Shroud of Turin - Article
I recommend the article "Does the Shroud of Turin confirm the Passion of Christ?" found here.
http://www.townhall.com/columnists/GuestColumns/Crespo20040629.shtml
The information on blood stains: the locations and quantity, and a recently discovered "second face image" bring new proofs - worth a read!
Aside-
If you ever get to Harpers Ferry Virginia, I recommend a visit to the Catholic Church there. It is on the hill overlooking the main street. It was subject to Stonewall's bombardment before the Battle at Sharpsburg. There is a life-sized Crucifix statue with the image of Jesus with the clear marks of the scourging from the Flagrum. I seem to recall that it was imported from Italy. I wonder if the Shroud provided its sculpture with a model.
In regard to this article, I think of the Centurion at Calvary and his witness of the Crucifixion (and perhaps the whole ordeal of the Passion)- and ultimate confession that Jesus was the Son of Man.
Visit the Order at www.OrderofCenturions.org
2004/06/30
2004/06/28
Saint Peter
[29 June]
O ALMIGHTY God, who by thy Son Jesus Christ didst give to thy Apostle Saint Peter many excellent gifts, and commandedst him earnestly to feed thy flock; Make, we beseech thee, all Bishops and Pastors diligently to preach thy holy Word, and the people obediently to follow the same, that they may receive the crown of everlasting glory; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Acts xii. 1 & St. Matthew xvi. 13
Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On June 29, 258 AD, Christians of Rome transferred the remains of Peter and Paul to the Catacombs on the Appian way. From that time on, the Roman Christian calendars commemorated that event with a feast.
In our Gospel today we here one of the many stories of our Lord and Peter. In response to Jesus' inquiry to the disciples, Simon Bar-jona confessed Jesus as the Christ, the promised messiah who would save Israel, and as the Son of the Living God. Jesus blessed him and told him that it was his Father in heaven that had revealed this truth to him. Jesus then told Simon that he was "Peter" -- "Petros" in Greek, meaning a stone. Jesus then stated that upon this rock -- "Petra" in Greek, meaning a rock, cliff, or ledge, Jesus would build his Church.
Jesus' use of the words for stone and rock are important in understanding what he was saying and what his disciples would have understood. Peter, by his confession, had demonstrated the essence of the new Church -- faithful members who confess Jesus as Lord and Savior, the Son of God. It is this faith of all the members of the Church that will add up to be the strong rock foundation of the Church. Indeed, a Church so strong that Satan cannot prevail against it. His disciples shall have the "keys" of the Kingdom of Heaven; their faith shall save them and be the key that permits their entry into heaven. More than that, their faith will give them power on earth as the Body of Christ to bind up or loose what they shall on earth and in heaven.
In our epistle we see this prophecy being fulfilled. Harod, in order to gain status and allegiance from powerful Jewish groups, launched a persecution of the Church in Jerusalem. He killed the apostle James with the sword. Observing that this pleased the Jews, he imprisoned Peter with the intent of killing him as well. God had other plans for Peter however. Peter is to become key in establishing the Church in the city of Rome. Therefore, God sent his angel to release Peter. Later, Peter indeed became a "rock" in building the foundation of the Church in Rome -- a Church that eventually would send forth missions throughout the western world.
At Pentecost, Peter was so inspired by the gift of the Holy Spirit, that he emerged as the leader of the Apostles. His gifts of healing, preaching, and leading were key in building a strong foundation for the Church Militant that continues to serve her to this day -- a Church that not even the gates of hell shall prevail against -- a Church that remains as strong as her members remain militant in their faith, actions, and devotion. Amen
Acts xii. 1
ABOUT that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.
St. Matthew xvi. 13
WHEN Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Scripture from 1928 Book of Common Prayer
Visit the Order at www.OrderofCenturions.org
[29 June]
O ALMIGHTY God, who by thy Son Jesus Christ didst give to thy Apostle Saint Peter many excellent gifts, and commandedst him earnestly to feed thy flock; Make, we beseech thee, all Bishops and Pastors diligently to preach thy holy Word, and the people obediently to follow the same, that they may receive the crown of everlasting glory; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Acts xii. 1 & St. Matthew xvi. 13
Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On June 29, 258 AD, Christians of Rome transferred the remains of Peter and Paul to the Catacombs on the Appian way. From that time on, the Roman Christian calendars commemorated that event with a feast.
In our Gospel today we here one of the many stories of our Lord and Peter. In response to Jesus' inquiry to the disciples, Simon Bar-jona confessed Jesus as the Christ, the promised messiah who would save Israel, and as the Son of the Living God. Jesus blessed him and told him that it was his Father in heaven that had revealed this truth to him. Jesus then told Simon that he was "Peter" -- "Petros" in Greek, meaning a stone. Jesus then stated that upon this rock -- "Petra" in Greek, meaning a rock, cliff, or ledge, Jesus would build his Church.
Jesus' use of the words for stone and rock are important in understanding what he was saying and what his disciples would have understood. Peter, by his confession, had demonstrated the essence of the new Church -- faithful members who confess Jesus as Lord and Savior, the Son of God. It is this faith of all the members of the Church that will add up to be the strong rock foundation of the Church. Indeed, a Church so strong that Satan cannot prevail against it. His disciples shall have the "keys" of the Kingdom of Heaven; their faith shall save them and be the key that permits their entry into heaven. More than that, their faith will give them power on earth as the Body of Christ to bind up or loose what they shall on earth and in heaven.
In our epistle we see this prophecy being fulfilled. Harod, in order to gain status and allegiance from powerful Jewish groups, launched a persecution of the Church in Jerusalem. He killed the apostle James with the sword. Observing that this pleased the Jews, he imprisoned Peter with the intent of killing him as well. God had other plans for Peter however. Peter is to become key in establishing the Church in the city of Rome. Therefore, God sent his angel to release Peter. Later, Peter indeed became a "rock" in building the foundation of the Church in Rome -- a Church that eventually would send forth missions throughout the western world.
At Pentecost, Peter was so inspired by the gift of the Holy Spirit, that he emerged as the leader of the Apostles. His gifts of healing, preaching, and leading were key in building a strong foundation for the Church Militant that continues to serve her to this day -- a Church that not even the gates of hell shall prevail against -- a Church that remains as strong as her members remain militant in their faith, actions, and devotion. Amen
Acts xii. 1
ABOUT that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.
St. Matthew xvi. 13
WHEN Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Scripture from 1928 Book of Common Prayer
Visit the Order at www.OrderofCenturions.org
2004/06/23
Saint John Baptist
June 24
ALMIGHTY God, by whose providence thy servant John Baptist was wonderfully born, and sent to prepare the way of thy Son our Saviour by preaching repentance; Make us so to follow his doctrine and holy life, that we may truly repent according to his preaching; and after his example constantly speak the truth, boldly rebuke vice, and patiently suffer for the truth's sake; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Reading below: Isaiah xl. 1 & St. Luke i. 57
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel;
for he hath visited and redeemed his people
Today the Church pauses to remember the story of the birth of St. John the Baptist as it is recorded in the first chapter of the Gospel of St. Luke. Zacharias, the old, devout, faithful, priest, stood at his post in the Temple. While tending the incense offering, the angel Gabriel appeared and told him that he would sire a child, whom he should name John. His son would be filled with the Holy Ghost from his birth. He was to be selected from all of mankind to be the Herald of the Lord. He would prepare the way for the coming of the Lord. Zacharias doubted, and asked for a sign. The angel told Zacharias he would not speak again until the birth of his son. That was certainly a sign he would not mistaken!
This great miracle was in fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah recorded in our first reading. Isaiah told Israel that God would send a messenger before the coming of the Lord. One who would cry out to the people to prepare for the Lord's coming. And when the Lord came, he would be as a shepherd who would feed, protect, and love his flock.
Zacharias evidently conveyed to Elizabeth his vision and the angelic message. Elizabeth named her son John at his circumcision, and Zacharias confirmed the name in writing to the astonishment of his neighbors. Then God filled Zacharias with the Holy Ghost. His lips were loosed, and he began to praise God and prophesied: "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, and hath raised up an horn of salvation.... And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; to give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins"
As today's collect says, we are called to repent in preparation for the coming of the Lord. This is an essential part of the Salvation formula: confession, contrition, repentance, and acceptance of the Lord's sovereignty. Then, as the old hymn says, "Trust and Obey". In faith we must strive to follow Jesus. We must amend our lives and bravely and boldly proclaim truth and justice, and endeavor always to do the right thing. Finally, we are to keep watch always for the coming of the Lord. Amen.
HYMN at cyberhymnal.org THE GREAT FORERUNNER OF THE MORN
Isaiah xl. 1
COMFORT ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD'S hand double for all her sins. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: and the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field: the grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever. O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
St. Luke i. 57
ELISABETH'S full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her. And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John. And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name. And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God. And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea. And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him. And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, and hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; as he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: that we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; to perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; the oath which he sware to our father Abraham, that he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; to give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.
Scripture from 1928 Book of Common Prayer
Visit the Order at www.OrderofCenturions.org
June 24
ALMIGHTY God, by whose providence thy servant John Baptist was wonderfully born, and sent to prepare the way of thy Son our Saviour by preaching repentance; Make us so to follow his doctrine and holy life, that we may truly repent according to his preaching; and after his example constantly speak the truth, boldly rebuke vice, and patiently suffer for the truth's sake; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Reading below: Isaiah xl. 1 & St. Luke i. 57
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel;
for he hath visited and redeemed his people
Today the Church pauses to remember the story of the birth of St. John the Baptist as it is recorded in the first chapter of the Gospel of St. Luke. Zacharias, the old, devout, faithful, priest, stood at his post in the Temple. While tending the incense offering, the angel Gabriel appeared and told him that he would sire a child, whom he should name John. His son would be filled with the Holy Ghost from his birth. He was to be selected from all of mankind to be the Herald of the Lord. He would prepare the way for the coming of the Lord. Zacharias doubted, and asked for a sign. The angel told Zacharias he would not speak again until the birth of his son. That was certainly a sign he would not mistaken!
This great miracle was in fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah recorded in our first reading. Isaiah told Israel that God would send a messenger before the coming of the Lord. One who would cry out to the people to prepare for the Lord's coming. And when the Lord came, he would be as a shepherd who would feed, protect, and love his flock.
Zacharias evidently conveyed to Elizabeth his vision and the angelic message. Elizabeth named her son John at his circumcision, and Zacharias confirmed the name in writing to the astonishment of his neighbors. Then God filled Zacharias with the Holy Ghost. His lips were loosed, and he began to praise God and prophesied: "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, and hath raised up an horn of salvation.... And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; to give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins"
As today's collect says, we are called to repent in preparation for the coming of the Lord. This is an essential part of the Salvation formula: confession, contrition, repentance, and acceptance of the Lord's sovereignty. Then, as the old hymn says, "Trust and Obey". In faith we must strive to follow Jesus. We must amend our lives and bravely and boldly proclaim truth and justice, and endeavor always to do the right thing. Finally, we are to keep watch always for the coming of the Lord. Amen.
HYMN at cyberhymnal.org THE GREAT FORERUNNER OF THE MORN
Isaiah xl. 1
COMFORT ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD'S hand double for all her sins. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: and the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field: the grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever. O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
St. Luke i. 57
ELISABETH'S full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her. And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John. And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name. And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God. And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea. And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him. And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, and hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; as he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: that we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; to perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; the oath which he sware to our father Abraham, that he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; to give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.
Scripture from 1928 Book of Common Prayer
Visit the Order at www.OrderofCenturions.org
2004/06/21
The Second Sunday after Trinity
O LORD, who never failest to help and govern those whom thou dost bring up in thy stedfast fear and love; Keep us, we beseech thee, under the protection of thy good providence, and make us to have a perpetual fear and love of thy holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
1 St. John iii. 13 & St. Luke xiv. 16
Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.
INCLUSIVENESS - Our Gospel message today is all about including those who were least worthy. Those that the Host solicited were the outcasts of society. The wisdom of the day thought that the condition of these outcasts was due to sin and a curse. Theses people were the "unclean." They were excluded by society from every aspect of community - worship, employment, companionship, etc. The Gospel story is also about the rejection of our Lord's message by the well-to-do people - those who rejected the Gospel.
A friend recently told me of a conversation concerning an individual whose actions were clearly contrary to the Gospel, and a mortal sin. In speaking to his colleagues about the matter, he was told "we must be inclusive." This is when inclusiveness is applied wrongly. Inclusiveness has become so important to some that they have essentially thrown the Bible away in order to ensure that everyone feels comfortable and welcome. Read the collect for this day. It asks God to, "make us to have a perpetual fear and love of thy holy Name." A perpetual fear of God, and declaring mortal sin as being acceptable because of the current norms of society, do not mix!
If one reads the story carefully, they will see that EXCLUSIVENESS is also a part of the story. Everyone who was invited to the supper, but found some reason to refuse, was excluded. The Host said, "For I say unto you, that none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper." Hard words - but Just Words. The Lord issues his invitation to all, come to me, follow me, obey me and share my Joy and Peace. Those that do come are expected to obey their manners at the table. Those who refuse the invitation to pursue temporal pleasures are to be excluded.
In today's society we see a very significant decrease in church participation in the affluent Western World. Like those of the Gospel story, many say they are just too busy to come to the feast. Others don't even attempt to offer excuses; they consider the invitation and offer irrelevant. They have no concern for the Host or his invitation, because they have grown up in a world where God is not important. Our collect today emphasizes that those who have grown up in the fear of the Lord will be governed by him. He will encourage and direct them to do the right thing. They will be attentive to the Bible, Prayer, following the Summary of the Law, Justice, Mercy, and the invitation of the Lord to join him at his feast. That feast, the Lord's Supper, occurs regularly in my part of the world. The invitation is there to all who will come - just as they are. May we always have that fear and love of God so as to hear his voice beckon and respond to his call. Amen
READINGS
1 St. John iii. 13
MARVEL not, my brethren, if the world hate you. We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
St. Luke xiv. 16.
A CERTAIN man made a great supper, and bade many: and sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you, that none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.
Scripture from 1928 Book of Common Prayer
O LORD, who never failest to help and govern those whom thou dost bring up in thy stedfast fear and love; Keep us, we beseech thee, under the protection of thy good providence, and make us to have a perpetual fear and love of thy holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
1 St. John iii. 13 & St. Luke xiv. 16
Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.
INCLUSIVENESS - Our Gospel message today is all about including those who were least worthy. Those that the Host solicited were the outcasts of society. The wisdom of the day thought that the condition of these outcasts was due to sin and a curse. Theses people were the "unclean." They were excluded by society from every aspect of community - worship, employment, companionship, etc. The Gospel story is also about the rejection of our Lord's message by the well-to-do people - those who rejected the Gospel.
A friend recently told me of a conversation concerning an individual whose actions were clearly contrary to the Gospel, and a mortal sin. In speaking to his colleagues about the matter, he was told "we must be inclusive." This is when inclusiveness is applied wrongly. Inclusiveness has become so important to some that they have essentially thrown the Bible away in order to ensure that everyone feels comfortable and welcome. Read the collect for this day. It asks God to, "make us to have a perpetual fear and love of thy holy Name." A perpetual fear of God, and declaring mortal sin as being acceptable because of the current norms of society, do not mix!
If one reads the story carefully, they will see that EXCLUSIVENESS is also a part of the story. Everyone who was invited to the supper, but found some reason to refuse, was excluded. The Host said, "For I say unto you, that none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper." Hard words - but Just Words. The Lord issues his invitation to all, come to me, follow me, obey me and share my Joy and Peace. Those that do come are expected to obey their manners at the table. Those who refuse the invitation to pursue temporal pleasures are to be excluded.
In today's society we see a very significant decrease in church participation in the affluent Western World. Like those of the Gospel story, many say they are just too busy to come to the feast. Others don't even attempt to offer excuses; they consider the invitation and offer irrelevant. They have no concern for the Host or his invitation, because they have grown up in a world where God is not important. Our collect today emphasizes that those who have grown up in the fear of the Lord will be governed by him. He will encourage and direct them to do the right thing. They will be attentive to the Bible, Prayer, following the Summary of the Law, Justice, Mercy, and the invitation of the Lord to join him at his feast. That feast, the Lord's Supper, occurs regularly in my part of the world. The invitation is there to all who will come - just as they are. May we always have that fear and love of God so as to hear his voice beckon and respond to his call. Amen
READINGS
1 St. John iii. 13
MARVEL not, my brethren, if the world hate you. We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
St. Luke xiv. 16.
A CERTAIN man made a great supper, and bade many: and sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you, that none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.
Scripture from 1928 Book of Common Prayer
2004/06/13
First Sunday after Trinity
O GOD, the strength of all those who put their trust in thee; Mercifully accept our prayers; and because, through the weakness of our mortal nature, we can do no good thing without thee, grant us the help of thy grace, that in keeping thy commandments we may please thee, both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Readings See Below: 1 St. John iv. 7 & St. Luke xvi. 19
If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
------------------------------------------------------
Jesus tells us that some people will never be persuaded to do the right thing. Like the rich man, and his kin, they will scoff at the notion that their actions in this world may affect their place in the next. They will refuse the gift of God of eternal life in exchange for a life of indulgence in this world. They will live for the day, with no thought for the morrow. They will turn a deaf ear to the cries of the poor and the pleadings of the unfortunate. They will count themselves blessed, and forget the needs of their neighbors. When opportunity presents itself for them to minister to their neighbor, they will turn their backs. They will not believe the Law as given by Moses, nor the warnings of the prophets. They will not even believe the Risen Christ much less his disciples.
Now before any of us go pointing a finger at someone we know that is just like the rich man in the parable, remember that when we do, three fingers point back at us. The lesson today is a hard one. It shows the reward that one may receive for neglect. The rich man committed no crime. It is never reported that he broke one of the Ten Commandments or any of the lesser laws. However, he failed to live up to the standard to which God calls us.
Jesus gave us the Summary of the Law. It is one of the rules of the Order of the Centurions and is cited in its Vow. "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and soul, and mind ..... and... you shall love your neighbor as yourself." This is the law that the rich man neglected. This is a law that many neglect.
If we search the Law, we shall find in Leviticus several passages that directed the people to leave the corners of their fields when they harvested, and not to glean the fields so that the poor might have something of the harvest [Lv 19:9, 23:22]. In Deuteronomy we find directives that the people should not forsake the poor that live among them. [De 15:7]
In the New Testament, Jesus tells us in the Sermon on the Mount, "blessed are the poor, for they shall inherit the Kingdom of God." [Mt 5:3] Lazarus, the poor man in the parable, who sat outside of the rich man's gate and begged for the scraps from his table, inherited the promise. His reward was in paradise in the bosom of father Abraham, while the rich man burned in hell. Once they had received their eternal reward, there was no way to bridge the great chasm between heaven and hell.
In today's Epistle, St. John encourages us to love one another just as God has loved us by as manifested by the gift of his son. To love your neighbor is to love God, because you cannot possibly love God and hate your neighbor. The law is perfected in the love of God and the love of neighbor.
As our collect for this Sunday asks: May God aid us in our task. We are humans, with human failings and human neglect. We ask that God, by his wonderful Grace, might help us to do the right thing, that in both will and deed we might obey his command to love God and our neighbor. Let us open our ears to hear the law, prophets, and the Son of God, and let us renew our Vow in the context of today's lesson:
"I acknowledge Jesus Christ to be Lord and Savior. I will endeavor to obey the Ten Commandments & the Summary of the Law, and follow the Rule of the Order of Centurions; and through faith and the aid of the Holy Spirit - fear God and do what is right. So help me God. "
Hymn at cyberhymnal.org Dives and Lazarus
--------------------------------------------------------------
READINGS
1 St. John iv. 7.
BELOVED, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only-begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.
St. Luke xvi. 19
THERE was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: and there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, and desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; and in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: for I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
Scripture from 1928 Book of Common Prayer
------------------------------------------------------------------
Visit the Order at www.OrderofCenturions.org
O GOD, the strength of all those who put their trust in thee; Mercifully accept our prayers; and because, through the weakness of our mortal nature, we can do no good thing without thee, grant us the help of thy grace, that in keeping thy commandments we may please thee, both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Readings See Below: 1 St. John iv. 7 & St. Luke xvi. 19
If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
------------------------------------------------------
Jesus tells us that some people will never be persuaded to do the right thing. Like the rich man, and his kin, they will scoff at the notion that their actions in this world may affect their place in the next. They will refuse the gift of God of eternal life in exchange for a life of indulgence in this world. They will live for the day, with no thought for the morrow. They will turn a deaf ear to the cries of the poor and the pleadings of the unfortunate. They will count themselves blessed, and forget the needs of their neighbors. When opportunity presents itself for them to minister to their neighbor, they will turn their backs. They will not believe the Law as given by Moses, nor the warnings of the prophets. They will not even believe the Risen Christ much less his disciples.
Now before any of us go pointing a finger at someone we know that is just like the rich man in the parable, remember that when we do, three fingers point back at us. The lesson today is a hard one. It shows the reward that one may receive for neglect. The rich man committed no crime. It is never reported that he broke one of the Ten Commandments or any of the lesser laws. However, he failed to live up to the standard to which God calls us.
Jesus gave us the Summary of the Law. It is one of the rules of the Order of the Centurions and is cited in its Vow. "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and soul, and mind ..... and... you shall love your neighbor as yourself." This is the law that the rich man neglected. This is a law that many neglect.
If we search the Law, we shall find in Leviticus several passages that directed the people to leave the corners of their fields when they harvested, and not to glean the fields so that the poor might have something of the harvest [Lv 19:9, 23:22]. In Deuteronomy we find directives that the people should not forsake the poor that live among them. [De 15:7]
In the New Testament, Jesus tells us in the Sermon on the Mount, "blessed are the poor, for they shall inherit the Kingdom of God." [Mt 5:3] Lazarus, the poor man in the parable, who sat outside of the rich man's gate and begged for the scraps from his table, inherited the promise. His reward was in paradise in the bosom of father Abraham, while the rich man burned in hell. Once they had received their eternal reward, there was no way to bridge the great chasm between heaven and hell.
In today's Epistle, St. John encourages us to love one another just as God has loved us by as manifested by the gift of his son. To love your neighbor is to love God, because you cannot possibly love God and hate your neighbor. The law is perfected in the love of God and the love of neighbor.
As our collect for this Sunday asks: May God aid us in our task. We are humans, with human failings and human neglect. We ask that God, by his wonderful Grace, might help us to do the right thing, that in both will and deed we might obey his command to love God and our neighbor. Let us open our ears to hear the law, prophets, and the Son of God, and let us renew our Vow in the context of today's lesson:
"I acknowledge Jesus Christ to be Lord and Savior. I will endeavor to obey the Ten Commandments & the Summary of the Law, and follow the Rule of the Order of Centurions; and through faith and the aid of the Holy Spirit - fear God and do what is right. So help me God. "
Hymn at cyberhymnal.org Dives and Lazarus
--------------------------------------------------------------
READINGS
1 St. John iv. 7.
BELOVED, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only-begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.
St. Luke xvi. 19
THERE was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: and there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, and desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; and in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: for I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
Scripture from 1928 Book of Common Prayer
------------------------------------------------------------------
Visit the Order at www.OrderofCenturions.org
2004/06/05
Ronald Reagan
Commander in Chief (1911-2004)
Centurion
Ronald Reagan’s faith was a guiding factor throughout his amazing life. He was noted for his positive outlook, and his belief that Good would champion over evil when people of faith worked toward a grand ideal. He was the one person who was primarily responsible for the freedom of millions of people in the areas dominated by the USSR. He correctly identified the Communist of Eastern Europe as the Evil Empire. Then by building up America’s capabilities, and by initiating programs to defeat the Soviet’s ICBM capability, Mr. Reagan, as the Commander in Chief, and in concert with another great statesman, Lady Margaret Thatcher, effectively defeated Communism and ended the Cold War without firing a shot. The following quotation summarizes his perspective that guided him throughout his life.
His optimism for the American people was his hallmark. He came to Washington to change America’s perspective of herself. Like the motto of the Order of Centurions, he once said,
He began his military career as a National Guardsman in Nebraska. During World War II Captain Reagan served as a Supply Officer and also made movies for the Army Air Corps. He ended his service to his country as the Commander in Chief.
Readers may wish to read more about President Reagan and how his religious beliefs helped to shape his policies and guide our nation in the book God and Ronald Reagan: A Spiritual Life
Visit the Order at www.OrderofCenturions.org
Commander in Chief (1911-2004)
Centurion
Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged.
Ronald Reagan’s faith was a guiding factor throughout his amazing life. He was noted for his positive outlook, and his belief that Good would champion over evil when people of faith worked toward a grand ideal. He was the one person who was primarily responsible for the freedom of millions of people in the areas dominated by the USSR. He correctly identified the Communist of Eastern Europe as the Evil Empire. Then by building up America’s capabilities, and by initiating programs to defeat the Soviet’s ICBM capability, Mr. Reagan, as the Commander in Chief, and in concert with another great statesman, Lady Margaret Thatcher, effectively defeated Communism and ended the Cold War without firing a shot. The following quotation summarizes his perspective that guided him throughout his life.
We are a nation under God. I've always believed that this blessed land was set apart in a special way, that some divine plan placed this great continent here between the oceans to be found by people from every corner of the Earth who had a special love for freedom and the courage to uproot themselves, leave homeland and friends, to come to a strange land. And coming here they created something new in all the history of mankind -- a land where man is not beholden to government, government is beholden to man.
His optimism for the American people was his hallmark. He came to Washington to change America’s perspective of herself. Like the motto of the Order of Centurions, he once said,
We didn’t come here to do things politically,
we came here to do the Right things.
He began his military career as a National Guardsman in Nebraska. During World War II Captain Reagan served as a Supply Officer and also made movies for the Army Air Corps. He ended his service to his country as the Commander in Chief.
Readers may wish to read more about President Reagan and how his religious beliefs helped to shape his policies and guide our nation in the book God and Ronald Reagan: A Spiritual Life
Visit the Order at www.OrderofCenturions.org
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2004/06/04
Trinity Sunday
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hast given unto us thy servants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of the Divine Majesty to worship the Unity; We beseech thee that thou wouldest keep us stedfast in this faith, and evermore defend us from all adversities, who livest and reignest, one God, world without end. Amen.
Readings Below: Numbers xxi. 4. Revelation iv. 1 & St. John iii. 1
as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
The reading from the Book of Numbers tells the story of the people of Israel as they traveled in the wilderness. After the Lord gave them a great victory, they began to grumble against the Lord, saying they hated the very Manna that God sent to sustain them. God sent poisonous serpents among the Israelites and many died. They came to Moses asking him to intercede with the Lord to remove the serpents. Instead, the Lord gave them a remedy. The pain would continue as they continued to sin, but once bitten, if they would look upon the brass serpent on a staff that God ordered Moses to make and elevate, their lives would be spared.
In the Gospel Jesus teaches Nicodemus, a righteous Pharisee. He uses the brass serpent as a likeness of what is to be the new symbol of grace and healing. He, himself, the very Son of God, is to be lifted up to be the Salvation of the people, and whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. But this Salvation is radically different than the healing of the serpent bite. The healing of Christ is to the soul, and is eternal. The belief in Jesus as Savior comes with a new thing too: being born again in Spirit. For a man cannot inherit the promise of eternal life unless he is born again of the Spirit. That can only occur through belief in Jesus and that his sacrifice is sufficient for the sins of the whole world - not the Jew only. The first Gentile to recognize this was perhaps the Centurion of Calvary who looked up upon Jesus lifted up on the Cross and proclaimed, "this was a righteous man, the Son of God."
In the Gospel verses there is something else special also, for in these few verses, Jesus teaches Nicodemus of the Trinity: God the father whose Kingdom is in Heaven, God the Son who descended from Heaven and will be lifted up, and the God the Holy Spirit, by whom men will be born again and shall be able to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Our belief in the Trinity is affirmed in the words of our Credo. It is at the core of the Christian doctrine - One God - Three in Unity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and is a belief that the Church Militant has held in common since the beginning.
The Collect for this day says, "by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of the Divine Majesty to worship the Unity." I believe the collect as originally written referred specifically to what the English Prayer Book calls a Confession of Christian Belief . It is a much longer creed and more specific in terms of the Trinity and the nature of Christ. It was appointed to be read at Morning Prayer on Trinity Sunday.
Hymn: Lift High the Cross
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
READINGS
Numbers xxi. 4.
And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way. And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread. And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died. Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.
Revelation iv. 1.
AFTER this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes before and behind. And the first was like a lion, and the second like a calf, and the third had a face as a man, and the fourth was like a flying eagle. And the four living creatures had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. And when those living creatures give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, the four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are, and were created.
St. John iii. 1
THERE was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: the same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
Scripture from 1928 Book of Common Prayer and KJV
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hast given unto us thy servants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of the Divine Majesty to worship the Unity; We beseech thee that thou wouldest keep us stedfast in this faith, and evermore defend us from all adversities, who livest and reignest, one God, world without end. Amen.
Readings Below: Numbers xxi. 4. Revelation iv. 1 & St. John iii. 1
as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
The reading from the Book of Numbers tells the story of the people of Israel as they traveled in the wilderness. After the Lord gave them a great victory, they began to grumble against the Lord, saying they hated the very Manna that God sent to sustain them. God sent poisonous serpents among the Israelites and many died. They came to Moses asking him to intercede with the Lord to remove the serpents. Instead, the Lord gave them a remedy. The pain would continue as they continued to sin, but once bitten, if they would look upon the brass serpent on a staff that God ordered Moses to make and elevate, their lives would be spared.
In the Gospel Jesus teaches Nicodemus, a righteous Pharisee. He uses the brass serpent as a likeness of what is to be the new symbol of grace and healing. He, himself, the very Son of God, is to be lifted up to be the Salvation of the people, and whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. But this Salvation is radically different than the healing of the serpent bite. The healing of Christ is to the soul, and is eternal. The belief in Jesus as Savior comes with a new thing too: being born again in Spirit. For a man cannot inherit the promise of eternal life unless he is born again of the Spirit. That can only occur through belief in Jesus and that his sacrifice is sufficient for the sins of the whole world - not the Jew only. The first Gentile to recognize this was perhaps the Centurion of Calvary who looked up upon Jesus lifted up on the Cross and proclaimed, "this was a righteous man, the Son of God."
In the Gospel verses there is something else special also, for in these few verses, Jesus teaches Nicodemus of the Trinity: God the father whose Kingdom is in Heaven, God the Son who descended from Heaven and will be lifted up, and the God the Holy Spirit, by whom men will be born again and shall be able to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Our belief in the Trinity is affirmed in the words of our Credo. It is at the core of the Christian doctrine - One God - Three in Unity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and is a belief that the Church Militant has held in common since the beginning.
The Collect for this day says, "by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of the Divine Majesty to worship the Unity." I believe the collect as originally written referred specifically to what the English Prayer Book calls a Confession of Christian Belief . It is a much longer creed and more specific in terms of the Trinity and the nature of Christ. It was appointed to be read at Morning Prayer on Trinity Sunday.
Hymn: Lift High the Cross
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READINGS
Numbers xxi. 4.
And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way. And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread. And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died. Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.
Revelation iv. 1.
AFTER this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes before and behind. And the first was like a lion, and the second like a calf, and the third had a face as a man, and the fourth was like a flying eagle. And the four living creatures had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. And when those living creatures give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, the four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are, and were created.
St. John iii. 1
THERE was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: the same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
Scripture from 1928 Book of Common Prayer and KJV
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