Linggo, Oktubre 27, 2013

μάρτυρας του θεού

SCRUTATIO SCRIPTURAE

 

μάρτυρας του θεού

Martyras tou THEOU

(Witnesses of GOD)


SCRUTATIO

FOR THE FEAST OF ALL OF GOD's HOLY ONES
(NOVEMBER 1, 2013, FRIDAY)

Readings from the Anglican Book of Common Prayer
Ecclesiasticus/Sirach 44:1-10, 13-14 / Psalm 149 / Revelations 7:2-4, 9-17 / Matthew 5:1-12

Readings for the Pauline/Vatican II Rite of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
Revelations 7:2-4, 9-14 /  Psalm 24:1bc-2, 3-4ab, 5-6  /  I John 3:1-3 /   Matthew 5:1-12a

Readings for the Tridentine Rite of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass

Introit
Let us all rejoice in the Lord as we celebrate the feast in honor of all the saints upon which the angels rejoice and praise the Son of God
-and-
Psalm 33:1

Epistle: Revelations 7:2-12
Gradual and Alleluia: Psalm 34:9-10 and Matthew 11:28

Gospel
Matthew 5:1-12

Offertory:
Wisdom of King Solomon 3:1-3
Communion Antiphon: Matthew 5:8-10


As WITNESSES OF GOD, let us hearken to this 12th Century A.D. Homily of Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux entitled:

 
LET US MAKE HASTE TO OUR BRETHREN WHO ARE WAITING FOR US

Why should our praise and glorification, or even the celebration of this feast day mean anything to the saints? What do they care about earthly honours when their heavenly Father honours them by fulfilling the faithful promise of the Son? What does our commendation mean to them? The saints have no need of honour from us; neither does our devotion add the slightest thing to what is theirs. Clearly, if we venerate their memory, it serves us, not them. But I tell you, when I think of them, I feel myself inflamed by a tremendous yearning.

Calling the saints to mind inspires, or rather arouses in us, above all else, a longing to enjoy their company, so desirable in itself. We long to share in the citizenship of heaven, to dwell with the spirits of the blessed, to join the assembly of patriarchs, the ranks of the prophets, the council of apostles, the great host of martyrs, the noble company of confessors and the choir of virgins. In short, we long to be united in happiness with all the saints. But our dispositions change. The Church of all the first followers of Christ awaits us, but we do nothing about it. The saints want us to be with them, and we are indifferent. The souls of the just await us, and we ignore them.

Come, brothers, let us at length spur ourselves on. We must rise again with Christ, we must seek the world which is above and set our mind on the things of heaven. Let us long for those who are longing for us, hasten to those who are waiting for us, and ask those who look for our coming to intercede for us. We should not only want to be with the saints, we should also hope to possess their happiness. While we desire to be in their company, we must also earnestly seek to share in their glory. Do not imagine that there is anything harmful in such an ambition as this; there is no danger in setting our hearts on such glory.

When we commemorate the saints we are inflamed with another yearning: that Christ our life may also appear to us as he appeared to them and that we may one day share in his glory. Until then we see him, not as he is, but as he became for our sake. He is our head, crowned, not with glory, but with the thorns of our sins. As members of that head, crowned with thorns, we should be ashamed to live in luxury; his purple robes are a mockery rather than an honour. When Christ comes again, his death shall no longer be proclaimed, and we shall know that we also have died, and that our life is hidden with him. The glorious head of the Church will appear and his glorified members will shine in splendour with him, when he forms this lowly body anew into such glory as belongs to himself, its head. 

Therefore, we should aim at attaining this glory with a wholehearted and prudent desire. That we may rightly hope and strive for such blessedness, we must above all seek the prayers of the saints. Thus, what is beyond our own powers to obtain will be granted through their intercession. 

SAINTS: IN THE SACRED SCRIPTURES

PART 1

PART 2

PART 3

PART 4

PART 5

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FROM OUR BRETHREN... A CHRISTIAN DENOMINATION THAT IS IN UNION WITH US IN OPPOSING THE FALLACIES OF THE RH/RP "LAW" AND THE OTHER DEATH BILLS: “God’s People Depend on His Mercy”

“God’s People Depend on His Mercy” 

October 27, 2013

The 23rd Sunday of the Christian Season of Ordinary Time/Kingdomtide/Time of the Church

Jeremiah 14: 1 - 10; 19-22/Psalm 84: 1 - 7/ 2 Timothy 4: 6 - 8; 16 - 18/Luke 18: 9 - 14

His Excellency
The Most Reverend Ariel Cornelio P. Santos D.D.

Auxiliary Bishop and Locum Tenens
of the 
Archdiocese of Manila
the 
National Church in the Philippines 
and the 
Territorial Church of Asia

International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church

Ordinary Time is a time ordained by God for us to walk in His Kingdom and in the principles of His kingdom. It is also called Kingdomtide.  We continue to learn lessons on being God’s people.  
Today, reflecting on the gospel, we are taught not to trust in ourselves but in God alone.  It is not to look at others with contempt and with despise.  The Pharisee, in the story, trusted in his own deeds and he looked down on the tax collector. The tax collector simply confessed his sin, beat his breast while he was praying in the temple.  This is what we take after when we do the “Agnus Dei” and the “Lord have mercy.”  We don’t actually beat our breast but we put our fist on our breast in the same tradition as the repentant tax collector. 
The Bible say that there is none righteous – no, not one.  Only God is righteous and He knows this that is why He wrote it in the New Testament.  He also knows that no one can claim righteousness.  He understands when somebody like a tax collector would beat his breast and ask for mercy acknowledging that he is not righteous and he depends on God for righteousness. 
God opposes the proud because they don’t know the truth and they have to learn the truth.  He gives grace to the humble because they are a step closer to the truth and to the kingdom of God.  Our righteousness comes from God.  God laid that down as the foundation.  If we say otherwise, then we are speaking lies. 
In today’s Daily Office, God said that He would silence the mouth of those who speak lies.  Psalm 31:18 says, “Let the lying lips be dumb which speak arrogantly against the righteous with pride and contempt.”  Is the tax collector righteous?  The Congressman who benefited from ten billion pesos, righteous?  Tax collectors were viewed before as the beneficiaries of the pork barrel system of the Roman government.  God said, “He went from the temple justified and made righteous by God.”  Does God lie? The tax collector was made righteous and that is the truth. 
If we look at such people with contempt and we say, “You have no right to approach God,” then we are speaking lies and we don’t understand the truth.  God said, “I desire compassion and not sacrifice because I also give mercy.  I forgive and I expect forgiveness.”   We cannot boast that we fast three times a week or however many times and we pay out tithes and give our offerings.  What God wants is not our sacrifice.   He first wants our mercy as He gives mercy. 
God wants a relationship, not religion.  What He wants us to do is ministry, not Church projects or activities.  He wants us to be involved in is in the work of the Church, not Church work.  He wants us to have knowledge of Him, not pietism; not a form of godliness.  He wants us to be caring for the least of His brethren. 
The Pharisee held on to a form of godliness, but he viewed others with contempt.   Jesus said to the Pharisee who viewed others with contempt and who adhered to the law, “There is nothing wrong with tithing and fasting,” but He did say, “These things you should have done.”  Jesus shows His stamp of approval on these things – tithing, fasting and praying – what we do in Church but without neglecting the weightier matters of the Law which are justice, mercy and righteousness. If we fast and pay our tithe, but we look at others with contempt, we insult the work of God and despise the brother for whom Christ died. 
Our righteousness is given by God.  Jeremiah 14: 22 says that, “All these things are the work of God."  Ephesians 2:8 says, “By grace, you have been saved through faith not of yourselves, not because you tithe, not because you fast and pray three times a day.  It is the gift of God – not by works lest any man boast.”   It is God’s doing.  St. Paul says that by His doing, we are in Christ Jesus. 
Contempt of others is denying the work of God in them and questioning His being God and His perfection.  2Corinthians5:16 says that we recognize no one according to the flesh because they are a new creation.  Old things have passed away and new things have come, and this is the Lord’s doing.  It is not according to the flesh anymore. 
Was the tax collector sinful? Maybe, according to the flesh. Is he righteous?  Definitely because he is a new creation!  Your baptized brother is in Christ and he is a new creation.  From now on, let us not recognize anyone according to the flesh. You can say all you want and I will believe you.  You can say, “But this person is this and that.  They did this to me.  They are liars. They are swindlers, they are unjust.  They are evil.”  Maybe, according to the flesh, those were the old things that passed away.  Now, do those things still stick their heads out and show some signs and symptoms of evil in the person?  Maybe, but they are a new creation.  You are a new creation and this is the truth! 
What we see, according to flesh, is not true but a lie. All of us, each one of us, are a new creation – not by our doing but by His doing.  We are in Christ Jesus and we are made righteous.  We were not even born yet when He did that.  It is His doing, and God’s work is perfect.  If you look at the flesh, it is not perfect, but God is.  God is not done with us.  Even the process is perfect.   Nobody can question the process; it is perfect! God knows what He is doing.  It is the Lord’s doing! 
Romans 14:1, "Accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment.”  Don’t despise him; don’t look down on him.  Verse 4 says he is God’s servant.  The weakest among you, the least among you is Christ’s brother and God’s servant.  We have no right to judge him because God is able to make him stand and overcome his weaknesses.  He is still in process. He is still growing like you and me.   Verse 7 says, “We are the Lord’s.”  Nobody owns anybody else as to say, “You are this or that. You are unjust.  You are a swindler. You are a liar.”  You can’t say that of anybody because they are not our property.  All of us are the Lord’s.
In Verse 10, St. Paul asks, “If that is so, then why do you regard your brother with contempt?”  Verse 15 says, “Christ died for him.”   We have no right to despise our brother for Christ died for him.   We will be going against Christ and His work.  Verse 19-20, “Therefore, pursue things which make for peace and the building up of one another.  Do not tear down God’s work for the sake of food, for your right, for your privilege, for your preference.”  Our right takes a back seat.  More important is our brother and the building up of our brother. 
1Corinthians 8:13 says, “If food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again.”  Is it my right to eat meat? Yes, but I will not do it in front of my brother if it is going to cause him to stumble.  What is more important is the building up of a brother for whom Christ died and who is the work of God.  When we judge and criticize our brother, we insult and destroy God’s handiwork. 
Ephesians 2:10 says, “We are His workmanship.”  We are His masterpiece and if we go against each other, we actually go against Him.  When the Israelites rejected Samuel, God told him, “They did not reject you.  They rejected Me.”  When David sinned against Uriah by committing adultery with his wife and actually murdering Uriah, he sinned against God Himself, not against a brother. 
What did Jesus say to Paul, then Saul, when he was persecuting the Church? “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? To the extent that you did this or did not do this to the least of My brethren, you did it to Me.”   We are not offending each other, but we are offending God. 
We neglect other matters of the Law.  We reverence the Altar.  We reverence the body and the blood of Christ.   The bakers who bake the bread are supposed to be in reverential fear and attitude.  When we receive communion, we have all reverence and rightly so.  Even the church building, we respect.  I ask you, “What do those things stand for and represent?  What are they in existence for?”   It is the real body of Christ. 
The temple of God is more than just a building.  We are God’s planting.  We are God’s field.  We are God’s building.  We are the Body of Christ.  If we reverence the body of Christ, we must also reverence the Body of Christ.  You and I are the Body of Christ.  We are to seek the edification and the building of that Body.  This is what it says in 1Corinthians 14 for the purpose of spiritual gifts.  It is not to build our own self, but to build the Body of Christ. 
God is harsh against people who tear down and try to destroy His temple.  He said, “Whoever destroys My temple, him I would destroy. It is My work.”  In the Book of Ezra 6, there was a decree of King Darius, who represented God, and he said, “There is the command to build the temple of God.  Anyone who violates the command, a timber will be taken from his house and he will impaled on it.  His household will be cut-off and be a heap of refuse and ashes.”  This is how harsh God is against lies and against those who oppose His work.  In fact, if you read the verse in Matthew 12 that mentions the unpardonable or unforgiveable sin, it is actually talking about disrespecting the work of God.  I won’t debate on that but to me, God’s mercy is everlasting.  He is harsh when it comes to opposing the work of God. 
Psalm 28:5 says, “Because they do not regard the works of the LORD nor the deeds of His hands, He will tear them down and not build them up.” God opposes the proud and He shames those who trust in themselves.   There was this story of a couple of scientists.  They arrogantly approached God and said, “We don’t need You anymore. We can make man on our own.”  God said, “Oh, really? Show Me.”  The scientists rolled up their sleeves and gathered some dust.  God said, “Wait a minute, get your own dust.  That is Mine!”  They were silenced. 
We speak arrogantly, not knowing that everything comes from God.  We depend on His mercy.  We are nothing apart from Him.  This is why we ask for God’s mercy when we pray our Corporate Petition.  In the New Testament reading, St. Paul was still encouraged because he said, “Even if everybody else deserted me, God's mercy is with me. That does not disappoint.”  God remembers His covenant with us. 
When we pray, let us pray like Moses with confidence.  Twice Moses said this when God wanted to destroy the whole of Israel, “Remember Your covenant.  If You don’t remember Your mercy to us, then, they will say of You that You started doing something.  You started Your work and You failed to finish and they will laugh at Your work.”  God cannot allow that to happen.  God will never fail nor forsake us because we are His handiwork.  Each of us is but we need to understand that and we need to depend on Him – not on our own merits and our own strength, but it is only, exclusively, in His mercy. 
In the Book of Ezra, when the foundation of the second temple was being laid, the older people who saw the first temple were weeping.  Commentaries on it said it was because they saw that the first temple was bigger.  The Word of God said, “You may think that, but the glory of the latter temple will far exceed the glory of the former temple.  Don’t look at the flesh.  Don’t look at the structure of the building.  Look at Me who does the work because I will glorify My glorious house.” 
This is how much God loves us.  He is committed to us, His workmanship.  This is the way it is in God’s kingdom.  We are His people; we are His workmanship. He has made us righteous and He has given us mercy.  He has made a new creation.  This is the truth and this is the way it is in the kingdom of God! 

LET US CONTINUE OUR REFLECTION 
WITH
HIS EMINENCE, THE MOST REVEREND LUIS ANTONIO "CHITO" GOKIM TAGLE  D.D.

ARCHBISHOP OF MANILA, 
CARDINAL OF HOLY MOTHER CHURCH
AND 
VENERABLE PRIMATE
OF THE PHILIPPINES

THROUGH
THE WORD EXPOSED




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Biyernes, Oktubre 25, 2013

SEPTEM ANNOS

SCRUTATIO SCRIPTURAE

SEPTEM ANNOS
(SEVEN YEARS)

SCRUTATIO FOR THE FOR THE 23rd SUNDAY IN THE CHRISTIAN SEASON OF ORDINARY TIME/TIME OF THE CHURCH

Readings from the Anglican Book of Common Prayer
Jeremiah 14:1-10 and 19-22 / Psalm 84 / II Timothy 4:6-8 and 16-18 / Luke 18:9-14

Readings for the Pauline/Vatican II Rite of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
Ecclesiasticus/Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18 / Psalm 34:2-3, 17-18, 19 and 23. / II Timothy 4:6-8 and 16-18 / Luke 18:9-14

FOR THE TRIDENTINE FEAST OF JESUS CHRIST THE SOVEREIGN KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS

Readings for the Tridentine Rite of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass

Introit: Revelations 5:12 and Psalm 72:1
Epistle: Colossians 1:12-20
Gradual and Alleluia: Psalm 72:8, 11 and Daniel 7:14

Gospel 
John 18:33-37

Offertory: Psalm 2:8
Communion Antiphon: Psalm 29:10

For SEVEN (7) YEARS AND THREE HUNDRED FIFTEEN (315) DAYS, His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI has FAITHFULLY SHEPHERDED THE LORD’S FLOCK AS HIS VICAR/REPRESENTATIVE HERE ON EARTH.

In all HUMILITY he has been OUR HOLY FATHER IN CHRIST- I Corinthians 4:15 + I Peter 1:16.

He has guided the BARK OF THE BLESSED APOSTLE PETER amidst the great “waves” and “wind” of the changing times and preferences of the world’s systems. He has shown his FAITH IN JESUS THE CORNERSTONE as SOLID AS A ROCK!

He has shown us that FIDES ET RATIO, FAITH ANS REASON is indeed PERFECTLY UNITED, just like the DIVINE AND HUMAN in the VERY PERSON OF JESUS CHRIST!  

And last February 11, he has shown us the LIVING TRUTH that CHRIST IS INDEED THE ETERNAL HEAD OF THE ONE, HOLY, CATHOLIC AND APOSTOLIC CHURCH, when he entrusted the APOSTOLIC SEE (Romans 1:7-8 + I Peter 5:13) TO HIS HANDS!

This is the BEAUTY OF THE LIFE OF PAPA BENEDICTUS SEXTUS DECIMUS that was FULLY SHARED to you and I for all these Seven Years!

HIS PAPACY HAS POINTED US TO JESUS, THE AWESOME SHEPHERD OF THE FLOCK!

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Lunes, Oktubre 21, 2013

News from Taizé!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

20 October 2013

News from Taizé by email

Saturday, 19 October 2013
  • Looking towards August 2015
  • Taizé: The theme group “Towards a new solidarity”
  • Asia: Next steps of the pilgrimage of trust
  • Latin America: upcoming gatherings
  • Strasbourg: preparations for the European Meeting
  • Huelva: an experience of solidarity in southern Spain
  • An evening of meeting and prayer
  • Calendar
  • Prayer

Looking towards August 2015

As brother Alois announced two years ago, in 2015 the Taizé Community will be celebrating a triple anniversary: 100 years since brother Roger’s birth, 75 years since his arrival in Taizé and 10 years since his death. By placing the theme of “new solidarity” at the heart of the international meetings both in Taizé and across the world, the Community intends to celebrate by turning towards the future. This News by Email looks at aspects of this theme.

Taizé: The theme group “Towards a new solidarity”

One option for the participants in the summer youth meetings was to reflect together on brother Alois’ “Letter 2012-2015”. The aim was not only to share ideas and experiences but also to prepare a workshop at the end of the week for the other young people present at Taizé. The group was often enriched by the contributions of visitors at Taizé for a few days.

Asia: Next steps of the pilgrimage of trust

In 2013 we are looking with particular attention towards Asia. Brother Alois, with other brothers of the community, is presently visiting several Asian countries. After travelling in China and North Korea, he will be leading youth meetings first in Seoul and Busan (South Korea) on 28 October and 1 November, then in Vasai and Mumbai (India), on 5 and 6 November. During this journey, brother Alois and other brothers will participate in the 10th Assembly of the World Council of Churches held in Busan from 30 October to 8 November.

Latin America: upcoming gatherings

In 2014, after the meetings in Africa in 2012 and in Asia this year, attention will turn to Latin America. One international meeting will be held in Mexico City in May, and another in the Dominican Republic in October. Two long-stay volunteers at Taizé will soon be going to meet with Mexicans all over the country. Marianna, a young Mexican, writes, “I go regularly to visit the communities of an ethnic minority in southern Mexico. I have discovered so many facets of solidarity. In relationship with those who are poorer than we are it is not for us to become ‘saviours’, but rather to discover, together with them, what they can undertake to improve their own situation. The key is to respect them and understand the ways they have of solving problems. Sometimes the real need is simply for encouragement, motivation and comfort. In their poverty, they are often richer in some ways than others.

Strasbourg: preparations for the European Meeting

The European Meeting will be held 28 December to 1 January, and from mid-September a team has been in Strasbourg working towards it. They are visiting the Christian communities of all denominations which will be welcoming the participants in December. Many Christians in Strasbourg are involved in action for social solidarity. The university chaplaincy has begun an action to support students living in poverty.

Huelva: an experience of solidarity in southern Spain

Pierre, a French volunteer at Taizé, wrote this report after he and another volunteer lived for a while in the south of Spain: “We had an amazing experience for a month in Isla Cristina, a small town of 20,000 inhabitants. Huelva is the Spanish province with the lowest standard of living, the highest unemployment and with record school drop-out rates. And what were we there to do — two young volunteers from Italy and France, and a Spanish brother of the Community? We simply wanted to offer some time in order to share the lives of those who live at the southern tip of Europe ...”

An evening of meeting and prayer

On the Taizé website there is a page with suggestions for a meeting held in small groups and an evening prayer. A theme for one such evening could be “immigrants, so near and yet often so far away”.

Calendar

  • France: After the large gathering « Protestants en fête » in Paris and the night of prayer in Lyon during the « Estates-General of Christianity », brothers of Taizé will be involved in one more large Christian event this year, les Semaines Sociales de France. From 22 to 24 November they will be leading community prayers at Lyon-Villeurbanne during the pauses in other programmed events.

Prayer

Jesus, you came from God, not in order to impose anything, but to give your life out of love for human beings. So the law of the strongest does not have the final word, and you bequeath us a new solidarity. And our life begins to flourish when we live for those whom God entrusts to us.
Taizé website: http://www.taize.fr
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