13 July 08

THE EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

 

13 JULY 08

LECTIONARY READINGS

Morning Prayer: Psalm 119:33-48; Ecclesiasticus 1:18-27; John 7:14-24

Mass: Romans 8:12-17; Matthew 7:15-21

Evening Prayer: Psalm 25; Ecclesiasticus 6:22-end; Luke 10:38-end

REFLECTION
The Gospel. St. Matthew vii. 15.

BEWARE of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

The Scriptures have much to say about false teachers. Jesus warns us not to have anything to do with a false teacher of religion. However, that is not always the easiest thing. Think of Jesus’ warning to his disciples at Matt. 24:4: “Beware lest anyone mislead you. Because many will come in My name saying: ‘I am the Christ’ and they will deceive many.” False teachers always claim that they are of Christ.

I was flipping through cannels the other day…My wife can tell you I am a typical man and I oh so love to flip channels. In fact, I’m known for my ability to run down the battery on the television remote just by flipping back and forth to “see the score of a ball game while watching something else entirely about forty times in a given hour of TV viewing”… However, the other day I stopped for a second and watched a big toothed and handsomely wavy haired fellow that had his trophy wife sitting nearby while he was speaking to a stadium full of people. I thought to myself…”What’s this fellow saying that is getting so many people excited in this stadium.” It didn’t take me long to figure it out. He was a false teacher. He was speaking about “How if you follow Jesus Christ great wealth and blessings are coming your way…You’re guaranteed to get wealth and health and all kinds of good things will happen to you if you followJesus….Well…And you need to call the toll free number flashing below on the screen.” I thought about my recent sermon regarding St. Peter. I thought about Saint Peter choosing to be a martyr. I thought about the fates of all those closest to Christ and the early Church Fathers.

-Matthew suffered martyrdom by the sword.

-Mark died after being dragged throughthe streets.

-Luke was hanged on an olive tree.

-Peter was crucified at Rome with his head downward.

-James the Greater was beheaded at Jerusalem.

-James the Lesser was thrown from the top of the Templeand beaten to death below.

-Philip was hanged against a pillar.

I could continue this list for a very long time…I believe you get the idea now. Those closest to Jesus suffered the most. This is a simple fact. Christians in the East have a wonderful saying…”Every tragedy is an opportunity to know God”. There is a story about a priest who went to the hospital and gave someone Holy Unction and guess what? They died and the family asked the priest, “How could this horrible thing happen?” The priest basically said, “God doesn’t always change the laws of physics and the material world to suit us.” Why should he? After all, God rules the universe from his perspective… not ours. I don’t ever recall reading in scripture bad things don’t happen in this world. I don’t understand how believing in Jesus is going to stop me from losing a loved one or getting my heart broken. However, entire congregations are built around such teachings. When you are the infinite (and God certainly is) you can see further ahead then we can in our hopefully seventy or eighty short years. Why do horrible things happen to people? A false teacher would say becausesomeone doesn’t have enough faith or their faith has lapsed. I would say.. “I don’t know why.” I really don‘t know. However, I DO know that God loved us so much that He came to dwell among us in the flesh and suffered and died as one of us. God gave us the way out of spiritual and permanent death in sin and suffering and that way out is through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. Yes, our lives are temporary and we suffer in this life but if you believe in Christ Jesus death and suffering are temporary as well.

Fr. David

***Fr. David Straw is Asst. Rector of Trinity Anglican Church, Evansville, Indiana. Visit their website at http://www.tacuec.org/***
THE COLLECT FOR THE EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

O God, whose never-failing providence ordereth all things both in heaven and earth; We humbly beseech thee to put away from us all hurtful things, and to give us those things which are profitable for us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE SAINT OF THE DAY

St. Silas, Martyr (1st century)

Saint Silas was a companion and fellow labourer of the Apostle Paul: “And Paul chose Silas and departed…and he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches” (Acts 15:40-41). He later became Bishop of Corinth, and reposed in peace. Saint Silvan became Bishop of Thessalonica, and also reposed in peace. Saint Crescents, whom Saint Paul mentions in his Second Epistle to Timothy(4:10), became Bishop of Chalcedon, and brought many to the Faith. As for him whom the Apostle of the Nations praises as “my well-beloved Epenetus, the first-fruits of Achaia unto Christ” (Roman 16:5), he became Bishop of Carthage, and after enduring many afflictions from the idolators, and bringing many of them to Christ, he departed to the Lord.

***from www.goarch.org***

THE COLLECT FOR ST. SILAS

Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God : that by the prayers of thy holy Martyr blessed Silas, we may be delivered from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

12 July 08

SATURDAY AFTER TRINITY VII

12 JULY 08

LECTIONARY READINGS

Morning Prayer: Psalm 90; 1 Samuel 10:17-end; Luke 14:25-end

Evening Prayer: Psalm 96, 98; Daniel 5:17-30; Acts 25:13-end

THE COLLECT FOR THE SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

Lord of all power and might, who art the author and giver of all good things; Grant in our hearts the love of thy Name, increase in us true religion, nourish us with all goodness, and of thy great mercy keep us in the same; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE SAINT OF THE DAY

St. John Bualbert, Abbot (993-1073)

Born in Florence, Tuscany, Italy, c. 993; died at Passignano (near Florence) in 1073; canonized in 1193. Because of his birth into the noble Visdomini family, John Gualbert had no more thought of following a life of austerity and humility than did his noble Florentine friends and companions. Bred to be a soldier, he spent his time in worldly amusements. Indeed, so far from intending to follow the precepts of Our Lord, his one over-riding ambition was to avenge the murder of his elder brother, Hugh. To him this was a matter of justice and, more importantly, a matter of honor.

It happened that one Good Friday as he was riding through a narrow pass on his way to Florence, Gualbert came face to face with the man he had been seeking. The man was alone and there was no means of escape. Gualbert drew his sword and moved forward, but at his approach the murderer, in a gesture not so much of supplication as of despair, fell to his knees, threw out his arms and commended his soul to God.

Gualbert hesitated, and as he looked down on his victim he was suddenly reminded of the image of Christ suffering on the Cross and of the forgiveness which Our Lord had asked for those who murdered him. Sheathing his sword, he embraced and forgave the man. Having pardoned his brother’s murderer, he saw the image of the crucifix miraculously bow its head in acknowledgement of Gualbert’s good action and they separated in peace.

Continuing his journey, Gualbert went to the monastery of San Miniato del Monte in Florence where, as he prayed before the crucifix, he was filled with divine grace. He asked the abbot for permission to be admitted. But the abbot delayed, fearing the anger and resentment of Gualbert’s parents. To demonstrate the seriousness of his call, Gualbert shaved his head himself and put on a habit that he had borrowed.

For the next few years he remained at San Miniato, leading the life of a penitent and hoping to end his days there; but when the abbot died and the new one bribed his way to office, he left in disgust. (Other sources say that he left with a companion to find solitude when it looked likely that he would be appointed abbot.) He wanted to find a life untouched by the current abuses in the Church: clerical concubinage, nepotism, and simony. For a while he stayed with the Camaldolesi at Saint Romuald’s abbey, but then decided to make an entirely new foundation.

The abbess of Sant’Ellero gave him some land in the Vallis Umbrosa (Vallombrosa), about 20 miles east of Florence near Fiesole; and there, with the help of a few companions, he built a small and unpretentious monastery of timber. The monks followed the austere rule of Saint Benedict to the letter, except for a special provision admitting conversi, or lay- brothers who could take on the manual labor and free the choir monks for contemplation and more prayer.

He was dedicated to poverty and humility. He never became a priest, in fact, he declined even to receive minor orders. Vallombrosa inspired other communities with its hospices for the poor and sick. These became part of his new order under John’s rule, in spite of rival claims to jurisdiction. In this and other ways John became involved in the reform movement in the Church, for which he was commended by popes.

Other monasteries were established, but in all cases Gualbert insisted that the buildings should be constructed as modestly and cheaply as possible and that the money saved should be given to the poor. Indeed, his zeal for charity was such that he often gave away all the monastery’s supplies to the poor who came to its gates. The area in which the first monastery was located was wild and barren, but the monks planted fir and pine trees and transformed it into a parkland.

Gualbert was known for his wisdom, miracles, and prophecies. Pope Saint Leo IX, travelled specially to Passignano to speak with him, as did Stephen X. Pope Alexander II attributed the eradication of simony in his country to him. Though respected and visited by popes, Gualbert retained his humility. He died aged about 80. The congregation of Vallombrosan Benedictines that he founded spread chiefly throughout Tuscany and Lombardy, but it still exists today and includes more than six monasteries (Attwater, Benedictines, Delaney, Encyclopedia, Farmer, White).

In art, Saint John Gualbert is an elderly Vallombrosan abbot with a tau-staff, book and heretic under foot. At times, he may be shown (1) with the devil under foot; (2) enthroned among Vallombrosan monks, tau staff and book of rule in hands; (3) kneeling before a crucifix, which bows towards him; (4) present at an ordeal by fire of Saint Peter Igneus; (5) watching a luxurious monastery carried away by a flood; or as a young man forgiving the murderer of his relative (Roeder). A fine altarpiece in Santa Croce, Florence, depicts four scenes from Saint John’s life (Farmer).

John Gualbert is the patron on foresters and park keepers (White).

***stpatrickdc.org***

THE COLLECT FOR ST. JOHN GUALBERT

Grant, we beseech thee, O Lord, that the prayers of thy holy Abbot, blessed John may commend us unto thee : that we, who have no power of ourselves to help ourselves, may be his advocacy find favour in thy sight. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

11 July 08

FRIDAY AFTER TRINITY VII

11 JULY 08

LECTIONARY READINGS

Morning Prayer: Psalm 86; 1 Samuel 10:1-11; Luke 14:15-24

Evening Prayer: Psalm 91; Danuel 5:10-16; Acts 24:24-25:12

REFLECTION

Today, looking at the reading from Gospel of St. Luke found in Morning Prayer, we see Jesus giving a parable about the Kingdom of God. Again, the idea is that the Kingdom of God isn’t only something far off in the future far removed from life right now as we know it. The Kingdom of God is now, right now, and should be a part of everything we do. The parable speaks of “a certain man” who sends his servants out into the streets to invite many to dinner. All of those who are invited to dinner have excuses of one kind or another. Upon hearing of all these excuses from his servants, the man tells them to go out and to “bring in the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.” That being done, there was still room left. The servants are sent out to ”compel” others to come in and be seated at the table for a feast.

What an amazing image of the Kingdom of God. How often do we see the Church going out to invite certain people, especially those who may be said to be on the ”official” invitation list, people to the feast only to find that there are all kinds of excuses given not to be there. Do we see the Church going out to invite those who may not be on the invitation list, those we may feel are less worthy or appropriate, those we may find personally objectionable, those the world puts on a lower level of social acceptability? If not, why not? If not, do we challenge the Church to do so? In our world today, in our own neighbourhoods and cultural contexts and in various way both physically and socially…who are the poor, maimed, halt, and blind?

Dear friends in Christ, may we accept the challenge of our Lord to be about the work of the Good News of Jesus Christ to extend the invitation to EVERYONE. There will be some people who will refuse such a glorious to feast sumptuously in the Kingdom of God, but there will be many who will accept the invitation and find satisfaction, restoration, healing, and renewal. Thanks be to God!

Be blessed in Christ!

Fr. Greg

THE COLLECT FOR THE SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

Lord of all power and might, who art the author and giver of all good things; Graft in our hearts the love of thy Name, increase in us true religion, nourish us with all goodness, and of thy great mercy keep us in the same, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE SAINT OF THE DAY

St. Benedict, Abbot of Nursia (480-543)

It is unfortunate that no contemporary biography was written of a man who has exercised measureless influence on monasticism in the West. Benedict is well recognized in the later Dialogues of St. Gregory, but these are sketches to illustrate miraculous elements of his career.

Benedict was born of a distinguished family in central Italy, studied at Rome and early in life was drawn to the monastic life. At first he became a hermit, leaving a depressing world—pagan armies on the march, the Church torn by schism, people suffering from war, morality at a low ebb.

He soon realized that he could not live a hidden life in a small town any better than in a large city, so he withdrew to a cave high in the mountains for three years. Some monks chose him as their leader for a while, but found his strictness not to their taste. Still, the shift from hermit to community life had begun for him. He had an idea of gathering various families of monks into one “Grand Monastery” to give them the benefit of unity, fraternity, permanent worship in one house. Finally he began to build what was to become one of the most famous monasteries in the world—Monte Cassino, commanding three narrow valleys running toward the mountain.

The Rule that gradually developed prescribed a life of liturgical prayer, study, manual labor and living together in community under a common father (abbot). Benedictine asceticism is known for its moderation, and Benedictine charity has always shown concern for the people in the surrounding countryside. In the course of the Middle Ages, all monasticism in the West was gradually brought under the Rule of St. Benedict.

Today the Benedictine family is represented by two branches: the Benedictine Federation and the Cistercians.

***from americancatholic.org***

THE COLLECT FOR ST BENEDICT

Grant, we beseech thee, O Lord, that the prayers of thy holy Abbot, blessed Benedict may commend us unto thee : that we, who have no power of ourselves to help ourselves, may by his advocacy find favour in thy sight. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

11 July 08

FRIDAY AFTER TRINITY VII

11 JULY 08

LECTIONARY READINGS

MORNING PRAYER:  Psalm 86; 1 Samuel 10:1-11; Luke 14:15-24

EVENING PRAYER:  Psalm 91; Danuel 5:10-16; Acts 24:24-25:12

REFLECTION

Today, looking at the reading from Gospel of St. Luke found in Morning Prayer, we see Jesus giving a parable about the Kingdom of God.  Again, the idea is that the Kingdom of God isn’t only something far off in the future far removed from life right now as we know it.  The Kingdom of God is now, right now, and should be a part of everything we do.  The parable speaks of “a certain man” who sends his servants out into the streets to invite many to dinner.  All of those who are invited to dinner have excuses of one kind or another.  Upon hearing of all these excuses from his servants, the man tells them to go out and to “bring in the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.”  That being done, there was still room left.  The servants are sent out to ”compel” others to come in and be seated at the table for a feast.

What an amazing image of the Kingdom of God.  How often do we see the Church going out to invite certain people, especially those who may be said to be on the ”official” invitation list, people to the feast only to find that there are all kinds of excuses given not to be there.  Do we see the Church going out to invite those who may not be on the invitation list, those we may feel are less worthy or appropriate, those we may find personally objectionable, those the world puts on a lower level of social acceptability?  If not, why not?  If not, do we challenge the Church to do so?  In our world today, in our own neighbourhoods and cultural contexts and in various way both physically and socially…who are the poor, maimed, halt, and blind?

Dear friends in Christ, may we accept the challenge of our Lord to be about the work of the Good News of Jesus Christ to extend the invitation to EVERYONE.  There will be some people who will refuse such a glorious to feast sumptuously in the Kingdom of God, but there will be many who will accept the invitation and find satisfaction, restoration, healing, and renewal.  Thanks be to God!

Fr. Greg 

THE COLLECT FOR THE SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

Lord of all power and might, who art the author and giver of all good things; Graft in our hearts the love of thy Name, increase in us true religion, nourish us with all goodness, and of thy great mercy keep us in the same, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

THE SAINT OF THE DAY

St. Benedict, Abbot of Nursia (480-543)

It is unfortunate that no contemporary biography was written of a man who has exercised measureless influence on monasticism in the West. Benedict is well recognized in the later Dialogues of St. Gregory, but these are sketches to illustrate miraculous elements of his career.

Benedict was born of a distinguished family in central Italy, studied at Rome and early in life was drawn to the monastic life. At first he became a hermit, leaving a depressing world—pagan armies on the march, the Church torn by schism, people suffering from war, morality at a low ebb.

He soon realized that he could not live a hidden life in a small town any better than in a large city, so he withdrew to a cave high in the mountains for three years. Some monks chose him as their leader for a while, but found his strictness not to their taste. Still, the shift from hermit to community life had begun for him. He had an idea of gathering various families of monks into one “Grand Monastery” to give them the benefit of unity, fraternity, permanent worship in one house. Finally he began to build what was to become one of the most famous monasteries in the world—Monte Cassino, commanding three narrow valleys running toward the mountain.

The Rule that gradually developed prescribed a life of liturgical prayer, study, manual labor and living together in community under a common father (abbot). Benedictine asceticism is known for its moderation, and Benedictine charity has always shown concern for the people in the surrounding countryside. In the course of the Middle Ages, all monasticism in the West was gradually brought under the Rule of St. Benedict.

Today the Benedictine family is represented by two branches: the Benedictine Federation and the Cistercians.

***from americancatholic.org***

THE COLLECT FOR ST BENEDICT

Grant, we beseech thee, O Lord, that the prayers of thy holy Abbot, blessed Benedict may commend us unto thee : that we, who have no power of ourselves to help ourselves, may by his advocacy find favour in thy sight.  Through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

9 July 08

WEDNESDAY AFTER TRINITY VII

9 JULY 08

LECTIONARY READINGS

Morning Prayer:  Psalm 80; 1 Samuel 9:11-21; Luke 13:22-end

Evening Prayer:  Psalm 81; Daniel 4:28-end; Acts 23:25-24:9

REFLECTION

Once again, today, St. Luke records a very strong message from our Lord regarding our discipleship.  There are many who seem to be following the Lord, who say they are, and who may even seem to show signs of such a life on the exterior.  Yet, in truth, their hearts are far from the Lord.  They have chosen not to travel along the narrow path and through the straight gate into the Kingdom of God.

So, what kind of disciple are we?  Do we wear one mask on Sunday to impress everyone around us with our superficial spirituality while wearing a completely different mask at all other times that resembles more the life of the world around us?  Or are we fully integrated, restored, and healed children of God, truly faithful and committed followers of our Lord Jesus Christ, striving to live the authentic apostolic and catholic faith He established?

Fr. Greg

COLLECT FOR THE SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

Lord of all power and might, who art the author and giver of all good things; Graft in our hearts the love of thy Name, increase in us true religion, nourish us with all goodness, and of thy great mercy keep us in the same, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

SAINT OF THE DAY

St John Fisher, Bishop and Martyr (1469-1535)

John Fisher is usually associated with Erasmus, Thomas More and other Renaissance humanists. His life, therefore, did not have the external simplicity found in the lives of some saints. Rather, he was a man of learning, associated with the intellectuals and political leaders of his day. He was interested in the contemporary culture and eventually became chancellor at Cambridge. He had been made a bishop at 35, and one of his interests was raising the standard of preaching in England. Fisher himself was an accomplished preacher and writer. His sermons on the penitential psalms were reprinted seven times before his death. With the coming of Lutheranism, he was drawn into controversy. His eight books against heresy gave him a leading position among European theologians.

In 1521 he was asked to study the problem of Henry VIII’s marriage. He incurred Henry’s anger by defending the validity of the king’s marriage with Catherine and later by rejecting Henry’s claim to be the supreme head of the Church of England.

In an attempt to be rid of him, Henry first had him accused of not reporting all the “revelations” of the nun of Kent, Elizabeth Barton. John was summoned, in feeble health, to take the oath to the new Act of Succession. He and Thomas More refused because the Act presumed the legality of Henry’s divorce and his claim to be head of the English Church. They were sent to the Tower of London, where Fisher remained 14 months without trial. They were finally sentenced to life imprisonment and loss of goods.

When the two were called to further interrogations, they remained silent. Fisher was tricked, on the supposition he was speaking privately as a priest, and declared again that the king was not supreme head. The king, further angered that the pope had made John Fisher a cardinal, had him brought to trial on the charge of high treason. He was condemned and executed, his body left to lie all day on the scaffold and his head hung on London Bridge. More was executed two weeks later.

***from www.americancatholic.org***

St. Thomas More, Martyr (1478-1535)

His belief that no lay ruler has jurisdiction over the Church of Christ cost Thomas More his life.

Beheaded on Tower Hill, London, July 6, 1535, he steadfastly refused to approve Henry VIII’s divorce and remarriage and establishment of the Church of England.

Described as “a man for all seasons,” More was a literary scholar, eminent lawyer, gentleman, father of four children and chancellor of England. An intensely spiritual man, he would not support the king’s divorce from Catherine of Aragon in order to marry Anne Boleyn. Nor would he acknowledge Henry as supreme head of the Church in England, breaking with Rome and denying the pope as head.

More was committed to the Tower of London to await trial for treason: not swearing to the Act of Succession and the Oath of Supremacy. Upon conviction, More declared he had all the councils of Christendom and not just the council of one realm to support him in the decision of his conscience.

THE COLLECT FOR STS. JOHN FISHER AND THOMAS MORE

O God, whoh didst raise up amongst the English people thy blessed Martyrs John and Thomas in defence of the Faith in witness to the dignity of Apostolic Authority : grant by their merits and prayers ; that in the profession of one Faith we may all be made on in Christ, and in him continue to be at one with one another.  Through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

8 July 08

TUESDAY AFTER TRINITY VII

8 JULY 08

LECTIONARY READINGS

Morning Prayer:  Psalm 77, 1 Samuel 9:1-10; Luke 13:10-21

Evening Prayer:  Psalm 74; Daniel 4:19-20; Acts 23:12-24

REFLECTION

In the Gospel, found in Morning Prayer, the question is ask as to what the Kingdom of God is like.  Our Lord goes on to say that it is like the grain of a mustard seed that is cast out into the field and grows into a great tree, so much so that birds are able to lodge in its branches.  Again, our Lord likens the Kingdom of God to leaven that is put into three measures of meal.  In time, the leaven infiltrates the entire three measures of meal.

The question that has been on my mind about this reading is this: Are we making our way into all the various parts of our society in such a way as to cause it to grow, rise, become a haven of shelter and security, and that which is prepared to become bread for the world?  On the other hand, are we more like those pharisees who are so caught up with our rubrics, rules, legislation, and politics that we hinder the grace and Good News of Jesus Christ from it’s healing and redeeming mission in the world?  How might we change our hearts and minds so that we might become the very mustard seed, or leaven, that truly has an impact on the world around us with the love of Jesus?

Fr. Greg

COLLECT FOR THE SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

Lord of all power and might, who art the author and giver of all good things; Graft in our hearts the love of thy Name, increase in us true religion, nourish us with all goodness, and of thy great mercy keep us in the same, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

SAINT OF THE DAY

St. Elisabeth of Portugal, Queen and Widow (1271-1336)

Elizabeth is usually depicted in royal garb with a dove or an olive branch. At her birth in 1271, her father, Pedro III, future king of Aragon, was reconciled with his father, James, the reigning monarch. This proved to be a portent of things to come. Under the healthful influences surrounding her early years, she quickly learned self-discipline and acquired a taste for spirituality. Thus fortunately prepared, she was able to meet the challenge when, at the age of 12, she was given in marriage to Denis, king of Portugal. She was able to establish for herself a pattern of life conducive to growth in God’s love, not merely through her exercises of piety, including daily Mass, but also through her exercise of charity, by which she was able to befriend and help pilgrims, strangers, the sick, the poor—in a word, all those whose need came to her notice. At the same time she remained devoted to her husband, whose infidelity to her was a scandal to the kingdom.

He too was the object of many of her peace endeavors. She long sought peace for him with God, and was finally rewarded when he gave up his life of sin. She repeatedly sought and effected peace between the king and their rebellious son, Alfonso, who thought that he was passed over to favor the king’s illegitimate children. She acted as peacemaker in the struggle between Ferdinand, king of Aragon, and his cousin James, who claimed the crown. And finally from Coimbra, where she had retired as a Franciscan tertiary to the monastery of the Poor Clares after the death of her husband, she set out and was able to bring about a lasting peace between her son Alfonso, now king of Portugal, and his son-in-law, the king of Castile.

***from http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintOfDay/default.asp?id=1434***

THE COLLECT FOR ST. ELISABETH OF PORTUGAL

Most merciful God, who amongst many excellent gifts didst bestow on the blessed Queen Elisabeth peculiar grace to allay the violence of war : grant, we beseech thee ; that by her intercession we may both obtain in this life that peace for which we humbly pray, and hereafter attain to eternal felicity.  Through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

7 July 08

Monday after Trinity VII

7 July 08

LECTIONARY READINGS

Morning Prayer:  Psalm 75, 76; 1 Samuel 8:4-end; Luke 13:1-9

Evening Prayer:  Psalm 73; Daniel 4:4-5, 10-18; Acts 22:30-23:11

REFLECTION

Today’s Gospel reading, found in Morning Prayer, speaks about the voices we hear around us that seem to say those who are killed in various ways must have been worse sinners than others of us.  In our own times, we have heard these kinds of thoughts shared by some who lay the same claim regarding 9/11 or Hurricane Katrina.  Yet, the Gospel tells us we will all suffer in like manner if we do not repent of our sins.

In the parable that is told, there is a tree that bears no fruit.  There is an order to cut it down, with a subsequent plea to wait until there is adequate time to fertilize this tree in hopes it will bear fruit.  You and I, brothers and sisters, are called to be the ones who scatter the fertilizer of the loving and challenging Good News of Jesus Christ around our own cultural contexts, in prayerful hope that there will be those who will bear great fruit in their lives, in their neighbourhoods.  It is about the expansion of the peaceable Kingdom of God that is established here and now.

Look around your own situation in life.  Who are those people to whom you can live and give the Good News of Jesus Christ in word and action?  In what ways might our Lord be calling you to be His eyes, ears, mouth, hands, and feet to those with whom you come into contact with.  In what ways can you build relationships with these people and build trust, so that the Holy Spirit can come in and water those fertilized roots?

Fr. Greg

THE COLLECT FOR THE SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

Lord of all power and might, who art the author and giver of all good things; Graft in our hearts the love of thy Name, increase in us true religion, nourish us with all goodness, and of thy great mercy keep us in the same, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

SAINT OF THE DAY

Saints Cyril and Methodius, Bishops and Confessors (born and died in the 9th cent.)

These biological brothers were born in Thessaloniki.  They grew up in very devout Christian families and sensed God’s call into ministry.  They became missionaries to the Slavs, of which the great great Churches we see today in slavic nations are inheritors.  They created the cyrilic alphabet, based upon the Greek alphabet, so that those to whom they minister to would be able to enjoy the Scriptures and tradition of the Church in their own language.  These brothers have been proclaimed by the Church as “Equal to the Apostles,” and, “Apostles to the Slavs.”

COLLECT FOR STS CYRIL AND METHODIUS

Almighty and everlasting God, who, by thy blessed Confessors and Bishops, Cyril and Methodius, didst suffer the nations of Slavonia to come to the knowledge of thy Name: grant; that we, who glory in their festival; may hereafter be united to their fellowship in heaven.  Through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

6 Jul 08

SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

6 JULY 08

LECTIONARY READINGS

Morning Prayer:  Psalm 18:1-20; Hosea 14; Romans 6:12-18

Mass:  Romans 6:19-23; Mark 8:1-9

Evening Prayer:  Psalm 50; Daniel 5:1-9, 13-30; Romans 1:17-21, 28-32

REFLECTION

Today’s reading from St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans, found in Mass, is about the universal call to holiness.  Paul says that we once allowed the various members of our bodies to be used for the purposes of sin, which leads to death.  Yet, as Christians who have been baptised into Christ, we are to strive in the life long journey to use the members of our bodies for the growth of holiness, in becoming like Christ in all things.  Of course, this isn’t possible on our own.  As the Collect today reminds us, we will never make it on our own power and strength.  Yet, when we unite ourselves to Christ, we will grow from glory to glory.  May we all take heed to this call to holiness and begin our journey, always yielding to Christ and seeking His power and strength through the Holy Spirit.

Be blessed in Christ!

Fr. Greg

THE COLLECT FOR THE SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

Lord of all power and might, who art the author and giver of all good things; Graft in our hearts the love of thy Name, increase in us true religion, nourish us with all goodness, and of thy great mercy keep us in the same, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

SAINT OF THE DAY

None for today