6/3/10 …that religion and politics do go hand in hand?  Politics is defined as a process by which groups of people make collective decisions.  The term is generally applied to behavior within civil governments, but politics has been observed in other group interactions, including corporate, academic, and religious institutions.  It consists of "social relations involving authority or power" and refers to the regulation of a political unit, and to the methods and tactics used to formulate and apply policy.  Politics formalizes decisions for “getting along.”  Religion for Christians concerns nothing less than relationships.  Therefore, it is most appropriate that religion (especially, Christianity) and politics are understood to be instruments of human relationships working collaboratively for the good of all humanity.  Our Christian conviction displayed in Jesus’ Great Commandments must be present in our politics, or our Christian faith is in vain.
 

4/25/10: …that this particular day is the usual celebration of St. Mark the Evangelist?  The name Mark appears in several places within the New Testament writings.  If the references are to the same person, then we know that Mark’s Mother owned a house in Jerusalem, where Jesus’ Last Supper took place.  Mark was the cousin of Barnabas (who brought Paul to the 12 disciples in Jerusalem).  Mark was a controversial companion of the Apostle Paul because Paul thought him weak.  Yet, later, Paul praises Mark for his faithfulness and ministry.  Mark is said to have been a friend and companion of the Apostle Peter, writing down Peter’s memories and interpretations of Jesus life and ministry, known to us as the Gospel of Mark.

 

4/18/10: …that ever since the first Resurrection Sunday (Easter Day) Jesus’ disciples found it extremely important to gather in support of one another and in expression of praise and awe to God for the Divine’s inconceivable acts of love?  From this early act of fellowship came the Christian tradition of gathering on Sunday mornings in celebration of Jesus’ resurrection.  It is appropriate for every Christian to prioritize gathering with other Christians each Sunday, for within the Christian community are we strengthened, nourished, transformed and sent forth to do the work God has given us to do: loving and serving in the name of Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

4/11/10: …that on Resurrection Sunday (Easter Day) the Bishop or priest often sprinkles water on the congregation gathered by means of an aspergies?  This is a “holy water sprinkler” that is transportable and comes in several different styles and shapes.  We have an aspergies because the Diocese of Pennsylvania had closed a congregation and wanted to pass this liturgical instrument on to another congregation.  The meaning of being “sprinkled with holy water” is an active reminder of our Christian baptism, that we have been made new creations through the waters of baptism and serve as disciples our risen Lord Jesus.

 

4/4/10: …that resurrection is at the core of our Christian faith?  Christ Jesus’ resurrection confirms God’s promise that nothing can separate us from God’s love, not even death.  For Christians, death is an entrance into new life in the presence of our loving God and Savior, Christ Jesus.  Resurrection is not just our hope, but our assurance.  So celebrate Christ Jesus’ resurrection revealing God’s never-ending love!!

   3/28/10: …that before resurrection comes death.  Death must take place before oen experiences the new life of resurrection.  That is why walking the journey of Holy Week is so very important for all Christians.  We know this fact to be truth in our own lives.  We must die to the old to be reborn.  Join the journey of Holy Week so that you may know the power of resurrection.

   3/21/10: …that in the early Church foot washing was an important symbol of being Christ Jesus’ servant?  We call Holy Thursday Maundy Thursday because Jesus mandated that his disciples be servants, following the example of Jesus himself.  Martin Luther, of the Protestant Reformation, chose foot wahing as a sacrament along with baptism and Eucharist.  On Maundy Thursday we offer foot washing as mandated by Jesus for his servants.  The priest and deacon will offer this symbol of servanthood to you as a reminder of our calling to serve in the name of our Lord Jesus. 

3/14/10: …that eggs are symbols of life?  Making or purchasing Easter Eggs and telling our kids about the new life we have through Christ Jesus’ resurrection are tools for training our children to be Christians.  So plan on using these wonderful tool and prepare how you will teach your children about “new life in Jesus.”

3/7/10: …that in Bible times, disease was thought to be a direct result of personal sin?  Even today there are times when you and I privately ask ourselves, “What did I do to deserve the pain and disease of life?”  Jesus, while working within his historical  context and Jewish traditions, refuted this idea.  He met people where they were and healed them with God’s love.  Healing is offered to us as we believe and surrender ourlives to God.  Healing comes in various ways.  We may not get the exact healing we want, yet, we will get the healing God wants for us, God’s precious child.

 …that confession is good for the soul?  It is an acknowledgement of our wrong and, if sincere, a pledge for transformation.  Sometimes confession is good with God.  Other times, we need someone to represent God and humanity, for when we wrong, we sin against all in the balance (as Jesus taught us): God, others and self.  That is why our church offers Confession (also called Reconciliation).  The priest listens as a representative of both God and humanity, and if the confession is sincere, gives absolution from God and humanity so that reconciliation may be recognized and accepted.  Thanks be to God.

If interested, speak with Father John.