Vindiciae Ignatianae

From tedium to Te Deum

2011-08-01T07:00:00.001-05:00

Today I make a significant move in life. I put down the bookmark used to hold books open to their title pages. As of now I no longer work in the library at Dallas Theological Seminary. 12+ years is a goodly heritage. I don't know how I made it that long.Today I pick up the pastoral mantle used to lead God's people at my local parish. Yes we will say the daily offices of Morning and Evening Prayer

Street Ball Cannot Bring Titles

2011-06-13T13:46:00.002-05:00

GO MAVS! It's about time too!Go here to read what happens to all those Heat championship T-shirts.It's actually a Christian mission.

2011-05-27T17:18:00.004-05:00

Totally off the normal posting flavor. BTW, expect a lot of Rugby posts late summer. It will be the Rugby World Cup! My picks for tomorrow's UFC 130 Rampage v Hamill Hamill over Rampage Jackson in pick-your-poison domination, hoping for a knock out! Big Country v Mir I have Roy Nelson over an overconfident Frank Mir. Probably decision—Roy is Ready. Remember Grapplers Quest 2003? Struve v

[orthodoxbeacon.com] Religion of Peace

2011-05-17T08:54:00.004-05:00

Coptic Christians Slaughtered in Egypt as World Looks Awayfrom orthodoxbeacon.com by The EditorThe Australian writes: Twelve Christians were murdered in Egypt. Two hundred and thirty-two people wounded. The death toll will surely rise as victims succumb to their injuries. And that’s just in the past few days. In the same time period, more Christians were killed in Egypt at the hands of

Justification connected to Charity

2011-05-06T07:55:00.007-05:00

lovely quotes from McGrath's Iustitia Dei: A History of the Christian Doctrine of Justificationpg. 31Augustine has an all-embracing understanding of justification, which includes both the event of justification (brought about by operative grace) and the process of justification (brought about by cooperative grace). Augustine himself does not, in fact, see any need to distinguish between these two

Bernard of Clairvaux on Lent

2011-04-14T14:11:00.000-05:00

Therefore I exhort you, my friends, to leave fora season the painful and anxious remembrance ofyour ways, to strike away into the softer paths ofmemory, and dwell on the loving-kindness of God,that you who are confounded in yourselves may re-cover by gazing on him. I wish you to experience thatwhich the holy prophet advised, saying, ' Delight thouin the Lord, and he shall give thee thy heart's

Retreat

2011-04-13T01:06:00.000-05:00

The men of my parish just returned from retreat at Camp Crucis.Well, I wanted to post the most impressive thing I encountered from the material. We dabbled in Dietrich Bonhoeffer's The Cost of Discipleship. On page 44 he begins,Cheap grace is...the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentancebaptism without church disciplinecommunion without confessionabsolution without personal

Wow

2011-04-12T11:54:00.000-05:00

For those of us who have trouble keeping time in the choir loft....this is astonishing.

Outside Reading for Class

2011-03-21T07:42:00.008-05:00

I am auditing a class on Trauma at my workplace, Dallas Seminary. I decided that I would tailor the outside reading to things that I'm most interested in.I remember the opening class. I was dressed in my clergy shirt. One of the videos highlighted grown men that had been abused by Catholic Priests while very young men. I really wanted to rip that collar off of my neck! The video covered various

[St. Louis Post Dispatch] Giving up Church for Lent

2011-03-18T08:41:00.006-05:00

Speaking of violence [last post], today we have an entry that intersects the 'religion of peace' with the 'religion of whirled peas'.Bolds and comments are mine.Episcopal cleric tries Islamic rituals for Lent BY CYNTHIA BILLHARTZ GREGORIAN cbillhartz@post-dispatch.com > 314-340-8114 | Posted: Saturday, March 12, 2011 12:05 am (NOTE: A correction on dietary restrictions was made in the

[Silouan] Violence or NOT?

2011-03-17T03:06:00.007-05:00

From the Class of NonviolenceHere is a snip...Fred: OK. So you're a pacifist. What would you do if someone were, say, attacking your grandmother?Joan: Attacking my poor old grandmother?Fred: Yeah, you're in a room with your grandmother and there's a guy about to attack her and you're standing there. What would you do?Joan: I'd yell, "Three cheers for Grandma!" and leave the room." Fred: No,

(RNS) Feature plus my comments

2011-03-16T01:48:00.001-05:00

From the Crescent City we have this report.Bold and comments are mine.Archbishop wrestles with doubts on school paddling By Bruce Nolan NEW ORLEANS (RNS) As a high-school student in the mid-1960s, Greg Aymond occasionally saw an angry teacher cuff a student. It never happened to him, nor does the memory of faculty discipline in those days particularly trouble the man who later became the

[GET RELIGION] 'Worship'? Just say 'NO'

2011-03-15T08:04:00.002-05:00

From GetReligion.orgI apologize, gentle readers, for having to go over this issue again so soon. Still, I have to admit that when a reader sent the following URL to your GetReligionistas, I thought for a second that it was a prank. Before I serve up a chunk of this way-below-average Associated Press report — a version posted at FoxNews.com — let’s review a crucial term in the religion-beat

(Project Canterbury) Of Advance in Lent, by Father Congreve, SSJE

2011-03-14T02:27:00.002-05:00

'But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.' (2 S. PET. iii. 18). WHAT expectation have I of growing in grace, and how is Lent to help me to advance in the knowledge of Christ? Lent is no mere ceremonial regulation, like the Lord Chamberlain's order for Court mourning for so many days. As if the Church

Allied Forces prayer (useful during Lent)

2011-03-11T14:24:00.000-06:00

Full article here.When the allied soldiers found the Nazi concentration camp at Ravensbruck where about 92,000 women and children died, they found a note tied to a rock alongside a dead woman and child. It is actually a prayer written by one of the women: “O Lord, when I shall come with glory into Your kingdom, remember not only the men and women of good will; remember also those of ill

(George Herbert) Welcome deare feast of Lent

2011-03-10T02:36:00.000-06:00

Full Text found here.Welcome deare feast of Lent: who loves not thee,He loves not Temperance, or Authoritie, But is compos'd of passion.The Scriptures bid us fast; the Church sayes, now:Give to thy Mother, what thou wouldst allow To ev'ry Corporation.The humble soul compos'd of love and fearBegins at home, and layes the burden there,

(Bishop David's Blog) LENT BEGINS ANEW TODAY

2011-03-09T01:42:00.001-06:00

Milner-White's Prayer for the beginning of Lent The Very Reverend Dr Eric Milner-White (1884 - 1963) was Dean of York between 1941 and his death in 1963. This prayer is taken from his collection, My God my Glory, SPCK London, 1967 edition.LORD, bless to me this Lent.

John Donne on Lent (in a way)

2011-03-08T14:21:00.001-06:00

“The whole of Christ’s life was a continual passion; others die martyrs, but Christ was born a martyr. He found a Golgotha, where he was crucified, even in Bethlehem, where he was born; for to his tenderness then the straws were almost as sharp as the thorns after, and the manger as uneasy at first as the cross at last. His birth and his death were but one continual act, and his Christmas Day and

Open Communion

2011-03-08T09:42:00.013-06:00

The Anglican Journal covers this one for us.My emphases and comments.Should we invite persons who are not baptized to receive Holy Communion? [all the kewl kids are doing it!] The church is discussing this question today. [in order to be relevant, me thinks!] Anglicans traditionally have believed that the eucharist [editorial warning...this article will never Capitalize the word Eucharist even

Metropolitan Hilarion's Message to Dallas Seminary

2011-02-25T15:35:00.001-06:00

You may have heard that His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk visited Dallas Seminary on Feb. 11, 2011.Here is the message given by His Eminence to Dallas Theological Seminary faculty [not chapel or any other broad audience]. photos here.

Lancelot Andrewes' prayers for Lent

2011-02-23T11:47:00.002-06:00

On The Wednesdays Of Lent.O Holy Jesu, I beseech Thy loving-kindness. Despise me not: yea, rather regard me, O Lord, regard me with those eyes wherewith Thou didst regardMagdalene in the banquet,Peter in the hall,the thief on the Cross;that with Peter I may weep,with the thief may confess,with Magdalene may love;may love much, yea very much, for that many sins are forgiven me.Spare me, O Lord

Where?

2011-01-24T16:41:00.007-06:00

Where were they? Where were all the priests and religious this past Saturday?I show up at 7:30 am. The Cathedral of Guadalupe in downtown Dallas. It's the day I've been waiting for. I show up to show my solidarity with all those who oppose abortion. I board a local Catholic School bus along with dozens of other faithful to pray the rosary and march around the Routh Street Women's Center. As the

Proverbs and Virtue

2010-12-01T08:13:00.002-06:00

I have been teaching this fall through Solomon's book of Proverbs. At first I thought I would openly present the material from the Cardinal Virtues and Capital Sins and draw support from the chapter-by-chapter material. My thinking was that there should be some material somewhere that will help categorize the material of Proverbs according to the virtue and vice tradition. For each virtue or vice

Predestination and Grace

2010-11-21T14:08:00.000-06:00

A friend of mine posted here and here recently on the issue of Eastern Orthodoxy's stance on Predestination and Grace. Click through to read his full posts.I find it hard to agree with him, but he puts things out for everyone to examine.He quotes from a gathering of Eastern Patriarchs that issued a statement [though not a conciliar statement]. From this Synod came the Confession of Dositheus.“We

Reading

2010-11-16T01:08:00.000-06:00

Reading is a strange journey for me. I have to admit that I did not read a single story, book, or assignment until I moved to Texas my senior year of high school. I hate to admit it, but it was my goal to finish with high grades while never reading any assignment. College suffered for this poor attitude. But I was rescued by the Texas high school experience. I was lumped in with others of my GPA

Horton hears "according to who?"

2010-11-15T13:58:00.003-06:00

Here is the latest article asking the "age old question" of authority. If you don't subscribe to Modern Reformation just email me and I'll send you a .pdf of the thing.Be sure to read the full response to the Michael Horton's comments here. Bryan Cross's response in the journal is truncated due to space.

Opinion

2010-08-26T21:20:00.002-05:00

I think I just realized something.If I am the only person on the planet with a particular opinion...that rather places me in the minority.

Transfiguration of Christ

2010-08-06T00:26:00.001-05:00

Propers for The Transfiguration of ChristAugust 6.The Collect O GOD, who on the mount didst reveal to chosen witnesses thine only-begotten Son wonderfully transfigured, in raiment white and glistering; Mercifully grant that we, being delivered from the disquietude of this world, may be permitted to behold the King in his beauty, who with thee, O Father, and thee, O Holy Ghost, liveth and

Vacation

2010-08-04T08:38:00.004-05:00

Yes, I need a vacation from my vacation. My family just returned from a grueling journey that landed us at the following spots (80 hrs driving in 9 days, 2,756 miles round trip) from Dallas:Montgomery, ALSavannah, GATybee Island, GAHilton Head, SCHayesville, NCHelen, GA [Cool River tubing]Hollins, AL [took family to DeSoto Caverns]

St. Dominic

2010-08-04T00:24:00.001-05:00

Propers for DOMINIC,FriarAugust 4.The Collect ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, we give thee thanks for the purity and strength with which thou didst endow thy servant Dominic, and we pray that by thy grace we may have a like power to hallow and conform our souls and bodies to the purpose of thy most holy will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.The EpistlePhilippians 3:7-15. HOWBEIT what

SAINT JOSEPH OF ARIMATHAEA

2010-07-31T00:20:00.001-05:00

Propers for SAINT JOSEPH OF ARIMATHAEAJuly 31. The Collect O MERCIFUL God, by whose servant Joseph the body of our Lord and Saviour was committed to the grave with reverence and godly fear: Grant, we beseech thee, to thy faithful people grace and courage to serve and love Jesus with unfeigned devotion all the days of their life; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.The EpistleProverbs

SAINTS MARY AND MARTHA OF BETHANY

2010-07-29T00:18:00.000-05:00

Propers for SAINTS MARY AND MARTHA OF BETHANYJuly 29.The Collect O GOD, who bestowest divers gifts and graces upon thy saints: We give thee humble thanks for the examples of thy servants Mary and Martha, the friends of our Saviour Jesus Christ; and we pray thee to give us grace to love and serve thee and others for his sake, who with thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth ever, one God,

Considering Radner: Is the Church a "Chaste Whore?"

2010-07-27T15:19:00.000-05:00

Considering Radner: Is the Church a "Chaste Whore?": "Ecclesiologists and theologians who follow Radner would be prone to echo this term as a preferred mode of reference for the Church, with regard to the simultaneou reality of her total holiness even while her members persist in human sins. This fact is of course an important theologial problem, although the Catholic Church does not view it as a

ST. ANNE, Mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary

2010-07-26T00:15:00.001-05:00

ST. ANNE, Mother of the Blessed Virgin MaryJuly 26.The Collect for the Day O GOD, who didst vouchsafe to bestow grace upon blessed Anne, that she might become the mother of the parent of thy Only-begotten Son: Mercifully grant that we who celebrate her festival may be partakers with her of thy heavenly grace; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.The EpistleHebrews 12:1-2. SEEING we

2010-07-25T00:09:00.000-05:00

Propers for Saint James the ApostleJuly 25.The Collect GRANT, O merciful God, that, as thine holy Apostle Saint James, leaving his father and all that he had, without delay was obedient unto the calling of thy Son Jesus Christ, and followed him; so we, forsaking all worldly and carnal affections, may be evermore ready to follow thy holy commandments; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.

More Manhattan...they were serious?

2010-07-24T01:59:00.001-05:00

I hope so...

Can Anglicans be Catholic?

2010-07-23T09:20:00.001-05:00

thanks to the VeritasSeminar from Sydney AUS.

ST. MARY MAGDALENE

2010-07-22T03:06:00.001-05:00

Propers for SAINT MARY MAGDALENEJuly 22.The Collect O ALMIGHTY God, whose blessed Son did sanctify Mary Magdalene, and call her to be a witness to his Resurrection: Mercifully grant that by thy grace we may be healed of all our infirmities, and serve thee in the power of his endless life; who with thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth, one God, world without end. Amen.The Epistle2

More Ackerman...on Ecclesiology

2010-07-21T09:14:00.003-05:00

PT.1PT. 2PT.3PT.4PT.5PT.6PT.7

REC DOW clips

2010-07-06T08:08:00.003-05:00

Bishop Keith Ackerman.Find others here.

SS. Peter and Paul

2010-06-29T08:10:00.003-05:00

To read up on the Saints commemorated today go here, here, and here.Bless you.

St. Irenaeus

2010-06-28T12:20:00.003-05:00

Today is the Feast of St. Irenaeus, martyred Bishop of Lyons.For the readings click here.The tag below for Anglican Lesser Feasts does not mean that this day is not important. It signifies that this observance is not in the 1928 BCP. I hope to comment on more of these important feasts in future.

The nasty side of Roman life

2010-06-25T12:34:00.002-05:00

Article today from Roger Pearce..The nasty side of Roman life:A horrific story is reported by the BBC News here. A mass burial of 97 new-born children, all 40 weeks old, next to a Roman villa at Hambleden in Buckinghamshire, has been excavated, and identified as waste products of a Roman brothel.Imagine the story of human misery that lies behind these mute remains. The women were slaves, little

Girl, you have no idea...

2010-06-21T07:39:00.002-05:00

"I believe in a wounded yet holy Catholic and Apostolic Church..."A friend attended the local seminar by Ephraim Radner. Radner's ecclesiology centers around the idea that woundedness, or division, is the foundation for the Church's being. Wow, that's strange, the Nicene Creed states that Oneness, or Unity, is one of the four marks for the Bride of Christ.Protestant scholars have the tendency to

Final Update on My Depression (I Hope)

2010-06-15T09:38:00.001-05:00

Modern drugs are wonderful! They also have completely unseen side effects. I wish I could swear that I will never take them. I know so many people that have ruined their lives because they have self-medicated. The side effects are disaster.Here is a case from a close friend that went through an unexpected depression only to discover later that it was induced by withdrawal from pain meds.Add

Catholic Chant Done...Anglican Style?

2010-06-14T13:06:00.002-05:00

File under Patrimony!Thanks to Sonitus Sanctus!**********************************Catholic Chant Done...Anglican Style?: "So this is a bit embarrassing. Some of the finest free Catholic chant on MP3 I've found is here, on an Anglican website. Awkward!Here's a sample, but hit the jump for the rest:Kyrie eleison, Mass in G - Franz Schubert: Download Gloria in excelsis, Mass in G - Franz Schubert:

Very Positive Developments in the ACNA!

2010-06-14T11:59:00.000-05:00

clipped from a Fr. Foster in Ft. Worth. Add his blog to your list and enjoy this entry from last Saturday.******************************************************************************************Very Positive Developments in the ACNA!: "The Living Church has a report on the recently concluded ACNA annual meeting. It reports a number of encouraging bits of news (italicized emphasis added by me).

News Feeds

2010-06-11T22:04:00.002-05:00

Stories about the Reformed Episcopal Church are more common than you probably think. I will begin to publish many of these stories here on my blog.I hope my reader* will appreciate the clipper service.*yes, singular.

Spiritual but not Religious

2010-03-25T11:56:00.007-05:00

People often believe that they don't need to go to Church to 'worship' God. There must be many levels to their internal resistance. Suffice it to say that Church doesn't meet their expectations. Neither does God. Their answer is to ignore His expectations and insist upon their own with tunnel-vision.They might be shocked to read His expectations: GOD spake these words and said; I am the LORD thy

Feeds

2010-03-04T09:58:00.003-06:00

Since I rarely post my own articles please remember to scroll down and check the Fireflies section at the right hand banner. It contains articles that I have enjoyed reading. Some are noteworthy, some nutty, & others are nonsense.

Ash Wednesday

2010-02-17T09:41:00.003-06:00

Because I do not hope to turn again Because I do not hope Because I do not hope to turn Desiring this man's gift and that man's scope I no longer strive to strive towards such things (Why should the aged eagle stretch its wings?) Why should I mourn The vanished power of the usual reign?

No News

2010-01-28T07:50:00.004-06:00

Well, of course, that is silly. There is plenty of news. I just haven't found time to comment on any of it.Right now I'm reading Robert Llewellyn's How Green Was My Valley.Besides that I'm just trying to take the future as it comes.Some Chinese outfit tried to post a Porno comment which reminded me that I have a blog. That is how bad it is.So....no news.

Saint Andrew the Apostle

2009-11-30T05:10:00.001-06:00

Propers for Saint Andrew the ApostleNovember 30 The Collect ALMIGHTY God, who didst give such grace unto thy holy Apostle Saint Andrew, that he readily obeyed the calling of thy Son Jesus Christ, and followed him without delay; Grant unto us all, that we, being called by thy holy Word, may forthwith give up ourselves obediently to fulfil thy holy commandments; through the same Jesus Christ

Theological Defense of Plagiarism

2009-11-19T09:45:00.005-06:00

In his former treatise Dr. Griffiths dropped a bombshell on me near the end of the essay. Did I just understand that he advocates plagiarism? Since reading that volume I have shared those notions with many of my colleagues--professional, clergy, and laity. Not one of them escaped the tendency to drop their jaw to the ground! For how could a Priest suggest such anti-nomianism?Thankfully, Dr.

Cœtibus

2009-11-10T11:22:00.007-06:00

As you probably know, the Vatican announced last month that it was preparing a document in response to Anglicans wanting into the Roman Catholic Church. That document, called Anglicanorum Cœtibus, was released yesterday. This has also been called the Apostolic Constitution for an Anglican Personal Ordinariate. Yes, you may need a dictionary.I offer some initial thoughts, not simply on the

All Saints' Day

2009-11-01T04:07:00.001-06:00

Propers for All Saints' Day November 1 The Collect O ALMIGHTY God, who hast knit together thine elect in one communion and fellowship, in the mystical body of thy Son Christ our Lord; Grant us grace so to follow thy blessed Saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those unspeakable joys which thou hast prepared for those who unfeignedly love thee; through the same thy Son

Saint Simon and Saint Jude, Apostles

2009-10-28T03:03:00.001-05:00

Propers for Saint Simon and Saint Jude, Apostles October 28 The Collect O ALMIGHTY God, who hast built thy Church upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the head corner-stone; Grant us so to be joined together in unity of spirit by their doctrine, that we may be made an holy temple acceptable unto thee; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The

Spirituality for everyone

2009-10-18T21:44:00.002-05:00

"What was admirable about their [i.e., the Anglican Caroline Divines] work, and what had such a measure of success that it has endured even until our days…is a Divine Office which is not a devotion of specialists but a truly public Office of the whole Christian people. This Office has some defects…but, in spite of these defects, we must admit frankly that the Offices of Morning Prayer and

Saint Luke the Evangelist

2009-10-18T01:01:00.001-05:00

Propers for Saint Luke the Evangelist October 18 The Collect ALMIGHTY God, who didst inspire thy servant Saint Luke the Physician, to set forth in the Gospel the love and healing power of thy Son; Manifest in thy Church the like power and love, to the healing of our bodies and our souls; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Epistle 2 Timothy iv. 5. WATCH thou in all

Nashotah podcasts

2009-10-17T18:03:00.001-05:00

see herehttp://ancientfaith.com/specials/in_the_footsteps_of_tikhon_and_grafton

"In the Footsteps of Tikhon and Grafton" — Nashotah House to Host Anglican-Orthodox Ecumenical Conference with St. Vladimir's Orthodox Seminary

2009-10-05T10:54:00.002-05:00

This upcoming conference has not had much press coverage. Strangely since the inaugural convention of the ACNA in June I have heard very, very little about it. Any news about, or from, the conference will be a delight to this blogger.

Saint Michael and all Angels

2009-09-29T03:52:00.000-05:00

Propers for Saint Michael and all Angels September 29 The Collect O EVERLASTING God, who hast ordained and constituted the services of Angels and men in a wonderful order; Mercifully grant that, as thy holy Angels always do thee service in heaven, so, by thy appointment, they may succour and defend us on earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Epistle Revelation xii. 7. THERE

Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist

2009-09-21T02:49:00.001-05:00

Propers for Saint Matthew, Apostle and EvangelistSeptember 21The Collect O ALMIGHTY God, who by thy blessed Son didst call Matthew from the receipt of custom to be an Apostle and Evangelist; Grant us grace to forsake all covetous desires, and inordinate love of riches, and to follow the same thy Son Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end.

So FAST

2009-08-27T22:54:00.005-05:00

Instead of a blog entry watch my first ever video. I hope you can pick out the two real people...if you cannot just ask...or read some religion news from this week!Cheers!http://www.xtranormal.com/watch?e=20090827234300923

The Mystery of Faith – Sacrament and Icon

2009-08-26T09:30:00.000-05:00

[Guest article...not my writing][compare to the earlier post on pornography]The Mystery of Faith – Sacrament and Icon: "Recent questions have been raised about the difference between icons and sacraments in the Orthodox Church. It is an easy place for confusion to occur – particularly when seen from the outside. The Church in the West, particularly the Roman Catholic Church, developed a

From the “Return of Scipio” blog: the entire text of “Future Present”

2009-08-25T13:56:00.001-05:00

[Guest column...not my article]From the “Return of Scipio” blog: the entire text of “Future Present”: "To my dismay, the blog The Return of Scipio seems to have disappeared, and I cannot seem to find an email address with which to contact that blogger. So…to ensure his post “Future Present” continues to be available, I am posting its entire text. (I know it is cached by Google, but I plead

Saint Bartholomew

2009-08-24T01:07:00.000-05:00

Saint Bartholomew the ApostleAugust 24.The CollectO ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who didst give to thine Apostle Bartholomew grace truly to believe and to preach thy Word; Grant, we beseech thee, unto thy Church, to love that Word which he believed, and both to preach and receive the same; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Saint of the Day

2009-08-20T09:14:00.001-05:00

[Feed from another site]St. Bernard of Clairvaux (August 20, 2009): "Man of the century! Woman of the century! You see such terms applied to so many today--'golfer of the century,' 'composer of the century,' 'right tackle of the century'--that the line no longer has any punch. But the 'man of the twelfth century,' without doubt or controversy, has to be Bernard of Clairvaux. Adviser of popes,

The pornographer's dream: or, the problem with contemporary worship

2009-08-18T20:09:00.002-05:00

[Article from another Blog]The pornographer's dream: or, the problem with contemporary worship: "There’s been a lot of speculation in recent years about why so many evangelicals are converting to Rome and to Eastern Orthodoxy. I wonder whether the highly experiential focus of contemporary worship might have something to do with it.The New York singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega has an entertaining

New Activity

2009-08-18T09:27:00.003-05:00

Today I will begin employing some of Google's new technology. I had been sending all my recently read articles to the section at right labeled FIREFLIES IN MY NET. They should all now appear as entries. NOTE: these are not my articles, but those I've read and want to share with my readers. I hope that it's clear when I post my own articles.We'll see.

Transfiguration

2009-08-06T01:05:00.000-05:00

The Transfiguration of ChristAugust 6.The CollectO GOD, who on the mount didst reveal to chosen witnesses thine only-begotten Son wonderfully transfigured, in raiment white and glistering; Mercifully grant that we, being delivered from the disquietude of this world, may be permitted to behold the King in his beauty, who with thee, O Father, and thee, O Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth, one God,

Saint James

2009-07-25T01:03:00.000-05:00

Saint James the ApostleJuly 25.The CollectGRANT, O merciful God, that, as thine holy Apostle Saint James, leaving his father and all that he had, without delay was obedient unto the calling of thy Son Jesus Christ, and followed him; so we, forsaking all worldly and carnal affections, may be evermore ready to follow thy holy commandments; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Caritas in Veritate

2009-07-13T17:59:00.001-05:00

We have so wedded the ideals of capitalistic "free market" to our political system of a democratic republic that we cannot understand what the Holy Father asserts in his latest encyclical.This is how Hunter Baker sounds at the Touchstone blog.We seem to have made our own affluent lifestyle the irreducible minimum for human existence. Our eye-ball is a millimeter from our belly button. We cannot

Saint Peter

2009-06-29T01:02:00.001-05:00

Saint Peter the ApostleJune 29.The CollectO ALMIGHTY God, who by thy Son Jesus Christ didst give to thy Apostle Saint Peter many excellent gifts, and commandedst him earnestly to feed thy flock; Make, we beseech thee, all Bishops and Pastors diligently to preach thy holy Word, and the people obediently to follow the same, that they may receive the crown of everlasting glory; through the same thy

ACNA, new Church, new challenge...

2009-06-27T07:55:00.000-05:00

Saint John the Baptist

2009-06-24T01:01:00.000-05:00

Saint John BaptistJune 24.The CollectALMIGHTY God, by whose providence thy servant John Baptist was wonderfully born, and sent to prepare the way of thy Son our Saviour by preaching repentance; Make us so to follow his doctrine and holy life, that we may truly repent according to his preaching; and after his example constantly speak the truth, boldly rebuke vice, and patiently suffer for the

Saint Barnabas

2009-06-11T00:59:00.000-05:00

Saint Barnabas the ApostleJune 11.The CollectO LORD God Almighty, who didst endue thy holy Apostle Barnabas with singular gifts of the Holy Ghost; Leave us not, we beseech thee, destitute of thy manifold gifts, nor yet of grace to use them alway to thy honour and glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Beatitudes

2009-06-08T15:27:00.002-05:00

Here is a sample of our choir. I joined after Easter. It had been many years since my last choral performance. I like it--brings back good memories.

Jesus Prayer & Spirituality

2009-06-03T10:08:00.008-05:00

I have been using the Jesus Prayer since reading Anthony M. Coniaris' Confronting and Controlling Thoughts According to the Fathers of the Philokalia.What is it?Oh, Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me the sinnerConiaris points out that the prayer was developed by monks long ago. It is the key to opening a deeper life of the Spirit. The book remarks how all-encompassing the prayer is..

Too much T.V., or what?!

2009-06-01T08:37:00.002-05:00

On the way back from Houston on Saturday, my 5 year old piped up from a long silence with this question: "Mommy, do we have credit debt?""Do What?" we both said! "Credit debt...call now for $10,000 $20,000 or $30,000...""Where did you hear that?" we quizzed.Well, it had been a frantic extended weekend. After a full day of work on Thursday we attended a funeral and internment late that afternoon.

Would John Calvin Stay in the Episcopal Church?

2009-05-27T07:58:00.004-05:00

This guy says, "yes."See, the only thing is, well that Geneva issue and all. He points to it in his conclusion. He thinks Calvin would advise you to stay until it kicks you out or it [TEC] rejects the Nicene faith.Fait accompli.

2009-05-25T22:25:00.001-05:00

The honor of your presence is requested At the ordination of The Rev. Deacon Christopher M. Woodall To The Sacred Order of Priests By The Rt. Rev. Ray R. Sutton On Saturday, the eleventh day of July In the year of our Lord, Two thousand nine At nine O’clock in the morning, at Church of the Holy Communion,

Humor

2009-05-21T22:51:00.002-05:00

This is what happens when a pentecostal asks his kid if they liked the sermon.disregard their title for the video...I have been given special insight into what it's really about.

Jesus Prayer

2009-05-11T15:24:00.011-05:00

I am finishing a course on Anglican Spirituality. In this course we are brought up to speed on the history of spirituality and shown how our Anglican context applies proficiency at the parish level. As a future minister this is important. But applying it comes only after living it. It has been well said, "the only way to preserve values is to live them."Also as a future minister, it is important

Evangelism Old Style

2009-05-04T22:19:00.001-05:00

Some peoples still know how to do evangelism.News Flash! It ain't us!

S.S. Philip & James

2009-05-01T00:57:00.001-05:00

Saint Philip and Saint James, ApostlesMay 1.The CollectO ALMIGHTY God, whom truly to know is everlasting life; Grant us perfectly to know thy Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life; that, following the steps of thy holy Apostles, Saint Philip and Saint James, we may stedfastly walk in the way that leadeth to eternal life; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Fun with Wordle

2009-04-30T22:27:00.001-05:00

yes I am doing my homework! This site gives your blog a fingerprint.

Saint Catherine

2009-04-30T00:56:00.001-05:00

CATHERINE OF SIENAApril 30.The Collect for the DayALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who didst enkindle the flame of thy love in the heart of thy servant Catherine: Grant to us thy humble servants, the same faith and power of Love; that, as we rejoice in her triumph, we may profit by her example; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Saint Mark

2009-04-25T00:54:00.000-05:00

Saint Mark the EvangelistApril 25.The CollectO ALMIGHTY God, who hast instructed thy holy Church with the heavenly doctrine of thy Evangelist Saint Mark; Give us grace that, being not like children carried away with every blast of vain doctrine, we may be established in the truth of thy holy Gospel; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

2009 Anglican Way Institute Conference

2009-04-23T10:40:00.002-05:00

All readers are encouraged to spread the word about the upcoming conference.Thanks!

Saint Anselm

2009-04-21T00:53:00.000-05:00

ANSELM, Archbishop of CanterburyApril 21.The CollectO GOD, who hast enlightened thy Church by the teaching of thy servant Anselm: Enrich us evermore, we beseech thee, with thy heavenly grace, and raise up faithful witnesses who by their life and doctrine will set forth the truth of thy salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Saint Justin Martyr

2009-04-14T12:52:00.000-05:00

St. Justin Martyr at RomeApril 14.The CollectALMIGHTY God, who didst give thy servant Justin boldness to confess the Name of our Saviour Jesus Christ before the rulers of this world, and courage to die for this faith: Grant that we likewise may ever be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in us, and to suffer gladly for his sake; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Saint Leo the Great

2009-04-11T12:49:00.002-05:00

LEO THE GREATBishop of RomeApril 11.The CollectALMIGHTY, everlasting God, whose servant Leo steadfastly confessed thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ to be Very God and Very Man: Grant that we may hold fast to this faith, and evermore magnify his holy Name; though the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen.

For Those Who Hallow Suffering

2009-04-10T09:44:00.001-05:00

Prayer for Good Friday,For those who hallow suffering:We thank Thee, O Father, for all who hallow suffering; for those who in their thought for others leave no room for pity for themselves; for those whose faith brings light to the dark places of life; and for those whose patience inspires others to hold on. And grant, O loving Father, to all who are bound in the mysterious fellowship of

Eli, Eli, Lama Sabachthani?

2009-04-09T12:41:00.001-05:00

Michael Card The Death Of A Son (Psalm 22/69) lyrics

St. Ignatius of Antioch and the Renewal of the Anglican Episcopate

2009-04-06T14:05:00.002-05:00

I found this interesting article today on my favorite Bishop and Martyr for Jesus Christ.

St. Ambrose

2009-04-04T00:48:00.000-05:00

ST. AMBROSEBishop of MilanApril 4.The CollectO GOD, who didst give grace to thy servant Ambrose, eloquently to declare thy righteousness in the great congregation, and fearlessly to bear reproach for the honour of thy Name: Mercifully grant unto all bishops and pastors such excellency in preaching, and fidelity in ministering thy Word, that thy people may be partakers with them of the glory that

John Calvin's request for a Reformed Episcopacy

2009-04-01T00:15:00.000-05:00

Here is the text of Calvin's request to the English Archbishop for the episcopacy. It really is an interesting read. I have preserved most of the original formatting so you can experience the flow from Strype's Lives. [The Life and Acts of Matthew Parker: The First Archbishop of Canterbury, in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth By John Strype Published by Clarendon Press, 1821. vol. 20]This book can be

Plantinga

2009-03-27T15:41:00.004-05:00

I had the chance to hear Alvin Plantinga speak at Criswell College in Dallas yesterday. I would definitely recommend this guy to anyone interested in philosophy. Though his talk was philosophical, we should never divorce that discipline from Theology. His presentation was on Naturalism v. Evolution...the real battle between science and religion. See the connection? Naturalism is the 'religion' in

Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin

2009-03-25T00:44:00.001-05:00

The Annunciation of the blessed Virgin MaryMarch 25.The CollectWE beseech thee, O Lord, pour thy grace into our hearts; that, as we have known the incarnation of thy Son Jesus Christ by the message of an angel, so by his cross and passion we may be brought unto the glory of his resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.