Father Daniel

Quiet, Please.

2010-03-01T08:22:00.000-08:00

Greetings,
It is good to talk to you again. All is well. Besides much happening in the holy ministry, I personally have spent Advent, Christmas and Epiphany seasons being more intentional about increasing my quiet times of contemplation / prayer. What a blessing this has been and continues to be!

We live in a very busy, often frenetic, world with many distractions and noises which compete for our every thought. With all these internally motivated thoughts and externally motivated thoughts going through our heads, how are we to even carve out a mental spot to truly focus on our time with the Lord? It is not easy, but not impossible either. Remember, as James says, "God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." First turn off electronics (TV, Radios, Phones, etc.) which are non-essential. Prepare by praying for the Holy Spirit to help you (and He will), read your devotion for the day (e.g. Portals of Prayer) or read a portion of scripture, think about it (meditate on it) apply it to yourself. Often we scurry off and forget what we have just read. Instead STAY THERE for a period of time simply enjoying being in the presence of the Lord. While doing so, do not let your mind scamper about like a squirrel - just be silent physically and mentally. Simply, hold to one thought.

Let your mind remain focused on His Word for a period of time before you jump up and run off, remembering that God is where His Word is. The Book of Psalms has a curiously untranslated little word that appears 75 times. The word is "Selah." Hebrew is not my specialty, but I understand that it means to be quiet and meditate, ponder or contemplate. (e.g. Ps. 67:1) The Psalmist also writes "Be still and know that I am God." (Ps.46:10) While you quietly sit with His Word couched in your mind and heart, know (ponder on) that you are cradled in HIM. Know that He rejoices over you with singing (Zeph3:17).

If friends and family are too rational to appreciate such a spiritual practice, then here is a rational reason for them allowing you to do it. It is good for you - read the article via the URL provided below. There are good reasons that God has called us to do certain things like prayer and entering into our "prayer closet." I love it when science once again discovers an ancient Christan secret.
Blessings+
Father Daniel

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/shut-and-listen/201002/everyday-noise-is-killing-us

Freedom of Speech under fire

2009-11-19T19:42:00.000-08:00

As Orwellian as it seems...
Just think somebody like you or me, posting his or her opinion on a blog could someday be tried for international crime(s), if somebody feels offended by what is stated. That's right, simply writing about the Christian Faith in a favorable light in contrast to "another religion" could land you in the criminal justice system. Read more at Fox News: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,575849,00.html?test=latestnews

Hey United Nations, Jesus Christ is Lord! I'm sure you'll know how to find me - look forward to seein' ya. Thanks ; )

Maranatha+
Father Daniel

UPDATE: Thanks be to God the resolution did not pass. However, keep praying because this resolution has been presented before and is sure to be seen again in the near future.

The Beattitudes (Matthew 5: 3-16)

2009-10-14T13:03:00.000-07:00

3Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. 5Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. 6Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. 7Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 8Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. 9Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. 10Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falselya, for my sake. 12Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
13Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushelb, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, (+) and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the begining, is now and ever shall unto ages of ages. Amen.

Blessings+

Father Daniel

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a falsely: Gr. lying
b a bushel: the word in the original signifieth a measure containing about a pint less than a peck
The Holy Bible : King James Version. Electronic edition of the 1769 edition of the 1611 Authorized Version. Oak Harbor, WA : Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1995, S. Mt 5:3

He is Risen!

2009-04-12T15:23:00.000-07:00

He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia! Glory be to Jesus Christ!

On this glorious Feast of the Resurrection of Our Lord we have gathered for the Divine Liturgy, and received the most blessed Sacrament of the Altar. Having been nourished with His very Body and Blood and having sung the resounding acclamations of His victory over death we have returned to our homes to spend time together as a family celebrating the transcendent reality that life no longer ends in death. Rather, as Christians we celebrate that for those who are alive in Christ Jesus earthly life continues to eternal life in spite of our temporal physical mortality. One day we shall be raised from the grave as He has been.

Christ Jesus has overcome sin, death, and the devil. In this 16th century Russian Orthodox icon the iconographer tells of Christ's descent into Hades. Christ has knocked down the gates of death (notice them lying in submission under His feet in the form of a cross) and takes Adam and Eve by their hands and leads them and the other faithful out of Hades to the place which He has prepared for them. Spiritually they are alive and in paradise awaiting the final day of resurrection when their bodies and souls will be raised together. On that day the fulfillment of His victory will not only be for us a spiritual reality, but also physically evident to all eternity. Therefore let us boldy rejoice in what He has accomplished for us. Throughout my seminary years the Easter sermon of the fifth century Bishop of Constantinople, St John Chrysostom (literally John the "golden-mouth" because of his homiletical abilities), was passed around among the seminarians. He begins his homily by addressing those who have stringently fasted throughout the Great Fast / Lent in repentance and in preparation for celebrating this glorious feast. He also recognizes that not everybody has been so steadfast in their dedication. He welcomes those who have stumbled and faltered along with those who have withstood the physical, emotional and spiritual demands of this preparatory season. Grace and forgiveness is offered to all not on account of their efforts but on account of the work of Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross. One and all who receive what Christ has done, come and celebrate for yours is forgiveness, life and salvation.

Blessings+
Father Daniel

P.S. Below is St John Chrysostom's magnificent Easter homily; please enjoy.

An Easter Sermon
by St John Chrysostom, Bishop of Constantinople (b.347-d.407)

Are there any who are devout lovers of God? Let them enjoy this beautiful bright festival! Are there any who are grateful servants? Let them rejoice and enter into the joy of their Lord! Are there any weary with fasting? Let them now receive their wages! If any have toiled from the first hour,let them receive their due reward; If any have come after the third hour,let him with gratitude join in the Feast! And he that arrived after the sixth hour,let him not doubt; for he too shall sustain no loss. And if any delayed until the ninth hour,let him not hesitate; but let him come too. And he who arrived only at the eleventh hour,let him not be afraid by reason of his delay. For the Lord is gracious and receives the last even as the first. He gives rest to him that comes at the eleventh hour,as well as to him that toiled from the first. To this one He gives, and upon another He bestows. He accepts the works as He greets the endeavor. The deed He honors and the intention He commends. Let us all enter into the joy of the Lord! First and last alike receive your reward;rich and poor, rejoice together! Sober and slothful, celebrate the day! You that have kept the fast, and you that have not, rejoice today for the Table is richly laden! Feast royally on it, the calf is a fatted one. Let no one go away hungry. Partake, all, of the cup of faith.Enjoy all the riches of His goodness! Let no one grieve at his poverty,for the universal kingdom has been revealed. Let no one mourn that he has fallen again and again;for forgiveness has risen from the grave. Let no one fear death, for the Death of our Savior has set us free. He has destroyed it by enduring it. He destroyed Hell when He descended into it. He put it into an uproar even as it tasted of His flesh. Isaiah foretold this when he said,"You, O Hell, have been troubled by encountering Him below." Hell was in an uproar because it was done away with.It was in an uproar because it is mocked. It was in an uproar, for it is destroyed. It is in an uproar, for it is annihilated. It is in an uproar, for it is now made captive. Hell took a body, and discovered God. It took earth, and encountered Heaven. It took what it saw, and was overcome by what it did not see. O death, where is thy sting? O Hell, where is thy victory? Christ is Risen, and you, O death, are annihilated! Christ is Risen, and the evil ones are cast down! Christ is Risen, and the angels rejoice! Christ is Risen, and life is liberated! Christ is Risen, and the tomb is emptied of its dead; for Christ having risen from the dead,is become the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep. To Him be Glory and Power forever and ever! Amen.

Behold the Lamb of God Who Takes Away the Sin of the World

2009-04-10T13:03:00.000-07:00

In the Name of Father and of the Son ( + ) and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

Almighty and everlasting God who hatest nothing that Thou hast made and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent. Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of Thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness through Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.

We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee, because by Thy Holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world. Amen.

Blessings+

Father Daniel

Palm Sunday: Jesus Enters Jerusalem

2009-04-05T12:50:00.001-07:00

Today is the Feast of Palm Sunday, the day of the church year which transitions us from the season of Lent to Holy Week. We remember on this day the entrance of Christ Jesus in to the city of Jerusalem. He entered not as a vanquishing soldier on a mighty steed to topple the earthly thrones of Caesar and Herod, but rather as a suffering servant coming to nullify the spiritual tyranny of sin, death and the devil. The crowds cheered and exalted the arrival of the one whom they mistakenly thought would free them from the occupying forces of the Roman Empire. As he entered the city the throngs of people cheered him and offered jubilant praise. They demonstrated their welcome for his arrival by spreading their coats and palm branches upon the ground in the path of his little donkey's hoof steps. They called out the words "Hosanna! Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord." Jesus was was popular this day as the people thought he would drive out Rome and re-establish the autonomy of Judea. By the end of the week, their misinformed and disillusioned minds would be crying out for Rome to execute their has-been hero. How about us? Are we any different? How easy it is to follow Jesus when it all is going well and it seems that things are going as we prefer! O how difficult it is to praise him in the storms of life when it all seems to be so very adverse! He has demonstrated that he hears our prayers and addresses our deepest needs. For they had cried out "Hosanna" and Jesus did rescue and redeem his countrymen and the whole world. He did come in the Name of the Lord and he took upon himself our curse that we may receive God's eternal favor and blessing. May we too, but with very much informed and illuminated hearts and minds, call out with true praises of Him who came to rescue us from the kingdom of Satan. Hosanna! Hosanna! Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord! Amen!

Blessings+

Father Daniel

Say the Word and I Shall Be Healed

2009-03-29T21:41:00.000-07:00

Life is broken. Relationships tarnish and rust. Words and actions cut into the spirit deeper than any knife. Our failures surmount - sorrows surround. What will reverse the course of this destruction? Who would we call to rescue and resuscitate? Not I, for I am a victim of this doomed vessel also. The writer of the Psalms speaks words of encouragement assuring us of God's stance toward us. He desires to rescue, and eternally bless us.

"He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds." (Psalm 147 : 3)

He indeed offers healing and hope. Regardless of the presence of any temporal healing, he offers and assures that He has procured the healing salve of His grace and mercy for our eternal healing and life. His word of forgiveness speaks life and salvation.

O Holy One visit and heal us for Thy Name's sake. Amen.

Blessings+
Father Daniel

Feast of Epiphany

2009-01-06T19:07:00.000-08:00

Today is the Feast of the Epiphany, and it introduces the new season of the Church year which usually lasts several weeks. Its length is affected by when Easter occurs; thus some years Epiphany Season is longer or shorter by a few weeks. During this season we consider the various ways that Christ Jesus manifested or made known that he was indeed God incarnate. Interestingly enough the word "Epiphanios" appears in the Greek (original language of the) New Testament. Today it is translated as “manifest” in modern translations of the Scriptures. (Throughout Epiphany Season maybe we will consider some of these texts.)

The Feast of Epiphany in centuries past was celebrated with as much enthusiasm as we now customarily celebrate Christmas. The Feast of Epiphany marks the arrival of the wise men that traveled from afar to find the child of most noble birth of which the Star in the Sky had signified. When the wise men entered and saw the child Jesus enthroned upon the lap of his Blessed and ever Virgin Mother, they fell to their knees in adoration. That these gentile men who were drawn to the Christ child and worshiped him, indicates that God’s love and promise of salvation is not only for the Jews, but also for the gentiles. As these men beheld and adored the Incarnate God, let us likewise bow our knee with the historic Church as she confesses her faith and glorifies God saying, I believe in Christ Jesus “… being of one substance with the Father; by whom all things were made; who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, and was made man…”[1]

Epiphany Blessings+
Father Daniel

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[1]Nicene Creed, Article II. Lutheran Church. Missouri Synod: Concordia Triglotta - English : The Symbolic Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. electronic ed. Milwaukee WI : Northwestern Publishing House, 1997, S. 31

Feast of the Circumcision and Naming of Jesus

2009-01-01T21:24:00.000-08:00

Today, the eighth day of Christmas, regarded secularly as New Year’s Day, is ecclesiastically the Feast of the Circumcision and Naming of Jesus. The remembrance of this day calls to mind that on the eighth day following his birth, Jesus was given his name, and the ritual cutting demanded by the ancient ceremonial law was performed upon his young tender skin. He who gave the Divine Law through Moses subjected himself to the same Law on our account. The sinless and completely innocent Son of God born of the blessed and ever Virgin Mary* was consecrated according to the custom of man so that he might fulfill all righteousness and bear our sin upon himself ransoming us from everlasting destruction. He who was named Jesus, which means savior, fulfilled the promise of God and has rescued us, bringing to us forgiveness, life and salvation. Oh what merry news this is indeed!

Blessings+
Father Daniel

*On account of this personal union and communion of the natures, Mary, the most blessed Virgin, bore not a mere man, but, as the angel [Gabriel] testifies, such a man as is truly the Son of the most high God, who showed His divine majesty even in His mother’s womb, inasmuch as He was born of a virgin, with her virginity inviolate. Therefore she is truly the mother of God, and nevertheless remained a virgin.[1]

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[1]Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration, Article VIII paragraph 24.
Lutheran Church. Missouri Synod: Concordia Triglotta - English : The Symbolic Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. electronic ed. Milwaukee WI : Northwestern Publishing House, 1997, S. 1023

Illumination

2008-12-30T15:39:00.000-08:00

My family gave me a superb Christmas present. It is a CD of beautiful sounds of nature and subtle instrumental music supporting a sublime choir of Gregorian Chants. If you want wonderful music for providing backdrop to cover the noisy distractions that annoy you while you are in prayer or at Bible study, then this CD is for you. If you need quiet music to soothe your mind while you sleep, this CD is for you. If you are looking for liturgy to enhance your spiritual pursuits then this CD is for you. Please, go check it out at this CBD link. http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=CD47187&netp_id=516178&event=ESRCN&item_code=WW&view=covers

Blessings+
Father Daniel

Christmas Greeting 2008

2008-12-30T15:22:00.000-08:00

Dearly beloved in Christ,
I wish to convey my Christmas blessings to you and thank you for allowing me to visit with you throughout the year. Our visits in person or over the phone have been the delight of my life and I treasure each and every moment. Each day I rise from sleep and I look forward to interacting with the people that God sends my way. I do so enjoy visiting with you and hearing of your joys and aspirations and yes to shed a tear with you as you encounter life’s setbacks. As I encounter life’s experiences with you as a spiritual father, may you be even more keenly aware of the presence of our Lord God through his Holy Scripture, which is my privilege to proclaim to you; and through the prayers I offer for you. Let us praise our Lord for his sublime love and mercy. In the fullness of time, God himself in Christ Jesus came to dwell with us and share life with us. He came to spend a period of time visiting with us, walking, talking, eating, laughing, praying, crying and dying with us and for us. Because of this when we cry he cries with us. When we sing and pray we sing and pray with him. When we laugh, he has laughed with us. When we die, he has died for us and rose from the dead; ascended into eternity that he may lead us to eternity by the path which he has prepared for us. That is quite a lot to stuff into one small package lying in a manger. In fact he was the embodiment of Omnipotence bound in swaddling clothes. He was Omniscience embodied in an infant who had to grow and develop. This occasion marks the entrance of the Everlasting to Everlasting into the space of a single calendar day and a life lived in Judea during the first century. Hail to the Son of God begotten from all eternity and born of the Virgin Mary. During this Christmas season (starting at 6PM Christmas Eve on December 24- Epiphany on January 6th) let us set aside times to ponder this incarnational mystery that the Almighty God the Creator of all that is has joined his creation to journey with us and work our redemption.
Blessings+
Father Daniel

P.S. For a brief Christmas meditation watch Aled Jones, in this (then and now) video singing O Holy Night. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aP2FMuvwkk

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Benefits of Chanting the Liturgy and Burning Incense

2008-12-06T20:53:00.000-08:00

Chanting the Canticles, Psalms and Responsories, along with burning incense are historical aspects of the ancient liturgy dating all the way back to the time of David and Solomon, and before. These practices endured through the time of Christ, through the era of the Early Church and through the Renaissance. At the age of pietism and especially in the age of rationalism of the 18th and 19th centuries, good European protestants decided for themselves to throw off the fetters of the past, ridding themselves of the supposed encumbrances of so called "Romish pomp" and medieval superstitions. In doing so the Lutherans who followed these reformed practices robbed themselves of some of the most beautiful and meaningful aspects of the liturgy of the Divine Service.

The traditional worship movement or the liturgical movement within the Lutheran Church is reclaiming the lost heirlooms of Historic Lutheranism and restoring them to their rightful place within the chancels, naves, and homes of Lutherans around the world. I myself, quite independently of this broader movement, was searching for historic and meaningful rites for worship which were deeper than what I was finding in the contemporary worship scene of the non-denominational churches. On my own I had found the richness of burning incense during evening prayers and the chanting of Scripture. Then as a twenty year old I later discovered that the Lutheran Church; with its standard Divine Service liturgy for the mass was exactly what I was looking for. After Twenty years now in the Lutheran Church I am shocked and saddened to see some Lutherans throwing traditional and historic liturgical practices overboard in favor of the ever new and changing contemporary worship genre.

The Lutherans sans liturgy will be left holding an empty sack because people are now searching for deeper and more meaningful worship practices. They are ready to make the journey and Lutherans are throwing away the field guide and compass. For those of us who are holding on and not giving up the ship, take heart! The interest in historic Liturgical practices is on the rise. Keep the coals burning and incense ready and keep your Gregorian Psalm tones in your oratories.

It is kind of funny to think about, that the Lutherans of the age of rationalism left liturgy behind as a superstition and today science is supporting some of these very same practices as good and useful. For example the use of aroma and music therapies have received wide acceptance. The field of psychology at one time which seemed so antithetical to faith has now underscored the benefit to be obtained from attending church, praying and meditating. I have included below as examples two articles from the secular media that espouse the benefits of chanting and burning incense. The first article addresses the revitalizing sounds of liturgical chanting. Click on the URL: http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/dec/06/na-listening-for-the-lord/The second article presents the findings of a study that indicate that burning frankincense may relieve depression. Click on the URL: http://psychcentral.com/news/2008/05/21/burning-incense-may-lower-depression/2331.html

Blessings+
Father Daniel

Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra

2008-12-06T16:46:00.000-08:00

On this December the 6th we remember and give thanks for the life and ministry of Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra. In the 4th century city of Myra in what is now modern day Turkey, there lived a devout and generous Christian by the name of Nicholas. As a young man his parents died and left to him a large inheritance. He gave it to those who were in need and he gave himself to prayer and living out his Christian faith. At a young age he was elected as Bishop of Myra; because of his youth he was called the boy bishop. In spite of this perception, he ministered valiantly as a man of God. Saint Nicholas is remembered around the world to this day, serving as a concrete representation of the abstract goodness and love which we all desire and long for. The only thing more enduring than his reputation is his message. Let us look to the message of Saint Nicholas and find the source of all goodness and love incarnate in the tangible and very real Son of God, Christ Jesus born to redeem mankind.

Blessings+

Father Daniel

P.S.

To read more about Santa Claus throughout history, click here: http://ngfl.northumberland.gov.uk/christmas/santa/

A Summary of My Intentions in Support of Persecuted Christians and Victims of Violence

2008-11-29T21:38:00.000-08:00

In my humble status in life and as I have insufficient financial means to adequately assist any physical efforts, I thus endeavor to pledge myself and feeble services in behalf of the faithful and suffering Christians. In my personal implementation of the First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Commandments I intend to undertake the following activities for the propagation of the Holy Gospel, the wellbeing of the entire Church, and the betterment of the world in which we live. Inspired by the above mentioned commandments, the words of our Lord and the prayer which he taught us, in addition to numerous other portions of Holy Scripture; I am embarking on a long term personal campaign of prayer, peaceful demonstration and speaking out on behalf of persecuted Christians, while denouncing all abuse and murder. (Also ref. Matthew 5, Second Corinthians 4 and Romans 12)

Prayer and Fasting: 1) For those being persecuted that they may be released and until such time, that they may have abundant spiritual strength, sufficient physical comfort and the ability to share the Gospel throughout the duration of their persecutions; 2) For the spiritual conversion of the persecutors, offenders, and observers; 3) For the end of persecutions in all forms which have the religious or political intent of suppressing Christians through such means as intimidation, imprisonment, torture, and executions; 4) For the rescue of captives, especially those held by human traffickers of sex trade or slavery; 5) For Christ to intervene with His healing grace in situations of physical and sexual abuse; 6) Against random acts of violence and for the ending of such horrific practices as euthanasia and infanticide; 7) For the comfort of the bereaved families who suffer the loss of a family member due to religious persecution or violence; 8)For those who convert to Christianity and are now at risk of persecution and death; 9)For survivors who live with the memories and physical scars of abuse or persecution; 10)For missionaries, aid workers, advocates, rescuers and those who relocate refugees of religious persecution and victims of human trafficking.

Peaceful Demonstration: 1) In special remembrance of Eritrean / Ethiopian Christians who are suffering intimidation, imprisonment, torture and death, I will daily continue to carry with me an Ethiopian Blessing Cross as an aid to prayer and pastoral ministry. 2) I shall regularly wear my black cassock, but with a red cincture (rope-belt). The cassock is the historic outer-garment (like an over coat or long suit coat*) worn by the clergy of the Church since the 5th century; it continues to be worn by some Protestants, some Roman Catholics, most Eastern Orthodox and some Lutherans. Though not frequently seen publicly in America, this attire is universally recognized. The cassock is black, a somber color, symbolizing that the minister is laying down his life in service to Christ and His Church. The red cincture symbolizes the blood of Christian martyrs. I am hereby allying myself with our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world who suffer on account of their Christian faith, and this attire can straightforwardly serve as a public reminder of their hidden imprisonment, torture, and murder. *

Public Speaking: I shall continue to proclaim the Holy Gospel, and speak publicly (whether on my blog, in Church, during Bible classes, individually or wherever invited to speak) for those who have been silenced through imprisonment, intimidation, abuse, torture, and martyrdom. In the public arena, people will naturally enquire about my cassock and which tradition I represent, this will give me an opportunity to individually: a) share the Gospel; b) educate about the modern holocaust of Christians; and c) speak for the sanctity of life.

Non-Solicitation: I am asking for NO financial support; I only ask people to be aware, to pray for the persecuted Christians and to cherish the sanctity of life.

For further information you may contact the following rescources:

The Voice of the Martyrs
http://www.persecution.com/

Focus on Persecution
http://www.focusonpersecution.com/

International Christian Concern
http://www.persecution.org/

Open Doors
http://www.odusa.org/

Release International
http://www.releaseinternational.org/

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service
http://www.lirs.org/

Lutherans for Life
http://www.lutheransforlife.org/

Lutheran World Relief
http://www.lwr.org/

The U S Department of State, International Religious Freedom
http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/

Blessings+
Father Daniel

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*For obvious reasons of practicality and others’ safety, I refrain from wearing the cassock & cincture while functioning in my capacity as a public safety chaplain.

A Thanksgiving Meditation

2008-11-27T11:13:00.000-08:00

On this day of Thanksgiving, in the year of our Lord Two Thousand Eight, we gather with family and friends to fellowship as a nation around a traditional meal to meditate upon our blessings and to offer prayers of thanks. I have discovered that Thanksgiving celebrations occur on various levels. The most base and shameful is the one marked by carnal greed and gluttony. Sadly this is most often associated with Thanksgiving. It is purely natural and animalistic. If the practice of eating Turkey with the trimmings and pumpkin pie is all that thanksgiving constitutes, then my childhood dog celebrated Thanksgiving like no one ever could. He ate the giblets and all the scraps from the preparation through the last item of cleanup. Then he went to the neighbors’ houses. I seriously doubt that my hound dog’s base animal nature even remotely grasped the concept of Thanksgiving above or apart from his bulging stomach. Gluttony is quite far removed from the intent of the day. Therefore, I explain and dismiss this activity without classifying it as one of the three levels for today’s consideration, because there is nothing substantively Thankful about it. Yes, we feast! Yes, the food tastes great! Yes, we gather with family and friends and watch parades, movies and football. However, let us raise our eyes a few degrees above our tables and TV’s to feast with our spirit and soul. Above the physical celebration, there are three levels that transform the feast regardless if we eat Turkey or bologna this blessed Holiday.

Level One: As a child, I thought about my family, friends, pets and possessions. I listed my personal blessings and was quite content to offer a prayer to God. My prayer went something like this. “Dear God thank you for all my blessings like: food, clothes, house and family. Thank you, for Grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles. Thank you for my pets. Amen.” Essentially, I saw the world from the first person, ego centric perspective. I was practicing a level one Thanksgiving. As I got older and my basis of understanding developed, I remembered to give thanks for abstract things like education, political, social and religious freedom. As I continued into adulthood, my Thanksgiving meditations continued to revolve around my personal benefits. Today I still say, “Thank you, Lord, for my family, my vocations, my situation in life, my American liberty and my early twenty first century conveniences.” This is indeed a good thing and I would encourage each and every person to live his or her life with daily and abundant prayers of thankfulness. Why starve yourself of the wealth of joy which is there to be had in maintaining a thankful heart? Living a thankful life is a wonderful way of life! Consider (Luke 17:11-19) the people who suffered from leprosy who were healed of their horrid disease. Of the ten, only one returned to Jesus rendering thanks and praise. What a joyful interaction with their healer the nine people missed out on! How many joy filled moments of life do we rob ourselves of by forgetting to be thankful for such as we have. On this level, as we become less egocentric, we can be grateful that others, such as friends, coworkers or even strangers are blessed with such temporal blessings as they have.

Level Two: As one matures in faith, it becomes evident to the individual that along with one’s thankfulness for the temporal blessings of house, home, food, clothing and family; that spiritual blessings are worthy of being acknowledged with prayers of thanksgiving. As the Psalmist wrote, “O give thanks unto the Lord for He is good and His mercy endures forever. How good and right it is that we sinful humans who suffer the scourge of spiritual leprosy and are healed through divine forgiveness bestowed to us in the blessed Sacraments, should return and give thanks for such healing blessings. God’s mercy to us is abundant, and He desires that we come to Him in penitence bringing to Him our sorrows and sufferings. He sees our need and grants us divine grace beyond measure. If it is good and right to render thanks for temporal blessings, then how much more worthy of thanks to God are the eternal blessings of forgiveness, life, and salvation? Meditating on and giving thanks for spiritual and eternal blessings, I would classify as a level two Thanksgiving. On this level we also pray for and give thanks for God’s grace and mercy which he bestows upon humanity. We rejoice and give thanks when others receive these spiritual blessings.

Level Three: Above level two which finds us rendering thanks for temporal and spiritual blessings, there is level three where-in the worshiper renders thanks for having been given life and for being in the presence of Almighty God who is of Himself complete and is love eternal. Here one worships God and gives thanks for who God is and for His attributes. The worshiper gives thanks for God’s perfect will being accomplished in time and throughout eternity. Let us pray Psalm 100 as we render thanks to God and worship him this blessed holy day.

A psalm. For giving thanks.
1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
2 Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his [a];
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.
[1]

Blessings+
Father Daniel

_________
a Or and not we ourselves
[1] The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. Ps 100:1

Thank the Christians

2008-11-21T20:19:00.000-08:00

Do you enjoy having a Thanksgiving Day family gathering, complete with a turkey dinner? Thank the Jews and Christians; it is their custom of dedicating a day of rest for giving thanks that you are enjoying.

Do you like to have parties with family and friends while exchanging presents at Christmas? Do you benefit at all from the significant influx of revenue into the economy each year? Thank the Christians as Christmas is one of their primary holidays that you are celebrating.

Do you like to have Santa Claus hear the children’s wishes and see the merry old soul bestow gifts? Thank the Christians because you are borrowing their remembrance of old Saint Nicklaus. He was a beloved Bishop who famously cared for the needy people of his diocese in Myra (in modern day Turkey).

Do you enjoy reading books? Thank the Christians, they invented books.

Do you like being able to go to a hospital for medical treatment when you or your child is ill? Thank the Christians; they started hospitals as we know them today.

Do you like having an education, being able to read, write, do math and study the liberal arts in an academic setting? Thank the Christians; they developed the academic system that you matriculated through.

Do you like to listen to music or play a musical instrument? Most classical and standard musical theory was developed through the history of the Church; thank the Christians.

Do you think it is a good thing for abandoned and orphaned children to be adopted by loving families? Then you agree with the Christians of the Roman era who rescued children who had been purposely abandoned to die of exposure. The Christians found caring homes for them. Thank the Christians for starting adoption & family counseling agencies.

Do you wish the homeless had shelters and warm meals on cold nights? Thank the Christians; they operate most of the shelters.

Do you think the hungry should have a place to get food, even if they can’t pay? Thank the Christians; they are feeding the poor hungry people around the world at this very moment.

Do you like to watch little children hunt for Easter eggs and beam with delight upon discovering their Easter baskets? Thank the Christians; you are celebrating their most important holiday.

Do you like to send and receive notes of friendship and affection or even chocolates on Valentine’s Day? Thank the Christians; this day remembers and celebrates the ancient priest, Saint Valentinus, who died aiding persecuted Christians and officiating their marriages.

Do you like to eat corned beef and cabbage and drink green beer, with a shamrock on you lapel while watching a parade of heart stirring Bagpipes and Drums every March seventeenth? Thank the Christians from Ireland; you are celebrating the holiday that remembers Saint Patrick who brought Christianity to the Celts and founded the Celtic Church in Ireland.

Do you think that animals should be cared for with love and respect? Thank Saint Francis and the Christians following his ideals, which cared for and blessed the animals. He even featured them in the first nativity scene of the middle ages - he honored them and demonstrated their importance by portraying them next to the manger of the Christ Child.

Do you prefer to worship in the church of your choosing or even not all? Thank the Christians who formed the United States of America upon the principle that people have the inalienable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; where men and women are free to assemble as they desire for religious, political or social purposes.

Do you like to speak your mind openly among friends, publicly and in the media? The first amendment right which protects your freedom to choose a religion or decline membership in a religion is the same one that allows you to spout off your point of view. While you are using your right to speak up and speak out regarding any issue you desire; don’t forget to thank the Christians.

Blessings+
Father Daniel

Salt of the earth

2008-11-08T08:52:00.000-08:00

“Apart from the multitude of people with whom you live amongst and see every day, there is also another group of people who live within the multitude….Among the many who live a common life, there are a few whose life consists of little more than seeking the Lord every minute. That in itself brings them rejuvenation and an angelic sweetness. Their life is full of expectation and constant struggle. However, they go on with a sense of, as it called, ‘joyful mourning’. These people, however, remain unknown. If they were to reveal their particular way of thinking to the many, they would be found strange and would be ridiculed, so they keep it to themselves.” St. Nektarios of Aegina 1846-1920 (p 182 Saint Nektarios: The Saint of Our Century, by Sotos Chondropoulos 1997, 2004)

Blessings+

Father Daniel

What if you were locked in a closet...

2008-11-05T17:11:00.000-08:00

What if you were locked in a closet and the people outside were trying to decide whether or not to kill you.

Should I: A) walk away and not get involved, because it is none of my business? B) stand off and see who is right and who is wrong? C) get involved, speak out on your behalf, and call for help?

...That's why I am pro-life! These are the casualties from yesterday's electoral process. There are lots of little people hidden away and at risk of being killed. The baby holocaust continues, please pray, please speak out with God's love.

"We elected the most pro-abortion president ever to sit in the White House. The State of Washington legalized assisted suicide. Michigan legalized unrestricted destruction of human embryos for research purposes. California said no to requiring that minors to obtain parental consent for an abortion. Colorado failed to pass an amendment affirming that life begins at conception. South Dakota failed for the second time to ban most abortions in the state. "
Lutherans for Life 11/5/2008

As we continue to speak out for the sanctity of life, let us pray for the women who are at risk of making the worst decision of their lives. Let us also pray for the mothers who aborted their children, now living with regret and sorrow that they may experience the joy of God's love and forgiveness in Christ Jesus.
Blessings+
Father Daniel

Orate et Vigilate. Watch and pray.

2008-11-02T18:45:00.000-08:00

The other day I had a joyful E-Mail dialog, regarding prayer, with a Brother in Christ via an E-Mail group in which I participate. I responded with the intent to encourage him to continue praying and not to be side tracked by nay-sayers. Since it was an open interaction and thus not a confidential communication, I can share with you most of the discourse as a meditation for your spiritual enrichment.

Fr. Coffey,
You're one of those strange fellows that believes prayer actually works. ;-) God bless you for it. Whenever I've posted prayer requests…, it's always a great comfort to know that Fr. Coffey is praying for me. By name.
In Christ,
(Signed)

My Brother,
Thank you for your encouraging word. Yes, I do believe that our good and gracious Lord does indeed hear our prayers. I have seen him answer prayers in many, many ways. In fact daily - Thanks be to God! I cannot but fervently believe he hears our prayers and answers those prayers. Sometimes they are "Yes" in the way I had hoped and sometimes they are "Yes" in ways I did not expect. Sometimes the answer is silence; even this apparent silence is an answer. I have gotten to the point where I mostly (but NOT strictly) pray the Our Father, the Psalms and practice the Jesus Prayer i.e. "Lord Jesus Christ Son of God have mercy on __(name)_ / on me a sinner." I know that the Lord God is good and gracious, and that His perfect will is rooted in His infinite love. When I call upon my dear Heavenly Father for His attention and assistance what more need I say? When my child has trouble with her toys she calls to me, "Daaaaddy." I look and see the trouble and I am moved to correct the problem. Sometimes I fix it right away and sometimes it is better for her that I show her how she is to fix it. Other times, I oversee the situation and encourage her to keep trying because, in spite of how she feels, she is on the right track. If I, an evil sinner most worthy of death and eternity in hell, tend to my daughters in such loving paternal fashion; how much more does our Heavenly Father tend to our cries for mercy and assistance! Call out to him He hears and answers your prayer. Orate et vigilate. Watch and Pray.
Blessings+
Father Daniel

IDEA!! This takes NO Money and Takes NO Time.

2008-10-21T20:46:00.000-07:00

I have noticed a significant increase in the reports of persecution of Christians and I am deeply troubled. We must pray for our Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus. This last Sunday morning, a child in the Divine Service was crying. It dawned on me that this would serve as a good reminder in parishes. Here is the plan: Without disrupting the service, as the parents comfort and tend to the needs of the child, the congregation members can silently implore our Lord Jesus to comfort His persecuted Church. People are already distracted by the crying / fussing, so this is a good method to refocus mental attention back to the service. The Pastor and Liturgist need not change what they are doing, simply proceed as usual. Let the voice of that little one who is so precious to our Lord Jesus be the proxy voice in our parish for the imprisoned, persecuted, and suffering Christians. Maybe the Pastor could announce this to the congregation and make note of it in the bulletins. For information and resources on the issue of modern day persecution of Christians, click these links below; and remember to pray daily for our Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Blessings+
Father Daniel

The Voice of the Martyrshttp://www.persecution.com/

Focus on Persecution http://www.focusonpersecution.com/

International Christian Concern http://www.persecution.org/

Open Doors http://www.odusa.org/

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service http://www.lirs.org/

Lutheran World Relief http://www.lwr.org/

The U S Department of State, International Religious Freedom http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/

St Francis of Assisi Day

2008-10-04T18:59:00.000-07:00

Jan Van Eyck

Saint Francis of Assisi Receiving the Stigmata c. 1438-40Oil on vellum on panel

Philadelphia Museum of Art

Saint Francis of Assisi died at sunset on October 3, 1226 AD. (As the Judeo-Christian day starts at sunset, he is thus remembered on October 4th.) St Francis, who is one of the most revered men of God in Church history, is most remembered for his steadfast yet humble dedication to the Gospel of Christ Jesus. By the grace of God he not only reformed the thirteenth century church, he revitalized it with the Gospel. Within two months from now when the Christmass decorations start going up, look down and consider the nativity scene (live or statuary) and you will see one way that St Francis positively influenced the church. He set up the first nativity scene as a meditation on the blessed birth of our Lord Jesus. Its popularity has spread world wide and his tradition has lasted nearly 800 years. Most often he is pictured with animals and birds gathered around him and even landing on his shoulders. He lived in peaceful harmony with them, as evidenced by his ability to tame a wild wolf that terrorized a village. He proclaimed the love of God to the birds, pointing out that their loving God blessed them with special faculties to fly and they should thus be thankful and sing his praises. He once set free fish in a basket that were bound for market. He was not a total vegetarian though, as he did cook and eat, with thanksgiving, a pheasant that had been killed by a hunter and presented to him as a gift. His evangelical love for the Muslims inspired him to venture to the Middle East in an attempt to present to them the Gospel. When facing martyrdom he was willing to walk into a roaring fire if the Sultan’s religious clerics would kindly accompany him to demonstrate which god is the true God. The Sultan’s clerics begged off and St Francis was allowed to return to Italy. St Francis and his followers were well known for there joyfulness and exclamatory praises of Almighty God our Creator and Redeemer. St Francis is always pictured with wounds resembling the nail marks of Christ’s hands and feet. This is known as the stigmata. One day toward the end of his life, while in prayer he had a vision of an angel and Christ crucified from which he too felt the pains of crucifixion. When coming to himself he had in his hands and feet wounds like unto Christ Jesus. Some three hundred and fifty years later, St Francis was not absent from the minds and lips of the Lutheran Reformers. The official stance of the Lutheran Church is stated in Apology of the Augsburg Confession, Article XXVII, paragraph 21, 22.
21] Secondly. Obedience, poverty, and celibacy, provided the latter is not impure, are, as exercises, adiaphora [in which we are not to look for either sin or righteousness]. And for this reason the saints can use these without impiety, just as Bernard, Francis, and other holy men used them. And they used them on account of bodily advantage, that they might have more leisure to teach and to perform other godly offices, and not that the works themselves are, by themselves, works that justify or merit eternal life. Finally, they belong to the class of which Paul says, 1 Tim. 4, 8: Bodily exercise 22] profiteth little. And it is credible that in some places there are also at present good men, engaged in the ministry of the Word, who use these observances without wicked opinions [without hypocrisy and with the understanding that they do not regard their monasticism as holiness]. [1]
The Lutheran Reformers favorably spoke of St Francis in the two other citations in the Book of Concord: Apology of the Augsburg Confession, Article IV, paragraph 211; Apology of the Augsburg Confession, Article XXIV, paragraph 7. Note well that the Lutheran Reformers spoke well of St Francis in all references to him, his work and his life. Click the link below for a meditation of St Francis of Assisi in the form of a prayer to his dearly beloved heavenly Father.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VO2cQ0pepI4&feature=related

Blessings+
Father Daniel

[1]Lutheran Church. Missouri Synod: Concordia Triglotta - English : The Symbolic Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. electronic ed. Milwaukee WI : Northwestern Publishing House, 1997, S. 427

The Prayer of Saint Francis Before the Cross

2008-08-16T10:30:00.000-07:00

Most High and Glorious God,
Enlighten the darkness of my heart.
Give me right faith, certain hope, and perfect love.
Grant me insight and wisdom, so that I might always discern
Your holy and true will.
Amen+

Tris Hagion (Three Holies)

2008-05-26T18:38:00.000-07:00

Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal have mercy upon us.
Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal have mercy upon us.
Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal have mercy upon us.

Glory be to Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be unto ages of ages. Amen.

All Holy Trinity have mercy.
O Lord wash away our sins.
O Divine Master forgive our inquities.
O Holy One visit and heal our infirmities for Thy Name's sake.

Lord have mercy.
Lord have mercy.
Lord have mercy.

Our Father:
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHi-1taeqeo

Blessings+
Father Daniel

Memorial Day Greetings

2008-05-26T10:33:00.000-07:00

I am motivated by the words of John F. Kennedy. "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." Men and women of the military and their families live a daily example of the essense of this motto. On this Memorial Day I wish to remember those men and women who have fallen in defense of our country. May God grant them eternal rest and may their families be comforted. Thank you to all who have served or are serving in the military. We owe you a debt that cannot be repaid. Furthermore, I wish to recognize and remember in prayer the family members of those who are serving in the armed forces. You daily feel the absence of your loved ones; your sacrifice does not go unnoticed by me. Thank you. Psalm 127 verse 1 says, "Unless the Lord builds the house the laborers build in vain. Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain." Whether you are at home or on deployment, God is hovering over to bless and divinely support your work. Without His support all efforts of work, whether keeping a home, managing our communities or protecting our country, would all surely fail. Therefore, I pray for you asking God's blessings to be upon you and His sustaining presence with you wherever you go.

Blessings+
Father Daniel

Trinity Sunday

2008-05-21T17:52:00.000-07:00

The proclamation and summary of tenets of the Christian religion is called a creed. The church catholic recognizes three in fact: The Apostles’ Creed, The Nicene Creed and The Athanasian Creed. In view of this past Sunday as Trinity Sunday, lest us read and consider the Nicene Creed.

Blessings+
Father Daniel

THE NICENE CREED
1] I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
2] And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father 3] before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father; 4] by whom all things were made; who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, and was made man, 5] and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures; 6] and ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again with glory to judge the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.
7] And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of life, who proceedeth from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified; who spake by the Prophets.
8] And I believe in one holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.
9] I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins; 10] and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
[1]

[1]Lutheran Church. Missouri Synod: Concordia Triglotta - English : The Symbolic Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. electronic ed. Milwaukee WI : Northwestern Publishing House, 1997, S. 31

Dogwood Blossoms

2008-05-19T15:13:00.000-07:00

The story of the dogwood tree may only be a legend but it serves as a beautiful reminder of the truth of our Lord Jesus' work of redemption. This spring as the Dogwood trees begin to bloom gaze for a moment upon the blossoms. Contemplate the blessings of Almighty God who has created us and redeemed us; "redeeming us not with gold or silver but with the precious blood of our Lord Jesus Christ," as St Peter says.

The author of this poem is unknown but the creator of the dogwood tree has made himself known through his Son who said, "For I did not come into the world to condemn the world, but that the world should be saved."

"At the time of the crucifixion, the dogwood had reached the size of the mighty oak tree. So strong and firm was the wood that it was chosen as the timber for Jesus' cross. To be used for such a cruel purpose greatly distressed the dogwood. While nailed upon it, Jesus sensed this, and in his compassion said. "Because of your pity for my suffering, never again shall the dogwood tree grow large enough to be used for a cross. Henceforth, it shall be slender, bent, and twisted, and its blossoms shall be in the form of a cross–two long and two short petals. In the center of the outer edge of each petal will be the print of nails. In the center of the flower, stained with blood, will be a crown of thorns so that all who see it will remember." (Anonymous)

Blessings+
Father Daniel

My Icon Corner: A Place of Prayer

2008-05-19T15:01:00.000-07:00

This is my icon corner, in the living room, where I find my isolated place to pray. It is before the images of my Lord Jesus, born, crucified and resurrected, that I lay bare my soul and seek comfort and healing. As I find courage and strength I am bold to assure others of the same grace bestowed. As St Paul said, “The comfort with which we were comforted, we comfort others with also.” It is to this altar that I return to petition for divine mercy and blessing on behalf of my spiritual children. It is here that I pray for your sick children, your family distress, employment concerns, and your sorrows of personal loss. I also return to this place of prayer to rejoice and render thanks for your blessings and joys of life.

Usually the lights are dimmed and candles are lit in the icon corner to focus attention on holy things. The images of the saints remind me that we are surrounded by a crowd of witnesses who have gone before, as St Paul says. You will see the icon of St Daniel the Prophet who was bold to pray and served the king well. St Polycarp to the right was a disciple of the Apostle John and was a bold pastor and martyr of the faith. St Stephen and St Seraphim who were full of the Holy Spirit, both were physically assaulted; one died and the other bore scars the remainder of his life.

The psalmist said, “Let my prayer rise before you as incense and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.” As I pray the air becomes heavy with the aroma of frankincense or sandalwood incense. It rises before the picture of Christ Jesus who is our intercessor and high priest. In his hand he holds a parchment that reads, “Come to me all who labor and are heavily burdened and I will give you rest.” I am certain that he receives our prayers as they rise before him in heaven. As the smoke swirls around, it envelopes me and reminds me of the presence of the Holy Spirit, and the holy angels who stand ready to do the Lord’s bidding. The incense has so overwhelmed the room that I now cannot be unaware of it. Just as it enhances every breath I take, I am made aware of the love of God for all humanity that so fills and sustains all creation.

Blessings+
Father Daniel

Skillet Rocks!!!!

2008-05-19T14:47:00.000-07:00

I have discovered the music group SKILLET. The sound is amazing!! A blending of symphonic features with classic and modern hard rock. But what would one expect but excellence from a classical music trained hard rocker? Skillet comes across with an awesome message which would most appeal to a population aquainted with heartache and desparation. The music will rock your face off!!! I saw them in concert - it was an electrifying event. I felt like a teenager going to my first REZ Band concert or when I discovered PETRA in the '80's.

Check out SKILLET music and videos at http://www.skillet.com/ As I said, IT WILL ROCK YOUR FACE OFF!!!
Blessings+
Father Daniel

Our Lady of Perpetual Help

2008-05-19T14:40:00.000-07:00

This image is called Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Many people who are in physical, emotional, and spiritual peril have been saved and blessed while praying and contemplating the meaning of this icon. Allow me to underscore that “Our Lady” is the Blessed Virgin Mary and the “perpetual help” is Christ Jesus who was forever being begotten by God the Father from before all time and was born in flesh of the Virgin Mary. Let us turn to our dear loving Savior for all mercy, consolation and rescue. See how sweetly he is shown holding the hand of his mother. He held her hand as any normal child would hold his mother’s hand, for closeness, guidance and security. When he held her hand, as the Son of God in flesh, he was not holding her hand for his comfort. Rather, as Almighty God, he was thereby holding her hand and the hand of all humanity in our sorrows and distress. Yes, he is holding your hand in every sorrow, sickness and shame you endure.

This icon shows our Lord depicted as a vulnerable child looking at the instruments of his crucifixion. He, who as a little child sat upon the lap of his blessed virgin mother, matured into a man yet with all innocence and humility. On the last day of his life he was stripped, abused and assaulted until dead. He who was thus abused and assaulted can truly understand the spiritual and emotional needs of those who are affected by emotional, physical and sexual abuse.

Our Lord Jesus said the following statements about children: “Let the little children come to me and forbid them not for of such is the kingdom of heaven…Their angels have access to the God the Father at all times…It would be better if a millstone were hung around a person’s neck and thrown into the depths of the sea rather than to hurt one of these little ones…As you have done anything, even giving a cup of cold water, for one of these little ones you have done it to me.”

Those most vulnerable and in need of our protection need you to be the mother, father, family and friend to protect them from abuse. Learn more by clicking below.

http://www.darkness2light.org/AboutUs/commercials/2many_high.swf

Blessings+
Father Daniel

Official Lutheran Doctrine: "We Do Not Abolish the Mass"

2008-05-19T13:23:00.000-07:00

In the modern day Lutheran churches much confusion seems to prevail with regard to the standard order of service and the nature of the Divine Liturgy. Some churches seem to maintain no semblance whatsoever of their Lutheran liturgical heritage and employ a free style sing along customary of American non-denominational church groups. While others are quite liturgical and appear “catholic” in the way they worship. Which is correct based upon the official standing of the Lutheran church? Are not Lutherans a “protestant denomination”, if so then shouldn’t they worship like the other protestant and non-denominational churches? Historically, and more importantly doctrinally, no they should not. The official standard of doctrine and practice for the Lutheran Church and her clergy is the Book of Concord, also known as the Lutheran Confessions. According to this document, ratified in the year 1580 A.D., the Lutheran Reformers had no issue with the historic order of service. In fact they maintained the structure of the mass and handed it down to the successive generations of Lutherans. They said the following.

Article XXIV (XII): Of the Mass.
“At the outset we must again make the preliminary statement that we 1] do not abolish the Mass, but religiously maintain and defend it. For among us masses are celebrated every Lord’s Day and on the other festivals, in which the Sacrament is offered to those who wish to use it, after they have been examined and absolved. And the usual public ceremonies are observed, the series of lessons, of prayers, vestments, and other like things.” [1]

Therefore, the official Lutheran stance, according to The Book of Concord, supports the liturgical services including the use of vestments, and customs traditionally used in the Divine Liturgy. Interestingly enough, in this and many other citations, the reformers were not apprehensive to utilize the customary terminology when referring to the Divine Service; as you can see for yourself, they continued to call it the Mass. This coming Lord’s Day let us as Lutherans ponder the format of the service that we attend. Does it maintain the integrity of the liturgy as handed down by our faithful ancestors? If it seems more sing along with little or no liturgical structure, is this the manner of worship in keeping with our official doctrinal material or are we being incongruent? I will attend, and invite you as well to attend, the Mass as described by the progenitors of the Lutheran Reformation, which was maintained and handed down by the historic church from whom even they received it. It is in keeping with the official doctrine and practice to which we have pledged ourselves as Lutherans and it provides the ancient and well recognized structure to cradle the Christo-centric worship and to convey the administration of Word and Sacrament.

Blessings+
Father Daniel

[1]Lutheran Church. Missouri Synod: Concordia Triglotta - English : The Symbolic Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. electronic ed. Milwaukee WI : Northwestern Publishing House, 1997, S. 383

Mother's Day Blessings

2008-05-19T13:20:00.000-07:00

With the celebration of Mothers’ Day upon us I want to wish a happy Mother’s Day to the special women in my life. To my Mother who gave me life and nurtured me along the early path of life, may I long remember and in turn pass along the love and the gentle lessons you provided. I recall with clarity the stroller rides and trips to the park to play. Oh yes, and the day that my flaming marshmallow flew through the air and landed on your head, oozing all over your curlers. What godly patience!!
To my wife, the mother of my children, you are a blessing - indeed a reflection of your Mother. You shine with the radiance of godliness and steadfast character. Your love for your children is spoken in each task so carefully completed. I am so proud of you; ever thinking ahead and foreknowing needs before the thought even dawns on the rest of us.
To my blessed holy mother the church. You cherish and nurture your children generation after generation. You hold firm to your faith and educate, watching over and nursing our wounds. For you have given birth to us in the waters of baptism, catechized, and hold our hands along the journey to life everlasting.
With all reverence I ponder on the ever virgin and blessed Mother of our Lord Jesus who humbled herself and accepted the will of God that she should conceive and give birth. She who gave birth in a stable and watched in horror the torture and execution of her dear child also witnessed the glorious and victorious aftermath of his resurrection. Tradition holds that she moved with St. John to Ephesus and lived there until she left this earth at the age of 72. “Hail Mary full of grace the Lord is with thee…blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.” (St. Luke)
To all mothers, I pray for many joys to be made manifest to you in your godly, laudable, and honorable vocation.

Blessings+
Father Daniel

Anima Christi

2008-05-19T13:15:00.000-07:00

Soul of Christ, sanctify me.

Body of Christ, heal me.

Blood of Christ, refresh me.

Water from the side of Christ, wash me.

Passion of Christ, strengthen me.

Good Jesus, hear me.

Within Thy wounds shelter me.

Let me not be separated from Thee.

From the malicious enemy protect me.

At the hour of my death call me,

And bid me come to Thee,

to praise you with all your saintsforever and ever.

Amen.

An earthly example of our Heavenly Father

2008-05-19T13:02:00.000-07:00

When we think of God, our concept of Him is heavily influenced, and naturally so, by our experience with parents and other authority figures. Unfortunately not all people have a father who provided for his family or maybe he was negligent in protecting his family from the dangers of life. Pastors especially bear the ability to demonstrate the character of our heavenly Father. Most do well, but sadly some have been self serving or even abusive. I am very thankful that my Father and pastors were devout and loyal men who demonstrated, to the best of their abilities, the earthly concept of the divine father who created, provides, redeemed and protects. I share with you this e-mail tid-bit that demonstrates the faithfulness of our heavenly Father.
The legend of the Cherokee Indian youth's rite of passage to manhood:
The boy’s father takes him into the forest, blindfolds him and leaves him alone. He is required to sit on a stump the whole night and not remove the blindfold until the rays of the morning sun shine through it. He cannot cry out for help to anyone. Once he survives the night, he is a man. He cannot tell the other boys of this experience because each lad must come into manhood on his own. The boy is naturally terrified. He can hear all kinds of noises. Wild beasts must surely be all round him. Maybe even some human might do him harm. The wind may blow the grass and earth, and even thunder may have shook his stump; but he sat stoically, never removing the blindfold. It would be the only way he could become a man! Finally, after a horrific night, the sun appeared and he removed his blindfold. It was then that he discovered his father sitting on the stump next to him. He had been at watch the entire night, protecting his son from harm. We, too, are never alone. Even when we don't think it, our heavenly Father is watching over us, sitting on the stump beside us. "He who watches over you will neither slumber nor sleep." (Psalm 121:3)

Blessings+
Father Daniel

The Our Father (Latin / English translations)

2008-05-19T13:00:00.000-07:00

Latin:
Pater noster, qui es in caelis, sanctificetur nomen tuum. Adveniat regnum tuum. Fiat voluntas tua, sicut in caelo et in terra. Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie, et dimitte nobis debita nostra sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem, sed libera nos a malo. Amen.

English:
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Rebuild My Church

2008-05-19T12:55:00.000-07:00

"Francis, rebuild my Church" were the words that St. Franics of Assisi heard as he gazed upon the ruins of the San Damiano chapel. He thought God spoke of rebuilding that little chapel - which Francis did. By the time he finished his life's work he had stirred a movement in the 13th century that reformed the Church of the west. Today the Confessional Lutherans have the same golden opportunity. That is to restore our Lord's Church, simply by preaching the Word of God and administering the blessed Sacraments. If you see that the Lutheran Church has begun to crumble and is in need of repairs, then you are a Francis being called to remain faithful to the authentic doctrine and historic practice of the Church Catholic.
So many things that are foreign to the historic Church have crept in and have become commonplace. Nearly all who have advocated a restoration of confessional or historic Lutheranism have felt the sting from those who are willfully attached to innovative, non-liturgical, and even sometimes un-christian doctrines and practices. Do not give up the struggle reverend Fathers and faithful children of the reformation or this photograph will become representative of the American Lutheran experience. What if we were to assume our role in restoring the sanctuary of modern Lutheranism? Let us begin by adorning her chancel with the crucifix, the ancient and ever new proclamation of the Gospel, and once again intoning the historic liturgy the Church. By God's grace and favor, one day it shall be so again in every Lutheran Church. Pax est in cella foris autem plurima bella.

Blessings+
Father Daniel

Hey Father!

2008-05-19T12:52:00.000-07:00

They’re Calling Me “Father”
Father Daniel Coffey
November 13, 2007 (revised)

A parishioner once asked me if I would ever use the title “father.” I explained to him that I am not opposed to it and that there is in fact a history of the usage of this title throughout the history of the Lutheran reformation even until today. Some Lutheran pastors now dead and buried, but still remembered and loved were given this title during their years of ministry. Others are earnestly and faithfully serving their flocks in America, Europe, and elsewhere around the world. Others are remembered only as notations in books. I further explained that if I was to be addressed by this title it would, number one, be originated by others and secondly, that it must be a humble reminder of my vocation to serve. I would not start it, but if others call me father I would be humbly reminded of their trust and confidence placed in my spiritual leadership. I finished off the discussion by saying, “If they call me father, then I will be called father.”
I was called at all hours of the day and night and I drove to meet “them” at hospitals, crash scenes, homicides, and suicides. I sat with tortured souls and listened to them, I prayed with them, wept with them, and encouraged them from scripture. I met the homeless and wandering pilgrims under a bridge. I found them blankets, clothing, and groceries. I met with a family looking for their runaway daughter as they were driving through the state on their last tank of gas; when we said good-bye they were well supplied with food and gas to drive the last 800 miles home. I even baptized a few babies on their deathbeds. All this I did in addition to my regular parish responsibilities. Before long I was hearing a curious word in front of my name. I thought, “Surely not me, he or she was addressing someone else, right?” It turned out I was the man they spoke to with tear filled eyes and smiles of appreciation. They’re calling me “father”.
I then had to wrestle with the theological implications of this title as it applied to me personally and my vocation. The words that I had told my parishioner echoed in my memory. As I struggled with the concept, I considered the universal usage of this title. First of all was the scriptural consideration, but for our discussion I will put that off a bit. Most frequently when we hear the title of father in the media it is attached to a Roman Catholic priest. Padre Pio, for example, was in the news a great deal this last decade throughout his elevation to sainthood. Along similar lines as the Roman Catholic Church is the Eastern Orthodox Church. They use an array of titles that essentially mean the same thing: father, pater, abba, batushka, abune, patriarch, etc.
The church bodies that proceed from the protestant reformation are also among the churches that utilize the title of father. The Anglican Church or the Episcopalian Church as we know it in the United States regularly uses the title of father in addressing their clergy. Also from the English reformation we have the Presbyterian Church which has a well established history in American Christianity. As a young boy I lived in Kansas and I had the pleasure of visiting, on a few occasions, the Native American Heritage Museum about 30 miles west of St Joseph, Missouri. The nearest city is Highland, Kansas. The history of this town, its community college and the local Presbyterian Church is very much intertwined. Highland Community College, along with it the city of Highland, started as a result of the Presbyterian mission effort to the Native American tribes of the Iowa, Sac and Fox begun in 1827. The museum, a portion of the mission which still stands today is 2 miles east of Highland. The pastor who established this mission was Father Samuel Irvin, a Presbyterian missionary from Pennsylvania. Father Irvin is referenced throughout the museum, in Highland and historical documents at the college. They give an account of his life and work in the pioneer era of Northeast Kansas. Additionally, I have heard of another Presbyterian pastor by the name Father Bracken who ministered in Glasco, Kansas about 45 years after Father Irvin founded his mission. From these examples and others I have learned that the Roman Catholic Church is not the only church body which retained or at least has seen the usage of this historic title among the clergy.
American Christians are starving for a substantial Christianity that will connect them to the historic church. Confessional Lutherans are no different; they want to connect to their historic theological roots. Resurgence of interest in classical Lutheran doctrine and practice is at the root of the increasing number of modern Lutheran clergy who are revitalizing historic and scriptural usages. (For a brief discussion on this cf. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Church_Lutheranism.)
The early church fathers are studied by Lutheran seminarians in preparation for their call and ordination. We read and discuss St. Cyril, St. Athanasius, St. John Chrysostom, St Gregory the Great, St Augustine, St Ambrose, St Jerome, St Ignatius, St Irenaeus, and the Cappadocian Fathers among the others. The Lutheran church did not begin at the reformation; it is a continuation of the one holy, catholic and apostolic church. The theology, history, liturgy and practices of the church have been passed down to us for our benefit, to do what Christians have done for thousands of years. The reformation was merely about stopping corrupt and unscriptural abuses which had developed over time. Luther and the Lutheran reformers had no intention of scrapping the ship and building a new one. That is why in a many Lutheran Churches, with the crucifix, statuary, icons, candles, vestments and liturgy, you might think that you were standing in a Roman Catholic Church. Although other protestant reformers had the scrap it – start new mentality; Lutherans did not, but we were and still are incorrectly lumped into that group. The true Lutheran criterion for any church practice is whether it stands according to Holy Scripture. If a practice or usage did not violate scripture it is therefore considered allowable. Therefore, let us turn to the Bible and find out what the source and norm of all truth would hold about this topic.
In Matthew 23:8-12 didn’t Jesus say, “Call no man father.”? Yes, Jesus also said call no man teacher. If we take a literalistic view rather than a literal view we will get bound up in our own confusion. If this were the case then we would be going against the very words of Christ Jesus when we call our educators and the instructors for Sunday school, “teachers”. Almost every protestant denomination uses the terminology “Sunday school teacher” without hesitation. Furthermore, nearly every Theological Seminary calls their instructors “Professor”. There is more to this text than a simplistic rule which is only half-kept at best. In this text, Jesus was instructing against pride and arrogance; the kind of arrogance that takes self gratifying pleasure in showing off to others how good one’s literalistic interpretation of God’s Word can be kept. If one seeks prideful recognition through titles then titles such as Sunday school teacher, professor, doctor, philanthropist, Mother and Dad, Mr. and Mrs. or even chief bottle washer are wrong. However, if one receives a title to denote one’s servitude in his or her office following in the example of Jesus, who received the title of Christ - coming not to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many, then it is well and good. The title then serves as an adjective to describe one’s office and work to the glory of God. Sunday school teachers can sigh with relief. Their job description and titles need not be modified.
From the era of the ancient Hebrews we can read of the succession from the Prophet Elijah to the Prophet Elisha. In 1Kings, Elisha had been chosen to follow Elijah. Upon hearing this shocking call he went back and said goodbye to his Father and brothers. After this he followed Elijah and underwent a period of preparation. When that was completed he walked with Elijah across the Jordan River to the location where Elijah was to be taken up in the chariot of fire. 2 Kings 2:11-14 tells how the Prophet was being taken away in the chariot of fire and Elisha cried out to Elijah saying, “My Father - My Father!”
St Paul’s writings tell of a father child / children relationship that he nurtures with his followers. He states, “I am not writing to shame you, but to warn you, as my dear children. Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel…For this reason I am sending to you Timothy, my son whom I love who is faithful in the Lord…” (1 Cor. 4, 14-17NIV) Elsewhere, St Paul speaks four more times of Timothy as his beloved son and twice of Onesimus as his son. It is clear from these texts and from history that there is no filial relationship between St Paul and these men other than the obvious pastoral / spiritual father quality that St Paul possessed. (cf. 1Timothy 1:2, 18; 2Timothy 1:2; 2:1; Philemon verse 10) For further exploration of Scripture read the letters written by St John. He also writes to his readers in a fatherly manner.
Having assessed the viewpoint of Holy Scripture on this topic, let us zero in the discussion to consider what little the Lutheran Reformers had to say about it as a reformation issue. Well frankly, the absence of material speaks to what degree of a non-issue it truly was. I would direct your attention to the Book of Concord also known as the Lutheran Confessions. The Book of Concord is the official book of doctrine agreed upon by Lutherans as the proper explanation of Holy Scripture and sets forth our doctrine in systematic fashion. One of the smaller books among others that comprise the Book of Concord is Martin Luther’s Large Catechism, in which he writes pertaining to the 4th Commandment. After explaining how we are to honor our own Fathers and Mothers and along with them the fathers of our country (Here he is using language much as we idiomatically speak of our city fathers, the mayor and council members.) and employers, he explains about the honor that is owed to spiritual fathers as well. He writes,
“158] Thus we have two kinds of fathers presented in this commandment, fathers in blood and fathers in office, or those to whom belongs the care of the family, and those to whom belongs the care of the country. Besides these there are yet spiritual fathers; not like those in the Papacy, who have indeed had themselves called thus, but have performed no function of the paternal office. For those only are called spiritual fathers who govern and guide us by the Word of God; 159] as St. Paul boasts his fatherhood in 1 Cor. 4, 15, where he says: In Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the Gospel. Now, 160] since they are fathers they are entitled to their honor, even above all others. But here it is bestowed least; for the way which the world knows for honoring them is to drive them out of the country and to grudge them a piece of bread…” (paragraph 158ff., Triglot Concordia 1917)*
In this citation he clearly says that those who guide and govern by the Word of God in their paternal office are indeed spiritual fathers. He scourges the western Church as it was before the reformation and as the Roman Church was, until after his death when the Church of Rome underwent a reformation of sorts of its own and sought to correct some of the abuses to which the Lutheran reformation objected. He then draws upon the 1 Corinthians 4:15 text that was considered a moment ago.
The other location to refer for our discussion is found at the end of the Smalcald Articles, another component of the Book of Concord, also written by Martin Luther. It is not so much the text of this marvelous document that I point to, but rather the last page to which those who read it and agreed signed their names. Brixius Northanus affirms Martin Luther with the following words, “I, Brixius Northanus, Minister of the Church of Christ which is at Soest, subscribe to the Articles of the Reverend Father Martin Luther, and confess that hitherto I have thus believed and taught, and by the Spirit of Christ I shall continue thus to believe and teach. (Triglot Concordia 1917)*
From this subscription we can read that the honorable title of Reverend Father was attached to Martin Luther the author of this document. Quite astoundingly it serves as a time capsule to reveal that the title was in usage during the reformation era among the Lutheran Reformers themselves.
The usage of the title of Father did not dissolve throughout the post reformation era. In fact it survived and appears attached to a well known, respected and loved pastor and missionary by the name of Father Heyer. John Christian Frederick Heyer (7/10/1793 – 11/7/1873) served as a missionary in the pioneer American Midwest and as a missionary to India. Father Heyer Missionary Society of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Mount Airy in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and also the Father Heyer Degree College in Deenapur in Andhra Pradesh, India seek to remember his name and honor his work. Interestingly he was a contemporary of the Presbyterian ministers Father Irvin and Father Bracken.
Another surprising twist and a topic for another paper is St Augustine’s House located in Oxford, Michigan. At St Augustine’s House, a Lutheran Monastery begun by Father Arthur, and the work being continued by Father Richard, is an example of Lutheran pastors desiring to live out their vocations in humble and dedicated service. These were the first Lutheran pastors that I personally knew who comfortably used the title of Father. Calling them such was as natural and right as addressing my own Dad. For these men did care for me and my friends as true spiritual fathers. I still hear from Fr Richard via newsletter and I pray for him regularly.
From these two last examples we see the usage of the title of Father in early American History and modern day Lutheranism, and the strain can be followed back through the reformation era through the middle ages and the era of the early church fathers and the apostles all the way back to the time of the great prophets of the Old Testament. The next time you sit in Church and you observe the Pastor conducting the liturgy, look at his vestments. Notice the stole. It symbolizes the presence of the Holy Spirit. When Elijah went up in the chariot of fire he dropped his cloak to Elisha as a sign of the double portion of God’s Spirit which descended upon Elisha. This symbolic vestment has been worn by clergy since time immemorial so to speak. Chances are that the pastor will have fringes or tassels on the ends of his stole. Those fringes are not merely decorative; they symbolize the spiritual children of that pastor.
Regardless of whether one recognizes the symbolism of the fringes on my vestments, my spiritual children are continually being birthed through the ministry of Word and Sacrament. By virtue of my call and ordination into the Office of the Holy Ministry to teach and preach and to administer the regenerating and nurturing Sacraments; I as a minister am indeed a spiritual father. Thereby my spiritual children are multiplying daily. When I am called Father, I am reminded of the sacred duty that I hold. I am not the housekeeper, groundskeeper or cook. When you call me Father I feel newly admonished to care for, protect, nurture and rear the children of God, young and old, whom He has placed in my trust. They call me, “Father.” It’s a title of honor and endearment that is Scriptural, universal, historic, and Lutheran.
*
TRIGLOT CONCORDIA
The Symbolical Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church,
German-Latin-English,
Published as a Memorial of the Quadricentenary Jubilee of the Reformation anno
Domini 1917 by resolution of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio,
and Other States.

A Lutheran Monastery?

2008-05-19T12:39:00.000-07:00

Have you ever just wanted to get away from the hectic grind of life and spend time enjoying nature, a quiet visit or time to think, with plenty of opportunities for prayer and Bible reading? The Roman Catholic Church often accepts people on brief retreats in their monasteries and convents. A brief retreat can last anywhere from a day to a couple of weeks. If you are Roman Catholic, inquire at your diocese office for such a location near you. When I was in college there was such a place that I visited and it still holds a special place in my heart. Did you know that Roman Catholics are NOT the only church body to maintain monasteries? The Episcopalians, Eastern Orthodox and Lutherans are all a possibility. In these cases you may have to travel a bit farther. I must admit, 19 years ago when I learned that there was actually a Lutheran monastery in America I was amazed. I thought only Roman Catholics utilized monasteries - was I ever misinformed! Follow the URL below and read the history of St Augustine’s House. Be sure to follow the links to see some Lutheran Monasteries in Europe. Maybe you live near St Augustine’s House and can take day trip, but if you can’t go in person, maybe a twenty minute cyber stroll through photos of some special places refresh your day.

http://www.staugustineshouse.org/
Note: This is what the chapel looked like when I visited there in 1988. The new chapel is very beautiful as well, as you can see via the link.

Blessings+
Father Daniel

The Rule of the Society of St. Polycarp

2008-05-19T12:36:00.000-07:00

The Rule of the Society of St. Polycarp
As Lutheran Christians who understand ourselves to be a part of the One Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, we have joined ourselves voluntarily in a fellowship to be known as the Society of St. Polycarp. The Society is made up of Lutheran clergymen and laity committed to the confessional, liturgical, sacramental, and spiritual renewal of the Church of the Augsburg Confession. Since our Church's problems are not political, but rather spiritual, we pray God to grant us repentance, and seek no political aim. Members of the Society commit themselves to the following Rule.
1. Members of the Society confess Holy Scripture to be "the pure, clear fountain of Israel" and also "the one true guiding principle," i.e., the sole norm or "judge, rule, and guiding principle" of the same (FC Ep. Comprehensive Summary, 7; FC SD Comprehensive Summary, 3). We rejoice in the tradition of the Holy Doctors and Fathers of the Church, in whom Christ kept His promise that "the gates of Hell shall not prevail against (My Church)" (Mt 16:18), so that the Lutheran confessors could say that "the churches among us do not dissent from the catholic church in any article of faith" (AC Preface to XXII, 1, Latin). We reject all methods of interpretation that seek to understand the meaning of Scripture apart from the guidance of the Church, through which God gave us the Scriptures.
2. Members of the Society will promote the importance of daily prayer and meditation on Holy Scripture. Members will commit themselves to praying at least one of the daily offices, keeping fellow members as well as the Church Catholic herself in their prayers. The ideal use of the offices is in the corporate setting; however, the praying of the offices in private is to be carried out if there is no alternative.
3. Valuing Holy Absolution as "a voice from heaven" (Ap. XII, 40), members of the Society will avail themselves of the benefit of this sacrament, as well as promoting its use. Members will seek out father confessors of their own for regular and frequent private Confession and Absolution.
4. Members of the Society will promote the Sacrament of the Altar as the chief parochial service in the Church of the Augsburg Confession (AC XXIV, 34). Members will receive the Sacrament of the Altar often, as well as encouraging others to receive it frequently, thereby restoring the traditional Lutheran understanding of the central place of the Sacrament in Lutheran worship. As the Lutheran Symbols assume the weekly celebration of the Sacrament of the Altar (AC XXIV, 34-38; Ap. XXIV, 1), members of the Society will promote this evangelical and catholic practice in their own parishes and in the work of the Society.
5. As the Sacrament of the Altar is the true Body and Blood of Our Lord that is truly present, distributed, and received (AC X, German), members of the Society are committed to the evangelical and catholic doctrine of closed communion, i.e., not admitting to the altar to receive the Holy Communion those who have not previously been examined and absolved (AC XXV, 1-2), let alone those of a confession of the Faith contrary to that of the Church of the Augsburg Confession.
6. Members of the Society will promote the historic liturgies of the Church Catholic, since such liturgies shape pastoral practice and teaching that is consistent with the evangelical and catholic Faith as it has been handed down in Holy Scripture, the Ecumenical Creeds, and the Symbolical Books of the Church of the Augsburg Confession.
7. As the Lutheran Symbols confess the Blessed Virgin Mary to be "the pure, holy, and ever-virgin Mother of God" (Theotokos, Gottes Mutter), as well as "that the blessed Mary prays for the Church" (Ap. XXI, 27; SA I, IV, Latin; FC SD VIII, 24), it is altogether fitting, proper, and consistent with the Faith of the Church Catholic to honor the Blessed Virgin in liturgical celebration. Members of the Society will seek to restore the traditional Marian feasts of the Church of the Augsburg Confession (i.e., the Feasts of the Purification, Annunciation, and Visitation) as a testimony of the grace of God through her, that we might imitate the Blessed Virgin in word and example, and in thanksgiving for the Incarnation of the Son of God through her humble submission to the will of God. Members of the Society will also promote the observance and celebration of saints' days and commemorations. This is wholly in keeping with the evangelical and catholic tradition of the Church of the Augsburg Confession, whose Symbolical Books acknowledge the saints as fitting exemplars of the catholic Faith worthy of imitation, as well as our heavenly intercessors (AC XXI, 1; Ap. XXI, 4-9).
8. As the Church of the Augsburg Confession understands herself as a part of the One Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, particularly as she exists in the West, members of the Society will take seriously the commitment to the proper ecumenicity this demands. Members will pursue dialogue with:
- Fellow Lutheran Christians to foster and promote Lutheran unity.
- Our separated brethren in the Roman Church, with which the Lutherans at the Diet of the Augsburg in 1530 clearly sought reconciliation.
- The Eastern Orthodox Church, following the example of the exchange between the Lutheran theologians of the University of Tübingen and Ecumenical Patriarch Jeremiah II of Constantinople (1573-1581).
This reflects not simply the Lutheran commitment to the unity of all Christians, but ultimately the will of Our Lord Himself (Jn 17).
9. Members of the Society will make every effort to make a retreat once a year for the purpose of disciplined prayer and study, silence and reflection, as well as the celebration of the Sacrament of the Altar.
Following the example of our patron, members of the Society ultimately strive to be faithful to Our Lord, recalling His words to St. John the Theologian: "Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life" (Rev 2:10). Members also pray God's grace that we may be able to hand over to our posterity the tradition we have received as Lutheran Christians, and that we may be able to confess with our forebears at Augsburg that "nothing has been accepted among us, in teaching and ceremonies, that is contrary to Scripture or the catholic church. For it is manifest that we have most diligently been on guard so that no new or ungodly doctrines creep into our churches" (AC Conclusion, 5, Latin).
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

The Beautiful Hands of a Priest

2008-05-19T12:31:00.000-07:00

The Beautiful Hands of a Priest
We need them in life’s early morning,
We need them again at its close:
We feel their clasp of true friendship,
We seek them when tasting life’s woes.
At the altar each day we behold them,
And the hands of a king on his throne
Are not equal to them in their greatness;
Their dignity stands all alone;
And when we are tempted and wander,
To pathways of shame and of sin,
It’s the hand of a priest that absolves us - -
Not once, but again and again.
And when we are seeking life’s partner,
Other hands may prepare us a feast,
But the hand that will bless and unite us - -
Is the beautiful hand of a priest.
God bless them and keep them all holy,
For the Host which their fingers caress;
When can a poor sinner do better
Than to ask Him to guide and bless?
When the hour of death comes upon us,
May our courage and strength be increased,
By seeing raised over us in blessing - -
The beautiful hands of a priest.
(Author Unknown)

My Spiritual Autobiography

2008-05-19T12:25:00.000-07:00

Birth – 18 years of age:
Being a native to the Rocky Mountains, at an early age I learned to love nature; especially the majestic mountains and crystal pure streams. The music of John Denver practically courses through my veins. Although I am many hundreds of miles away I can still hear the wind tickling the leaves of the Aspen trees. I was raised Southern Baptist. I confessed faith in Christ Jesus and was baptized at 8 years of age. At 17 years of age I discovered the music of John Michael Talbot (Roman Catholic musician). Especially the albums: Songs for Worship Volumes 1 and 2, and The Lord's Supper. I utilized this material for contemplation / meditation and began to deeply appreciate this liturgy in my time of prayer.

At 18 - 20 years of age:
I established my own residence. I worked 5 days a week at a boat factory and 1 or 2 days on weekends at a Christian radio station as an announcer. During the week in the evenings, I passed the time reading at the local library on such topics as medieval history, monasticism, sociology and psychology. I spent regular time in Bible study, prayer and contemplation. I developed an appreciation for the Franciscan way of life and wanted to pursue it further. I even considered joining John Michael Talbot's Little Portion Hermitage, as I was intrigued by the life of prayer and service.

At 20 - 25 yrs of age:
I was introduced to the Lutheran Church and was enraptured by the liturgy, which I had come to appreciate (love in fact), and I was nurtured by the law / gospel style sermons. I was catechized into the Lutheran church and confirmed on August 14, 1988. The following day, (on the day of St. Mary, the blessed Mother of our Lord) I moved away to begin my undergraduate studies. Four years later, I completed my BA in Psychology.

At 25yrs of age - present:
After college I attended Seminary to earn a graduate degree. I appreciated the Church History, Theology, and the Pastoral Care courses, but especially the Liturgy. I graduated with an M.Div. in Pastoral Ministry.

During my seminary years I worked in the mental health field, and I served the local police department as the senior chaplain. I provided pastoral care and critical incident stress management to officers and their families, victims of crime and accidents. I responded to the homicides, suicides, fatal car crashes, and various other death investigations. I was invited to respond to the World Trade Center (Ground Zero) in the weeks following the terrorist attacks of 9-11-01 (I was assigned to the Port Authority Police Department CISM).

I received Holy Ordination in April, 2001 and served as the sole pastor at a Lutheran Church. As my chaplaincy activities and opportunities steadily increased I knew that my ministry was expanding. In June of 2005, I accepted a Divine Call as an ordained missionary at large to begin a fulltime law enforcement chaplaincy ministry. The following year an opportunity arose to apply for a position with a larger agency and I was appointed as the fulltime department chaplain for that agency. I now coordinate a chaplaincy program of 50+ chaplains, and our Critical Incident Stress Management Team, and the Employee Assistance Program.

I desire to pray, study and fellowship with likeminded Christians. As a contemplative, I've been a hermit as it were. For me, that is sufficient. However, I also recognize that my experience and education obligates me to mentor those who follow. With the advent of computer technology we now have the opportunity to coordinate via the internet. This was not an option 20 years ago, as I commenced my journey of theological instruction, service, prayer and contemplation. I now wish to network with others for mutual support and mentoring of those like me who sense a calling to prayer and service. The Rule of St Polycarp seems to offer a common ground for this type of fellowship, support, and interaction. I was accepted into membership in March, 2007.

+Lord Jesus Christ Son of God + Have mercy on me a sinner+