Thoughts, observations, musings, encouragements, exhortations, and occasional rants from an Anglican Parish Deacon.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Contemplating Majesty on a Thursday Afternoon
Just about the time I begin to think that Barry and his Obamunists are on the verge of turning our blessed Republic into 3rd world dystopia, I'm reminded that there is one, one who "is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against".
There is no scheme that escapes His glance, no whispered cabal that escapes His ears.
When we were kids, we'd sing "He's go the whole world, in His Hands". Now as adults, we need to trust in this fact more than ever.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Nocturne
Let your dreams be sweet and your sleep restorative. And from the Order for Compline:
"Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or
weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who
sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless
the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the
joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen."
The Kingdom of Narcissists and Throwaway Children
My heart aches this afternoon. It feels as though its been transformed into a leaden anvil that can't be soothed or assuaged. Adding to this, there's a holy anger that if it weren't divinely constrained, could consume the guilty. No, I'm not off my meds, I'm just heartsick over yet another angel whose precious life was violently cut short by a monster, who so much as tossed her spent body into the dumpster as if it were last night's garbage.
I'm thoroughly convinced that Children, the most vulnerable members of our humankind, have suffered the worst since the fall. However, their lot is greatly improved in a society and nation that fears the Almighty, and honors His Words. Our nation was once a place like that and our most precious treasures could walk to school unmolested and without fear. This has changed in our own generation. And friends, this shouldn't be! You and I could walk the streets of Coatesville to Terry, Saint Cecilia's or any other school without having to be concerned for anything beyond obeying the crossing guards.
Their names are burned into the pages of our minds: Somer Thompson, Polly Klaas, Jessica Lundsford, Amber Hagerman, Carlie Brucia, Kristin and Kati Lisk, Sofia Silva. Too, there are also the little guys: Adam Walsh, Dylan Groene, and a legion of boys and girls whose names are lost to us. Let this litany of names sink in for a minute as each one had a their own bright hopes of seeing their lives unfold into adulthood and the possibilities the Lord had for each one. These hopes were torn asunder along with their innocence by some narcissistic son of belial, who used the child for their own lurid gratification, extinguished their tender life and cast them off like a spent cigarette butt.
Its a settled conclusion that truly exquisite horrors await the impenitent, unrepentent child predator. The Master didn't mince words:
It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. Luke 17:2
I'm thoroughly convinced that Children, the most vulnerable members of our humankind, have suffered the worst since the fall. However, their lot is greatly improved in a society and nation that fears the Almighty, and honors His Words. Our nation was once a place like that and our most precious treasures could walk to school unmolested and without fear. This has changed in our own generation. And friends, this shouldn't be! You and I could walk the streets of Coatesville to Terry, Saint Cecilia's or any other school without having to be concerned for anything beyond obeying the crossing guards.
I want readers who pray, to pray for this nation. I'd also ask you to pray an imprecatory prayer against those who would seek to hurt one more little angel. Pray that their plans come to nothing and that if necessary, the Almighty rip them asunder if need be, to keep their hands off these treasures.
Oh, Lord, receive little Somer into your arms and dry her tears. Replace what was stolen with the joy of Your eternal love and provision. May she rise to judge her offender, as well as all who would do such deeds. Amen.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Evensong
I really needed this after that last post.
For now, peace and restorative sleep to all. From the strip malls of Suburbia Majora to the fertile fields of the Bellarine... Good night.
Fresh Hell from the North Carolina Hills
OK campers, Uncle Catbird wants to play a little game. Let's try and figure out just what are the biggest challenges facing God's church. Take yer' time... OK, time's up.
OK, this isn't a goof and unfortunately, it happens far too often in the loony right circles of American Fundamentalism. Its an even wager that this group is part of what is known as "Independent Fundamental Baptists" A group that could easily be the contemporary analog for the Herodians seen in the Gospel narratives. This sect has taken the King of Kings and wrapped him in the stars & stripes. Sorry, God's one holy catholic and apostolic Church is to be the conscience of a nation, salt & light rather than a national organ.
Did this show up anywhere on yer' lists?
OK, this isn't a goof and unfortunately, it happens far too often in the loony right circles of American Fundamentalism. Its an even wager that this group is part of what is known as "Independent Fundamental Baptists" A group that could easily be the contemporary analog for the Herodians seen in the Gospel narratives. This sect has taken the King of Kings and wrapped him in the stars & stripes. Sorry, God's one holy catholic and apostolic Church is to be the conscience of a nation, salt & light rather than a national organ.
The group makes outrageous claims against the one catholic and apostolic Church that legion, and far to numerous to address in this one essay. Based on these baseless claims, coupled with their slavish adoration of a single biblical translation, I considered the group to be a cult. I've taken this stand while still a pastor in the Church of God, Cleveland, TN. Suffice to say this made me as welcome as a wicked rash in many churches.
Now, for my heart's cry over this folderol. How in the name of all that's Holy, does this advance the Gospel message or the Great Commission? How does this self-indulgent benighted bonfire proclaim the message of the risen savior? No troops, this has no more grace than a hand grenade, no more love than a capo's cudgel! Its aberrant behavior such as this, acted out, in Christ's name that causes our Lord's name to be mocked by the pagans.
This isn't Christianity, its religious bondage that is born in ignorance, hate and fear. Pray for these, that the true light of Christ, His eternal word and transforming grace break the chains that bind.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
The 20th Sunday after Pentecost
From the Book of Common Prayer...
I continue to be amazed at the depths and insights found within our prayerbook.
Almighty and everlasting God, in Christ you have revealed your glory among the nations: Preserve the works of your mercy, that your Church throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
I continue to be amazed at the depths and insights found within our prayerbook.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
On a Sunday Evening
Strip away all of our human-contrived adornments and it all comes down to Christ, and Him Crucified, as Saint Paul reminded the church in Corinth.
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Tuesday Evening
Breaking news concerning the Pittsburgh Case. Unfolding color commentary can be read over on Stand Firm.
Thursday, October 01, 2009
On the Feast of Remigius
From the Book of Common Prayer:
O God, by the teaching of your faithful servant and bishop Remigius you turned the nation of the Franks from vain idolatry to the worship of you, the true and living God, in the fullness of the catholic faith: Grant that we who glory in the name of Christian may show forth our faith in worthy deeds; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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