Tris Hagion (Three Holies)

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

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

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

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

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!!!!

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

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.

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Blessings+
Father Daniel

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

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

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

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

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)

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

"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!

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?

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

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

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

I must decrease that He may increase.

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