God Gives Each of us a Second Chance

Hope your Christmas Week is going well and you're enjoying it with family, friends, or even if you've already had to go back to work (like Shirley and I have.....!). One thing to consider is that, even if we didn't have off as long as we'd like for Christmas, and have already returned to work, we have something to be thankful for--we have a job! And that's a good thing.

It's Christmas Week, and New Year's is next week. I've been meditating this morning on God's grace to each of us, and to me. Life on the planet can be rough sometimes--we know that. I'm sure at least one person reading this didn't get to see a family member or special friend this Christmas you really wanted to see. Those serving in the armed services overseas didn't get to see their families. I didn't get to see my daughter (I haven't seen her since Easter) or my parents. It's easy to get down about this kind of stuff. But we have to remember all the good things that God is doing for us this Christmas. Who did we get to see and spend some time with? That's a blessing. Did we spend Christmas with family and friends? That's a blessing.

I'll tell you what else is a huge blessing, the best we have: the Lord Jesus Christ has welcomed us to be with Him, and be a part of His family. He paid the ultimate price for us and has forgiven us and has become our Savior and Lord. That's an awesome thing. Anyone who knows me probably knows that although I received Him into my life at age 12, I fell several times in my walk and relationship with Him over the years, sometimes badly. Great thing is, He loves and forgives me, and has helped my back up, and dust myself off, and keep going, so many times. I don't deserve anything He's done for me. But I'm thankful for it! He's done it for you, too.

So what are you and me looking at this Christmas? Are we focusing on all the bad and negative things that happen, and on what others wrongly do to us or other people? Or are we looking at Jesus and telling Him that this is where I belong, with You, and obeying what You caused to be written in Your Word, the best I can, and staying close to you, the best I can?

I tell you, I've had it both ways: away from our Lord and empty and miserable; and with Him and fulfilled, content with Him, and seeing Him watch over all things in my life. I chose the latter: with Jesus.

I hope that in this season, and in the New Year, that's where you are, or the direction you're moving: with the Lord Jesus. If there's anything I can to do help you in that, please feel free to email me. I don't want anyone to miss the opportunity to enjoy a real life in Jesus.


Merry Christmas!
Happy and blessed New Year!
Fr. Francis Robert

Books

It's always nice to get books for Christmas! Shirley got me the first two books from The Thistle and the Cross series by Craig and Janet Parshall -- Crown of Fire and Captives and Kings. Looks like it's going to be fun and interesting fiction based on events at the time of the Reformation. She also got me Your Scars Are Beautiful to God by Sharon Jaynes. Looks like it's going to be good help. I'll post reviews when I finish these.

Also, Abbot/Bishop Jim and Shanna gave us both gift certificates at Mardel, and I got Eusebius The History of the Church with mine. I've been wanting to read this one and add it to my library for a while, so I'm looking forward to diving into it, too. I'll review this one, too.

I've always enjoyed having my head in a book, so good stuff to read is always a blessing.



fr francis

Christmastime

"So this is Christmas, and what have you done?" We've hung out with family and friends, eaten too much, and exchanged gifts. But what have we done to share Christ with the world? St. Francis told us to "preach the gospel at all times....and when necessary, use words." So we gotta share Christ with what we do. What is God asking me and you to do, to do that?

I'm nibbling on ham. Christmas Eve, I cooked (I usually do--I like it) and Shirley, Athalia (our cockatiel) and I ate our Christmas dinner. We had: ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, and corn. It was delicious! (we still have some left over--yum). Then everybody came over for midnight Christmas mass. We exchanged gifts, had spiked and unspiked egg nog (!), hot cocoa (chocolate and white chocolate), apple cider, hot tea, soda, and coffee. I sat behind the kit, and our worship band Sactus led us in Lessons and Carols. And I gotta tell you, I was TIRED--I'd been up since 5am. But it was good--we celebrated the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ and received Him in the Eucharist. Then I heated up some queso, we hung a bit more. And after everybody left Shirley and I exchanged our first gifts. Well, she got 2 Monday night--I went online earlier and bought us tickets to Casting Crowns and Leland for next month here in OKC at the the Ford Center. Both bands are awesome! (we saw Casting Crowns with Building 429 a while back in Houston--Bldg 429 took my head off--they rocked!)

Then we went over yesterday to Abbot/Bishop Jim and Shanna's for a huge Christmas Day dinner. I ate too much and fell asleep (yeah, I know, good example for a monk to set..!). And I go back to work tomorrow, so I'm enjoying the day today. Shortly, I'll head out into the COLD Bonny and sit behind my kit for a while. It's been a very good past couple of days. Nice thing is, we celebrate Christmas all 12 days. Yep. Then it'll be Epiphany, and then my birthday. I just keep getting younger. Truth is, my forties have been the best yet!

It's been lightly snowing here this morning, and it's just absolutely beautiful outside. Have a blessed and peaceful Christmas season.


fr francis

Christmas hope

Christmas is four days away, it's Saturday morning, and I'm waiting for the snow. Shirley has gone to work. I'm surfing the net, and enjoying our great God this morning.

Every now and then, the Spirit brings me back to a place where I can be penitent--a place where I can look back, even for a moment, look at myself, and be thankful.

The Psalmist wrote that God throws our sins as far as the east is from the west, and that He forgets them. Not because He has a bad memory, or because He's stupid......we know better than that--it's because He CHOOSES to do so, pure and simple. I, for one, am immensely thankful for that.

And this morning, the Spirit gently takes me to that place where I remember.....we are forgiven, but all the memories, unfortunately, don't go away--some do fade, though, and I'm glad for that. But I remember, and I am also reminded that I don't deserve God's grace. I deserve hell forever.

The world is fallen, and people don't always do the right thing........in fact, a lot of times they don't. I read about an artist this morning, one well-known, who went through a divorce a few years ago--and the rejection he felt, and how it hurt his career. I know how he feels. Many of us do. Many of us were forced into a divorce we didn't want. Our spouses, however, had other ideas. I'm not perfect. But I have always done my best to be a good husband and father, as a Christian. The divorce happened--against my will. Yet God, in His mercy, had other plans--to bring me a wonderful, lovely and loving wife (her inside is even more beautiful that she is on the outside), who loves and accepts me unconditionally, even with all my flaws, and my past.

I first received Christ when I was 12. I have tried to live as a Christian my whole life, but it didn't always happen. I failed sometimes, and failed miserably. Bad thing is, I intended to. We all do, when we decide to sin against God and people, when we get caught up in it. We're no different in that. When we fall into sin, we want to do it. And so, for the moment, it's our purpose--we want to do it, even though we know it's wrong. It doesn't matter, at that point. But after, we feel miserable, and then we try to justify it. One of the things that attracted me to monasticism is its penitent aspect--I NEED to Go before God often, with a repentant and sorrowful heart, for how I've behaved. And be reminded that I don't deserve anything, that it's all of grace. And then begin to learn to live in that fact, live in that reality. And finally begin to learn to enjoy God, the very thing He's always wanted--what He made us for.

That's what God does--He takes us where we are, with our ugliness and our mess that we (and with other people's help) have made of things: He takes us gently by the hand, picks us back up, and cleans us up, and helps us to stand up again. And then He helps us to walk again, just to put one foot in front of the other. Sometimes that's the way we have to live -- just very slowly putting one foot in front of the other, when the world beats us up.

The inn was full up, and our Lord was born in adverse circumstances, and laid in a dirty feed trough. He was called a bastard, ridiculed, and beaten (His beard was pulled out, for one) and crucified and rose so that we might live again. He is the only way I could live again. I would not be here if it weren't for Him. Our Christmas hope, mercy and joy is HIM.


fr francis

Christmas shopping almost done

Wal-Mart and I looked at each other for a few hours today--and it took my money. But I'm nearly done with my Christmas shopping for this year. Yeah! Thankfully, we celebrate Christmas the whole 12 days--and I buy and give gifts the whole 12 days.

Bought nearly all of Shirley's gifts today--but now I'm out of tape. Gotta hide the rest of her stuff before she gets home.

I did enjoy myself, though--I wasn't in a rush like I usually am when I go Christmas shopping.

Well, better get her stuff hid. She'll be home soon. Have a great weekend, and join us for worship if you're in the area.


fr francis

Well, now, OK...I did it

I did it today. I'll take a moment and share it, so that you may be spared what I didn't enjoy today.

I have a lot to do today, Christmas stuff, and found myself getting all worked-up and aggravated because things weren't going as smoothly as I would have liked.

I ask myself, "Why?" It will all get done. One thing at a time. I can enjoy our Lord and the season without ruining the day with my anxiety.

I feel better now.

Hope you don't find yourself doing the same. Have a great day.

Happy Advent and Christmas.
fr francis

Granny's house gone

I knew it was, but finally I've seen it. My myspace page has my hometown as Spring Hill (South Charleston), West Virginia--and it is. I was born in Charleston, lived as a baby in a house on Indiana St., and even after we moved from there when I was two, we were there a month every Summer when I was a kid. I played in that neighborhood, walked up and down the railroad tracks and the hills, swam in Rock Lake Pool (sadly, now gone), and watched my cousins play baseball in Little Creek Park. Granny's church, Spring Hill Baptist, was across the street from her house, and we worshipped there--I first received Jesus there into my life, at age 12 (the church is still there).

Thomas Memorial Hospital bought up all of Poplar St., the street behind my grandmother's house. Then they bought up the east side of Vine St., my grandmother's street, within the past couple of years (she went to be with our Lord after 105 years here).

I just googled Spring Hill, WV, and looked at the hybrid (map and satellite combination) shot of the neighborhood. There it is--my grandmother's side of the street is now a parking lot for the hospital. Don't get me wrong--I love Thomas Memorial Hospital--it's just very sad to me that Granny's home for many years (also the home my mother grew up in), and the whole side of the street we played on as children--is now gone.

Call me nostalgic, tell me to get in the real world, -- yeah, I know. I would have liked to show my wife and daughter the neighborhood -- with Granny's house. It will never be. Good thing is, we will see her someday. Granny, pray for us.

Can't really go home, can we--we have to make home where we are.



peace of the Lord,
fr francis

Saturday enjoyment

The snow continues to lightly fall here this morning. What a beautiful day it is here. Just had an enjoyable pipe smoke and reading of the Advent devotional I'm reading this year (Okay, I read it every year....) out in the Bonny. It's not too late to purchase and enjoy Advent and Christmas with Thomas Merton, A Redemptorist Pastoral Publication . For each day before Christmas, and for the 12 days of Christmas, there's a short Scripture reading, a reading from Merton, and a short prayer to end. From the back cover: "Thomas Merton, the renowned Cistercian monk, brings to us a fresh experience of the Advent and Christmas seasons, when we look to the coming of the Messiah who will make all things new again. In a spirit of monastic simplicity, Merton reveals the humble way in which we can invite the Savior into our hearts--without all the clutter, noise, and anxiety. Everyone searching for simple spiritual joy will want to spend Advent and Christmas with Thomas Merton." I've had this book since '02, and never tire of re-reading it and spending my Advent and Christmas with Fr. Louis. I heartily commend this little book to you, and pray that it may add to your joy this season, as it does to mine every year.

And thanks to my friend Mitch for the good tobacco i enjoyed a bit ago. He gave me some Peterson of Dublin Sunset Breeze a couple of months back, and I still have some. On the can: "Promising a unique smoking experience, this blend of first choice Virginia, Burley and Black Cavendish is crowned by a wonderful Amaretto aroma." Indeed it is! Very tasty! Very enjoyable.

It just occurred to me that if you're new to my blog, you may not know what the "Bonny" is. Before Shirley and I moved in to this house, someone enclosed the front porch and made a nice little room. It's a combination room for us--a library, music room, and small chapel (we have Morning Prayer and Eucharist out there Mon-Fri). It's full name is the Oratory of St. Bonaventure, which we call the "Bonny" for short. There's a window a/c unit, and a space heater out there. Since we haven't been out there yet today, the room is a bit chilly. I didn't stay out there long! But long enough to enjoy the pipe, my coffee, and Merton.

Get the book! You'll be glad.


Joyous Advent season to you,
fr francis

Nice morning

Wow. What a beautiful morning. Light snow falling, and enjoying Pat Terry music and a good hot cup of coffee. (You can enjoy the Pat Terry, too--go to my myspace page and click on his picture--myspace.com/okcdrummerman).

The wind's blowing a bit, and the snow looks pretty cool getting blown off the roof. And it's a lot easier than ice to get off the truck (or Shirley's car) when you need to leave.

Just a nice morning, enjoying the snow, coffee, the good music and our Lord. Have a good weekend.



fr francis

St. Lucy

I've had a nice, big cold all this week--ended up missing a day of work because of it. I think I'm slowly beginning to heal, though--although my wife quipped the other night that it's been nice that I haven't talked as much lately (I nearly have no voice).

Due to that and the ice storm here, we haven't done Morning Prayer and Eucharist all week. I celebrated last night for our Wednesday Eucharist (and again this morning), and since today is Lucy's day, we had her vigil last night.

Clare read some about Lucy's life, and then to begin my homily I sprung a pop quiz on the group. I said, Lucy is which one--
a) the wife of Ricky Ricardo
b) the crabby sister of Linus and Rerun, who, although she pulled the football away from Charlie Brown every year, still encouraged him to direct the Christmas play
c) the Lucy referred to by the Beatles in Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds
OR,
d) none of the above.

Then I added e) a feast day celebrated in many monasteries. Lucy was a martyr for our Lord, and endured a lot of suffering before she gave her life. Google her--the story is quite graphic, involving losing her eyes.

Lord, let us follow the example of Lucy as she gave all for You. Lucy, pray for us. Amen.



fr francis

Wednesday afternoon

This is my day off, and I am spending it loaded up on nyquil--trying to fight off this cold. So I'm fairly well out of it today. The stuff is putting me to sleep (another nap is coming on).

I've spent a little time today on my myspace page--myspace.com/okcdrummerman. The friends that are beginning to appear there, some of them I know personally, some are those who I appreciate their music and/or ministry. Some you may never have heard of---allow me to introduce them to you. I have been blessed with a broad taste in music.

Please pray for me to get well quickly. I lead the worship tonight.



fr francis

Sunday morning freezing rain

The house was quiet and dark when I got up this morning, just after 8. Even Athalia was quiet. I found out pretty quickly why it was dark--I heard the freezing rain hit the windows (mixed with snow). I walked into the kitchen, trying to wake up, my throat hurting (still have my cold), began to make coffee. It thundered outside, but I didn't see the lightning. And for some reason, that great Bob Seger song came to mind......


I awoke last night to the sound of thunder
How far off I sat and wondered
Started humming a song from 1962
Ain't it funny how the night moves
When you just don't seem to have as much to lose
Strange how the night moves
With autumn closing in


Autumn has long since closed in and passed, here--it's cold winter. But I was thankful. We didn't have as much to lose in the past, did we? We have every blessing our awesome Lord has given us. But sometimes the memories do come back, don't they? Ain't it funny how the night moves. It's still good to hum a song from 1962--the year before I was born. I do it all the time. We canceled worship service today, due to the ice--but we all worshiped in our own homes. Great that we can do that, isn't it? Shirley and I had Eucharist, and now we're about to have soup. Have a good evening.



blessed beyond measure,
fr francis

Saturday

It's been an interesting day today. I have been resting today, part of it sleeping, and taking medicine for this cold that I have. I've been feeling pretty rough. I plan to go to work later. I was also able to watch, on www.anglicantv.org, the vote of the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin today to join the Southern Cone and Archbishop Gregory Venables. I wish them all God's blessings, and that they continue to have a heart for serving our Lord and people. Let us especially be in prayer for their Bishop John David Schofield and their clergy (there will be some changes and trials), and people.

Hope your weekend is good and invite you to join us for worship in Eucharist tomorrow here at Chapel of St. Francis.



fr francis

Forgiveness

Not an easy concept to get around. Yet Jesus plainly stated that if we don't forgive others when they sin against us, our heavenly Father won't forgive us when we ask Him for it.

Sorry! I didn't write it, I didn't say it--I'm just the messenger. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself, God come in the flesh, Creator of the universe (according to Paul in Colossians)--He said it, and I believe He meant it.

I have read commentators over the years (not just a few!) who have attempted to dismiss these words, or water them down. Can't do that. Or do it, to your own peril.

You see, Scripture, in my view, doesn't teach that we can receive Christ as Lord and Savior, and His forgiveness, and then go on living without Him changing us. The apostles and the Church Fathers (bishops and leaders of the early Church) all taught that being a Christian (knowing Christ) will result in a change in our lives. That involves forgiving others.

Jesus told a parable (story to make a point) about a man who had been forgiven a huge debt, which almost resulted in he and his wife and children being sold into slavery to repay that debt. He asked to work the debt off (which was impossible, it was so huge), and his lender had compassion and forgave the debt. Then the forgiven man walked up the street, grabbed a guy who owed him a small amount, and choked him, demanding payment. Jesus said that he had a bad memory, in so many words--he had forgotten the compassion he had just been shown.

We do that. We sinned against God, and in Christ He's forgiven us. Then we don't want to forgive our fellow human beings who sin against us. Our hearts are to be changed for that, because we're thankful God has forgiven us, we're willing to forgive others.

Yes, I know people do evil to us. They deeply hurt us, sometimes do things that can never be repaired. Doesn't change the truth. A minute ago, while typing, i got a cramp in my leg. I had to get up and walk it out, work the cramp out. It's still trying to cramp up. People do the same thing--they hurt us. We have to work it out.

How do we do that? Admit to God we don't want to forgive--they don't deserve it. But neither do we, and He forgives us. We ask for the desire to forgive. He will give it. Then express to Him that we're willing to forgive. "Lord, it hurts, and it's right to forgive, but I don't want to. Right now, I give it up--that I want them to "get what's theirs"--I'll tell you about all the anger I have. I forgive them with my will--I purpose in my mind and heart that I will treat them like You do, even if I don't feel like it. I will do good to them, if I have opportunity." Put the prayer in your own words. What we say and do doesn't have to match our feelings--they'll catch up eventually, if we offer them to God.

Want forgiveness? Give it. Begin the "process," as some have called it. Sometimes we must forgive in steps. That's OK, if we're trying to give it up to God and have the attitude He wants us to have about it.

Question to ask ourselves in this process: Did the person intend to sin against me and those close to me? Did they do it out of ignorance, or because of their perception of things? Something for us to think about. If our perception on certain things was different in the past, we may not have sinned there, either. As humans, we sometimes see things differently. So that should allow for an extra measure of compassion to be thrown into all of this.

I, as a Christian, MUST acknowledge that you are a human being like me, and subject to make bad judgements and sin against other people. Like me. I, as a human, do the same. I MUST forgive you fully, the best I can right now, even if it must be a process. You ask, "Even if they continue to do it?" Yes, even if they continue to do it. How do we do that? We ask the Holy Spirit to come be with us (if we know Jesus He's already inside us) and fill us up with Him, and help us to change and be the way God wants His people to be.

That's the only real life here on the planet, to walk in the love, forgiveness, and joy of Jesus Christ.

I forgive you. Please forgive me. Let us be reconciled, should be what we say and do, as Christians. Anger and bitterness will ruin us. I won't let it do that to me. I pray the same for you. Let us love other people with the love of Christ. And enjoy His forgiveness, and Him being with us.


under the mercy,
fr francis

9 am

It's just after 9 am. It's been a quiet morning of prayer and enjoying the Lord. Morning Prayer was over a little while ago, and then I lifted up some more that were emailed me, something I enjoy immensely. Shirley and Clare have both gone to work, I go later, and I have an errand to run. But I don't feel like leaving the house. It's quiet and contemplative this morning, Phil Keaggy's "Beyond Nature" is on, his best album, in my opinion. And Athalia is talking (chirping) quietly in the living room, next to the altar. I don't have enough quiet, contemplative times like these. But I enjoy them, I relish them, I cherish them.

To enjoy His Presence is a joy unspeakable and beyond words. I wish and pray it for you. Have a good and Christ-filled day.


peace of Christ,
fr francis

First week of Advent: anniversary and music

It's the first week of Advent. "Advent" means "coming." The four weeks before Christmas, some christians observe the 4 weeks before Christmas rejoicing that Christ has come as a baby into the world (offering Himself and His life), has come into our hearts (and comes to us now), and will come again to receive us to Himself and to make all things right and new. I love this season of the year, and everything that goes with it. We alternate between blue and purple for our Advent color. This year it's blue. I love it.

Last year, Shirley and I added something to celebrate at the beginning of Advent: we got married, and so our anniversary comes at the beginning of Advent every year. To me, that's very cool. So now every year, we'll do Thanksgiving, Advent begins, we have our anniversary, then Cheyenne's (my daughter) birthday, then Christmas, then New Year's, then Epiphany (Jan. 6), then my birthday after that. Wow! Lot of cool stuff all in a row. We celebrated our anniversary by did a weekend went out of town and stayed at a bed and breakfast. We had a great time, and I love my Shirley more than anything in the world--more than I can describe. I love her more every day.

Fungeye met and worked on the new song "In the Dust." It's about people who came to church (and to Christians, who are the Church) looking for Christ, fellowship and a place to belong, but were rejected. Ever had that happen? Probably. Unfortunately, for most of us, it's been a part of life, especially those of us who are involved in the arts--the Church has forgotten that we were well-received in the Middle Ages, and that Christians were patrons to their brothers and sisters who made art. I'm honored that we are writing music to lyrics I have written--it's a dream come true for me. Here's aome of the lyric for "In the Dust":

"I crawled up to the door
black and blue from the road
be gone is what I've been told
why did I even show

laying here in the dust
torn up and kicked and cussed
heart torn out and bleeding
done all my screaming

mercies are new in the morning
that's what You came here for
you said come in the door
and stay with me evermore."


The Psalmist wrote that God's mercies are given to His people new and fresh every morning. St. Benedict the monk and abbot taught on this often. As His people in Christ, we get a new start every morning, because God shows His mercy on us (hesed is the Hebrew word, which means lovingkindness). Our God is loving and kind to us who have received Jesus into our lives--He gives us that mercy and a new start every morning. And I need that. I don't have to keep looking back and remembering and saying that I messed up here, and there, and did this, or that, and that I'm not worth it--that God can't forgive me, make me new, and use me for Himself. I can receive His mercy and forgiveness in Jesus Christ, paid for me on the cross, when He allowed His body to be broken, and when He poured out His blood for our cleansing. I can be the person He created me to be. I can be His instrument, as Francis prayed.

What's in the player? Fubgeye--our rehearsal when we worked on "In the Dust." I was in the dust. And He pulled me out. I remember that when I pray, read my Bible, and receive Him in the Eucharist (Communion). And I thank Him.

He loves each of us, and wants us to draw close to Him, receive Him and His forgiveness and life, and know Him.



under the mercy,
fr francis

For they

For they [art and religion] are not the thing itself; they are only the scent of a flower we have not found, the echo of a tune we have not heard, news from a country we have never yet visited."

--C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory and Other Addresses

Dealing With Slander 101

"I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man [or woman] who trusts in you."
-- Psalm 84:10-12


I love the internet. It's a great way to see the world without leaving your desk.

But, there are some things about the net that aren't good. Predators and folk not being kind to one another, to name two.

A couple of things I have on my mind and heart here: one, is that people who aren't Christians will do evil to us. Second, is that as Christians, we should be careful to not blog anything slanderous about someone else. Let's face it--we deal with human beings, and those humans are sinners like you and me. They're going to sin against you and me, just like we will sin against them. (Hopefully on our part it's not intentional.... :) )

It's very easy to lash back when someone does evil to us, and then slanders us. Haven't experienced this? Live a while as a Christian--it'll happen. One reason I became a monk is a need to settle and be still before God--and let the world do and say what it will. And allow myself to put Him, and my relationship with Him, above all else. And to learn to live in that daily, in a way I was never really fully able to do before. I allowed distractions of the world to damage that relationship with God often over the years.

The attitude we need to have as believers is that our relationship with God is the most important thing of all. If I'm rightly related to Him, if I've confessed my sins to Him and received forgiveness from Him, and I'm walking with Him the best I can, that's what matters. What others may say does not matter. Paul said he would not allow himself to be judged by anyone. The thing that is next on the important list is to be rightly related to our spouses. That person comes next after God. No one in this world is to come before our husband or wife, not even our children. The children come next. You see, I made a covenant with my wife and God, to love and honor her above all people and things; that would include my children. I didn't make a covenant with God and my child. So Shirley comes first.

The world can be a cold, hard place. It's not supportive of us having a relationship with God, being faithful to our spouses, or being honest with ourselves and other people. The world wants us to "get what's mine" and "do what makes me happy." It doesn't encourage us to be faithful to God, our spouses and children. On the contrary, the world encourages us to do what we want in the moment, and then justify it, even if we have to lie. In fact, the world teaches us that "personal happiness" is a justification for unfaithfulness and lying. And on top of that, the world teaches us to repeat the lie often enough that those around us believe it, and then we may even get to believe it ourselves. We must resist this, in ourselves and in others.

I've resisted sharing any detail here, on purpose. But I pray this is of help to you. As Christians, we will be attacked. We will be preyed upon by those who don't know Christ, and by those who know Him, but are away from Him. They will attempt (and may succeed!) to do evil to us. They will slander us, personally to other people, and on the net. Jesus told us to expect this if we are serving Him. Peter asked us why we're surprised at the trial they are used to put us through (yes, USED, because that is what is happening--they are being used by the evil one). Have you and I sinned against others? Yes, of course we have. I have. And I've repented, and where I've had opportunity, I've admitted it and asked the person I sinned against to forgive me. But I (and probably you) have been slandered, and accused of things we did NOT do.

Again, as Christians we must hold out Christ to them and to all, and His forgiveness. And not slander back, either personally or in a setting like this. We may be tempted to do that (I am!), but we must not. Job's wife asked him, "Why do you hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die."

A good answer from him could have been: "No. You've already done that, even though you're still breathing. And I see what it's done to you."

I chose to bless God and live. And I strongly encourage everyone who reads this to do the same. This means to confess our sins and receive forgiveness from Him, and to walk with Him--which means that above everything else, to read the Bible and do our best to obey it. And let the false tongues wag--our concern is only what our Lord, our spouse, and our close Christian brothers and sisters say about us. God will take care of us, and whatever situation. He is Almighty. We must continue to be His hands and feet to the world.



blessings,
fr francis

Christmas Tree

This is my favorite time of year--from Thanksgiving on, which includes the Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany seasons of the Church Year. (more on these later....check back!)

It's finally cold here, and we've had a wee bit o' snow--maybe more tonight and tomorrow. It's beginning to feel like the Christmas season.

Shirley and I watched the Extreme Home Makeover Home Edition tonight, their 100th show. Yeah, lots of tears--it was a great show. I'm sitting next to her, laid back on the couch and resting, when she asks the question. Now, understand--I've played drums and percussion this morning in church (Abbot/Bishop Jim celebrates Sundays, I on Wednesdays), then led the worship service we do at a local nursing home on Sunday afternoons. So I'm tired, and I have a headache. But Shirley asks the question--"Are we going to get the tree out tonight, my dear?" My body said "no," but my mind and heart said "yes." So I went and got the tree. We found one of those fiber-optic trees on sale last year, and that one went back in the living room. We have a smaller one that will go out in the Bonny Room. (In case you haven't read earlier posts, the "Bonny" is the Oratory of St. Bonaventure--a combination chapel, library, and music room. We have Morning Prayer and Eucharist in there Mon-Fri mornings, I sit behind my Yamaha drum kit out there, and the band Fungeye rehearses, writes, and records out there. It's a really cool little room.)

The tree looks great. I turned out the lights, and it just looked so cool in there. So, I'm glad she asked me to get it out tonight. (My wife's just about always right.) Sometime this week, I'll get out the smaller one and set it up out in the Bonny.

We have a nice, big Advent wreath to go out in the Bonny, and Clare, Shirley, and I will put together a new one this week for Chapel of St. Francis worship--one that will go in the living room, where our parish worships Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights.

The Advent season has come to Mercy House a week early (on Christ the King Sunday). Yeah, I know--you traditionalists stop nitpicking me........! :) I'm traditional, too--I just got excited this year and had to begin early. Besides, my family has always set up the tree on Thanksgiving Day. So it's really not early for that. (I know some Episcopalians who don't set up their trees until a week before Christmas or until Christmas Eve itself. And I understand why and respect that--but to me, that takes all the fun out of it.) We'll set up the Advent wreaths this week, but we won't light them until Sunday--I promise. :)

I'm very much looking forward to this year's Advent and Christmas season. Our Lord has come to earth, He has come into our hearts, and He will come back again to make all things right.



fr francis

Holiday weekend

I love holiday weekends, even if I have to work. Shirley and I had a great time with family in Ft. Worth, and I had to be back at work on Thanksgiving Day at 6pm (hey, somebody's gotta serve the guests at the hotel.....!). But the time together and the dinner was great. And I got my Chinese name this week, too, from Shirley's parents (yes, my wife is mostly Chinese and part Japanese).

I cooked here yesterday, and we ate well. Holidays are good--times to be together, eat, enjoy God and one another. And on this particular one, to give thanks is in order. President Bush's weekly radio address was good today. He spoke of giving thanks and a little Thanksgiving history.

It's finally cold here. We have a little snow, but not enough. Maybe some more tonight. I've been enjoying live Van Halen videos on You Tube today. Love Van Halen. Eventually, Fungeye will have our album recorded and begin to play out. Looking forward to it. I think I'm going to go sit behind the kit for a bit.

I pray Good richly blesses you this Thanksgiving weekend. Good worship here tomorrow, if you're in the area.



under the mercy,
fr francis

Day before Thanksgiving

It's the day before Thanksgiving, and I suspect many of us are working, and will be off tomorrow. I am off work today (I work in the hospitality industry, at a hotel), but I am not "off work," so to speak.

I'm doing laundry, made lunch for my lovely bride Shirley and myself, and am about to run an couple of errands, one of them to the grocery store (I know, today's NOT the day to do that!). Then I need to be back here before 5 and ready to "do holiday" with Shirley. (Is that phrase right??? Oh, well--it's right for me. Did I coin a new phrase?)

We pray your Thanksgiving is good. Like the rest of us, try not to eat too much turkey, or whatever you're cooking up for tomorrow (a co-worker told me they're having fried turkey and bbq brisket. Mmmm....sounds good; I never heard of brisket on Thanksgiving.......next year!

I know the holidays can be hard. If you need an ear or prayer, email or call me. I will answer. If you'd like a christian group to fellowship, hang and eat with tomorrow, we'll be at Bp. Jim and Shanna's in Moore, and you're welcome to join us. Email or call me and I'll give you directions.

I pray you have a good Thanksgiving. Let us give thanks to the Lord, for His mercy endures forever.


fr francis

In the Dust music

Another good time of music for Fungeye last night. Aras, our guitarist and engineer, brought over a disc of the complete (unless we want to add backing vocals) "I Treat My Dog Better Than That." It sounds great! One song in the can. I think we've agreed on the shortened name "Dog" for it. We also listened to a few more songs--vocal and guitar tracks, beginnings of songs he and Harold wrote. Good stuff! and more material to work on.

We began working on music for my "In the Dust." There are two tempo changes on this one--yeah, we're going to have to try and be creative, what a concept! :) --the second tempo begins near the end of the lyrics, where there's closure in the conflict for the person (each of us) in the lyrics, and that's going to be a big, powerful crescendo-type thing (I was thinking of Kansas or an orchestra).There's a brief pause, and a then a big jam tacked on the end for good measure, a chance for Aras to play some more nice, tasty lead.

This one requires a lot more work than "Dog," but now we finally have, after almost three hours, the basic parts of the song on tape, and Aras will take that home and lay down the guitar and bass tracks. Then we'll get together and add drum and vocal tracks, maybe a bit o' keys and violin on the crescendo part (don't worry, those of you who like heavy--the song is heavy, and will remain so--I was just thinking of sweetening it a bit).

I'm sorry if all this detail isn't your cup of tea (hmmm, that sounds good, although I'm still working on a pot of coffee), but the details will interest some--suffice it to say that the music effort is well under way, we are having fun, and although Fungeye isn't a "christian rock band" in the strict sense, the lyrics are certainly written from a Christian worldview. The earth is the Lord's, and all that it contains, the Psalmist wrote. And Paul wrote to us that whatever we do, in everything in our lives, we are to do to the glory of God. As I have written here before, there are some who are called to evangelize with their music, or to build up the Body of Christ with it. Some are called to just simply write about life. My call, as far as music is concerned, is to do both--to write what is in my heart and mind, and attempt to make good, enjoyable music with it--and to also write stuff that directly and blatantly praises our God. The second project, the worship band, will, obviously, have a decidedly more pointed purpose. We will write words and music to do just that--to exalt Him, because He alone is worthy. Do Fungeye lyrics praise God? Yes. They tell the truth, and hopefully, are a catalyst for change in a sometimes harsh world, beginning with each of us.

I hope you're enjoying your Thanksgiving week. I'm off today, and so must go and buy more food, do laundry for the family visit, and whatever else is on the list Shirley wrote for me. Must find it.........! :)


Chapel of St. Francis meets tonight only at Bp. Jim and Shanna's in Moore, for a Thanksgiving Eucharist. Call or email for directions. If you're in the area, you are welcome. Come as you are, and also tomorrow if you don't have a place to go on Thanksgiving. You are welcome to join the big group. No Morning Prayer and Eucharist here tomorrow on Thanksgiving Day--we'll resume Friday.

And if you're having a hard time this holiday week and want to talk or pray, call or email me.


God's peace,
fr francis

Ordination service pictures

Thank you, Ivy, for taking pictures, and thank you very much for the disc. I posted a couple of pictures from the ordination service. Hope everybody enjoys them. Maybe I'll add more later. There is a reason for the order of the pictures below: God and His Creation first (because he is to be first), Shirley and my wedding next, my monastic vows next, and the ordination service last (as it was most recent). Scroll down and see.

No, I didn't cut my hair for the ordination! :) Hope you enjoy the pictures.


fr francis

This morning

I just finished Morning Prayer and Eucharist. It was a good time of prayer and communion with the Lord. This morning, as i was by myself, I chose to use the 1549 Book of Common Prayer liturgy for the Eucharist. (It is our rule, from Abbot Jim, to use St. Augustine's Prayer Book for Morning and Evening Prayer--so before the Eucharist, I made use of Augustine's pb.) I prefer contemporary language for the Eucharist, but it's edifying to me, from time to time, to use the traditional liturgy Archbishop Cranmer wrote for the Eucharist, which was based on medieval liturgy. There are many liturgies that are acceptable, as long as they are orthodox, and as long as, in the Eucharist, there is a place for the consecration of the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ. It grieves me concerning all the arguments over which prayer books and liturgy to use. I honestly grow weary of it, and I am especially bothered when folks say that those who use the 1979 BCP (and ordain women) aren't orthodox. It is sad.

But again, my prayer time and Eucharist was good. We habit usually for Eucharist, and not for Morning Prayer (perhaps in the future, when we have a monastic community, we will). I normally put on a stole for Eucharist, though. This morning I felt especially like wearing my habit, and was especially reminded that a habit has been called "the habit of repentance." For monks, nuns, hermits, and all Christians, our lives are to be lives of penance, or of repentance. Our hearts are to be always before the Lord, in sorrow and repentance for our sin, remembering that Christ had to die for that sin so that we may be forgiven, and have a new life in Him. Each Christian, as part of that repentant heart, also has with it a joy from the Lord that his/her sins are forgiven, that Christ is with him/her, and that we posses that new life from God now, and will enjoy it fully with Him later, when we go to be with Him. That brings me great joy, and I hope and pray that it brings you great joy, too.

As I type this, I'm still wearing my habit. It is reminding me of the Passion of our Lord whereby He redeemed me and you. Our habits are black. Franciscan orders generally choose a brown for their habit color, but we decided black would be better--it reminds us that we are of the earth, that we came from dust and to dust we will return, it reminds us that we are sinners redeemed by Jesus Christ and His agony before and on the cross for us, and that we are to be humble and yet joyful before Him.

A person doesn't have to be a monk, nun, or hermit for this to be prominent in his/her heart--it's just that, for us, being monastics helps us to be reminded of the truth of this and to help keep our heats and minds focused on Christ, and that we are His, forgiven by His grace.

All that said, I was also reminded by the Lord this morning that I am a monk and servant first, and a priest second. Being a monk is my higher calling.
It is the framework in which I am a priest, and my entire life.

But also, that said, I am a brother to you in the Lord, as a monk, and as a priest. As a priest, I am always available for listening, prayer, counsel, and for the sacraments: Eucharist, confession, and anointing with oil.

Should you wish to receive communion, I am available. We don't require confession to a priest (in Eucharist we confess and receive absolution--so we receive that sacrament in that way). We know we can go directly to God. Yet, there are times each of may feel that we need to go to a minister or priest--his words assure us of forgiveness, and can bring comfort, especially if it's serious sin. The sign of the cross is a physical reminder of the forgiveness to us by the pouring out of Jesus' blood. The counsel given should be of help to us in our walk with God. Yet, again, it's not required, but is always available. I am always available to hear a confession, absolve (declare for the Church God's forgiveness to you), pray with and offer counsel, whenever. It is my call and my joy. I am also here should you wish anointing with oil and prayer for healing. James wrote (ch. 5) for us to call the elders of the church, and they pray for healing, so that we may be raised up. We believe in that, because James wrote it (other passages extend this privilege to all believers, to lay hands on and pray for the sick). James wrote there of confession of sins and forgiveness. We, the elders or presbyters (the Greek word our Bibles translated "elder,") offer those sacraments from God--forgiveness and healing in Christ.

So if you are in the area, and wish for any of these, I am available--just call or email me. I will be happy to pray or offer counsel and/or confession on the phone if you wish (especially if you don't live here).

And if you're in the area, and are looking for a place and group to worship with, and want Jesus Christ, and the teachings, liturgy and sacraments of the ancient Church, we welcome you. Chapel of St. Francis is a house church in evangelical Anglican tradition. We'll have worship in Eucharist here tomorrow morning at 10:30, and Wednesday at 7:00 pm. The music is a mix of hymns and contemporary praise. We may be Anglican, but we're not stuffy--the worship is a "relaxed reverence." Dress is casual, God is here for you, and we are, too. Come as you are. If you don't feel welcome at church, you'll be welcomed here, I can promise you that. If you want Christ, he's here for you. And so are we.

Have a good weekend,
fr francis

Home

Home is where the heart is, the old saying goes. And that's true. What do you do when, as is the case with me and millions of others, the heart at times is torn in two? Frodo didn't completely and fully "go home" until he boarded ship with Gandalf and the elves and sailed to the Undying Lands. I love my wife Shirley very much, and I'm very happy with her, and our home we have here. We are not rich by the world's standards, but God more than meets our needs. We have a lot of love. Our home hosts our parish for Sunday and Wednesday Eucharist, and Morning Prayer and Eucharist weekday mornings. And that adds to this being a special place. So this is home. And it does feel like home. I was reminded this morning, though, that this isn't truly our home.

Everything has limits or is flawed here on this planet. The alarm didn't go off right this morning, and I overslept. The soap dispenser is wanting to jam up this morning, and the toilet paper holder--the same. I'll take my truck in shortly to have a headlight and the cruise control repaired. (Yes, I know, cruise control is a luxury, but if Shirley's going share the driving when we go to see family, with the blood clot in her leg, she'd prefer to have the cruise control working, so her foot and leg doesn't begin to hurt. So would her husband.) We had a great Morning Prayer and Eucharist this morning, commemorating Margaret of Scotland, her heart, and her outreach to those less fortunate; and when I got the house to myself, the music reminds me that we live on a flawed, fallen planet. (what's in the player? Galactic Cowboys and now Coverdale/Page) I, and we, long for that place prepared for us, where everything will be as it should, where we will sorrow or cry no more. No more sin, no more broken relationships, no more suffering and folks being poor. We will be together as one family. My daughter will be with us. All will be well. All will be most well.

Monasteries and hermitages have been called "little pieces of heaven." It has been said that monks and nuns attempt to order their lives so that they experience as much heaven on earth now as is possible, a foretaste of what is to come. And I think that's true. All believers can live in the now with a constant realization that we possess now, in Christ, what we will fully experience after we take our last breath here. (Ephesians 1) We live with that reality and promise, even though we live now as sojourners in a fallen world.

We can allow that truth to sink in, and His Presence now, to bring that home to us--that our home, such as it is and wherever it is--whether in one or two or a few different places, and maybe in a time that we can't get back--is God's Presence and blessing now, a picture and foretaste of what is to come. All the good, the togetherness, and love, that is shared is our piece of heaven now.

A lot of people have a difficult time at the holidays. Memories gone by can't be re-created. Loved ones have passed. Maybe there's a loved one we won't see this year. Our hope, in the holidays and all year, is to find God's Presence with is in the moment, enjoy Him now, and what He has for us now--knowing that all will be full and complete in the future.

The ancient Celtic Christians had "thin places" they frequented--places where the "veil" between earth and heaven seemed to be thinner, and maybe brought God closer to them. Many times a particular spot would be a thin place due to its geography: two things would come together--the shore and the sea, the mountains and the sea, or a lake, a well, geographical anomalies--and God's Presence seemed more intense there.

A sunrise/set seems to be that for many of us. Maybe during the holiday season, each of us can stop whatever we're doing, and go to a thin place, and enjoy God. Find and see Him there. Find a Peniel, and see the face of God, even for a moment. And receive strength for the journey.

Frodo thought that raising the Shire would do it for him. It helped, but not fully. He had carried the ring too long and had felt Shelob's sting. He needed more, more than he could get in the Shire. To be fully healed, he had to go to a place where that could happen. Sam could remain and have a wife and children, and enjoy the Shire, but eventually it was wondered if he wouldn't have to take ship and go, too. So it is with all of us. I'm reminded of the Kansas song "Peaceful and Warm"--when we go back home it's not the same, but we long for that. We need to be warm, whole, and healed in Christ. We have a measure of it here, and I pray we all enjoy that now. Yet there is that time coming, where we take ship, as it were, and go to that place where we shall see Him, and be fully healed, body, mind, and spirit.

The old spiritual goes--"This world is not my home...I'm just passin' through.................."


I pray you have a blessed and warm holiday season,
fr francis

Encouragement?

The concept didn't originate with me (obviously), but I wanted to post here a statement I made this morning. Apply it as you will, according to Scripture and the leading of the Spirit in your life:


(referring to behavior)
Whatever you tolerate is what you encourage.



fr francis

Fungeye recording

The three of us went out in the Bonny tonight and worked on my "I Treat My Dog Better Than That." (we're probably going to shorten the title, and just call it "Dog") We got the rhythm guitar track, and drum track, and the vocal track laid down tonight, and Aras began mixing that. We still need to add bass and lead guitar. The song sounds great so far--it rocks. Lotta fun. And the neighbors didn't call the police--I think we're going to be ok with the volume. :)


fr francis

Spirit

I have believed in the Presence of Christ in the Eucharist since I learned of catholicity and became Anglican, late '92 and early '93, and my belief in that has increased over the years. Part of our Rule of the Order of St. John the Beloved is to receive Eucharist at least twice a week, and with few exceptions, I have been able to do that, since I was received into the Order, and my belief in His Presence in the Eucharist was heightened weekly, as I received. I had a job for a year where I didn't come in until 1:00 in the afternoon, so I went to Noon Eucharist at the cathedral downtown, almost daily, and those were special times--receiving daily, and enjoying His Presence in that special way daily, for a year.

A month or so ago, Bishop/Abbot Jim gave permission for Dcn. Clare to offer a Deacon's Mass (with elements he had pre-consecrated) mornings during the week. That has been a special time. I, and we, have really enjoyed receiving Christ in the Communion (so-called because the elements of bread and wine had already been consecrated) daily during the week.

I have thought all week about sharing, candidly, my thoughts about this week, and how to put this week into words. The words don't adequately or fully describe Sunday and the week, but they are all I have at this moment. So here goes....

We are a charismatic, or Spirit-filled group. Simply, we mean we believe in the life of the Spirit, His indwelling and filling us, and His working fruit and gifts in us (specifically, not all of us will speak in tongues, some will, and all will move in some gifts). Many leaders in the Church down through the ages have believed and taught that, although they may have been cessationists, they knew the Scriptures teach that we're indwelled by the Holy Spirit from our baptism or receiving Christ, and then filled many times throughout our lives as the Spirit wills, for His purpose (the "leaky vessel" analogy is applicable). There are times where the Spirit is especially strong in His moving in a particular situation.

Last Sunday, when Bishop/Abbot Jim and the two other priests present laid hands on me, and he prayed to invoke the Spirit to make me a priest, I felt the Spirit come upon me in a way I never have before. It was all at once holy, gripping, sweet, peaceful, powerful, sanctifying, and sobering. At that moment, I began to sense the seriousness of the office to which I was now entering, and why the Church (with Paul) has taught that it is holy, without repentance, and an utterly serious calling. I felt like I would not be able to speak or to get up off my knees. I felt almost as if drunk, in a way, and that I must work to continue to kneel and to not fall over.

But it was so good, and so sweet. I have to say, that of all the times the Spirit has fallen on me that I would describe as "sweet," this time made them all look like a spark compared to a forest fire. I have never had my world rocked so "violently," if I may use that word to describe this. I would partly describe it as a "jolting hush." I heard the words of the prayer, but nothing else. Although I heard Bishop/Abbot Jim's voice and prayer, and felt the hands on my head, it was as if God and I were alone in that moment, and He took me by the shoulders and said, "My son, I redeemed you when you were 12. I called you at 14. I took you through some very rough times in your life, and you ran away and returned to me many times over the years, but now I have you, and you have Me, in this gift of the priesthood. Enjoy Me and it, and know that I have called you with a sacred calling, and it is for life, and you must now do it. You must bring Me to people in a way that you never have before. And I am, and always will be with you, just as I always have, but now in this very special thing. In a moment you will rise, and with My help, be a priest in My Name, in My House, and in all the world. And, as I said, I promise to be with you. And I Am."

That filling of the Spirit has been with me all week, not as intense as that moment, but I have not felt or been the same this week. Every time I have served as the Celebrant (the one who consecrates the bread and wine) this week, seven times, I have felt the Presence, peace and power of the Spirit, especially this morning. This is a bad choice of words, but I "feel" like a priest. As Bishop/Abbot Jim said in the homily Sunday, 'Brother, the office is an office of service. The stole not only is a sign of authority, but as its roots convey (it was an apron), it is a sign of service.' I am to be a servant.

Yet all believers are priests, as Peter wrote--we are all "Christ-bearers," we are ALL priests in that we all take Him to the world. We all represent Him to the world. That's the calling of every Christian, not just deacons, priests or ministers, and bishops. We're all called to be priests, deacons, and missionaries. Not to go and scream at people, or beat them over the head, but to show Him first, then tell. You who read this are a priest (whether ordained one or not), because Peter called us all priests--he wrote that we're all to bring Christ to the world. So let you and I resolve to be just that--Christ to those around us. Francis said to preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, to use words. Being comes forst, then doing.

May each of us enjoy the Presence and filling of the Spirit right where we are.

Father, I pray You send Your Spirit upon each person reading this blog, and Your blessing for them to do works of mercy and show You to the world. And may each person reading know Your joy and peace in this moment, and forever. Amen.

If you're in the OKC area, and looking for a church, or want Christ and the teachings of the ancient Church, we welcome you here at Mercy House for worship tomorrow morning. Come as you are.


fr francis

Grace

I was reflecting today on how good God's grace is to us.

Grace is God's love and favor toward us, whereby He forgives us and makes us new creatures in Christ. We work with grace, in that we yield our lives to God for Him to work in and to use us for His good pleasure. But our working with that grace isn't a work we do for salvation--it's a work we do to cooperate with the work that God has already begun in us.

Paul wrote that God, in His grace, forgives our sins and doesn't count them against us--He casts them as far as the east is from the west, the Psalmist wrote.

So we have a new beginning in Christ, the forgiveness of our sins, and eternal life in Him. Our lives are free to serve and enjoy Him. And that's a great thing.



fr francis

Amen

I was ordained as a priest today in the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church, with several lines of apostolic succession. I must say, I have felt the Spirit and His power before, but I'm at a loss for words to describe the way the Spirit fell on me today when Bishop/Abbot Jim and the two other priests there laid hands on me. I wondered how I was going to get up off my knees, much less stand and consecrate. But I did. I didn't really begin to "feel" like a priest, though, until after we recessed and began taking pictures. Now I feel like a priest.

And getting used to being called "Father"? That may take a while, even though I have been a father for 8 years, in that I have a daughter that old. But now I'm a father, an elder, an presbyter in the Church. I am overwhelmed, thankful, and humbled. I choked up a couple of times, and was nearly speechless for a while.

I was called by God audibly 30 years ago when I was 14. Thank you, those of you who read this blog and prayed--your prayers were felt.

Well, my wife and Extreme Makeover:Home Edition waits. Ty and the crew just blew up their first house and I want to see the rest.

God's blessings be with you,
fr francis

Another Prayer of Columba

My dearest Lord,
Be thou a bright flame before me,
Be thou a guiding star above me,
Be thou a smooth path beneath me,
Be thou a kindly shepherd behind me,
Today and for ever more.

A Prayer of St. Columba

Almighty God,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
to me the least of saints,
to me allow that I may keep even the smallest door,
the farthest, darkest, coldest door,
the door that is least used, the stiffest door.
If only it be in Your house, O God,
that I can see Your glory even afar,
and hear Your voice,
and know that I am with You, O God.

Mini retreat

Hello. I was supposed to go to a convent last night, and stay there until Sunday morning (except for work today), for a small mini-retreat before ordination tomorrow. But there was a scheduling conflict, and so now I am doing my mini-retreat here at Mercy House. Just wish I could stop the car noise on MacArthur.....!

Shirley went in to work a while ago, after we enjoyed breakfast and a little time together. I have some reading material I'm working on today, one of them a book called Priestly Ideals, and I intend to read some Merton before I go into work. In addition to my normal routine of Morning and Evening Prayer from the St. Augustine Prayer Book, I'm praying the rest of the Hourly Offices according to Anglican use today. I've really enjoyed and been edified so far. And it's the feast of Richard Hooker, priest. Read up on him today--you'll find him to be an interesting priest. Of course the Starbucks French Roast coffee is on. There may need to be a pipe smoke a little later, as well. : ) I'm enjoying our Lord this morning, and the quiet cool of the morning. It's another beautiful Autumn day in OKC.

I pray you have a blessed day and weekend, and join us tomorrow for worship of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.

Blessings and much joy and peace in our Lord Jesus Christ.

br francis

Eucharist this Sunday

This Sunday only, there won't be a Eucharist here at Mercy House. We'll do it over at St. James AC Church, at 3:00 pm. Thank you, Fr. Neil. So if you show up here for Eucharist Sunday at 10:30, Shirley and I will do Morning Prayer and drink coffee and fellowship with you, and lunch if you want to hang for that. But, everybody worship with us Sunday afternoon at 3:00 in Eucharist and an ordination. We'll have a reception and go eat after.

Today is All Souls Day. We remember and rejoice with all believers who are with Christ now, especially ones no one's ever heard of. And for a lot of folks, this is a day to remember family members who have passed, and to ask for their intercession.

Cousin Sammy, pray for us. (no more cancer for you, buddy)
Uncle Jack, pray for us.
Aunt Louise, pray for us.
Aunt Neda, pray for us. (no more diabetes for you)
Grandma Justice, pray for us. (you showed us all how to do justice and love mercy, and to walk humbly with God))
Granny Gillispie, pray for us. (105 years was long enough here, huh?)
Grandpa Herbert, pray for us.
Mommaw, pray for us.
Aunt Lovie, pray for us.
Uncle Bill, pray for us.
Uncle Oggie, pray for us. (I'll join you and br. Jack Lewis for a pipe smoke when I get there, and you and I will have a Slurpee and sit under our tree again)
Grandpa Cecil, pray for us.
Grandma Margaret, pray for us.
Harold, pray for us. (no more cancer for you either, my brother)

Fungeye

Music news. Last night was the second time three of us, Harold (vocals, bass), Aras (guitar, keys, backing vocals), and myself (drums, backing vocals) got together to make music. What did we get done? I brought lyrics for 3 songs last night, and we began putting music to them. And the stuff rocks! After mulling it over for a couple of weeks, we agreed on the name: Fungeye. I'm very pleased with what we've done so far. I look forward to our continued effort and the finished product. The other project I have in my heart to do is to make worship music.


less than four days out,
br francis

More Than A Man

Long ago, there was a man who came
Came and died for you
You, you say you don't want to know
But I've got to tell you the truth


God, I will follow you because you died for me
Gave to me your life to set me free
Anyone who asks shall receive
Jesus in your heart
It's time for you to start
Giving God all the glory


More than a man, God almighty
He created you
He's the One, the One who rules the land
He is the One I choose



All of the glory today
No matter what some people say
All of your faith
And your life will start to change

--More Than A Man, Stryper

Beautiful Saturday

It's a week and a day out til my ordination. We're planning, getting the liturgy together, and I see a very good, authentic Mexican meal in our future, after. Mmmm. : ) We won't have our morning Eucharist that day, but have the Eucharist and ordination later in the day at 3 pm.

A couple of months ago, I inherited a stereo system, an older Fisher, that belonged to my great uncle when I was a kid. He added a Technics 5-cd changer to it. The amp was blown (thankfully not the speakers!), and it's been repaired. Time to go pick it up, hook it back up, and enjoy! The chants of monks, the music of J.S. Bach, and assorted kinds of rock will sound great on it.

I'm enjoying a beautiful Oklahoma Autumn day with my beautiful wife Shirley and our great God.

Blessings. Have a great weekend and good worship. Join us tomorrow for ancient-future worship if you're in the area.



under the mercy,
br francis

Thoughts today

Shirley has a new job this week. We both had Wednesdays off, but now she works Wednesdays. So we had lunch together earlier. I'm enjoying the day, and reflecting on God's grace 13 days out from ordination. Now that it's coming, it doesn't quite feel like I thought it would. Yes, I'm happy, and excited to a point; yet also with it is the sense of the seriousness of it. I will be set apart as a priest, or presbyter. It is a sobering thought. Fr. Joe shared with me that he had that same sobering sense before his ordination, and yet the joy was there, also. There has also been attacks from the enemy and his crew, just as there were before I took monastic vows. But He is, and we who are in Him are--victorious.

There is a trememdous joy that comes with obedience. And a peace.


under the mercy,
br. francis

Peace Prayer Of St. Francis

Lord, make us instruments of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let us sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is discord, union;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy.

Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
AMEN.

This Morning

Fall is here in OKC. When we finished Morning Prayer this morning, and I stepped out the front door to go to work, I was hit in the face with the cold wind and the drizzle. And it felt great.

I like cold weather. Last December, right after Shirley and I married and moved here from Houston, we experienced an ice storm that really was unusual for this area. But we enjoyed it. We ended up not going anywhere for three days. Church was cancelled that weekend, and not only ours, but by I think everyone else around us (it was constant on the tv--one church after another announcing that their Sunday service was cancelled). If we had been working at that point, it would have proven difficult, if not impossible, to get to work. So we had sympathy for those who needed to work and couldn't get there. But for us, we enjoyed the quiet. No traffic on MacArthur, and I walked (slid!) around outside on the ice. Wonderful.

This morning, I dropped one of our hotel guests off at Will Rogers airport, and when I asked the skycap guy if he had his coffee, he said no, "This is Fall...wait 'til we hit Winter! Then I'll have coffee out here!" I answered, "Oh, yeah, I know...I remember last year!" I had my coffee in the van this morning. A good bit of my job requires driving our hotel guests in the shuttle van, either to and from the airport or to restaurants, the Super Wal-mart, 7-11, etc. I love it. I get to meet a lot of people from all over the world.

It's nice to be in a place where the weather changes from season to season. We get some snow here, which I love.

Praise the Creator for Autumn. I'm ready for the leaves to fall.


br. francis

San Damiano Song


"If you want your dream to be, Build it slow and surely. Small beginnings greater ends. Heartfelt work grows purely. If you want to live life free, Take your time go slowly. Do few things but do them well. Simple joys are holy. Day by day, stone by stone, Build your secret slowly. Day by day, you'll grow, too, You'll know heaven's glory."

-- San Damiano Song, Donovan, from the film Brother Sun, Sister Moon

For Brother Sun...for Sister Moon

"For Brother Sun who gives us warmth; to Thee, O Lord we give thanks...for Sister Moon who lights our night; to Thee, O Lord we give thanks."

--St. Francis of Assisi

New rock band

What a great couple of hours. The guitarist brought a couple of unfinished songs, i.e.without lyrics, and a singer. The guy plays bass and guitar, and had a couple of "songs in the raw" to add, too. We videotaped tonight. The guitarist will record guitar and bass this week. Next week we'll begin to lay down drum and vocal tracks.

It was nice and loud, rockin', and a lot of fun. We've got a tentative name. More as it comes.


br francis

The Presence of God

Bless all who worship you, almighty God,
from the rising of the sun to its setting:
from your goodness enrich us,
by your love inspire us,
by your Spirit guide us,
by your power protect us,
in your mercy receive us,
now and always.



-- from Sacred Space, the prayer book 2007, Jesuit Communication Centre, Ireland (Ave Maria Press, 2006).

Music

After a few weeks of trying to coordinate Shirley's and my schedule with two other guitarists' schedules, I ended the frustration with a phone call.

The guitarist of the failed band I had been a part of here in OKC answered, we spoke....and the world was healed!


OK, I'm being silly and dramatic. The world is, and will be, healed by Christ, directly and through us. But, the music news is, the guitarist and I will get together this Sunday night! We will work again on a couple of covers--Stone In Love (Journey), Temples of Syrinx (Rush), and the Rover (Zeppelin). I want to do a song we did in Stage Dive--"Technical Support." He will bring his 8-track recorder, he has chords ready for lyrics, and I have lyrics ready for chords! We'll video the rehearsals and recordings. I'll probable sing on the tracks to begin with, until we get a really good singer. And he will play bass on the tracks until we get a bass player. Lyrically, what will we do? Ah, it will be fun. Our plan is to do some poking around at problems in the world, do a little satire, as well as some serious stuff. I have pretty much infinite freedom to write as my mind and heart dictates. Musically, what will we sound like? Hard and melodic, I should think.

One new song I wrote (lyrics) yesterday pokes fun at crazy drivers, out of control cops, greedy businessmen, and need of reformation for the prison system. I call it, "I Treat My Dog Better Than That."

The other guitarist can jump in when he's ready, or there will be another music effort with him. We'll see how that plays out. But I'm excited to get it going.

The weekend is here--have a great one and good worship Sunday. Join us if you're here and looking for a place to be.


br. francis

Sunday 10/7

Wow, we had a great worship today. Our Eucharist, Blessing of the Animals, and lunch was great. And something happened today that I haven't mentioned yet--I led singing for Chapel of St. Francis for the first time today.

I have led singing many times before for a service we have done at a nursing home, but never when playing drums. That's difficult. I am told that I did well. Hmm. It's very difficult to play drums and sing at the same time. There are drummers who do it--the two I'm thinking of off the top of my head are Phil Collins (the obvious man to come to mind) and Joe English (former Paul McCartney & Wings drummer).

Playing drums for worship, especially for what we do--a mix of traditional and contemporary music--is a different animal than just doing rock, pop, and blues. I have to "back off my attack"--and play more softly, and be creative with other percussion instruments, i.e. shakers, and triangle, soft rods, and mallets (for cymbal rises). But to SING while doing all that is a difficult task.

But I enjoyed every minute of it. All glory to God.

Our Bishop is beginning dialogue with a bishop in another jurisdiction concerning a merger or concordat of sorts. We ask you who read this to be in prayer with us on this, if you would. Although division in the Church is, unfortunately, a given, and sometimes necessary, it doesn't mean we like it. Our goal, after leaving the larger jurisdiction we were a part of a few years ago (there was no way around it), has been to affiliate again with another that is similar to us. This bishop is known to many in the Anglican/Anglo-catholic/independent catholic parts of the Church. Thank you for your prayers.

Have a good week.


br. francis

bring light

Today is the feast day of Francis of Assisi, from whom I took my monastic name when I took permanent vows. Sunday will be St. Francis Sunday, with worship in Eucharist, the Blessing of the Animals, lunch and fellowship. Even Reba and Rabby, the rabbits out back, will have a blessing prayed over them: Bishop/Abbot Jim will go to their home--they live under our shed--and bless them. I would guess that they won't purposely show themselves or stand still for the blessing, much less let him lay hands on them........! :) All are welcome to bring their animals for blessing. It'll happen around Noon. Come as you are and worship, have your creature blessed, and eat and fellowship with us. (Normally, some of our animals are with us for worship anyway, as we are a Franciscan parish.)

It's a good day, being Francis day, but I was so sleepy I nodded off a couple of times during morning prayer this morning (once during Clare's homily). Brother Shorty (her dachshund) was already out, laying next to me. Sorry, Clare--your homily was good--my mind and heart said so, but my body said no. One point of the homily was that animals aren't far below us on the Creation order. We're sandwiched in between angels and animals, and it's a pretty thin sandwich.

"Most high and glorious God
Bring light to the darkness of my heart.
Give me right faith, certain hope, and perfect charity.
Lord, give me insight and wisdom,
So I might always discern
Your holy and true will."
--a prayer of Francis of Assisi

He would say, "What's all the fuss about? I'm just a human, a sinner like everyone else." He would credit God's grace for everything. And so should we. Have a blessed feast day of St. Francis.


under the mercy,
br. francis

military man

"Saw the light from the Man above
His heart pierced by a sword of love, military man....
He caught sight of the future shock
Defenses crushed beneath the Risen Rock
No more doing time, he tasted the new wine
no more reason to fight for the military man, no more military man"
-- Resurrection Band, Military Man, from DMZ

September 30

We had a great Michaelmas today. Our worship was awesome, and we enjoyed some very good tacos and football.

The feast of Francis is this Thursday, October 4. Our plan is to celebrate Wednesday and Sunday. Wednesday we'll do the blessing of the animals. Sunday, we'll celebrate with soup--lentil and chicken, cornbread, salad, and some good wine.

We invite you to join us. Wednesday is at 7 pm, Sunday at 10:30 am.

Today is the deadline the primates set for ecusa bishops to respond with full repentance. Other posts are here on that. It is a sad day for the Church. But our God continues to be good and faithful. Let us be in prayer together for our brothers and sisters.


shalom,
br. francis

orthodoxy

I don't refer here to Eastern Orthodoxy. I refer to what has been taught by the Church for 2000+ years, of which is primarily communicated to us in the Holy Scriptures. We in the Church must be orthodox. We must continue to hold on to the apostles' teaching, and as it was written down for us in Scripture.

That includes teachings on sexual morality. To be a follower or disciple of Christ involves adhering to His commands: "If you love me, you will keep my commands." His command is simple: sex is to be between two opposite-sex persons in a covenant marriage.

When the Council of Nicea met in 325 to combat heresy, one of the things they addressed was the problem of heretical bishops (chief or head pastors). Their response to these so-called bishops was just that--to declare that they are no longer bishops and pastors in the Church, and that God's people were no longer under their authority or care. And that other faithful bishops were to come in and truly shepherd God's people who were formerly pastored by these rebels.

As I have said before, we have the same situation now, at this crucial point in the history of the Church. Heretical bishops have again arisen in the Church and teach what is contrary to Scripture. According to Paul and the other apostles, and reiterated in the Council of Nicea, we as God's people are not to listen to them, we are no longer under their authority, and we should seek another bishop to pastor us in their place. This is not, as some have claimed, "sheep-stealing," or encroaching on another's territory. Again, according to Scripture and Nicene,
these heretics have lost their place of ministry among us, and sadly, must be replaced by others who are faithful to Christ.

For many of us, this is a reality we have come to, or are now coming to. The question is, who will remain in communion with these rebels? They will then themselves become rebels, whether they are orthodox or not.

Institutions and branches of the Church can and do become corrupt. Yet God has always had His remnant. The Church is not institutions or denominations--it is God's people. And the authority is placed and will remain solely with those who are orthodox and faithful.

Choose ye this day. We must love and welcome all. Let us continue to do that, and learn how to do that better. And let us stand with Christ and His Word, and with those who do, in all the world.

May God alone receive glory. Amen.


br. francis

Michaelmas

When I go out into the Oratory of St. Bonaventure, which we call the Bonny, I can't hear the phone ring, the tv if it's on, or Athalia if she's chirping loudly (which she does when she's hungry, thirsty, or wants attention--especially in the morning; she's a morning person: I guess most birds are). That's very nice when you want to do prayer, meditation, devotions before the altar (where we keep the Reserved Sacrament), or read a good book, either for study or pleasure. Although when you're out there in the day you can hear the vehicles on MacArthur. Oh, well. We'll see what remote location and solitude we have when the Order purchases land for intentional community in the future. I am excited about that. Sr. Sarah's vision was of a forest. Can we add mountains and running water to that?

I just came back into the "house proper" from the Bonny and Morning Prayer and Communion for Michaelmas, and there was an "UNAVAILABLE" on the caller i.d. and an "if you'd like to make a call..." message on the answering machine. Another telemarketer, I suppose, even if we're on the so-called no-call list. Oh, well. I call this part of the house the "house proper" because the Oratory, or Bonny, is an enclosed porch--so originally it wasn't part of the "house proper."

Anyway, on to Michael and the angels. Their feast is observed on September 29, and in England it's called "Michaelmas." Some places there is a celebration, special food, fun, etc. Chapel of St. Francis will celebrate it tomorrow, and our "special food" will be tacos. So we'll have "Michaelmas Tacos," with the meat cooked and seasoned by yours truly. :) Since we're of the "English catholic" tradition, I'll call it Michaelmas. Today (and tomorrow) we celebrate the presence, service, prayers, and protection of the angels around us. According to Scripture, they are in ranks, some circle the Throne of Almighty God and cry, "holy, holy, holy" all the time (for them it's not "all the time," of course, because there's no time there...), pray for us with the saints in heaven (the Church Triumphant) and bring their prayers and the prayers of the saints in heaven to God's Throne (how that's done is not described to us by the Apostle John--I'm not sure there are words to describe it), protect us, fulfill God's will, do battle with demons, and in a way that's not explained in Scripture, are instrumental in bringing God's peace to us (maybe partly through their intercession and protection).

Angels are NOT glorified human beings. We don't BECOME angels when we enter heaven, but Scripture says we are LIKE them. Their counterparts are demons, fallen angels who, according again to John the Revelator (check out Phil Keaggy's version of this blues classic on Crimson and Blue --it rocks!) made war on the holy angels, and with their leader, Satan the dragon and serpent, and were beaten and cast out of heaven. John writes that they went on to persecute Mary and the Church. Paul wrote to us that our war is not really with other humans, but with them. We have authority, and have triumphed over them, in the Name above all names, Jesus Christ.

Recommended Further Reading:
Peter Kreeft, Angels and Demons
C.S. Lewis' 'Space Trilogy'
devotions and litany to the angels in the St. Augustine Prayer Book

Michael, defend us in battle.



God's blessings on you.

br. francis

A Little Grace



"You left a poison thorn in my side and then You dangled a sword above me
You let the devils and angels collide so I would know You loved me"

-- Daniel Amos, A Little Grace, from Mr. Buechner's Dream

Profile

Just updated my profile, if you'd like to have a look at it. Shirley is at work, and I'll head to work after a nice nap. Athalia is enjoying herself today and is quite vocal.

Hope your worship is good tomorrow.




br. francis

"Diversity should not be unlimited and should not contradict the essentials of our faith...not unity at any expense."


NEW ORLEANS: Egyptian Primate says TEC Must Accept Consequences of its Decisions

Archbishop Mouneer Anis addresses the House of Bishops in New Orleans
Sept. 20, 2007

Someone a moment ago handed me this speech. It was just delivered on the floor. I am typing it up and will post updates as I proceed...so keep refreshing... Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Thank you so much for inviting me here to come and listen to you and for giving me the opportunity to share my heart with you. I am very aware of my own shortcomings and weaknesses, but every word I want to say is out of love and concern for the unity of the Church of Christ.

I do not come with great authority, nor am I the primate of a province with a great number of Anglicans; I do however, come from a region where Christ walked and where the Church was born. I come representing the Church of Jerusalem and the Middle East.

The Church in this region has faced many challenges since the first century. Our brothers and sisters in the early centuries were ready to sacrifice their very lives to stay true to the Faith they received from the Lord and his Apostles. Their blood was not in vain; rather it became the seed of the Church across our entire region. Many disputes and heresies took place in our region. In face of all the challenges, persecutions, and heresies our ancestors-people like St. Athanasius, St. Clement, Origen, and Cyril from Alexandria, along with Tertullian, Cyprian, and St. Augustine from North Africa-kept the faith of the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. We are constantly learning from our ancient martyrs and forebearers how to serve the Kingdom of God faithfully.

Today our Anglican Church in the Middle East still lives within a very exciting and challenging context. We live among the Oriental Orthodox, the Greek Orthodox, the Catholics, the Jews and the Muslims. We greatly value our ecumenical relations and continue to work for unity.

We also deeply respect and appreciate our Muslim friends and value our interfaith relations while in no way compromise our faith. I have to tell you that many of these relations were severely strained after your decision to consecrate Gene Robinson as bishop in 2003. We are seen as the new heretics and this has hindered our ecumenical and interfaith relations as well as our mission in the region

My friends, like you, we want to be relevant to the culture in which we live. More importantly, we want to be salt and light to our societies. That is not an easy calling but it means we must remain distinct and humble at the same time. Without being distinct we cannot be salt and light; without humility we will not represent the one who said, "I am meek and lowly in heart." We are also continuously challenged whether we should allow the culture to transform the Apostolic Faith we once received, or if we should allow the Gospel of Jesus Christ to transform our culture as it has in the past. As we struggle to answer this question we must never divorce ourselves from the faith that countless men, women and children died to protect. I believer that if we faithfully serve the Church of Christ, He will continue to fulfill his promise that the gates of Hades will not prevail against her.

Rupertus Meldenius said, "In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity". Our hope is to be united on the essentials of faith which are defined only by the whole church. WE are not in any way trying to impose rigid views on you. Like you we celebrate diversity, but we believe that such diversity should not be unlimited and should not contradict the essentials of our faith. We are not schismatic, but we are diligent to preserve the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. We want unity but not unity at any expense.

Anglicans are aware with humility that we are not "the" church but we are one member of the body of Christ, the one Holy Catholic Church. We proclaim this every week in our churches. This places upon us the responsibility to listen to and respect our ecumenical partners.

My friends, you may believe you have discovered a very different truth from that of the majority in the Anglican Communion. It is not just about sexuality, but about your views of Christ, the Gospel, and the authority of the Bible. Please forgive me when I relay that some say you are a different church, others even think that you are a different religion.

I understand that it is difficult for you in your context to accept the standard teaching of the Anglican Communion. That is why you refused to accept Lambeth Conference Resolution 1.10. You also ignored all the warnings of the Primates in 2003, 2004, and 2005. Your response to the Windsor Report is seen by the Primates as not clear. You cannot say you value being a member of the Anglican Communion while you ignore the interdependence if the member churches. The interdependence is what differentiates us from other congregational churches. I would like to remind you and myself with the famous resolution number 49 of the Lambeth Conference of 1930 which declares "the Anglican Communion is a fellowship of churches that...are bound together not by a central legislative and executive authority, but by mutual loyalty sustained through the common counsel of the bishops in conference." With respect, I have to say that those who would prefer to speak of laws and procedures, constitutions and canons, committees and process: you are missing the point! It is our mutual loyalty and fellowship, submitting to one another in the common cause of Jesus Christ that makes us of one Church one faith and one Lord.

It is clear that you actions have resulted in one the most difficult disputes in the Communion in our generation. You may see them as not core doctrinal issues. Many like me see the opposite but the thing that we all cannot ignore is that these issues are divisive and have created a lot of undesired consequences and reactions. For the first time in centuries, the fabric of our Communion is torn. Our energies have been drained and our resources are lost and it is difficult for both of us to continue like this.

My friends, if you really believe that the truth revealed to you is different from that shown to the rest of the Communion, then you need to uphold that claim with boldness even at the risk of losing unity. If you think it is right and necessary to ordain and consecrate practicing homosexuals and that you should bless same sex partnerships or even marriages, you should be true to what you believe is right and accept the consequences.

However, if you appreciate being members of the global Anglican family, then you have to walk along side the members of your family. Those who say it is important to stay together around the table, to listen to each other and to continue our dialogue over the difficult issues that are facing us are wise. We wholeheartedly agree with this, but staying around the table requires that you should not take actions that are contrary to the standard position (Lambeth 1.10) of the rest of the Communion.

Sitting around one table requires humility from all of us. One church cannot say to the rest of churches "I know the whole truth, you don't". Archbishop Rowan reminded us in his paper "Challenge and Hope" that "the whole truth is revealed to the whole church". Sitting around one table requires that each one should have a clear stance before the discussion starts. It also requires that true openness and willingness to accept the mind of the whole. We do not have to be in the communion to sit around the one table. We do so when we dialogue with the Roman Catholic Church, the Orthodox and with other faiths. It would be extremely difficult to sit around one table when you have already decided the outcome if the discussion and when you ignore the many voices, warnings and appeals from around the communion.

Today I appeal to you to respond with great clarity to the requests that were made in Dar Es Salaam. If you accepted the Primates' recommendations, would you be able to give assurances to the Executive Committee of the General Convention of TEC would ratify your response? It is the responsibility of the bishop to guard the faith as we promise during our consecration. In many of not most parts of the Communion and the historic churches, present and ancient, matters of faith and order, is the responsibility and therefore the authority of the Bishops to safeguard and teach.

If you don't commit yourself to the Dar Es Salaam recommendations would you be willing to walk apart at least for a period during which we continue our discussions and dialogue until we reach a common understanding, especially about the essentials of our faith? Forgive me when I say that for many of us in the Communion, we feel that you have already walked apart at least theologically from the standard teaching of the Communion.

I know that you value personal freedom and independence. The whole world learns this from you. You need to demonstrate this by securing freedom for the American orthodox Anglicans who do not share your theological direction. Show your spirit of inclusiveness when you deal with them. I am afraid to say that without this more and more interventions from other provinces is going to happen. No one wants this.

I pray for wisdom and grace, for myself as well as for you, and I pray that God will lead us both in the right direction. Remember the illustrious history of God's church and remember future generations who will sit in judgment on us. Remember also that the whole world is waiting and watching what you do.

Please forgive me if I have said anything that offends you.

May the Lord bless you.

---Archbishop Mouneer is Bishop of the Episcopal/Anglican Diocese of Egypt with North Africa and the Horn of Africa. He is President Bishop of the Episcopal/Anglican province of
Jerusalem and the Middle East.


--from Virtue Online. This says it all, it says it well, and it was said in the spirit of the love of Christ. And in this speech Archbishop Mouneer, in my estimation, was doing the thing, besides guarding the faith, that he is called to most--being a pastor.



br. francis

Meeting

Normally, I wouldn't do this on my blog. But I've gotta say these things and get them off my chest.

The Archbishop of Canterbury's response to his meeting with the Episcopal Church's House of Bishops is found wanting. In a nutshell, they continue to say they will continue to ordain non-celibate homosexual persons and to bless same-sex couples (no surprise). He says that the September 30 deadline set by the primates for them to say they will cease this wasn't a deadline, but that there needs to be more discussion. What more discussion is needed? The time for discussion of these matters is done. There has been more than enough discussion about what Holy Scripture clearly states is a sin. We all agree that all persons should be loved, won to Christ, and welcomed in His Church. What we disagree on is whether a person should submit to Christ and be changed by Him--from something His written Word calls sin, to a lifestyle that His Word says is holy unto Him --i.e. either marriage to a spouse of the opposite sex, or celibacy. What is left to be discussed? Your Grace, most of us around the world that are Anglican, yea, the rest of the whole Church, agree that this has been discussed ad nauseum.

God has spoken to His people through faithful bishops and in Holy Scripture. No ecumenical council has ever received the leading of the Holy Spirit that the interpretation of statements in Scripture concerning homosexual behavior were wrong.

We were taught in Bible college from day one: The Spirit of God will never lead us to believe, say or do anything contrary to what is clearly written in Holy Scripture.



br. francis