tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72661739482565411872024-03-13T22:31:07.302-07:00The Twelve Days of ChristmasWelcome to the 2020 St. Augustine's online celebration of the season of Christmas. St. Augustine's Lenten Reflections 2024http://www.blogger.com/profile/06707671985242387181noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266173948256541187.post-76174240504563636862021-01-06T07:00:00.001-08:002021-01-06T07:00:02.715-08:00JANUARY 6TH - THE FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirEZmuG0Bs8M4RdL7ySAbfIKD48UjtgE-i-jI-IW7d6hW_GKgQg6HGldm0lMoZiROygOZ0Z6M3kOf_Z-04XHeIsp7CCRg75lVLNg_uLjrNwXqiFi7U7GM19Yk46u00dfUUqT_kE7CI5XIf/s1789/Folio_52r_-_The_Adoration_of_the_Magi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1789" data-original-width="1239" height="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirEZmuG0Bs8M4RdL7ySAbfIKD48UjtgE-i-jI-IW7d6hW_GKgQg6HGldm0lMoZiROygOZ0Z6M3kOf_Z-04XHeIsp7CCRg75lVLNg_uLjrNwXqiFi7U7GM19Yk46u00dfUUqT_kE7CI5XIf/w532-h768/Folio_52r_-_The_Adoration_of_the_Magi.jpg" title="https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gwiazda_Betlejemska#/media/Plik:Folio_52r_-_The_Adoration_of_the_Magi.jpg" width="532" /></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">- "The Adoration of the Magi", from <i>The Très Riches Heures of the Duke of Berry</i>, ca. 1412-1416</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><u><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Matthew 2: 1-12<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> <i>1 Now when Jesus
was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there
came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying, Where is he that is born
King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to
worship him. 3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and
all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and
scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be
born. 5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written
by the prophet. </i><i>6 And thou
Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of
Juda: for out of thee shall come a
Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. 7 Then Herod, when he had privily
called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. 8
And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young
child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and
worship him also. 9 When they had heard
the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went
before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. 10 When
they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 11 And when they
were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and
fell down, and worshipped him: and when
they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts: gold,
frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should
not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. </i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The Feast of the Epiphany brings us to the
most wondrous and yet troubling event in the whole narrative of Christ’s
nativity. Of course, the narrative’s very
beginning, the annunciation of God coming to share our human condition and
dwell among us, is truly the Great Mystery, more miraculous than the journey
and adoration of the wise men we celebrate on January 6—but it is bathed in the
light of the most familiar, intimate and loving occurrence in human life, the
birth of a child to a young couple. And
the incidental features of the story are also familiar even across two
millennia, down to Mary tenderly remembering all of the details of the birth of
her first child “and [pondering] them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19).</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="text-indent: 36pt;">With
the Epiphany, though, we move into something deliberately strange, beginning
with the mysterious appearance of the star in the east and the arrival of the
intriguing figures of the wise men or magi.</span><span style="text-indent: 36pt;">
</span><span style="text-indent: 36pt;">We know nothing about them except that they come from the east and that
they have been granted an insight, however dim or partial, into the significance
of Jesus’s birth.</span><span style="text-indent: 36pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 36pt;">Even their gifts of
gold, frankincense and myrrh wondrously predict the course of Jesus’ life and
its true meaning.</span><span style="text-indent: 36pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 36pt;">And yet, as the first
gentiles to receive the message of Christ’s birth, </span><span style="text-indent: 36pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 36pt;">they also represent the beginning of something
we now experience as the goal of our love, our actions and devotion—the worldwide
human family drawn together under Christ’s reign.</span><span style="text-indent: 36pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 36pt;">And this perspective takes the story beyond
the confines of a stable in biblical Judaea and out into the broad night sky
with its bright star and glimpse of our loving God’s vast creation.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="text-indent: 36pt;">In
all its mystery and wonder, however, the journey of the magi is also troubling,
for their appearance in Jerusalem will arouse Herod’s jealousy and fear and lead
to one of the cruelest atrocities in the New Testament, the massacre of the
innocents—young children born near the sanctity of Christ’s birth and the
proclamation of God’s salvation.</span><span style="text-indent: 36pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 36pt;">Thus a
story of joy and wonder also reveals the depth of evil that Christ has entered
the world to overcome.</span><span style="text-indent: 36pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 36pt;">But against a
depraved king surrounded by a corrupt court of hangers on and jostling sycophants
this story sets the beautiful Christ Child, surrounded by a loving family and worshipped
by those mysterious strangers from the east who are among the first of so many
to have their hearts opened to the truth of the Divine Word.</span><span style="text-indent: 36pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 36pt;">Here the image that has always affected me
the most in the story is the star in the </span><span style="text-indent: 36pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 36pt;">magi’s night sky.</span><span style="text-indent: 36pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 36pt;">It is not the great burst of glory that
overwhelmed the shepherds at Christ’s birth, but a steady, persistent light
that draws us on through the darkness, like the magi, to seek what is true and
good and loving and kind—Christ himself—and to worship him with everything that
we can imagine, say and do.</span><span style="text-indent: 36pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 36pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="text-indent: 36pt;">The picture I have chosen comes from
one of the finest Medieval illuminated manuscripts, The Très Riches Heures of
the Duke of Berry, a book of hours made in the early 1400s by the three
Limbourg brothers, Jean, Paul and Herman. By the Middle Ages, the magi had been
made kings in their own right in the popular imagination and had even been
given names.</span><span style="text-indent: 36pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 36pt;">Here amid the splendour and
magnificent dress of the three kings and their retainers, the Virgin sits
lovingly watching the baby Jesus bless those worshipping him.</span><span style="text-indent: 36pt;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">For a musical selection, I have
chosen one of Johann Sebastian Bach’s most beautiful sacred cantatas, no. 65,
Sie werden aus Saba alle kommen (All they from Sheba shall come). It was written for the Feast of the Epiphany
celebrated on January 6, 1724 early in Bach’s tenure as Kantor at the St.
Thomas Church in Leipzig. The opening
chorus is a noble processional for the magi with hunting horns, chorus and
orchestra based upon the prophecy of Isaiah (60: 6) “all they from Sheba shall
come: They shall bring gold and incense; and they shall show forth the praises
of the Lord.” We then enter the intimacy
of the manger in a short chorale that is based on the Christmas song “A Boy is
born in Bethlehem.” This is followed by a reflection for bass
soloist on how more fitting a heart is than gold for a gift. In a second reflection for tenor soloist, the
believer dedicates his whole being to Christ. “Take me as your own. Take my
heart as a gift. All, all that I
am, all I speak and do and think, shall, my Saviour, alone be dedicated to your
service.” A concluding chorale
reinforces this message of devotion. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">- Dr. Brian Black</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qhzr7EU6XS8" width="320" youtube-src-id="qhzr7EU6XS8"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><p></p><!--[if mso & !supportInlineShapes & supportFields]><span
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</v:shape><span style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]-->St. Augustine's Lenten Reflections 2024http://www.blogger.com/profile/06707671985242387181noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266173948256541187.post-6723380505913666322021-01-05T07:00:00.001-08:002021-01-05T07:00:04.986-08:00JANUARY 5TH - TWELFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS<p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWq44xthKXjaNoH0ianrkRx1nQaDceQAB9mH1e-g-8BjRi2pzx0OBO5svwUKFmshL56IECtYDMePMLYmou2KzBUbrWkv_YfD51mR6AtY1vCSvNBv7Miq6fbpkPSisctyLh7ESE50Niq3b/s2048/Albrecht_D%25C3%25BCrer_-_L%2527Adoration_des_mages.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1803" data-original-width="2048" height="539" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWq44xthKXjaNoH0ianrkRx1nQaDceQAB9mH1e-g-8BjRi2pzx0OBO5svwUKFmshL56IECtYDMePMLYmou2KzBUbrWkv_YfD51mR6AtY1vCSvNBv7Miq6fbpkPSisctyLh7ESE50Niq3b/w611-h539/Albrecht_D%25C3%25BCrer_-_L%2527Adoration_des_mages.jpg" width="611" /></a></div><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> <span> </span><span> <span> </span></span></span>- <i>Adoration of the Magi,</i> Albrecht Dürer, 1504AD<p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The assigned readings for Morning Prayer on the eve of
Epiphany (the 12<sup>th</sup> Day of Christmas) include the second Psalm, one
of the most messianic in the psalter. Fitting, indeed, as we anticipate
Epiphany with its reminder of the worship of the child Jesus by the Magi, an
early attestation of his kingship and hence of being the ‘Anointed One’ or (via
the Greek translation), Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i><sup>1 </sup><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why
do the nations conspire, and the peoples plot in vain?<br />
<sup>2 </sup>The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take
counsel together,<br />
against the Lord and his anointed, saying,<br />
<sup>3 </sup>“Let us burst their bonds asunder, and cast their cords from
us.”<br />
<sup>4 </sup>He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord has them in
derision.<br />
<sup>5 </sup>Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in
his fury, saying,<br />
<sup>6 </sup>“I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill.”<br />
<sup>7 </sup>I will tell of the decree of the Lord: He said to me, “You
are my son;<br />
today I have begotten you.<br />
<sup>8 </sup>Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,<br />
and the ends of the earth your possession.<br />
<sup>9 </sup>You shall break them with a rod of iron,<br />
and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”<br />
</i><sup>10 </sup><i>Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers
of the earth.<br />
<sup>11 </sup>Serve the Lord with fear, with trembling <sup>12 </sup>kiss
his feet,<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or
he will be angry, and you will perish in the way; for his wrath is quickly
kindled.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Happy are all who take refuge in him.</i>
(Psalm 2, NRSV).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The psalm, which can be understood as affirmation of King
David when beset by foes within and abroad, falls into two themes. In the
first, plots and conspiracies by ‘kings’ and ‘rulers’ are derided by God, who
will sustain his appointed (earthly) king, his anointed one. The second is an
affirmation of the everlasting sonship of the Davidic line, reflecting 2 Samuel
7:11-16, with an emphasis on the king’s authority (‘rod of iron’) and wrath. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The earliest believers were inflamed with a passion to
understand Jesus in the OT scriptures, as in the experience of the pair on the
Emmaus road “<i>Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted
to them the things about himself in all the scriptures</i>.” (Luke 24:27,
NRSV). Thus, in the prayer of the Jerusalem disciples after the inquisition of Peter
and John before the Sanhedrin, recorded early in the Acts of the Apostles, they
quote from the first theme of Psalm 2 (Acts 4:25-26). They affirm the
fulfillment of the psalm in the conspiracy and cooperation of the Jewish
‘rulers’ and the Roman Emperor through Pilate (‘kings’) that brought about the
crucifixion (as laid out in a series of scenes in Luke 22:66 – 23:25). Their
petition is for great boldness to declare Jesus <i>as</i> <i>Messiah in the
fulfillment of Psalm 2</i> despite the threats directed at them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The affirmation of Jesus as the Son of God, fulfilling the
second part of Psalm 2, is also quoted numerous times in the NT literature.
First by St. Paul who cites verse 7 in his declaration to the synagogue of
Pisidian Antioch in Acts 13:33, declaring that Jesus is the consummation of all
the promises God gave to his people in the (OT) scriptures. Then it is cited
again in the great attestation of the superiority of Jesus to the angels in
Hebrews 1:5, along with the parallel passage from 2 Samuel 7:14. And finally,
in the Letter to the Church in Thyatira (Revelations 2:18-28, NSRV), the focus
is on the power and authority of the Son. St. John dictates “<sup>18</sup> <i>These
are the words of the Son of God</i>”, who promises: <sup>26 “</sup><i>To
everyone who conquers and continues to do my works to the end, I will give
authority over the nations; <sup>27 </sup>to rule them with an iron rod, as
when clay pots are shattered –<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><sup>28 </sup>even
as I also received authority from my Father. To the one who conquers I will
also give the morning star.</i>”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">As we prepare to celebrate the adoration of the young child
Jesus by the sages of the east, let us be reminded of the cosmic dimension of
his anointing and be encouraged to resist false doctrines and “<i>hold fast to
what you have until I come</i>” (Revelations 2:25, NSRV). We are more than
conquerors through Him.<o:p></o:p></span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">-Dr. René
Boeré </span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TRH2B6RrjCs" width="320" youtube-src-id="TRH2B6RrjCs"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p></p>St. Augustine's Lenten Reflections 2024http://www.blogger.com/profile/06707671985242387181noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266173948256541187.post-54094722372984968892021-01-04T07:00:00.001-08:002021-01-04T07:00:01.437-08:00JANUARY 4TH - ELEVENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiouoPWTW0I2Cc9KdRqZbaYoYXHnTe7xUPdKimaAYfUd1pQhq5gaLh7mQNiIMlxxmed1_m207nyLCFloR4Fhw_22zDbpZsRz0wmzVxFWMAI5qm8tbZg0yzPPCyuo5N2DfL_Q8LClteybJno/s670/Bouts_moses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="519" height="578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiouoPWTW0I2Cc9KdRqZbaYoYXHnTe7xUPdKimaAYfUd1pQhq5gaLh7mQNiIMlxxmed1_m207nyLCFloR4Fhw_22zDbpZsRz0wmzVxFWMAI5qm8tbZg0yzPPCyuo5N2DfL_Q8LClteybJno/w448-h578/Bouts_moses.jpg" width="448" /></a></div><span> </span><span> </span><span> <span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">- Moses
and the Burning Bush, c. 1450–1475, attributed to Dieric Bouts </span><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">"<i>Now
Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian,
and he led the flock to the far side of the desert and came to Horeb, the
mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire
from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn
up. So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush
does not burn up.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: helvetica;">When
the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the
bush, “Moses! Moses!”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: helvetica;">And
Moses said, “Here I am.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: helvetica;">“Do
not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you
are standing is holy ground.” Then he said, “I am the God of your father, the
God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his
face, because he was afraid to look at God.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The
Lord said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard
them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their
suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians
and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land
flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites,
Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. And now the cry of the Israelites has
reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. So now,
go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of
Egypt.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: helvetica;">But
Moses said to God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the
Israelites out of Egypt?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i>And
God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I
who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will
worship God on this mountain.”</i> Exodus 3: 1-12<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">No
telling of the Christmas story is even conceivable without the appearance in
heavenly glory of an angel to shepherds in the fields around Bethlehem. These
shepherds were perhaps unlikely choices for an announcement of such magnitude
and for the ensuing glimpse of a heavenly host erupting in joyful praise. They
are not <i>told</i> to go and search for the new-born, the decision to do so
was up to them. But, should they wish to, a sign is given by which they would
know that they were at the right place. No street names were given, no
householders’ names, but a simple clue that would direct the shepherds to a
stable or barn. In only one of them, a baby would be found <i>lying in a manger</i>.
The shepherds respond with excitement, and their faith is rewarded that same
night by the discovery of the baby. Luke makes the point that the child was
indeed lying in a manger and that the shepherds were thrilled that events had
unfolded “just as they had been told.” The sign that had first given them hope
and a purpose, had now given them certainty of God’s truthfulness.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">A
similar story from today’s lectionary readings also features a sign. Moses,
too, was a shepherd, whose attention, while he was at work in the fields, was
drawn by a miraculous sight, the Burning Bush. After hearing God’s announcement
of the good news that the Israelites would be delivered from slavery through
Moses, the shepherd is given a sign that events would unfold as decreed by God.
“And this will be a sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have
brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.” As it
would be 1400 years later with the Bethlehem shepherds, so now Moses is asked
to exercise faith, to follow God’s directives, and later, when the freed
Israelites found themselves worshipping God back near Mount Horeb, to witness
the fulfillment of the sign. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">As a
young believer it occurred to me that perhaps only “chosen” individuals
received direct signs or words from God. Many years ago this notion was
challenged abruptly one drizzly February afternoon (this was after all
Vancouver) when I was an 18 year old student at UBC.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Having
just been elected to a position in the Alma Mater Society I was taking my turn during
lunchtime answering any queries that came to our office in the Student Union
Building. Earlier that morning I had prayed that God might lead someone to the
office—someone who might be hurting, who might need a friend. I had no idea why
I had prayed this particular prayer. To be honest my life as a full-time
student with a part-time job, the student council, and ongoing commitments to
friends and family was very full. However, inexplicably, I had prayed those
words.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I’d almost forgotten my prayer when a young student nervously approached the
door and asked if I was busy. I answered that I wasn’t and invited her in. My
hopes that she was here to ask about our student government policies, were
dashed when she broke down in tears and began to tell her story. What
transpired was a deeply personal narrative of trauma and hurt. Feeling utterly
inadequate and silently praying for wisdom, I listened…and listened,
interrupting occasionally to ask questions to help clarify her situation. When
we were done I walked with her to the office of one of my professors—a man whom
I both trusted and respected, a man who I knew would help her to access the
resources that she so desperately needed.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Was
my “sign” the prompting of God to pray that prayer? Was it my unexpected
election win to the student council several weeks prior that landed me in our
office that particular February afternoon? Was it the appearance of the young
woman herself? I honestly don’t know.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">What
I did learn is that God honours our prayers and that he is gracious and
faithful in giving us the courage we require to respond to his signs to us.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Thanks
be to God!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><o:p> </o:p>- Patricia
and Tim Pope</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IgYzJDxxzN8" width="320" youtube-src-id="IgYzJDxxzN8"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span><p></p><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span><p></p>St. Augustine's Lenten Reflections 2024http://www.blogger.com/profile/06707671985242387181noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266173948256541187.post-84091832603916431892021-01-03T07:00:00.001-08:002021-01-03T07:00:00.300-08:00JANUARY 3RD - TENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JmNWzU9M9cokP5ftrHQnMco3hWjXJB_3KfDV-snbm7Iqwok06lpR5N5FUMZVR3jVgyljxvBPdNRO05TGTl9z8EFQLp7-qJLO_IS4GLnQTueE2iuaPnV7fkCf8xIIe7MuUNGN7zZbcy-j/s943/Greg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="943" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JmNWzU9M9cokP5ftrHQnMco3hWjXJB_3KfDV-snbm7Iqwok06lpR5N5FUMZVR3jVgyljxvBPdNRO05TGTl9z8EFQLp7-qJLO_IS4GLnQTueE2iuaPnV7fkCf8xIIe7MuUNGN7zZbcy-j/w664-h278/Greg.jpg" title="https://bahaiteachings.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/what-is-city-god-new-jerusalem.jpg" width="664" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u><b>Psalm 46</b></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present
help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear . . . 10 He says, “Be still, and
know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in
the earth.”<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We have arrived on the tenth day of Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just like after a baby is born, the world is
full of wonder of what lies ahead for us, what does the coming of the Christ
child mean for all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The wise men have
not arrived yet and Mary and Joseph’s lives have been thoroughly changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What were Mary and Joseph contemplating with
all their heavenly visitors and guests from shepherds to angels?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Were they prepared for the change or did they
stick to the comforting words of scripture, “God is our refuge and strength, an
ever-present help in trouble, therefore we will not fear.” (Psalm 46:1) What
lies ahead for us who know the Christ child?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Like Mary and Joseph, we need to listen to the messages from God in our
daily lives. Then worship, the Word made Flesh, Jesus, because we are the
shepherds and Magi for the present age.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u><b>Psalm 97 </b></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>The LORD reigns let the earth be glad; let the
distant shores rejoice. The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all peoples
see his glory.</i><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The coming of Christ is a reminder to us to” be glad, let
distant shores rejoice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The heavens
proclaim his righteousness, and all peoples see his glory.” (Psalm 97:1) As we
move forward through Christmas, it reminds me that this rejoicing is not for
just this season but throughout the year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The greatest challenge for all is to keep our eyes upon Jesus, even
through the daily obstacles that come before us like sickness, loneliness,
despair, and hardships of various types.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Look at how the apostles had their moments of weakness in faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peter denying his Lord, Thomas doubting his
Lord, and all those moments when the disciples of the time were
persecuted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How will response to
Christ’s birth manifest itself to others? My actions need to be fruit of God’s
spirit working in me, “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joy through the music to praise our God,
Peace through the knowing that God holds me in the palm of his hand, Kindness
when dealing with others even amidst the daily frustrations and self control in
my responses to my perception of the injustice in our situations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We each individually need to think of our
actions that reflect the light of Jesus Christ to show that our God Reigns
eternally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u><b>Isaiah 52 </b></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>When the LORD returns to Zion, they will see it
with their own eyes. Burst into songs of joy together...</i></p><p class="MsoNormal">Even as we celebrate his birth reminding us that God lives
among us eternally. Both Isaiah and
Revelation point to the future. Isaiah
52:7-8 “When the LORD returns to Zion, they will see it with
their own eyes. 9 Burst into songs of joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem, for
the LORD has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem.” Jerusalem was
the place where a home (temple) was built for God. To me it symbolizes the ability to be in God’s
presence (New Jerusalem) for worship, prayer and to bask in his love. Revelation 21: 22-23 “I did not see a temple
in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23 The
city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God
gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.”
Christmas reminds us of God’s promised Son so we can look to the time
when we will all be with him in the New Jerusalem, singing his praise and
infused with his love. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As we move through the Christmas season, we need to be like
Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, listening for God’s message to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now is the time for listening for, praying
to, and praising the Newborn King.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
we journey forward, may our lives continue to change to the rhythm of God’s
call to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My prayer is that Jesus walk
beside each of us in our wilderness times so we may respond to God’s
inspiration to be His light to the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rejoice in the Lord and praise his Holy Name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">-Greg Young<o:p></o:p></p><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7BM9E1hEVrg" width="320" youtube-src-id="7BM9E1hEVrg"></iframe></div><br />St. Augustine's Lenten Reflections 2024http://www.blogger.com/profile/06707671985242387181noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266173948256541187.post-74789996653875562102021-01-02T07:00:00.002-08:002021-01-02T07:00:01.235-08:00JANUARY 2ND - NINTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0qayPtL1pdWmNTyVmBl6JfmNjrzz45AHhhhT98ia-fFWz0F1I13i9C85__Iad5RNRsMrwR3kpUtvgcATiDyYWz7UjoRughKQj19WwcRlhrJU6D1EHtrVqnUfc2Szt2P8_q5gxqcVFrjq/s640/Wendy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0qayPtL1pdWmNTyVmBl6JfmNjrzz45AHhhhT98ia-fFWz0F1I13i9C85__Iad5RNRsMrwR3kpUtvgcATiDyYWz7UjoRughKQj19WwcRlhrJU6D1EHtrVqnUfc2Szt2P8_q5gxqcVFrjq/w559-h420/Wendy.jpg" width="559" /></a></div><span> </span><span> </span><span> <span> </span><span> </span></span><span> <span> </span> </span> - St. Augustine’s High School Youth Group 2015<p></p><p><i>7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring
praise to God. 8 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on
behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be
confirmed 9 and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy.
As it is written:<o:p></o:p></i></p><p><i>“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles;<o:p></o:p></i></p><p><i> I will sing the praises of your
name.” <o:p></o:p></i></p><p><i>10 Again, it says,<o:p></o:p></i></p><p><i>“Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.” <o:p></o:p></i></p><p><i>11 And again,<o:p></o:p></i></p><p><i>“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles;<o:p></o:p></i></p><p><i> let all the peoples extol him.” <o:p></o:p></i></p><p><i>12 And again, Isaiah says,<o:p></o:p></i></p><p><i>“The Root of Jesse will spring up,<o:p></o:p></i></p><p><i> one who will arise to rule over
the nations;<o:p></o:p></i></p><p><i> in him the Gentiles will hope.” <o:p></o:p></i></p><p><i>13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him,
so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. </i> Romans 15:7-13<o:p></o:p></p><p>As I read this passage, the phrase “Accept one another, then, just as Christ
accepted you,” (Romans 15:7) is what jumps out at me. That is a tall order! Christ has accepted us into His family, with
limitless patience and love -- we are to welcome and receive one another in
that same spirit. Paul reminded us in the previous passage of Romans 15 that
when we operate in unity as the body of Christ, we have one heart and one mouth
to praise God (Romans 15:6). This reminds me of when my three girls were
little, and they needed to clean up their playroom. Once the work was done, they could move onto
the next fun activity of going to the park, doing a craft, or whatever carrot I
chose to dangle before them to induce some action. But often, they would waste their time
arguing over who left the toys out, who had tidied up the day before, or my
personal favourite, who had friends over that had made the entire mess! Often, the result would be dinner was ready
before they had time to get to the fun stuff.
I would shake my head and say, “just stop quibbling and work together to
get the job done.” <o:p></o:p></p><p>I think God must shake his head at us in much the same way from time to
time. We have been called into one body
and one fellowship, to live together in oneness with Christ as the center. Yet, sometimes we let our differences limit
us, instead of taking the time to listen and really find out where someone else
is coming from. Being a part of the
Family of God is such a gift but comes with responsibilities. We need must put the love of God and one
another ahead of our own agendas and “to-do” lists. If we can stay focused on our common goals
and unite as His people, we can be powerful instruments for the Holy Spirit to
work through in bringing glory to God. This tall order becomes far more doable
if we stop quibbling and remind ourselves of what Jesus did for us -- then any
petty differences that we have with others don’t seem like such a big deal.<o:p></o:p></p><p>
</p><p>Today, I pray that this passage moves you as it has me, to work towards
unity with our church family at St. Augustine’s and beyond. If there are any
relationships that need mending, I pray that Christ gives us the grace and
humility to do what needs to be done, so we can get to the good stuff!<o:p></o:p></p><p>- Wendy Doherty</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KG04jJuMCGY" width="320" youtube-src-id="KG04jJuMCGY"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><o:p></o:p></p>St. Augustine's Lenten Reflections 2024http://www.blogger.com/profile/06707671985242387181noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266173948256541187.post-71720161895702937312021-01-01T07:00:00.010-08:002021-01-01T07:00:02.005-08:00JANUARY 1ST - EIGHTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS (THE NAMING OF JESUS)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBAv9JoawqMjnEGWU13RrGlxk-bUkAzR0yCiZVEy6puqhZvTJlPeAGeF_eoCROMqoEq96or_0qnlX2jMrv_IpBovuQDZvKeQ53TGc73jPyoDDd54A9XmU4asfqyEOA7ufpfTVIcOs-jL9P/s2048/Menologion_of_Basil_047.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1373" data-original-width="2048" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBAv9JoawqMjnEGWU13RrGlxk-bUkAzR0yCiZVEy6puqhZvTJlPeAGeF_eoCROMqoEq96or_0qnlX2jMrv_IpBovuQDZvKeQ53TGc73jPyoDDd54A9XmU4asfqyEOA7ufpfTVIcOs-jL9P/w599-h402/Menologion_of_Basil_047.jpg" width="599" /></a></div><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>- The Circumcision of Jesus, from the <i>Menologion of Basil II</i> (ca. 980)<br /><p><i>He telleth the number of the stars, and calleth them all by their names. </i> Ps. 147: 4</p><p><u><b>Isaiah 62: 1-5</b></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>1 For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem’s
sake I will not remain quiet,</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>till her vindication shines out like the dawn, her salvation like
a blazing torch.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>2 The nations will see your vindication, and all kings your
glory;</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>you will be called by a new name that the mouth of
the Lord will bestow.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>3 You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord’s hand, a royal diadem in
the hand of your God.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>4 No longer will they call you "Forsaken," or name your land "Desolate".</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>But you will be called "My Delight is in Her", and your land
"Married";</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>for the Lord will take delight in you, and your land will be married.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>5 As a young man marries a young woman, so will your
Builder marry you;</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God
rejoice over you.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I have always loved finding out the meaning of people’s names, and I actually have felt it was an indication of the
person’s sense of themselves if they were able to tell me. For, to be given a
name is to be given an identity, a hope for their character and a dream of who
they will be. A parent gives a child a name to express both how they feel about their
child and a hope for who their child will become. Thus, a person may receive a name
which is an old family name, showing their roots and solidarity with their clan
and people. Or they may receive a name that speaks of how special they are to
their parents, conceived in love and affection. Or they may receive a name
meant to inspire them to be something special or a blessing in the world. My
mother gave me the name “Jason” because she hoped I would be something in the
world, it means “healer” in Greek. And a few weeks before Christmas, I was
privileged to be part of a naming ceremony for Bamse and Grace’s new baby girl,
<i>Harmony</i>. In chatting with them, it was obvious they had named their
little girl out of the love they have for music, but also the hope they have
for her that she will be a blessing to her family, and the world, by bearing witness to the harmony and union of God with his creation. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">God is no different in his love of
naming things, including himself. In Genesis, he names humankind and the
universe, calling them into existence. He gives the privilege of naming all the
animals to Adam, his Image Bearer. He gives new names to his people: Abram becomes
Abraham, “father of all nations”, and Jacob becomes Israel, “he who contends with
God.” God Most High, <i>El-Shaddai </i>himself, says <i><b>his </b></i>name is
important, it is <i>Yahweh</i>, or <i>I AM</i>. Jesus, too, calls Simon </span>by a new name, “Peter”, the
“rock” on whom he will build his church. To those who are faithful to the end, Christ
says, “I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on
it, known only to the one who receives it.” Names are important to God. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">One frequent habit of God in the writings of the prophets is to name and rename Israel, as well, depending on how their relationship is going. When Israel had been idolatrous and
sinful, God gave them a new name to reflect that poor character and failure. God
tells Hosea to name his children <i>Lo-Ruhamah</i> and <i>Lo-Ammi</i>, which
mean “Unloved” and “Not my people.” In today’s reading from Isaiah, you find the
same thing, Israel had been renamed “<i>Azubah</i>”, which means “Forsaken”,
and “<i>Shemamah”</i>, which means “Desolate.” But with the coming of the Messiah,
comes God’s vindication and they are given the most beautiful names to depict
how God has taken his people back as a groom takes his bride: “<i>You shall no
more be termed <b>Forsaken</b>, and your land shall no more be termed <b>Desolate</b>;
but you shall be called <b>My Delight Is in Her</b>, and your land <b>Married</b>;
for the Lord delights in you, and your land shall be married.”</i> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Today is New Years day, and also the
Feast of the Naming of Jesus. We know from the Gospels that the angels tell
both Mary and Joseph that the Messiah will bear a very special name – <b><i>Jesus</i></b>.
In fact, Joseph is told to <i>ensure</i> that the child should be given that
name, and then in an amazing scene of prophecy, when Joseph and Mary take Jesus
to the temple to be named and circumcised on the eighth day after his birth,
Simeon and Anna burst into song at his naming. And Jesus’s name, of course, is
the most important part, because it is the name given to him, not by his earthly
parents, but his Heavenly Father, who has sent his only begotten Son for the
purpose of saving all his Image Bearers. The name <i>Jesus</i> means, quite
literally, “<i>Yahweh saves</i>.” The name of Jesus contains the name of God,
his Father, and lays out his destiny and purpose – <i>salvation</i>. Thus at
that naming ceremony Simeon would sing, <i>“For my eyes have seen your <b>salvation</b>,
which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to
the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”</i> (Luke 2:30-32) <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">New Years is a time of new beginning,
and of new names so I decided to give you two songs. One to rejoice in the name God has
given us, and one to rejoice in the name of Jesus, who is our salvation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">- Br. Jason Carroll</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rQKLOu4qdig" width="320" youtube-src-id="rQKLOu4qdig"></iframe></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cp90Hws2QQE" width="320" youtube-src-id="cp90Hws2QQE"></iframe></span></div><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>St. Augustine's Lenten Reflections 2024http://www.blogger.com/profile/06707671985242387181noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266173948256541187.post-54060560483990214292020-12-31T07:00:00.002-08:002020-12-31T07:00:00.389-08:00DECEMBER 31ST - THE SEVENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-cxQi4TXSbr9ahraTo9lpajV_daA3Rg1rswh0ft5k0_ahF2suHXrojOmWjVu7BIKyqfF8XAeQBTtatC3C2gMzLkOCksLYDR2fRUryxdLIztcurRkXtegw6nQeXd_Az1bXvybKWX7TKOG/s1920/mountain-979799_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1044" data-original-width="1920" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-cxQi4TXSbr9ahraTo9lpajV_daA3Rg1rswh0ft5k0_ahF2suHXrojOmWjVu7BIKyqfF8XAeQBTtatC3C2gMzLkOCksLYDR2fRUryxdLIztcurRkXtegw6nQeXd_Az1bXvybKWX7TKOG/w676-h368/mountain-979799_1920.jpg" title="https://pixabay.com/illustrations/mountain-snow-snow-mountain-nature-979799/" width="676" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>The Glorious New Creation</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">"<i>For I am about to create
new heavens <o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i> and a
new earth; <o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i>the former things shall not be
remembered<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i> or come to mind.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i>But be glad and rejoice forever<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i> in what I am creating;<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i>for I am about to create
Jerusalem as a joy,<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i> and its people as a delight.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i>I will rejoice in Jerusalem,<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i> and delight in my people;<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i>no more shall the sound of
weeping be heard in it,<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">or the
cry of distress.</span></i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">"</span> Is
65:17-19 (NRSV)</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i>and you shall be called,
“Sought Out,<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A City Not Forsaken</i>.” Is 62:12b (NRSV)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Selah (Ps 46, 48)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">"<i>Lord, you have been our
dwelling place<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in all generations. <o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i>Before the mountains were
brought forth,<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or ever you had formed the earth and the
world,<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>from everlasting to everlasting you are
God.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i>You turn us back to dust,<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and say, “Turn back, you mortals.”<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i>For a thousand years in your
sight<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>are like yesterday when it is past,<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or like a watch in the night.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i>You sweep them away; they are
like a dream,<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>like grass that is renewed in the morning;<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i>in the morning it flourishes
and is renewed;<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in the evening it fades and withers.</i>"
Ps 90: 1-6 (NRSV)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">I am learning, as we all do in
different stages and moments in life, there will always be an after. After
baptism, after the baby was born, they didn't make it, after their death, after
college, after the wedding, the accident, the sabbatical, ordination, entering
a community, and the list goes on and on. There will also be a time <i>after</i>
the pandemic, as we now know of life <i>before</i> the pandemic. We know this
before and after to be true, history is on our side and Scripture attests to
this truth, <i>"Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had
formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
You turn us back to dust, and say, “Turn back, you mortals.” For a thousand
years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past, or like a watch in the
night."</i> This momentary, seemingly endless, relentless, moment is still
a moment, just one, in this vast expanse we know as time. It is comforting,
grounding, to hear that we are not the only ones searching for home, the place
where we belong. Long have we, frail humans, dwelt with the Holy One, for
generations, even. I live in the shelter and shadow of mountains and to
contemplate the knowing and glory of God to be <i>before the mountains were
brought forth</i> is an incredible mystery and reality. And to be returned to
the same dust as these mountains brings memory to the fibers in my being,
rooting me to these mountains as a temporary, earthly being much like this
pandemic and year. 2020, at the end of this very day, has ended, and there will
be an after just as there was before. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">A few short days ago, we
celebrated Christmas, the birth of the long-awaited Saviour, and the return to
longer, brighter days. I write this reflection in the week before Christmas,
and the winter solstice, so the days are indeed still darkening and winter is
still rolling in, but the sun (glorious sun!) has made an appearance for the
first time in days to offer a blessed, small, reprieve to my soul (a/n: not
just mine of course). The long days of Advent are over. This short season in
the liturgical year pivots us to the beginning of the rest of our eternal lives
with Christ in the birth of Jesus. Like this sun over the valley, brighter days
are ahead, when, or how they are about to come about is unknown, but the Light
we cling to at Christmas is the being with tiny breaths held at the breast of
Mary, Emmanuel. God is with us and has been before us and will be long after
us. We have been sought out in creation, formed, and known from the womb of the
earth, and somehow, in some time "<i>no more shall the sound of weeping be
heard</i>". May we be like grass renewed in the morning, may we be
reminded that we will fade and wither, and through it all, You are God, from
everlasting to everlasting. <i>Selah</i>.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">May we, I, seek this glorious new
creation. Christ has been born in Bethlehem, the city of David. Let us continue to keep watch
through this night for there will be rejoicing in the morning. <i>Alleluia</i>.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p> -</o:p>Kelsea Willis</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZcZGS8sfEFk" width="320" youtube-src-id="ZcZGS8sfEFk"></iframe></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>St. Augustine's Lenten Reflections 2024http://www.blogger.com/profile/06707671985242387181noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266173948256541187.post-26819941312367037432020-12-30T07:00:00.002-08:002020-12-30T07:00:06.364-08:00DECEMBER 30TH - THE SIXTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwe4oqjSgQZtQ5Fw4o3WNMHYik1BsIMNx-YUXgovg_hHUO9OKOB6qLGYhavvLuhiCCRaBBKD3nbnWv0ZBVaVg-0224LxkRvGyakZkiM6yrv9UD3MCdpnljEEytFMy1l-sQ7kLDFAEhM3u/s897/Poritz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="897" height="403" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwe4oqjSgQZtQ5Fw4o3WNMHYik1BsIMNx-YUXgovg_hHUO9OKOB6qLGYhavvLuhiCCRaBBKD3nbnWv0ZBVaVg-0224LxkRvGyakZkiM6yrv9UD3MCdpnljEEytFMy1l-sQ7kLDFAEhM3u/w614-h403/Poritz.jpg" width="614" /></a></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Twenty Three Revisted</b></div></b><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="text"><i>The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not
want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the
still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness
for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of
death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they
comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy
shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the
Lord for ever. Psalm 23 KJV<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jim:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">What a precious gem Psalm 23 is. How many times have we called out
and found comfort in these few but very powerful words? Personally, I am unable
to count the number of times I’ve spoken, prayed or cried the first line: <b>The
Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want</b>. For me, the most precious word in
this line is “my”. Not our, not the whole world, not the church, but “my”
shepherd. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Twenty-seven (almost 30%) of
the words used in Psalm 23 are personal/relational words: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He, Thy, Thou, His, me, my, mine, I. If He is
a Shepherd to no one else, He is a Shepherd to me. Unworthy me.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Psalm 23, located in the middle of the shepherd’s Psalms, starts
with a line that is in stark contrast to the first line in Psalm 22, (known as
the psalm of the cross); “My God, my God why hast Thou forsaken me?” Why is
this? Because we all need to realise the value of the Great Shepherd’s blood,
freely shed for us, His helpless sheep; His lost sheep.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">A few decades ago, I employed a wildlife biologist/shepherdess who
enlightened me on what shepherding sheep actually required and she certainly
turned around my vision of cuddly fluffy white sheep frolicking in a field. She
shared that sheep must be protected and cared for pretty much 24/7. They are
weak, panicky, defenceless and oftentimes helpless. Their wool is habitually
dirty, mud-caked, smelly, and contains burrs and bugs. They are susceptible to
a host of parasites. They will only drink from still water but can drown if it’s
too deep. Sheep need constant shepherding because they wander, follow the wrong
leader, overgraze the pasture or are attacked by predators. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They may also have a tendency to cast, which
is defined as a sheep falling down or laying down and not being able to get
back up because its center of gravity is off. Sheep will die within hours if
not helped back up again. Oh Lord Jesus, how often have I been cast down and
needed help getting back up again? How often have You found that my center of
gravity (my relationship with you) is off? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Fortunately, we are blessed to have a Great Shepherd who not only
loves and cares for us but died for us, even though we are often wandering,
messy, undeserving and sometimes cast down sheep. Ultimately, only our Great
Shepherd knows what we need and provides for us lowly sheep now and eternally -
Praise You Lord God Emmanuel!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Pat:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Twenty-Three Revisited
</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">is a piece I wrote in 2019, written from
the viewpoint of someone who has grappled with depression and anxiety, someone
who has struggled with living in a shadow. Two of the definitions for “shadow”
in the online Merriam-Webster dictionary are “an imperfect and faint
representation” and “a shaded or darker portion of a picture” which is very
representative of how living with depression can feel. It was also important to
me that the piece have the words “I art still” for I know how an anxious mind
can be so unstill, wound up, replaying, worrying, second guessing… The list can
go on and on. For myself, “be still and know that I am God” from Psalm 46:10
are words of utmost importance.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 0cm 1.0pt 0cm; padding: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In writing this very personal piece, I took each of the 118 words from
Psalm 23 (KJV) - no more, no less -and rearranged them into <i>Twenty-Three
Revisited</i>. This piece embodies my daily need to “not lie in a shadow” but
instead seek and follow the Shepherd, the LORD of my life.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Twenty-Three
Revisited</span></u></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <sup>©</sup>Patricia Poriz 2019<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">For my sake, I will lie not in a shadow; shall head through the
valley, runneth down the green paths and follow thy staff to the waters.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Goodness, He maketh me; Comfort, He restoreth me; Righteousness,
He anointest me.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Though they dwell, no rod of the enemies shall I fear, for surely
thou will walk in, over evil and death.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Before – beside - with me, in the pastures, thou my LORD, his
name’s Shepherd; I art still, for He is mine.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 4.0pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I want my soul ever with thou
presence! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 4.0pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Leadeth me in thy mercy; yea, all my
days leadeth me and preparest me, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 4.0pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">LORD of the cup, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 4.0pt; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">of the
oil, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 4.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">of the table, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 4.0pt; margin-left: 72.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">of the house, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 4.0pt; margin-left: 108.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">of my life.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p></p><p></p><div style="border-top: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 1.0pt 0cm 0cm 0cm;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 4.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 0cm 0cm 0cm; padding: 0cm; text-align: justify;">Our prayer
for you as you head down 2021’s pathways is this: <i>Now may the God of peace, who
through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord
Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for
doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ,
to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.</i> (Hebrews 13: 20-21 NIV).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 4.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 0cm 0cm 0cm; padding: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span>Jim &
Pat Poriz</p>
</div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SQe8slFjX-o" width="320" youtube-src-id="SQe8slFjX-o"></iframe></div><br />St. Augustine's Lenten Reflections 2024http://www.blogger.com/profile/06707671985242387181noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266173948256541187.post-81937743125280741792020-12-29T07:00:00.003-08:002020-12-29T07:00:04.190-08:00DECEMBER 29TH - FIFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgykUiI-c8txLG_pScSuoT5XimKHShjyxim2x3HACM4lcCWk4FOLwO5Uu5CVefihoOMN1o6yFAst_ex5ezv7Rg8Viayt3ioG2Q_YYeYMlby5rOHTEmLOuAab5UOlNK9BgVEtDbo1Lxa-tte/s919/Rachel.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="919" data-original-width="739" height="562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgykUiI-c8txLG_pScSuoT5XimKHShjyxim2x3HACM4lcCWk4FOLwO5Uu5CVefihoOMN1o6yFAst_ex5ezv7Rg8Viayt3ioG2Q_YYeYMlby5rOHTEmLOuAab5UOlNK9BgVEtDbo1Lxa-tte/w451-h562/Rachel.png" width="451" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> -</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Christ in
the Winepress, Bavaria, ca. 1500. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Bayerisches Nationalmuseum, Munich.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i>6
This is the one who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ. He did not come by
water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because
the Spirit is the truth. 7 For there are three that testify: 8 the Spirit, the
water and the blood; and the three are in agreement. </i>John
5:6-8</span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I
love this passage in John because it talks about thinginess.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Thinginess
is my (slightly facetious) way of referring to the tangibility of the world. We
crunch apples and climb mountains and admire Christmas trees because they’re
real things that exist in the physical reality we know best.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Here,
of course, John is not talking about Christmas trees, but about Jesus becoming
a human being. Jesus came “by water and blood,” we are told, and then, just in case
we didn’t get it the first time, John reiterates: “He did not come by water
only, but by water and blood.” This description of the Incarnation is very
striking, because water and blood tend to be two of the less pleasant aspects
of human thinginess. Both would have poured onto the stable floor during the
birth of Jesus. And John himself likely saw the water and blood that flowed out
of Jesus’ side after his excruciating death on the cross. Water and blood are
powerful reminders of the messiness and permeability of physical existence. Incarnation
is not always fun. And it is not for the faint of heart.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I
have thought a lot about thinginess in my life, because I have a spinal
deformity that has meant I’ve lived with bouts of pain for a long time. It is
hard to live in a body that is in pain. Pain pulls you from whatever you would
rather be doing or thinking about and places you firmly back into your nerve
endings. This is a big reason why I love the messiness of the Incarnation that
John talks about. This Incarnation is not a neat picture of a rosy baby in a
suspiciously hygienic manger. Jesus comes through the pain and bleeding that
having a body often entails.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">But
another element is at play. “And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the
Spirit is the truth. For there are three that testify: the<sup> </sup>Spirit,
the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement.” The distracting,
debilitating reality that Jesus was born into is shot through with the Spirit,
who proclaims that this thingy human is also God. And because of this Spirit,
the cross is not the end of Jesus’ existence on earth. Jesus comes back with a
new and improved body that bears the scars of its old death proudly but is not limited
by them. We tend to imagine heaven as some purely spiritual realm, but the only
glimpse of an afterlife we see in the Bible is when Jesus comes back <i>here</i>
to go on walks to Emmaus and cook breakfast on the beach. The Incarnation and
Passion and Resurrection all tell us that our physical being is filled with the
Spirit and is tied in some mysterious way to eternity, even when it is
inconvenient, distracting, and painful.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Right
now, thinginess is particularly complicated. Our planet is warming. Our messy and
permeable bodies emit aerosol droplets and endanger one another. But good meals
and arthritic joints and the sound you make when you slap your leg because
someone told you a really great joke are all still sanctified. Being thingy is
a very hard thing to be, but Jesus’ advent to us through water and blood is a
binding and eternal promise that our thinginess is far more than we can ask or
imagine.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Thanks
be to God.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">- Rachel Robinson</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/l1I0Pl466RQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="l1I0Pl466RQ"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span><p></p><br /><p></p>St. Augustine's Lenten Reflections 2024http://www.blogger.com/profile/06707671985242387181noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266173948256541187.post-31381550854626490732020-12-28T07:00:00.001-08:002020-12-28T07:00:04.265-08:00DECEMBER 28TH - FOURTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExLdLnxS_kli-_iG5h9u6V3HcCGiQqoFr0-Pi7ox1BKREgiqcaQlTSp09YS9YGC56wGE4eSYqxgJm3-2o5MqgujoOqHAhHjfpCvrvUn9Ldqnf1hiZEiqsE5AeQx_OR5WmiFsDG_p2HAx9/s2048/Allison+K.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExLdLnxS_kli-_iG5h9u6V3HcCGiQqoFr0-Pi7ox1BKREgiqcaQlTSp09YS9YGC56wGE4eSYqxgJm3-2o5MqgujoOqHAhHjfpCvrvUn9Ldqnf1hiZEiqsE5AeQx_OR5WmiFsDG_p2HAx9/w546-h410/Allison+K.jpg" width="546" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i></i></p><blockquote><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i>Shout for joy, you heavens;
rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the Lord comforts his
people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.</i> Isaiah 49: 13<i><o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i>He called a little child to
him, and placed the child among them. And He said “truly I tell you, unless you
change and become like little children you will never enter the kingdom of
heaven”</i> Matthew 18: 2-3</p></blockquote><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Christmas day has come and gone too
quickly, the birth of our Lord and Saviour has happened! Did we shout for joy?
Did we rejoice enough? Did anyone burst into song? I hope so, I hope at the
very least this miracle brightened hearts and lifted spirits the world over.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">All through advent I have watched
my three-year-old daughter, Islay, as she marveled at our Christmas
decorations, listened intently as I read all of the stories; played happily
with her toy crèche, even taking the bed from her toy castle and tucking the
Baby Jesus in because “there wasn’t a blanket in the manger mom.” Her joy filled my heart and reminded me of
what Jesus tells us, (how many times?) that we must all strive to be like
children if we are to find ourselves in the kingdom of heaven. The pure joy in a child’s eyes as they gaze
on a beautiful Christmas scene, the dancing and jumping for joy as the
excitement within bubbles over, it is contagious, it is inspiring; and it is
something to aspire to.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Christmas may have looked very
different this year. We may not have all had the Christmas we had planned, we
may not have shared in many well-established traditions, and we may not have
checked everything off of our lists. But Jesus was there, His presence and His
love should fill our hearts to overflowing, should inspire us to shout, dance
and sing! We belong to a Lord who has compassion, who knows our hearts, who
bids us to keep in our hearts the happiness of Christmas’ past, the way we felt
as children.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">I pray that as we continue our
journey through the twelve days of Christmas that we can embrace that joy with
the innocence and love of a child. That we can feel ever nearer to our Lord
with the boundless love of a child. And may generosity fill our hearts to
continue to give to others in whom we see a need… like a baby in need of a
better blanket.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>- Allison Kittleson<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/M2ULTkNmIEY" width="320" youtube-src-id="M2ULTkNmIEY"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p>St. Augustine's Lenten Reflections 2024http://www.blogger.com/profile/06707671985242387181noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266173948256541187.post-5262296559796088372020-12-27T07:00:00.001-08:002020-12-27T07:00:01.727-08:00DECEMBER 27TH - THIRD DAY OF CHRISTMAS<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkX8GLjNwdf0pyO03lzIJ8znsdOqZ2H7N-GuEhk5eahJipZNY5UahIxjqGRg10MKxaVOPuHpi4_eREVKSZZR_zvwVXnTyRDM8F0iBlItHU2U-qIA6_YxMieVAwgSjlmkpgiX5d6qXYnP2/s548/Nativity-Jordeaens+%2528low+rez%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="548" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkX8GLjNwdf0pyO03lzIJ8znsdOqZ2H7N-GuEhk5eahJipZNY5UahIxjqGRg10MKxaVOPuHpi4_eREVKSZZR_zvwVXnTyRDM8F0iBlItHU2U-qIA6_YxMieVAwgSjlmkpgiX5d6qXYnP2/w582-h440/Nativity-Jordeaens+%2528low+rez%2529.JPG" width="582" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: left;">The Nativity by Jacob Jordaens
the Elder, c.1653</i></div><p></p><p><b><u>Psalm 93</u></b></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i>The Lord reigns, he is robed in
majesty;<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength;<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>indeed, the world is established, firm and secure.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i>Your throne was established long
ago;<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>you are from all eternity.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i><o:p> </o:p>The seas have lifted up, Lord,</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i><o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>the seas have lifted up their voice;<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i>Mightier than the thunder of the
great waters,<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>mightier than the breakers of the sea—<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>the Lord on high is mighty.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i><o:p> </o:p>Your statutes, Lord, stand firm;</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i><o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>holiness adorns your house<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>for endless days.</i><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">When we lived in Calgary, we would
look forward to attending the Calgary Philharmonic’s annual Traditional
Christmas performance. Rather than at the CPO’s usual venue – the enormous Jack
Singer Concert Hall –<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>this event took
place at the relatively intimate Grace Presbyterian, one of Calgary’s great old
churches. Every time we went the event was sold out, and the weather was
suitably cold, which meant that people were happy to sit close to strangers in
the old pews. The CPO did not skimp on instrumentalists or vocalists, so the
front of the church was equally packed. It felt like sitting in the orchestra’s
lap. And when the music began, it felt like a tea cozy of sound enveloping the
audience.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p>he program included a few
contemporary Christmas favourites, but mostly the music was choral classical in
nature, much of it new to us and always a delightful surprise. One piece, in
particular, we now return to every Christmas; Serenity (O Magnum Mysterium) by
Ola Gjeilo, performed with a choir and one cello. The effect of this piece on a
room full of diverse strangers was sublime; it felt like the final step between
being music lovers to becoming actual worshippers. And in that sacred space
infused with sacred music, there may have been more than a few who found
themselves making the leap. I suspect that the music of Christmas has that
effect on more people than who will admit it.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Each year when I listen to this
piece, I find myself contemplating two contrasting pictures; the glory of God
and His creation described in Psalm 93 against the humble scene described in
the original text of O Magnum Mysterium: </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i></i></p><blockquote><i>O great mystery, and wonderful
sacrament, that animals should see the newborn Lord, lying in a manger! Blessed
is the virgin whose womb was worthy to bear the Lord, Jesus Christ. Alleluia!</i></blockquote><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The Lord of the vast, pristine
cosmos is the same Lord who came among us as Emmanuel with animals, hay, and
the comfort of warm bodies together on a cold night. (Note: I can confirm that
the Holy Land in December is chilly. I saw actual snow on the hills.) Flash forward – cold strangers in Calgary,
bundled up and grateful for the warm church, snuggled up against each other,
smells of old wood, musical instruments and the crush of bodies, grateful for
one another’s company. Like little children, all gathered in expectation of
something truly extraordinary.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p>Prayer:</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i></i></p><blockquote><i>Lord, you are the one we have been
longing for. No one or nothing else will satisfy. Lord speak to us. Lord, meet with
us. Now and always. In the name of the Father, Son and
Holy Spirit. Amen.</i></blockquote><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p><o:p> </o:p>- Pat Hammond<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Al6CMyLmOvU" width="320" youtube-src-id="Al6CMyLmOvU"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /><p></p><div><br /></div></div>St. Augustine's Lenten Reflections 2024http://www.blogger.com/profile/06707671985242387181noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266173948256541187.post-28247560770125851772020-12-26T07:00:00.002-08:002020-12-26T15:49:39.242-08:00DECEMBER 26TH - THE SECOND DAY OF CHRISTMAS<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcaue9j6N054iWYeOwwfH_UWc5f4vTDCRAlcU9otUcr7Fl8ciKF07yuIr6tD5fuTZySuAu4ARKonveGuGlkq3poqAeA374tYI7E4uu8DIpu1MwTbgnQd9xQe_vGKsr9K6zBoHPlc19-Cza/s2048/ALisopn.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1530" data-original-width="2048" height="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcaue9j6N054iWYeOwwfH_UWc5f4vTDCRAlcU9otUcr7Fl8ciKF07yuIr6tD5fuTZySuAu4ARKonveGuGlkq3poqAeA374tYI7E4uu8DIpu1MwTbgnQd9xQe_vGKsr9K6zBoHPlc19-Cza/w534-h399/ALisopn.jpg" width="534" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-US">The
Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped:
therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Psalm 28:7<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span><i><span lang="EN-US">He
healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.</span></i><span lang="EN-US"> Psalm 147:3</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">The 2010 film, <i>127 Hours</i>, is based on the experiences of mountaineer Aron Ralston.
His is a true story of life over limb, in which Aron takes extraordinary
measures to escape a life-threatening situation, while canyoneering in Utah’s
Canyonlands National Park. During the ordeal the climber is gifted with the
vision of a future son, which Aron credits for showing him the path to survival.
The vision of a child, to be born, becomes hope itself.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Watching the film, shortly after its
release, marked a turning point for me as a new parent of twins. It was the
first time I imagined myself in the role, not as protagonist, but of his worried
mother. I found myself unsettled by thoughts of our son or daughter, one day,
being in similarly perilous situations—threatened by physical or spiritual
harm.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Our ability to protect those we love will
always be limited. When loved ones face trials, I sometimes feel stressed by my
inability to relieve their suffering. In these moments, I am learning to pray to
God, that he will reach out to those in need and that their hearts may be open
to Him.</p><p class="MsoNormal">This Christmas a messiah has come bearing a
message to look beyond material riches into the wealth of human character. To
us all is born that infant, the Prince of Peace, hope itself. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Alleluia!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> </span><i><span lang="EN-US">The
Lord shall reign for ever, even thy God, O Zion, unto all generations. Praise
ye the Lord.</span></i><span lang="EN-US"> (Psalm 146:10)</span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">- Alison Goodwin</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TGeKWWoL9Xg" width="320" youtube-src-id="TGeKWWoL9Xg"></iframe></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p></p>St. Augustine's Lenten Reflections 2024http://www.blogger.com/profile/06707671985242387181noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7266173948256541187.post-53381401851175660622020-12-25T07:00:00.001-08:002020-12-25T07:00:01.409-08:00DECEMBER 25TH - CHRISTMAS DAY<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ia6YGM5yOF8Ku8ArOwqBizZNNIkVnOFAYPXujyzYptmQwCqx4S21FZ0nNox0LSLGrOrsGADAsAIigM0JvlWEae7ZnXB8y3kCyO_pyYidX1YxNcscRVN8dw40QfuqkEweKzOdItE6nll8/s400/Len.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ia6YGM5yOF8Ku8ArOwqBizZNNIkVnOFAYPXujyzYptmQwCqx4S21FZ0nNox0LSLGrOrsGADAsAIigM0JvlWEae7ZnXB8y3kCyO_pyYidX1YxNcscRVN8dw40QfuqkEweKzOdItE6nll8/w590-h395/Len.jpg" width="590" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="line"><span class="text"><sup>2 </sup>“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text">though
you are small among the clans<sup> </sup>of Judah,</span><br />
<span class="text">out of you will come for me</span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text">one
who will be ruler over Israel,</span><br />
<span class="text">whose origins are from of old,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text">from
ancient times.”</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="line"><span class="text"><sup>3 </sup>Therefore Israel will be abandoned</span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text">until
the time when she who is in labor bears a son,</span><br />
<span class="text">and the rest of his brothers return</span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text">to
join the Israelites.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="line"><span class="text"><sup>4 </sup>He will stand and shepherd his
flock</span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text">in
the strength of the </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text">,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text">in
the majesty of the name of the </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text"> his God.</span><br />
<span class="text">And they will live securely, for then his greatness</span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text">will
reach to the ends of the earth. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="line"><span class="text"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> - Micah 5:2-4</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In one of the most insignificant towns of Judah was born the
most significant person in all humanity.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">God became one of us, truly an infant, truly human, and yet
truly Christ, Son of the Father and Son of Man.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This year our celebration at church is more subdued than
usual and yet may be reaching just as many or maybe even more people. If I
count my 3 years in the late fifties in the Sunday School and the Junior Choir
I have been part of St. Augustine’s for roughly 50 years and this year is
certainly (and hopefully) unique. Many of us are also having quieter and
smaller celebrations in our homes. Simone and I are likely celebrating
Christmas Day just the 2 of us for the first time in 42 years (2 days after our
wedding). We do plan to celebrate with our children and grandchildren at some
future date when we can responsibly assemble. Then we can enjoy the usual busy house,
piles of presents and turkey with all the trimmings.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But we will celebrate quietly and well today as we remember
the unassuming but blessed event of the birth of a child who was settled into a
manger more than 2000 years ago.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So, to paraphrase ‘<b>God rest ye merry, Gentlemen</b>’……..Hey
folks, be happy, don’t forget that our Savior was born on this day.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/V9i-tS6moeE" width="320" youtube-src-id="V9i-tS6moeE"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MQw83_zpbJg" width="320" youtube-src-id="MQw83_zpbJg"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>St. Augustine's Lenten Reflections 2024http://www.blogger.com/profile/06707671985242387181noreply@blogger.com