Feria

Friends in Christ,

" Bless the Lord, O my soul,

and forget not all his benefits."

Into all our lives, in many simple, familiar, homely ways, God infuses this element of joy from the surprises of life, which unexpectedly brighten our days, and fill our eyes with light.

I wish you a blessed Tuesday,

Yours in Christ,

Ed Bakker

For Sunday 29 October 2006 Christ the King

Friends in Christ,

A contribution from Father Todd -

Thy Kingdom Come, Thy will be Done. Are those words that just role off our lips every Sunday and occasionally on weekdays, Or, are they in fact the true desire of our hearts? This is a question each and everyone of us has to answer. We were created with free will and only we can decide who we will have as our King.In our hearts everyone of us has a throne. On this throne sits a ruler to whom we must all answer to. Our every action is guided and decided by the will of our King. That King can only be one of two people: Christ the King or yourself. Each one of us is faced with a fundamental choice and that choice is: Thy will be done or it is: My will be done. Whom do you serve: Jesus Christ or Yourself? Who is master of your life: Jesus Christ or yourself?Today?s scriptures tell us that in fact Jesus Christ is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. All peoples, nations and languages serve him. His Kingship will not be destroyed. Can we say the same of ours? If the King of our Hearts is Jesus Christ then we can.Each of us has a choice. That is what free will is. Whom will we serve? Whose will do we want? Christ?s will or ours? We were created for one reality and that is to know, love and serve God in this life and spend eternity in heaven. We can live according to that reality or we can rebel against it. Let me give you an example of each. When God created the world, the heavens and all creatures he created one angel above them all. One angel more excellent than all the others, more intelligent, more beautiful than all the others and God named him Lucifer which means the bringer of light. This angel, at the moment of his creation, looked upon himself and saw the beauty and the intelligence and was fascinated by it. He said I will not serve, I must be the master and he rebelled against God and determined to wage war against him for all eternity.This angel appeared to the woman Eve in a garden and asked her to disobey God. She saw the tree of the knowledge of Good and Evil and she wanted to be its master. She wanted to decide what is right and wrong. So she reached for the fruit and she took it. She rebelled against God and she convinced Adam to do the same. They decided who would sit on the throne of their hearts, and all hell broke loose. We suffer today because of that decision.Thousands of years later another Angel appeared to another lowly woman with an offer: Hail full of Grace. Would she like to be part of God?s plan and bear his son. This handmaid didn?t know how it was possible since she consecrated herself to God from a young age. But Gabriel told her the Holy Spirit would come upon her and she would conceive and bear a son: God is with us. She didn?t understand. She didn?t need to. God?s messenger was speaking, and that was good enough for her. Let it be done unto me according to thy word, she responded. Through her yes to God she bore a son that would conquer death and restore order. Hell was loose no longer. We were free to choose again.It seems an easy choice for us to make. If we let Christ rule in our hearts then salvation, happiness and paradise follow. Then why is it so tough in real life? Why is it tough to trust? Why are we afraid? We are afraid that if we do it God?s way then we won?t be happy. That is the voice of Satan whispering lies in our ears. St. Maximilian Kolbe said, ?Lucifer is so clever he can blind any man.? God?s plan for us is one for our complete happiness. Listen to what it says in God?s word in the book of Jeremiah.For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare, not for woe! plans to give you a future full of hope. When you call me, when you go to pray to me, I will listen to you. When you look for me, you will find me. Yes, when you seek me with all your heart, you will find me with you, says the LORD,
When Christ is king of your life then you will indeed see God?s plans for your welfare unfolding. Not necessarily in the big things but in the little signs of love he has for us and shows us everyday if we are willing to see with the eyes of faith. Let me offer you two examples.When I was in studying Rome I was given a lock of Mother Teresa?s hair by a priest who works for the Congregation for the causes of Saints. Relics have not been a large part of my spirituality but I was very touched and I decided to give it to Bishop Carlson to use for the Diocese. In the course of moving home from the seminary I lost track of where I was keeping it. I looked for it for three months and couldn?t find it. My room is still recovering. Recently I tried again because I wanted to take it with me to a family?s house to pray for one of their family.. I thought we would ask for a miracle. I knew one would be granted even if it wasn?t what we hoped for or even if we didn?t recognize it. I searched again and was unsuccessful. Finally I said to the Lord: ?Lord if it?s your will that we use this then please let me find it.? And then I let it go.Later that week I was eating at HyVee and someone came up to me and our conversation got me thinking about beauty. I have always enjoyed the topic and went back to the office to look up something in a book I had on beauty. Upon opening that book it fell open to a page where the Lock of Mother Teresa?s hair was. I immediately saw God?s hand moving and guiding the course of events. I went to the family?s home, told them the story and we prayed for the miracle. Right after we came down from praying the whole room was flooded with sunlight. One of the family members commented on that happening right after we prayed (it had be cloudy for days). I told them that is no coincidence. That even if we didn?t receive exactly what we hoped for God was showing us his love. In the midst of difficult situations God is moving even if we don?t see it. So we should trust in God and his plan for our lives. I went back to the office and I walked in and the ladies said ?Father look what we just got.? They pulled out a beautiful framed picture of Mother Teresa. The hand of God is in our lives if we allow it to be and if we allow Christ to be the Lord of our lives we see his hand moving. Maybe some of you think all these are just coincidences. I pity you if that is the case. It must be a dark and dreary world you live in full of sadness and despair. But Lucifer can blind any man and he wouldn?t want you to see the hand of God moving because then you would not doubt. He wants you to doubt.A second example. While I was in Rome, before I left, I bought a bunch of St. Michaels medals to bring back. Both my brothers are police officers and St. Michael is the patron saint of police officers. I had them blessed by the Pope. I brought enough for every member of their department and every member of the Sioux Falls Police Department who wanted one. If you know someone in the Sheriff, Police or Highway Patrol let them know I have them. Word got out and people started coming by the office to pick them up. I wanted to meet them and thank them for what they do.A few weeks after I gave one to one man, he was in a terrible accident. I received a call from his wife, letting me know of the situation and thanking me for the medal, and saying it meant a lot to him. I asked if I could visit him and she told me how. I visited him and he lit up when I came into the room. He said, ?Father have I got a story to tell you.? He proceeded to tell me of the accident. He said in the course of the accident everything was ripped from his body. His clothes where shredded, his rings and watch were torn off. He said the only thing left on him was a thin gold chain that had his crucifix and his St. Michaels Medal attached. He said he had a half hour laying there waiting for the rescue workers with just him and God and it was a profound experience that changed his life. His wife and daughter are convinced that the medal and crucifix are the only reason he is alive and they insisted he keep it on during his surgery?s. St. Michael the Archangel, Defend us in Battle, Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. Do you still believe God and his heavenly host don?t take their Lordship seriously?We have a choice about who sits on the thrones of our hearts. We can?t have them rule some parts of our lives and not others. The Lord Jesus Christ is Lord of all or not at all. You get to decide. Will you surrender the sovereignty of your heart to him or will you be the king of your heart. The Kingdom of Christ is a Kingdom of Faith, Hope and Love. There is no room in that kingdom for Doubt, Despair or Hate. Even in the midst of life?s terrible tragedies you can see God?s hand moving if you are willing to let him be the Lord of your life. If you choose to be the Lord of your life then in the midst of life?s terrible tragedies you will see your hand moving.If your life is full of doubt, despair, hate, fear. If it is dark and dreary then I suggest to you that you have a regime change in your heart. Surrender your life to Christ and let him be the Lord of your entire life. Of every aspect of your life, not just one hour on Sunday?s. His yoke is easy, his burden light. His plans are for your welfare and complete happiness. I can tell you that my experience is I have never regretted the choice I make for Christ each morning. I don?t think you would either. It?s not a magic, happy pill but it is a life of beauty and of peace. Perhaps you doubt him. Lucifer can make any man blind. Perhaps you think you can do better. That choice is yours to make. You get to choose who will sit on the throne of your heart. Choose well.
Posted by FatherTodd

Saint Simon & Saint Jude, Apostles

Friends in Christ,

Greetings on this feast of Saint Simon and Sin Jude, Apostles. Saint Simon belonged to the extreme nationalist party among the Jews, before he answered our Lord's call to the Apostolate. Hence he is surnamed Simon the Zealot to distingish him from Saint Peter. Saint Jude, the brother of Saint James the less is called the "the brother of the Lord",because he was a cousing of the Lord according to the flesh. He is the author of the Catholic Epistles. We learn from tradition that these two Apostles preached the Gospel in Mesopotamia and Persia before ending their lives by martyrdom.

Both these Apostles knew what to expect regarding their calling to the Apostolate, as Jesus foretold them , reference to this can be found in Saint John 15, the verses 17-25. Their task was not an easy one, because they were told that they were hated by the world, just as the world hated Jesus. But it has been worth it - as Psalm 18, verse 5 tells us - Their utterance fills every land till their message reaches the end of the world.

Let us therefore give thanks to God, for the work done by Blessed Saint Simon and Saint Jude, for they have brought us the knowledge of the Name of Jesus, So we celebrate their everlasting Glory and by doing so, we will advance in virtue.

Thanks be to God.

Ed Bakker

Feria

Friends in Christ

"The Lord thy God hath blessed thee" - ( Deuteronomy 12:7 )

We ought daily or weekly to dedicate a little time to the reckoning up of the virtues of our belongings - wife, children, friends - and contemplating them then in a beautiful collection.

Have a blessed weekend,

Ed Bakker

http://www.crossspot.net/ststephenstac/

S.Alfred , King & Martyr, ad 899

Friends in Christ,

Once again, Christian greetings from New Zealand. Please share we me : "But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer" ( 1 Peter 4:7 )

This is a bit like our life's journey, in our younger days we walked hesitantly towards the Lord Jesus Christ and often we needed a time and a place for solitude and prayer. But.. when we get older our step towards Christ is more confident and now we find in the face of our Blessed Lord Jesus a closet.

May God bless you wherever you are.

Ed Bakker

Saint Crispin and Crispinian, Martyrs 285

Friends in Christ,

Jesus has trusted us with a great responsibility. This responsibility is taking the great gift He gave to us and sharing it with the entire world. In Matthew’s gospel, His last words were, "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." This is what we are charged with doing while He is away.
We do not know when He will return, but when He does will we hear Him ask us to join Him in eternity, or will some other fate be ours? Have we taken all that Jesus taught and told others of Him? Have we shared the complete love we experience? Have we forgiven all those who have offended us just as the Father has unconditionally forgiven us? Or, have we hidden our faith, treated others with hatred and failed to forgive for even minor offenses? The choice is ours, but as Jesus tells us in today’s gospel, eternity hinges on our choices.

What is your choice?

In XC

Ed Bakker

Feria

Friends in Christ,

Christian greetings from ' down under ' Many songs have been written about money, a particular one, which comes to my mind is the one produced by the former group ABBA - ' Money,money, money, it is a rich man's world'. It is true, is it not the our lives are controlled by money or money matters dominate it completely. The Banks with their commercials are introducing us to the love of money, because the more you borrow, the more worldly goods you can obtain, which you cannot afford today.

Timothy 1, chapter 6, verse 10 has this to say about money: "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and perced themselves through with many sorrows."

Let's face it in today's world we cannot live without having some money, but it surely must be possible to be a wise and faithful steward of it? Can we learn something also from what Francis Bacon said:" If money be not thy servant, it will be thy master. "

May God bless us as we ponder over these words and may they make a difference in our lives.

Ed Bakker

Feria

Friends in Christ,

Christian greetings on this Labour Monday ( a public holiday ) in New Zealand. In my last blog I touched on 'Evangelism', an important subject in the life of a Catholic Christian and in the life of the Church. I justed wanted to share a few more thoughts with you on this topic. In Anglican Catholic circles, we just got to get this right, otherwise there is not going to be any growth in Church membership. In my life as a Catholic Christian I have been a member of a number of Anglo-Catholic Parishes, not only in this country of New Zealand, but also in Australia, and then in the city of Melbourne. And yet... I must confess that evangelism , no matter where I worshipped and were I was actively involved in the sanctuary as a Subdeacon, a thurifer, a layreader and one carrying the processional Cross, was a grey area in all these places. There is nothing worse, then after Mass standing in the coffee room with a cup of coffee in your hand and nobody.. yes nobody comes around to great you and make you feel welcome. I experience this for instance when trying to settle into Saint Peter's Easter Hill, Melbourne. But... it has been a few years since I was there last, so you never know whether this situation has improved. So this is really evangelism amongst ourselves, this is where we need to start first, before we go out and about and preach the word. Because if we are so successful in bringing some-one, e.g. a collegue from work to our Parish Church and that person sees how Catholic Christians live pas each other, then our evangelizing is in vain. I am a member of the TAC, as you will note in my blog, even being part of this body, you can be so lonely. One of the worst excuses I hear is that Bishops are always pre-occupied, they are always busy, they are always on the move. What is the answer? One of the good things of a blog spot is that you can allow others to comment on your train of thought and on important issues. Let's read your thoughts on the matter.

There is something very clear offcourse, that our Lord has no grandchildren.

If you are in New Zealand enjoy your Labour Monday holiday, here in Oxford the sun is shining. May God bless you and keep you wherever you are.

In XC

Ed Bakker

The Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity

Friends in Christ,

Christians greetings from New Zealand where our Sunday draws to an end.

"Do not worry about what your defense will be . . . ."
Evangelism is difficult. It is an awkward concept for Catholics, in large part due to the inertia of history. There was no real need for evangelism in much of the Christianized countries--it went without saying that everyone was a Catholic.
But by our baptism we are called to evangelize, and this passage gives us hope. Although Jesus is speaking here of the much more dire and hazardous situations of those who are imprisoned or otherwise punished for their faith, the same thing holds true for those of us who face the little tortures of speaking out for Him. When we are to testify, we will not need to worry about the words because the Holy Spirit, who knows all things, will give the words we need at the time.
So, the next time you are in a position to say something about Jesus to help another person, don't worry about how to approach it. Inwardly, ask the Holy Spirit's power and blessing on your words and move forward boldly. He will give you the words you need to move hearts that have remained unmoved. All you need to do is trust that it will be so.

Have a blessed week,

Ed Bakker

Feria

Brothers & Sisters in Christ,

"Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed in pure water'" - Blessed Saint Paul's letter to the Hebrews, chapter 10, verse 22

You and I , well we have all have a conscience, dont we? Probably a subject we dont discuss very much, not a topic about which we do hear a great many sermons about. And yet our conscience is something which plays a major part in our lives, as it does control our sense to which is good and which is bad. I was visiting a Roman Catholic School a few days ago to discuss doing a website for them, and the staff asked me why I had left the Anglican Church and joined a Continuing Anglican Church. My answer was :" My conscience did not allow me to continue to worship in the Anglican Church". This does relate to liberalism, heresay, false doctrine, etc etc. Another exemple is when we see some-one in our community who needs help and we say:" My conscience did not allow me to do nothing, I had to go over and volunteer my services.

We are shaking in our chairs when watching television and faced with horrific crime stories and we might comment:" How could that person's conscience have allowed him or her to commit this crime"?

I think that we should pray for God to grant us a tender conscience, which is an inestimable blessing: that is, a conscience not only quick to discern what is evil, but instantly to shun it.

Lord, in Thy Mercy, hear our Prayer.

A blessed Sunday everyone,

Ed Bakker

Feria

Friends in Christ,

At the end of another week, first of all I would like to take the opportunity to wish you all a refreshing and blessed week. Recharge your batteries, but also your spiritual batteries.

Our Lord Jesus is the perfect model for us. As He was the ultimate sacrifice for us, we also should sacrifice for Him.

The disciples that Jesus sent out were told to “Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals,” and to eat what they were given by those who welcomed them. It was certainly a sacrifice to give up the security of money, extra clothing and shoes, but it was more. Giving up these things required the disciples to trust totally in the Lord and know that He would provide what they needed. Also, money easily becomes an idol and a distraction, so not having it most certainly helped keep the disciples focused.

Jesus also told them, “I am sending you like lambs among wolves.” This points to what may have been the biggest sacrifice for some of the disciples: loss of their very lives. Lambs do not stand a chance among wolves and are quickly killed and devoured in a most violent fashion. The disciples knew this and knew that this could be their fate. They were being asked to make the largest sacrifice.

We must be ready to sacrifice also. As Jesus sacrificed for us, we may be called to do the same for Him, even to the point of making the complete and total sacrifice of our lives.

Thanks be to God.

In XC

Ed Bakker

Feria

( the picture is of the Sanctuary, how it used to look in the mid nineties - Christ Church, Anglican Church,Brunswick, Melbourne, where yours truly served as Subdeacon, thurifer, crucifer etc at the altar)

Friends in Christ,

Once again Christian greetings from New Zealand. Please share with me from Blessed Peter's first letter, chapter 1, the verses 6,7 - ' That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, through it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. '

To me this evening this portion of scripture also points to our doctrine as Catholic Christians. Let's face it , in the times we live it has been tried with fire. Within ECUSA and also in the wider Anglican Communion and in this country of New Zealand, heresy is not an uncommon thing. And those left behind, the Orthodox Anglicans are in the minority and desperately stand up for the true Catholic Faith. That is why this prayer, which we pray at Mass is just so important:

Give grace, O Heavenly Father to our Chief Bishop, to our own Bishop and to all Bishops, Priests and Curates, that they may both by their life and doctrine set forth Thy true and live Word, and rightly and duly administer Thy Holy Sacraments. It cannot be clearer then that.

Friends in Christ, Right doctrine always adds up to right living.

The Lord be with you,

Ed Bakker

Saint Luke , Apostle, Evangelist and Martyr

Friends in Christ,

Happy Saint Luke's Day! I would normally say something in this blog about Saint Luke, but today I want to dwell on this :

That He would grant you, according to the riches of His Glory, to be strenghened with might by His Spirit in the inner man. ( From Blessed Saint Paul's letter to the Ephesians, chapter 3, verse 16

In view of the above, how is it possible that even during the most glorious High Masses in the most beautiful Church buildings, worshippers look so sombre?I asked myself this question when I was on duty as Subdeacon at Christ Church Anglican Church, Brunswick Melbourne some years ago and when I was involved as Master of Ceremonies at St.Michael and all Angels, Christchurch, New Zealand. In these roles you do get the opportunity to have a good look at the faithful, when processing in and out and during the Communion. Why dont they all look so sombre? Are we really so burdened down with life? Do we have so many problems, which we just cannot resolve? Could it be that the Power of the Holy Spirit is missing in our lives and/or in the life of those particular Churches? There are no rules and regulations that we all have to be slain by the Holy Spirit and roll down the isles during our service of Worship, but.....should a child of God not be a visible beatitude for joy and happiness, and a living doxology for gratitude and adoration? What do you think?

Fill us with Thy Holy Spirit Lord, that we have a new vision of Thy Glory.

Have a blessed day,

Ed Bakker

The Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity

Friends in Christ,

How often you have shopped for hours in store after store for something you really wanted, only to find it in some local shop you should have tried in the first place!
Searching for fulfillment in life is something like that. It’s to be found in the least likely places! Most young people think they’ll find happiness in a job or career that makes "big bucks." Then, we read about some fabulously wealthy multimillionaire who in despair of finding happiness, ends up attempting suicide. Far happier are the parents who, trusting Providence, raise children in an atmosphere of love and sacrifice. Their carpets may be worn at the edges, but not their hearts. Rather than riches, they have sought and found wisdom , and so have entered into "the Lord’s rest" .
One of the characters in the Gospels, with whom we moderns can easily identify, is the "rich young man" who goes away sad. Jesus made him an amazing offer—eternal life—and he turned it down! Why? Because he just couldn’t give up his fancy sports car and his bulging bank account in exchange for a less comfortable life of discipleship. Like so many young and not-so-young people in our society, he couldn’t make a commitment to spiritual wealth—God’s wisdom. It would involve living for others, serving people without power or status. Because he couldn’t make the leap of faith, he chose to remain bound to a life of anxious seeking for what he could see and feel. You can’t take it with you!
If we had to give up something we cherish in order to grow closer to Christ, would we be strong enough to let go? The Word of God is challenging us to seek and accept the gift of Wisdom, and so enter into the joy of living with peace of mind and heart.

Wishing you a blessed week,

Ed Bakker

Feria

Friends in Christ,

Who are the happy people today? Who are the men and women, who enjoy life? Are they those,who have lost faith in religion and allowed the thought of God to pass out of their lives? Or is it those, who can still repeat , with conviction the lovely words of Blessed Saint Peter :"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ , which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away,reserved in heaven for you"

My Father's house on high,
Home of my soul, how near
At times, to faith's foreseeing eye,
Thy golden gates appear!
Ah! Then my spirit faints
To reach the land I love
The bright inheritance of Saints
Jerusalem above.

Such ideas are, of course, regarded as old-fashioned today. But I am not persuaded that the world has been made any happier by discarding the old hopes and the old faith.

Blessed every weekend everyone, pray for me as I pray for you.

Ed Bakker

Feria

Friends in Christ,

Greetings on this Thursday Evening.... let us ponder for a moment on Psalm 100 verse 4 "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful until Him and bless His Name"

Within a Church family, we can sometimes be such an unhappy people, I confess that I can be guilty of this myself, we complain about the lenght of the sermon and / or the preacher, we dont like any changes and sometimes if we have a bad week, we almost blame God for it. I recall a Parishioner from St.Luke's Anglican Church here in Christchurch, who had been a vestry member and been deeply involved in Church life most of her life, then she became ill and she blamed God. Can we focus on : " God is glorified, not by our groans, but by our thanksgivings:and all good thought and good action claim a natural alliance with good cheer.

Something to pray about I think.

With every good wish in XC

Ed Bakker

Feria

Friends in Christ,

Greetings from New Zealand on this Wednesday Evening. Please refer to Blessed St.Paul's letter ( the first letter ) to the Corinthians, chapter 13, verse 7 "Charity... beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, edureth all things."

Well known words, are they not? I can think of four kinds of spirits in this world, which diametrically oppose charity: resentment, aversion, jealousy, and indifference. These four spirits seem to be around in almost every aspect of our lives: In our family, in our workplace, and even in our Churches. These spirits often take hold of us, it is like being in chaines. Remember that beautiful song, sung by the late Ray Charles " Take these chains from my heart and set me free"? Absolutely wonderful - it is my Holy Prayer this evening, that the Lord Jesus Christ may take these particular chains from my heart and from yours and set us all free, so that we may focus on the all important " Charity"

We can make a difference.

Thanks be to God

In XC

Ed Bakker

Feria

Friends in Christ,

Greetings to you all on this Tuesday Evening. I am writing this from ' way down under' New Zealand, so time-wise we are well ahead of the rest of the world. Can I share with you this evening the words from Blessed St.Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, chapter 9 , verse 9

and I quote
'For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich.'

Our lives very much involve about either being rich or being poor. The society we live in is more materialistic then ever, the media presses us into obtaining things that we cannot really afford to have and that wont bring us that much pleasure after we have obtained them. As Catholic Christians, what do we make then of all this ?

We can be poor in the eyes of our Lord Jesus Christ in relation to what we refuse to give and what we want to keep for ourselves, is is not only money, but also service to others. But in the eyes of Jesus Christ we are indeed rich, but only through what we give.

As we are struggling with these concepts of having and having not, can these words this evening be a turning point for us when it comes to being Faithful Stewards of our talents and posessions?

I pray that it can be.

Thanks be to God.

In XC

Ed Bakker

Feria

Friends in Christ,

Please read from Blessed Saint Paul's letter to the Galatians, chapter 1, the verses 6-12

In Paul's letter to the Galatians, we come to realize that the people of our time are not very different from those in his preaching days. It appears as though the Galatians have left or thwarted the Gospel of Jesus in order to win favor of friends and family. The fear of being rejected by peers in believing in the true messages of Jesus, have left them confused and cowardly in Paul's presence. They do not even know what is just and good due to their following what everyone else happens to be doing.
Paul reasserts Jesus' teachings as "not of human origin" and challenges them to leave worldly ideas behind them, to truly come to know and understand their place in God's Divine Plan.
Luke parallels Paul's letter in Jesus' parable. Who is the real Christian neighbor, the Levite, or the Samaritan who stopped to lend a helping hand to the beaten victim? Jesus challenges not only the educated, but also the ordinary person by asking a simple question: "Which of these two, in your opinion, was neighbor?"
However, when we think about the meaning behind Jesus' parable, we come to question our own interpretation of the Gospel, and how we really live it out. Do we bend Jesus' rules so they fit our lifestyle and personal principles (so we look good in the eyes of friends, family, employers)? Or do we take a stand and show them what a true Christian is really made of, even knowing we will be laughed at by others?

May I take this opportunity to wish you a Blessed week,

With every good wish in Christ,

Ed Bakker

Feria

Friends in Christ,

The Call to the Priesthood

In the course of my long life as an Anglican Christian I have had this call a few times. I have been accepted a few times as an ordinationation candidate as well, but family circumstances over the years have always prevented me to take it any further. Now in the past few years I have been a postulant in two continuing Anglican Churches, and it has given me nothing but stress and strife. ( Mind you not in two Churches at the same time!). I wonder why this is? Am I dealing with a lesser calibre of Clergy or is it just me who has changed. Are we , in this continuing Churches too set in our ways and pre-occupied with Tradition? I am not too sure at the moment.

Now is a good time to sit back and reflect and pray regarding this call. When can I say:"Here I am Lord, take me" and know that finally I am on the right track?

Have a blessed weekend.

Ed Bakker

Saint Faith, Virgin & Martyr , 304

Friends in Christ,

Today has not been an easy week. Still getting over bronchitis and now involved in a number of heated discussions with my Bishop. Obvious it is time for me to step back , have some quiet time of prayer and meditation. May God guide me to which step to take.

Lenghty prayers dont always help... I have found that in the past.

"But when ye pray, use not vain repetions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. ( Saint Matthew 6:7)

Perhaps the fewer the words.. .the better the prayer?

Lord Jesus, Son of God! Have mercy upon me a sinner.

Amen.

The Guardian Angels

Dear Friends in Christ,

ALTHOUGH the solemnity of September 29 celebrates the praises of all the nine glorious choirs, yet the piety of the faithful, in the latter ages, desired to have a special day consecrated to the Guardian Angels. Several churches having taken the initiative, and kept the Feast under various rites and on different days, Paul V (I (1608) authorized its celebration ad libitum. Clement X (1670) established it by precept as a Feast of double rite on October 2, the first free day after Michaelmas, on which it thus remains in some way dependent. It has been a greater double since 1883.It is of faith, on the testimony of the Scriptures and of unanimous Tradition, that God commits to His Angels the guardianship of men, who are called to contemplate Him together with these blessed spirits in their common fatherland. Catholic theology teaches that this protection is extended to every member of the human race, without any distinction of just and sinners, infidels and Baptized. To ward off dangers; to uphold man in his struggle against the demons; to awaken in him holy thoughts; to prevent him from sinning, and even, at times, to chastise him; to pray for him, and present his prayers to God: such is the office of the Guardian Angel. So special is his mission, that one Angel does not undertake the guardianship of several persons simultaneously; so diligent is his care, that he follows his ward from the first day to the last of his mortal existence, receiving the soul as it quits this life, and bearing it from the feet of the sovereign Judge to the place it has merited in Heaven, or to its temporary sojourn in the place of expiation and purification. It is from the lowest of the nine choirs, the nearest to ourselves, that the Guardian Angels are for the most part selected. God reserves to the Seraphim, Cherubim, and Thrones the honour of following His Own immediate court. The Dominations, from the steps of His throne, preside over the government of the universe; the Virtues watch over the course of nature's laws, the preservation of species, and the movements of the heavens; the Powers hold the spirits of wickedness in subjection. The human race in its entirety, as also its great social bodies, the nations and the churches, are confided to the Principalities; while the Archangels, who preside over smaller communities, seem also to have the office of transmitting to the Angels the commands of God, together with the love and light which come down even to us from the first and highest hierarchy. O the depths of the wisdom of God! Thus, then, the admirable distribution of offices among the choirs of heavenly spirits terminates in the function committed to the lowest rank, the guardianship of man, for whom the universe subsists. Such is the teaching . . . the Apostle, in like manner, says: 'Are they not all ministering spirits, sent to minister for them, who shall receive the inheritance of salvation?' [Heb. i. 14] But God, magnificent as He is towards the whole human race, honours in a special manner the princes of His people, those who are most favoured by His the work of salvation, the Guardian Angel has no fear of being left alone at his post; at his request, and at God's command, the troops of his blessed companions, who fill Heavn and earth, are ever ready to lend him their aide These noble spirits, acting under the eye of God Whose love they desire to second by all possible means, have secret alliances between them, which sometimes induce between their clients, even on earth, unions the mystery whereof will be revealed in the light of eternity. 'How profound a mystery,' says Origen, 'is the apportioning of souls to the Angels destined for their guardians! It is a Divine secret, part of the universal economy centered in the Man-God. Nor is it without ineffable order that the ministries of earth, the many departments of nature, are allotted to the heavenly Virtues; fountains and rivers, winds and forests, plants, living creatures of land and sea, whose various functions harmonize together by the Angels directing them all to a common end.' [in Josue, Hom. xxiii] Again, on these words or Jeremias: How long shall the land mourn? [xii. 4] Origen, supported by the authority of his translator St. Jerome, continues [in Jerem. Hom. x. justa Hieron. viii]: 'It is through each one of us that the earth rejoices or mourns; and not only the earth, but water, fire, air, all the elements; by which name we must here understand not insensible matter, but the Angels who are set over all things on earth. There is an Angel of the land, who, with his companions, mourns over our crimes. There is an Angel of the waters to whom are applied the words of the Psalm: The waters saw Thee, and they were afraid, and the depths were troubled; great was the noise of the waters; the clouds sent out a sound, for Thy arrows pass.' [lxxvi. 17, 18] How grand is nature viewed in this light! It is thus the ancients, more truthful as well as more poetical than our generation, always considered the universe. Their error lay in adoring these mysterious powers, to the detriment of the only God, under Whom they stoop that bear up the world. [Job ix. 13] 'Air and earth and ocean, everything is full of Angels,' says St. Ambrose. [in Psalm. cxviii, Serm. i. 9, 11, 12] 'Eliseus, besieged by a whole army, felt no fear; for he beheld invisible cohorts assisting him. May the prophet open thine eyes also; may the enemy, be he legion, not terrify thee; thou thinkest thyself hemmed in, and thou art free: there are more with us than with them.' [4 Kings vi. 16] But let us return to our own specially-deputed Angel, and meditate on this other testimony: 'The noble Guardian of each one of us sleeps not, nor can he be deceived. Close thy door, and make the darkness of night; but remember, thou art never alone; he has no need of daylight in order to see thy actions.' And who is it that speaks thus? Not a father of the Church, but a pagan, the slave philosopher Epictetus. [Ap. Arrian. Diss. 1. 14]In conclusion, let us listen to the Abbot of Clairvaux, who here gives free rein to his eloquence: 'In every place show respect to thy Angel. Let gratitude for his benefits incite thee to honour his greatness. Love this thy future coheir, the Guardian appointed for thee by the Father during thy childhood. For though we are sons of God, we are as yet but children, and long and dangerous is our journey. But God hath given His Angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. In their hands they shall bear thee up, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt walk upon the asp and the basilisk; and thou shalt trample under foot the lion and the dragon. [Psalm xc. 11-13] Yes; where the road is smooth enough for a child, they will content themselves with guiding thee, and sustaining thy footsteps, as one does for children. But if trials threaten to surpass thy strength, they will bear thee up in their hands. Oh those hands of Angels! Thanks to them, what fearful straits we have passed through, as it were without thinking, and with no other impression left upon us, than that of a nightmare suddenly dispelled!' [in Psalm. xc. Sermon xii] And in his commentary on the Canticle of Canticles, St. Bernard thus describes the triumph of the Angel: 'One of the companions of the Spouse, sent from Heaven to the chosen soul as mediator, on witnessing the mystery accomplished, how he exults, and says: "I give thee thanks, O God of majesty, for having granted the desire of her heart!" Now it was he that, as a persevering friend, had not ceased, on the way, to murmur into the soul's ear: "Delight in the Lord, and He will give thee the requests of thy heart;" and again: "Expect the Lord, and keep His way"; and then: "If He make any delay, wait for Him, for He will surely ccme and will not tarry." Meanwhile he represented to our Lord the soul's desire, saying: "As the hart panteth after the fountains of water, so this soul panteth after Thee, O God; have pity on her, hear her cries, and visit her in her desolotion." And now the faithful paranymph, the confidant of ineffable secrets, is not jealous. He goes from the Spouse to the bride, offering desires, bringing back gifts; he incites the one, he appeases the other. Sometimes, even in this world, he brings them into each other's presence, either by raising np tho bride in ecstasy, or by bringing down the bridegroom; for he is one of the household, and well known in the palace; and he fears no rebuff, for every dav he beholds the face of the Father.' [in Cant. Serm. xxxi] Adapted from THE LITURGICAL YEAR, Vol. XIV, by Dom Gueranger.

Have a good week,

Ed Bakker