Episcopal Life has a good story on Bishop Jenkins' advocacy for the tenants of public housing in New Orleans.
"I have come to think that the theological virtue of love is the basis for the baptismal covenant question which asks: 'will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?'," Jenkins wrote in his December 20 web log entry about how agape love has informed his involvement. "We are called to love others as God loves others and ourselves. We are called to seek for others God's perfect end. The Christian is not only to love neighbor as self, but as best we can, to love our neighbor as God loves them.
"This means that there are no disposable lives, no subspecies of human upon whom we may look down but that all posses a certain, God-given, dignity in life. This frames the moral issue that I feel compelled to address as a Christian. There is a direct connection between our current homeless population in New Orleans and the thirty thousand families and individuals living in FEMA travel trailers all of whom shall soon be evicted even from those formaldehyde soaked boxes. I am concerned about our homeless situation now and concerned about what I think may be a looming human tragedy in the near future.
....
"As a Christian," wrote Jenkins to the Council, "I am compelled to speak of the morality of these decisions. The issue is not simply one of housing or even subsidized housing. Rather, the issue before us is about people, not buildings, and it is primarily a moral issue."
Unfortunately, the New Orleans City Council voted to move ahead with demolition of public housing units, despite the present scarcity of affordable houses and apartments for those who have the least. The plea from Bishop Jenkins and others was for, at the very least, a delay in the removal of existing housing until the new housing units were completed - which could take as long as five years. I don't know where the folks presently living in the housing units will go when they are evicted from their apartments.
It seems I'm always begging, but if you have spare money after Christmas has ravaged your budget, You may want to consider a donation to Bundles of Hope at the site of the Diocese of Louisiana.
This Christmas, give a lasting and meaningful gift to your family, friends, co-workers, and clients. Give the gift of hope to many still in need in New Orleans. Honor family and friends, and help the diocese with its rebuilding efforts at the same time.
Simply purchase one or more online (or mail in a check), and print out your honor card to mail to your friends and family. It's that simple! Of course, if you need help and don't have access to a printer, call us (225-706-6634) and we will be glad to help. Thank you for supporting the rebuilding and recovery of a great American city.
Remember. It's still Christmas.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Another Corner Turned
According to Iraq Coalition Casualty Count 3900 US troops have been killed in Iraq, and the number of wounded stands at 38,876. 132 have died of self-inflicted wounds.
I keep count of the rounding of the hundreds of those who have died. Violence in Iraq has diminished of late. I pray the trend downward continues.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen
O Lord, I pray that you give comfort and consolation to the families and friends of the dead and to the wounded and their families and friends. Give them healing in body, mind, and spirit. Grant them strength and courage to continue their lives, and give them your peace that passes understanding to keep their minds and hearts. Amen.
I keep count of the rounding of the hundreds of those who have died. Violence in Iraq has diminished of late. I pray the trend downward continues.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen
O Lord, I pray that you give comfort and consolation to the families and friends of the dead and to the wounded and their families and friends. Give them healing in body, mind, and spirit. Grant them strength and courage to continue their lives, and give them your peace that passes understanding to keep their minds and hearts. Amen.
$6229.51
Above is the amount which has been collected for the Anglican Church of Christ the King, located in the City of God, one of the poorest and most violent slums in Rio de Janiero. Our virtual friend Luiz Coelho, a candidate for the Anglican priesthood, worked for nearly a year with the children of the City of God.
From Fr. Eduardo Costa:
These are some of our City of God children singing at Most Holy Trinity (which is the other parish I serve). We had a joint Christmas celebration. Please note that the song they sang is already part of the donation that some of you sent to us. With the first offerings, we bought several songbooks and mass settings for children.
The video of the children singing is here.
Please consider making a donation to this excellent cause. The appeal will continue until January 6, 2008. A PayPal button is at the same site, or if you prefer to make a donation by check, mailing addresses are below:
In the U.K. cheques (made payable to "St. Francis Church") should be sent to:
CITY OF GOD APPEAL,
St. Francis House
18 Cotswold Gardens
High Heaton
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE7 7AE
Please write "City Of God Appeal" on the reverse of the cheque.
In the United States, cheques (made payable to "The Episcopal Church of St. Paul") should be sent to:
CITY OF GOD APPEAL
c/o The Reverend Elizabeth Kaeton
The Episcopal Church of St. Paul
200 Main Street
Chatham, NJ 07928
Please write "City Of God Appeal" on the front of the check.
From Fr. Eduardo Costa:
These are some of our City of God children singing at Most Holy Trinity (which is the other parish I serve). We had a joint Christmas celebration. Please note that the song they sang is already part of the donation that some of you sent to us. With the first offerings, we bought several songbooks and mass settings for children.
The video of the children singing is here.
Please consider making a donation to this excellent cause. The appeal will continue until January 6, 2008. A PayPal button is at the same site, or if you prefer to make a donation by check, mailing addresses are below:
In the U.K. cheques (made payable to "St. Francis Church") should be sent to:
CITY OF GOD APPEAL,
St. Francis House
18 Cotswold Gardens
High Heaton
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE7 7AE
Please write "City Of God Appeal" on the reverse of the cheque.
In the United States, cheques (made payable to "The Episcopal Church of St. Paul") should be sent to:
CITY OF GOD APPEAL
c/o The Reverend Elizabeth Kaeton
The Episcopal Church of St. Paul
200 Main Street
Chatham, NJ 07928
Please write "City Of God Appeal" on the front of the check.
"Highway Of Holiness"
From CNN via Oyster, via Atrios:
DALLAS, Texas (CNN) -- If you turn to the Bible -- Isaiah Chapter 35, Verse 8 -- you will see a passage that in part says, "A highway shall be there, and a road, and it shall be called the Highway of Holiness."
Now, is it possible that this "highway" mentioned in Chapter 35 is actually Interstate 35 that runs through six U.S. states, from southern Texas to northern Minnesota? Some Christians have faith that is indeed the case.
....
Churchgoers in all six states recently finished 35 days of praying alongside Interstate 35, but the prayers are still continuing.
Cindy Jacobs, the Texas minister who received the revelation after reading Isaiah 35:8, says she's not absolutely sure that Highway 35 is the actual highway mentioned in Isaiah.
Now, it's only fair to say most people, the religious and the non-religious alike, don't buy any of this, but none more than the owners of some of the adult businesses along I-35.
No kidding.
Is there no end to stupidity? I suppose not. Remember the folks who drank Jim Jones' Kool-aid in Guyana? This is a minor absurdity.
12-19-07
DALLAS, Texas (CNN) -- If you turn to the Bible -- Isaiah Chapter 35, Verse 8 -- you will see a passage that in part says, "A highway shall be there, and a road, and it shall be called the Highway of Holiness."
Now, is it possible that this "highway" mentioned in Chapter 35 is actually Interstate 35 that runs through six U.S. states, from southern Texas to northern Minnesota? Some Christians have faith that is indeed the case.
....
Churchgoers in all six states recently finished 35 days of praying alongside Interstate 35, but the prayers are still continuing.
Cindy Jacobs, the Texas minister who received the revelation after reading Isaiah 35:8, says she's not absolutely sure that Highway 35 is the actual highway mentioned in Isaiah.
Now, it's only fair to say most people, the religious and the non-religious alike, don't buy any of this, but none more than the owners of some of the adult businesses along I-35.
No kidding.
Is there no end to stupidity? I suppose not. Remember the folks who drank Jim Jones' Kool-aid in Guyana? This is a minor absurdity.
12-19-07
Iraqi Christians Gather
From the Los Angeles Times:
BAGHDAD -- Outside Mar Eliya church, not much had changed since last Christmas: Concrete blocks still surround the building and guards check the IDs of those entering.
But inside, hundreds of Iraqi worshipers -- Christians and Muslims -- were crammed into the overflowing Chaldean Catholic church Tuesday, celebrating the holiday and the fact that they felt safe enough to venture out of their homes to attend Christmas Mass.
"Last year was the year of misery, desperation and sadness," said Samar Jorge Gorges, 33. "But this year is better. So many people attend the Mass and you can see that their praying was joyful."
The plight of the Iraqi Christians lies heavy on my heart. The tiny minority of the ancient community of Iraqi Chaldean Christians has grown smaller in the course of the Iraq War, due to killings, kidnappings, and exile. That the violence has diminished enough that this group of Christians were able to celebrate Christmas at their church this year is joyful news, indeed.
Among those attending were several Shiite Muslim sheiks, including Raad Tamimi, who said they had come "in solidarity with our Christian brothers . . . to plant the seed of love again in the new Iraq." Tamimi, a tribal leader, was excited to shake the cardinal's hand and asked that a photo be taken with his cellphone.
That Muslims joined them in their worship is cause for great rejoicing. The love of God is alive in hearts in Iraq. May the hope of peace on earth and good will toward men become ever more a reality, especially in the poor, ruined country of Iraq.
Thanks to MadPriest for the link to the article.
BAGHDAD -- Outside Mar Eliya church, not much had changed since last Christmas: Concrete blocks still surround the building and guards check the IDs of those entering.
But inside, hundreds of Iraqi worshipers -- Christians and Muslims -- were crammed into the overflowing Chaldean Catholic church Tuesday, celebrating the holiday and the fact that they felt safe enough to venture out of their homes to attend Christmas Mass.
"Last year was the year of misery, desperation and sadness," said Samar Jorge Gorges, 33. "But this year is better. So many people attend the Mass and you can see that their praying was joyful."
The plight of the Iraqi Christians lies heavy on my heart. The tiny minority of the ancient community of Iraqi Chaldean Christians has grown smaller in the course of the Iraq War, due to killings, kidnappings, and exile. That the violence has diminished enough that this group of Christians were able to celebrate Christmas at their church this year is joyful news, indeed.
Among those attending were several Shiite Muslim sheiks, including Raad Tamimi, who said they had come "in solidarity with our Christian brothers . . . to plant the seed of love again in the new Iraq." Tamimi, a tribal leader, was excited to shake the cardinal's hand and asked that a photo be taken with his cellphone.
That Muslims joined them in their worship is cause for great rejoicing. The love of God is alive in hearts in Iraq. May the hope of peace on earth and good will toward men become ever more a reality, especially in the poor, ruined country of Iraq.
Thanks to MadPriest for the link to the article.
Sunday At St. Nicholas In San Joaquin
Fr. Jake has received an email from the Rev. Michael A. Backlund, who was present during the visitation to St. Nicholas Mission in the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin by Bishop John-David Schofield, who has declared himself to be no longer under the authority of the Episcopal Church and Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefforts-Schori, but has placed himself under the authority of Archbishop Gregory Venables of the Province of the Southern Cone:
The personal observations of
the Rev’d Michael A. Backlund, PhD
on the occasion of a visitation of
Bishop John-David Schofield of La Iglesia Anglicana Del Cono Sur De America
to St. Nicholas Church (Mission) of the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin
on December 23, 2007,
the fourth Sunday of Advent.
Kirstin at Barefoot and Laughing was present, also, and she gives her account here.
The personal observations of
the Rev’d Michael A. Backlund, PhD
on the occasion of a visitation of
Bishop John-David Schofield of La Iglesia Anglicana Del Cono Sur De America
to St. Nicholas Church (Mission) of the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin
on December 23, 2007,
the fourth Sunday of Advent.
Kirstin at Barefoot and Laughing was present, also, and she gives her account here.
Feast Day Of St. Stephen The Martyr
Saint Stephen - Giotto di Bondone - 1320-25 - Tempera on wood
Museo Horne, Florence
The church brings us quickly back down to earth from the glorious celebration of the birth of the God-Incarnate and turns us to the story of the stoning of Stephen, the first martyr, and the reality of the cost of discipleship to those who chose to follow the way of Jesus. Paul-Saul, not yet converted, as yet persecuting Christians, stands by to witness Stephen's stoning.
I've wondered at the close association of these two feasts, one following the other. Why must we have reality thrust upon so quickly? Why are we abruptly torn away from our rejoicing that God chose to empty himself to become human, one of us, like us in every way? I pray I find wisdom in pondering the question. What I've stated above seems the closest I can come to an explanation. It's back to work in the establishment of the Kingdom of God here on earth, ever keeping in mind that looking backwards in time, we find that both the law and the prophets called the faithful from ancient times to act mercifully, kindly, and justly toward each other and especially toward the least amongst us, with the result that the laws were, in many instances, ignored and the prophets were often killed for their troubles.
To free the Apostles for prayer and preaching, Stephen was one of seven chosen to manage the financial affairs of the church in Jerusalem and to distribute equally to the poor, the widows, and the orphans amongst the Christian Hellenists and the Christian Hebrews. Thus Stephen's association with Boxing Day, the day of giving gifts to the workers, the servants, and the poor.
Acts 6:8-7:2,51-60
The Arrest of Stephen
Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and others of those from Cilicia and Asia, stood up and argued with Stephen. But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. Then they secretly instigated some men to say, ‘We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.’ They stirred up the people as well as the elders and the scribes; then they suddenly confronted him, seized him, and brought him before the council. They set up false witnesses who said, ‘This man never stops saying things against this holy place and the law; 14for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses handed on to us.’ And all who sat in the council looked intently at him, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
Stephen’s Speech to the Council
Then the high priest asked him, ‘Are these things so?’ And Stephen replied:
‘Brothers and fathers, listen to me. The God of glory appeared to our ancestor Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran,
‘You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you are for ever opposing the Holy Spirit, just as your ancestors used to do. Which of the prophets did your ancestors not persecute? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, and now you have become his betrayers and murderers. You are the ones that received the law as ordained by angels, and yet you have not kept it.’
The Stoning of Stephen
When they heard these things, they became enraged and ground their teeth at Stephen.* But filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. ‘Look,’ he said, ‘I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!’ But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he died.
Eucharistic Readings:
Psalm 31 or 31:1-5;
Jeremiah 26:1-9,12-15; Acts 6:8--7:2a,51c-60; Matthew 23:34-39
Preface of the Incarnation
Daily Office Readings:
AM: Psalm 28, 30; 2 Chronicles 24:17-22; Acts 6:1-7
PM: Psalm 118; Wisdom 4:7-15; Acts 7:59-8:8
PRAYER
We give you thanks, O Lord of glory, for the example of the first martyr Stephen, who looked up to heaven and prayed for his persecutors to your Son Jesus Christ, who stands at your right hand: where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting.
See also the post from Ormonde, who is a deacon in the Episcopal Church. He has written books on the diaconate and writes regularly at his blog about the lives of deacons in the church.
Image from the Web Gallery of Art.
Happy Boxing Day!
Dedicated to our British and Commonwealth friends.
From Calendar Update:
Boxing Day is celebrated on December 26th....
Boxing Day, also known as the Feast of St. Stephen (after the first Christian martyr), originated in England in the middle of the nineteenth century under Queen Victoria. It originated as a holiday for members of the merchant class to give boxes containing food and fruit, clothing, and/or money to trades people and servants. The gifts were an expression of gratitude similar to the bonuses many employers offer their employees today. These gifts, usually given in boxes, gave the holiday it's name, "Boxing Day".
Also related to the origin of Boxing Day is the tradition of opening the alms boxes placed in churches over the Christmas season. The contents of these boxes were distributed amongst the poor, by the clergy, the day after Christmas.
Today, Boxing Day is a holiday in the United Kingdom, Canada, and many other Commonwealth nations. It is a time for family and friends to gather with lots of food and fun. Outdoor sports such as soccer, horse racing and hunting are popular on this holiday. Retailers offer huge savings on many items on this day, making it the biggest shopping day of the year in Canada.
Throughout the Christmas season, many organizations keep the original tradition of Boxing Day alive by donating their time, energy, and money to fill the Food Bank and provide gifts for the poor.
As lagniappe, here's a sweet story from guess who? His name starts with a "D". I told you I'd be back with the "L" word, didn't I?
It was the day after Christmas at a church in San Francisco.
The pastor of the church was looking over the cradle when he noticed that the baby Jesus was missing from among the figures of the nativity set. Immediately he turned and went outside and saw a little boy with a red wagon, and in the wagon was the figure of the little infant, Jesus. So he walked up to the boy and said, "Well, where did you get Him, my fine friend?"
The little boy replied, "I got him from the church."
"And why did you take him?"
The boy said, "Well, about a week before Christmas I prayed to the little Lord Jesus and I told him if he would bring me a red wagon for Christmas I would give him a ride around the block in it."
A word on the feast of St. Stephen will come later.
From Calendar Update:
Boxing Day is celebrated on December 26th....
Boxing Day, also known as the Feast of St. Stephen (after the first Christian martyr), originated in England in the middle of the nineteenth century under Queen Victoria. It originated as a holiday for members of the merchant class to give boxes containing food and fruit, clothing, and/or money to trades people and servants. The gifts were an expression of gratitude similar to the bonuses many employers offer their employees today. These gifts, usually given in boxes, gave the holiday it's name, "Boxing Day".
Also related to the origin of Boxing Day is the tradition of opening the alms boxes placed in churches over the Christmas season. The contents of these boxes were distributed amongst the poor, by the clergy, the day after Christmas.
Today, Boxing Day is a holiday in the United Kingdom, Canada, and many other Commonwealth nations. It is a time for family and friends to gather with lots of food and fun. Outdoor sports such as soccer, horse racing and hunting are popular on this holiday. Retailers offer huge savings on many items on this day, making it the biggest shopping day of the year in Canada.
Throughout the Christmas season, many organizations keep the original tradition of Boxing Day alive by donating their time, energy, and money to fill the Food Bank and provide gifts for the poor.
As lagniappe, here's a sweet story from guess who? His name starts with a "D". I told you I'd be back with the "L" word, didn't I?
It was the day after Christmas at a church in San Francisco.
The pastor of the church was looking over the cradle when he noticed that the baby Jesus was missing from among the figures of the nativity set. Immediately he turned and went outside and saw a little boy with a red wagon, and in the wagon was the figure of the little infant, Jesus. So he walked up to the boy and said, "Well, where did you get Him, my fine friend?"
The little boy replied, "I got him from the church."
"And why did you take him?"
The boy said, "Well, about a week before Christmas I prayed to the little Lord Jesus and I told him if he would bring me a red wagon for Christmas I would give him a ride around the block in it."
A word on the feast of St. Stephen will come later.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
A Message from SusanKay
Blogger susankay said...
G'mere -- Please -- my beloved dog is very sick. We see the vet tomorrow. Pray for healing which I realise is not the same as cure. For me (selfishly) as well for Molly the wonder dog. St Laika pray for us.
December 25, 2007 8:09 PM
G'mere -- Please -- my beloved dog is very sick. We see the vet tomorrow. Pray for healing which I realise is not the same as cure. For me (selfishly) as well for Molly the wonder dog. St Laika pray for us.
December 25, 2007 8:09 PM
Monday, December 24, 2007
Unto Us A Child Is Born
The Nativity - Lorenzo Lotto, 1523
Samuel H. Kress Collection, National Gallery of Art
Isaiah 9:6-7
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given:
and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end,
upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it
with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
Matthew 1:18-25
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son,
and they shall call his name Emmanuel",
which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
Image from Web Gallery of Art
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