dead. What unearthly beauty and joy shone from them; how ethereal and immaterial were their features. This is the triumph of happiness and peace received gracefully, as they silently call upon You. At the hour of my death also illumine my soul as I call: Alleluia!
Ikos
How can I give praise to You? I have not heard the songs of the cherubim. That is the gift of the highest of souls. But I know how nature gives praise to You: in winter I have beheld the moonlight stillness when the whole earth quietly prays to You, clothed in white and sparkling with diamonds of snow; I have seen how the rising sun rejoices in You and the choirs of birds resound in praise; I have heard the forest speak mysteriously of You, the waters murmur and the choirs of stars preach of You with their harmonious movement in infinite space. But what is my praise? Nature responds to Your laws, but I do not! Yet while I am alive I see Your love; I want to thank You, to pray to You, and call out:
Glory to You, Who have shown us light,
Glory to You, Who have loved us with love immeasurable, deep, Divine,
Glory to You, Who have surrounded us with light, and with hosts of angels
and saints,
Glory to You, all Holy Father, Who have willed us Your Kingdom,
Glory to You, all Holy Son, the Way, the Truth, and the Life,
Glory to You, all Holy Spirit and life-giving sun of the future age,
Glory to You for everything, O Divine Trinity, all bountiful,
Glory to You, O God, unto ages of ages.
KONTAKION 13
O all bountiful and life-giving Trinity, accept this gratitude for all of Your mercies and make us worthy of your Divine gifts so that having multiplied the talents given us, we may enter into the eternal joy of our Lord with victorious praise: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Patristic Quote for the Day
It was for thy sake Christ was crucified; so will He cast thee aside? He knows who oppresses us. He knows that we have no other help but Him alone. Christ knows that man is miserable. Do not give thyself up to despair and apathy, assuming that thou hast been prepared for the fire. Christ derives no consolation from thrusting us into the fire; He gains nothing if He sends us into the abyss to be tormented. - St. Ephrem the Syrian, *A Spiritual Psalter* #27
01 January 2006
You know...
...there are spoiled dogs and then there's the dog belonging to my friend Jim Krauser, Lutheran pastor on Long Island.
Interesting article
Thanks to Fr. Larry Beane for directing this to my attention:
http://www.catholic.org/international/international_story.php?id=18021
http://www.catholic.org/international/international_story.php?id=18021
Delightful Surprise!
I still want to spell that "suprise". Danged Gomer Pyle. Well, be that as it may, we had the great joy today of Chris and Iris Jones stopping in. Sadly, they came just in time for the service to be letting out (since Christmas and New Year's we have only a single 9:00 service when they fall on Sunday). Bummer. They'd called and left a message on my cell, but I hadn't listened to it. Grr. Still, we had a lovely visit at the parsonage afterward and it was so good meeting up with internet friends. May the Lord grant them a safe journey back to that state full of damnable yankees!
Oh, and I just loved their bumper sticker: So many cats...so few recipies. They had two dogs in the car that look like they really didn't NEED any recipes to munch on kitties.
Oh, and I just loved their bumper sticker: So many cats...so few recipies. They had two dogs in the car that look like they really didn't NEED any recipes to munch on kitties.
Patristic Quote for the Day
Today is the Circumcision and our vicar delivered a very fine homily on the same. Check out the Church website for it (www.stpaullutheranchurchhamel.org).
But he also irritated me today by saying that Basil is to be preferred to Chrysostom. Now, I love Basil very, very much. But a better preacher than the golden-mouth? I think not. So for vicar's repentance today one of my favorite St. John quotes:
Therefore, in order that we may become of His body, not in desire only, but also in very fact, let us become commingled with that Body. This, in very truth, takes place by means of the food which he has given us as gift, because he desired to prove the love that He has for us. It is for this reason that He has shared Himself with us and has brought His body down to our level, namely, that we might be one with Him as the body is joined with the head. This, in truth, is characteristic of those who greatly love... Moreover, Christ has done even this to spur us on to greater love. And to show the love He has for us He has made it possible for those who desire, not merely to look upon Him, but even to touch Him and consume Him and fix their teeth in His Flesh and be commingled with Him; in short, to fulfill all their love. Let us, then, come back from that table like lions breathing out fire, thus becoming terrifying to the devil, and remaining mindful of our Head and of the love which He has shown for us. (Commentary on St. John the Evangelist, quoted in For All the Saints, vol. III, p. 169, 170)
But he also irritated me today by saying that Basil is to be preferred to Chrysostom. Now, I love Basil very, very much. But a better preacher than the golden-mouth? I think not. So for vicar's repentance today one of my favorite St. John quotes:
Therefore, in order that we may become of His body, not in desire only, but also in very fact, let us become commingled with that Body. This, in very truth, takes place by means of the food which he has given us as gift, because he desired to prove the love that He has for us. It is for this reason that He has shared Himself with us and has brought His body down to our level, namely, that we might be one with Him as the body is joined with the head. This, in truth, is characteristic of those who greatly love... Moreover, Christ has done even this to spur us on to greater love. And to show the love He has for us He has made it possible for those who desire, not merely to look upon Him, but even to touch Him and consume Him and fix their teeth in His Flesh and be commingled with Him; in short, to fulfill all their love. Let us, then, come back from that table like lions breathing out fire, thus becoming terrifying to the devil, and remaining mindful of our Head and of the love which He has shown for us. (Commentary on St. John the Evangelist, quoted in For All the Saints, vol. III, p. 169, 170)