DOCSLIB.ORG

Pentecost 2017

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Pentecost 2017 Pentecost to the Feast of St. Anna “Father of light, from whom every good gift comes, send your SPIRIT into our lives with the power of a mighty wind, and by the flame of your wisdom open the horizons of our minds.” St. Anna’s Episcopal Church THE ANNAGRAM Pentecost Edition Dates to Remember Summer Camp July 10-21 Summer Camp Final Performance all are invited July 21 @ 6:30 p.m. FEAST DAYS: St. Mary Magdalene July 19 @ 6:00 p.m. Patronal Feast Day—St. Anna July 23 @ 10:30 a.m. St. James the Apostle July 26 @ 6:00 p.m. Each Wednesday 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. we host clinic which pro- vides health screening, BP testing, blood sugar testing and general wellness advice and counseling. Starting in late July we will begin hosting our Annual Inquirers Class. Our Bible Study on the New Testament books will begin in September. The Feast of St. Anna July 23, 2017 171 Year of Service to the Commu- nity Come one come all to a great feast and celebration of our community in Christ. The Treasurers by Charlie Gottschalk and Jim McMillan So as promised in the last column (which was riveting, in case you missed it) I’d like to explore some of the structure of St. Anna’s financial accounts. We follow what is considered fund accounting, which is fairly com- mon with not for profit entities. What that means in practice is that whatever funds we collect and expenses that we pay are reflected similar to revenues and ex- penses of a normal company. Jim McMillan Charlie Gottsca- There are some differences both in how fund accounting works and in how we have chosen to implement it here at St. Anna’s. Desig- nated funds are a good example. When the church receives funds, they generally will go to- wards our general fund. However, when funds are collected for a specific purpose, or specifi- cally designated, (like the funds for the Baton Rouge flooding victims), those funds can only be used for that specific purpose. That leads to another point, which is how St. Anna’s has structured its funds. We have a num- ber of different funds, including the General Fund, Anna’s Place, Dodwell Extravaganza, Dod- well House, Capital Improvements and Food Pantry. Each of these funds is set up to specifi- cally cover an aspect of our church’s operations or mission. More importantly, the funds that are in one area (the Capital Improvements fund) can’t just be used to cover General Fund ex- penses. One of the benefits of using a number of different funds is that we have a clear sense of purpose in how those funds should operate and what their expenses should relate to. It also means that we can keep track of and monitor the financial health of the church fairly efficiently, since we can see the operating revenues and expenses of one component of the church at a time. One downside is that it does make it more important to fully fund each program on its own. For in- stance, we can’t use the money in the Capital Improvements account to pay the Entergy bill for the church each month. In the long run, that’s a really good thing because it demands that we act as stewards for all aspects of the church instead of just trying to make sure that we can get by. That’s it for this edition. Next time, I’ll explain a bit more about our budgeting and pledging process. As always, if you have any questions for me or Charlie, or something you’d just like to know more about, please ask. Jim I was blessed being able to spend two days in the parish offices and see the Anna's Place Staff in action. The office is small so you cannot miss hearing and seeing what is going on. Diana, Darryl and Yulene are very busy people. It is very obvious that they are dedicated and committed to Anna's Place Mission. I thank God for our brother and sisters! Peace – Br. Don Dubay Community Development - Anna's Place NOLA by Darryl Durham Anna's Place kids performed in City Park, prior to the Louisiana Philharmonic Concert' for the third straight year on April 25th. This year our woodwind, brass and percussion kids perform a selection of Folk Songs from around the world while our string kids joined with students from Homer Plessy Elementary and Esperanza Elementary Schools for performances of string repertoire. Derrin Parker, a member of the original Anna's Arts for Kids pro- gram (precursor to Anna's Place Darryl Durham NOLA), won 8 awards at her school's 8th grade graduation. Included in her bounty was MOST OUTSTANDING STUDENT and HONOR ROLL STUDENT for being on the honor roll every year since she started school. Congratulations Derrin, we know you're going far! The Third Annual Ms Shirley Memorial Luncheon was held on Saturday, April 29th. Ms. Shirley's daughter Al- thea, and all her siblings and their children honored their mother in a service and luncheon for the children of Anna's Place NOLA. This year we also honored Ms. Shirley's grandson Robert. At the end of the luncheon, the kids and family members released balloons in memory of their loved ones. (see image below) Ms. Derrin Parker By the time you read this Anna's Place Summer Program has begun June 19th. We currently have 51 students enrolled with only 6 slots remaining. This summer's theme will be "Sanctuary" as we explore the Community Development - Anna's Place NOLA - Contd. historical and cultural significance of South and Central America in relationship to the history of the United States. Students enrolled in the Anna's Place NOLA Spring semester ended the semester with a rousing per- formance on May 6. Among the many highlights was a flash mob to Michael Jackson's "Thriller," the introduction of our new "Latin Percussion Ensem- ble" and a beautiful violin trio performance by fac- ulty member Ms. Eva and her two students Gabby Cephus and Tierra Holden. “At this point the Summer Program is not without challenges. But the rewards are significant. We can and are changing lives.” Fr. Bill C’hana and Edana ready for “Thriller.” Did you know? Did you know that Saint Anna’s offers a worship service Monday-Friday? Yes, we do and it starts at noon and ends before 12:30. It is a quiet service and tends more toward the contemplative. The service is either a prayer service or Holy Communion. Come and enjoy a quiet moment in inti- mate worship. Did you know about the “Rectors Discretionary Fund?” These are monies set aside to assist the poor or those in need. With the consent of the Vestry those same funds can be redirected for “emergency” assistance in the budget or to launch new ministries. For instance, the Discretion- ary Fund is underwriting our new Sunday School teachers and some of the food served to the children; we have also underwritten Christian education expenses for those that cannot afford the costs. We have assisted parishioners with scholarships that allow them to attend retreats. It will also help pay for some of our children to attend Christian weekends away. Mostly it helps with rent, utilities, medical expenses and other related costs. Please consider contributing to the Discretionary Fund by designated giving. Did you know that we have a terrific website that normally carries information about what is happening at St. Anna’s as well as a link to the scripture readings for the week? It also has a place to ask for intercessory prayer and a host of other helps for our parish life. Coming soono online Sunday Bulletins, MP3 Sermons, online forms. The site can be found at www.stannanola.org. ! Anna’s Sunday School The standard class is on Summer Vacation BUT Miss Kimberly is continuing a Summer Fun Program for a single combined class. This past year was terrific and we all owe a great deal to to our teachers for doing a terrific job! It would be great if someone would volunteer to help us set up audio visual aids and then do the put away before and after mass time to help Miss Kimberly and her staff. SUMMER FUN! Karel Sloane-Boekbinder is a member of our Sunday School faculty along with Dr. Emily Harville and their respective families are members and participants in our church family. This dynamic duo has created a FANTASTIC cur- riculum. Kimberly joined our Sunday School faculty in January as a stipendiary teacher. Her skills include a lot of community work as well as being a lawyer. She worships on a regular basis in a fellowship on the West Bank and she has a fine young son. Kimberly has a passion for children and for teaching and she has embraced our Episcopal Curriculum. We are so blessed to have her. “Kimmie” along with Nicole (left) and Stephanie (Right) head up the faculty for the older children. They are doing a great job! At the present time we are also soliciting new Sunday School Teachers that can bring expertise and teaching skills to our ever expanding group of kids. A NOTE FROM MISS KAREL: St. Anna's Class A incorporates a wide variety of activities, all with two central goals in mind: Anyone, big or small can be the face of Jesus in the world AND When a person creates, God is moving through their hands.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH PHOENIX, ARIZONA CLOISTERED HOLY WEEK @ HOME April 10, 2020
    GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH PHOENIX, ARIZONA CLOISTERED HOLY WEEK @ HOME April 10, 2020 MAUNDY THURSDAY Remove your shoes in preparation for foot-washing. Fill up a bowl with water and locate the towels. GATHERING PRAYER Pray aloud the following prayer or another with similar words: Gracious God, you have gathered me and all your people this night to experience your love through the holy scriptures. May the stories come alive through sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. Grant that I may find myself caught up in your word of hope and grace. In Jesus name, Amen. FOOTWASHING GOSPEL READING John 13:1-17, 31b-35 Open your Bible to the gospel of John, chapter 13 and read aloud. Conclude the gospel with these words: Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God! FOOTWASHING Prepare the bowl of water and towel, if not already prepared. Read the following words On this night, I have heard our Lord’s commandment to love one another as he has loved us. All who receive God’s love in Jesus Christ are called to love one another, to be servants to each other as Jesus became our servant. Our commitment to this loving service is signified in the washing of feet, following the example our Lord gave us on the night before his death. Begin the footwashing ritual by washing your feet or hands and drying them with a towel. Conclude the footwashing ritual with this prayer or similar words. I give you thanks, O Christ, for the gift of your presence in this place and in every home this night.
    [Show full text]
  • American Catholics in the Protestant Imagination Carroll, Michael P
    American Catholics in the Protestant Imagination Carroll, Michael P. Published by Johns Hopkins University Press Carroll, Michael P. American Catholics in the Protestant Imagination: Rethinking the Academic Study of Religion. Johns Hopkins University Press, 2007. Project MUSE. doi:10.1353/book.3479. https://muse.jhu.edu/. For additional information about this book https://muse.jhu.edu/book/3479 [ Access provided at 23 Sep 2021 22:11 GMT with no institutional affiliation ] This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. American Catholics in the Protestant Imagination This page intentionally left blank American Catholics in the Protestant Imagination Rethinking the Academic Study of Religion michael p. carroll The Johns Hopkins University Press Baltimore This book has been brought to publication with the generous assistance of the J. B. Smallman Publication Fund and the Faculty of Social Science of The University of Western Ontario. © 2007 The Johns Hopkins University Press All rights reserved. Published 2007 Printed in the United States of America on acid-free paper 246897531 The Johns Hopkins University Press 2715 North Charles Street Baltimore, Maryland 21218-4363 www.press.jhu.edu Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Carroll, Michael P., 1944– American Catholics in the Protestant imagination : rethinking the academic study of religion / Michael P. Carroll. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN-13: 978-0-8018-8683-6 (hardcover : alk. paper) ISBN-10: 0-8018-8683-X (hardcover : alk. paper) 1. Catholics—United States—History. 2. Catholics—United States— Historiography. I. Title. BX1406.3.C375 2007 282Ј.73—dc22 2007006282 A catalog record for this book is available from the British Library.
    [Show full text]
  • December 2014 and January 2015 Newsletter Web.Indd
    ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID 14485 SW WALKER ROAD GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH BEAVERTON, OR BEAVERTON OR 97006 PERMIT NO. 24 14485 SW Walker Road * Beaverton, OR 97006 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED Offi ce: 503.644.7444 Fax: 503.296.2507 E-mail: churchoffi [email protected] * Parish Website: stjohngoc.org Offi ce Hours: 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. December 2014 January 2015 VOL. XVII NO. 10 Witnessing the Truth of Apostolic Christianity A Light has Dawned Not too long ago I heard a song that contained the As I write these words, I also call to mind the period of phrase; “we are all only one phone call away from our time we are in liturgically, the Nativity Fast, preparing knees.” When I heard these words I thought “how true.” for the coming of God in the fl esh. In the hymns and I refl ected on how fragile our lives are. I also realized readings of the Church, we are reminded of the coming that for the most part, we go through life day after day of Light into a darkened world. The spirit of the Church ITURGY not giving much thought that at any given moment things is full of hope, joy, eager anticipation, and triumph. & L could change. Despite the reality of darkness in our world today, we ORTHROS stand with a fi rm hope in the coming of the Christ, the NATIVITY As a priest and a therapist, I am December 24th at 11:15pm Anointed One who comes to bring all too aware of the struggles and joy and good tidings to all.
    [Show full text]
  • Strategies for Encountering the Sacred in Everyday Life for Individuals, Friends, & Families
    St Peter’s Episcopal church Strategies for Encountering the Sacred in Everyday Life for Individuals, Friends, & Families A Note about this Booklet Dear Friends, When we gather for corporate worship on Sundays, we become what we already are: the Body of Christ. In worship, we are brought into communion with God and one another, and sent forth to live his way of love, for the life of the world. Gathering with friend and stranger alike, we remember who and whose we are. We strengthen our connection to God and our neighbor. This is the most central act of Christian worship, and nothing can replace it. In addition to the indispensable ways the community continues to gather virtually, in these days of social distance it is ever more important to rediscover ways to pray and praise in the fle sh. The Acts of the Apostles teaches us that even in the earliest days of the Church, followers of Jesus did two things, they worshiped in the Temple (for us, the Church) and they worshiped at home: And every day in the temple and at home they did not cease to teach and proclaim Jesus as the Messiah (Acts 5:42). Early Christians, drawing on the paerns of Jewish observance, integrated faith into every aspect of daily living. Throughout the ages, Christians have practiced their faith, both by gathering together for the renewal of shared sacramental life and as individuals and in smaller fellowships of friends and family. These twin practices of encountering the Divine strengthen and enrich one another. O ur curr en t moment inv ites us to r ediscover th e p ractice of fa ith in our hom es and t o conside r more int en tionally the da ily rhythm o f our so uls.
    [Show full text]
  • Table of Contents
    DIOCESE OF WORCESTER VHS CATALOGUE Table of Contents POLICIES RCIA ABBREVIATIONS and CODES Reconciliation Relationships TOPICAL INDEX Friendship Abortion Growth and Development Abuse Peer Pressure Adult Education Religious Education – Catechesis Adult Education Programs Religious Vocation Advent Respect Life Aids Sacraments Baptism Saints and Notable People Catholic Identity Scripture Catholic Social Teaching Sexuality Christmas Social Justice Christology Societal Issues Church Abortion Church History Abuse Confirmation Aids Creed Disabilities Death, Dying and Bereavement Divorce Disabilities Death Penalty Discipleship Drugs and Alcoho Drugs Ecology Easter Suicide Ecology Spanish Language Ecumenism and Interfaith Speakers Eucharist Spirituality Evangelization Stations of the Cross Family Suicide Holydays and Holidays Ten Commandments Homeless Text Videos Inclusion Thanksgiving Intergenerational Theology Jesus Training Videos Lent Godparents/sponsors/mentors Liturgy Lectors Liturgy of the Word with Children Liturgy of the Word with Children Mary Liturgical Ministries Matrimony Ministers to the Sick Ministry Teacher/Catechist Missionary Activity Triduum Morality Trinity Music Values New Testament Vatican II Old Testament Virtue Parables Parent ALPHABETICAL INDEX Parent Meetings ....................... At end of descriptions General Confirmation First Communion First Penance Pastoral Care of the Sick Peace and Justice Pentecost Prayer POLICIES The Resource Center of the Office of Religious Education exists to serve the needs of all religious educators. The following policies were developed with all the borrowers in mind. Your cooperation will facilitate the maximum use of the resources. The Worcester Resource Center is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m.to 5:00 p.m. All videos are loaned on a seven-day basis unless another arrangement has been made. Videos may be borrowed for a $5.00 handling fee for seven days unless another arrangement has been made.
    [Show full text]
  • Rev. Dr. Todd E. Johnson, AOJN Fuller Theological Seminary 135 N
    Rev. Dr. Todd E. Johnson, AOJN Fuller Theological Seminary 135 N. Oakland Ave. Pasadena, CA 91182 (626) 204-2059 E-mail: [email protected] Academic Training University of Notre Dame Notre Dame, IN 1990-1996 Ph.D. in Theology; M.A. 1993 Major: Liturgical Theology Minors: Liturgical History—Concentration in the History of Preaching; New Testament/Early Church Dissertation: In Spirit and Truth: Pneumatology, Modernism and Their Relation to Symbols and Sacraments in the Writings of Evelyn Underhill. Director: Lawrence Cunningham, Theology Department Chair. North Park Theological Seminary Chicago, IL 1982-86 M. Div.; Major: Theology North Park College Chicago, IL 1980-82 B.A.; Major: Sociology, Minor: Philosophy. University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, PA 1978-80 Major: Engineering Teaching Experience Associate Professor, Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, CA, 2005-Present -William K. and Delores S. Brehm Associate of Worship, Theology and the Arts -Teach Master’s level courses in worship, theology and theatre, and doctoral seminars in liturgical studies, theology and spirituality Associate Professor, North Park Theological Seminary, Chicago, IL, 2003-2005 -Teach courses in Liturgy, Theology and Spirituality, as well as assist with Christian Formation Assistant Professor, Institute of Pastoral Studies, Loyola University Chicago, 1997-2003 -Teach courses in Theology, Spirituality, Psychology, Bible, Liturgy and Preaching for lay persons training for ministry as well as continuing education for clergy and other full-time workers in ministry, education, and/or social work. Adjunct Professor, McCormick Theological Seminary, Chicago, IL 2005-present. -Teach courses in Homiletics in the ACTS DMin in preaching program. Adjunct Professor, Iliff Theological Seminary, Denver, CO 2001-present.
    [Show full text]
  • GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH PHOENIX, ARIZONA HOUSEHOLD HOLY WEEK @ HOME April 10, 2020
    GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH PHOENIX, ARIZONA HOUSEHOLD HOLY WEEK @ HOME April 10, 2020 MAUNDY THURSDAY Host welcomes each person into to Holy Week @ Home, and invites them to remove their shoes in prepara- tion for foot-washing. Encourage all participants to wash hands before beginning. GATHERING The host gathers the people into one central area of their home. and leads the assembly in prayer. PRAYER The host leads the gathered people in prayer Gracious God, you have gathered us in this place to experience your love through the holy scriptures. May the stories we gather around this night come alive through sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. Grant that we may find ourselves caught up in your word of hope and grace. In Jesus name, Amen. FOOTWASHING GOSPEL READING John 13:1-17, 31b-35 The gospel is announced. The holy gospel according to John the 13th Chapter, Glory to you, O Lord. The gospel is proclaimed, concluding: The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. FOOTWASHING The gathered people are seated in a circle. The host sets out the bowl of water and towels. The host may in- troduce the footwashing with these or similar words. On this night we have heard our Lord’s commandment to love one another as he has loved us. We who re- ceive God’s love in Jesus Christ are called to love one another, to be servants to each other as Jesus became our servant. Our commitment to this loving service is signified in the washing of feet, following the example our Lord gave us on the night before his death.
    [Show full text]
  • HEARTS @ HOME a Worship Service for Your Household Sunday April 19, 2020 Easter Week 2 RCL: John 20:19-31
    HEARTS @ HOME A Worship Service for Your Household Sunday April 19, 2020 Easter Week 2 RCL: John 20:19-31 CREATING AN ALTAR SPACE AT HOME + White is the color for Easter Find a scrap piece of purple cloth, an old purple shirt, a cloth napkin/towel, or even a piece of purple construction paper and place it in the middle of your kitchen table or coffee table. + Add a small bowl with water This is a reminder of our baptism. + Add a small candle to light as you worship For households with little ones or apartments that don’t allow wax candles, you could use a battery- operated candle, or a candle made from construction paper, if an open flame is not an option. + Add a small cross to the space This could be a cross from your wall, a necklace charm, or one made from paper or scrap wood. WHO IS THIS FOR? + Everyone and anyone who lives in your household can gather together. Adults, children, college students, and even your pets! SUGGESTIONS AS YOU PREPARE FOR WORSHIP AT YOUR TABLE + Children/Youth could help lead different parts of your worship time. They can set up the altar space, read the Bible story, share their own prayers, sing, or color. + You can invite grandparents, grandchildren, cousins, neighbors, friends, etc. to join you for worship using your phone, or Facetime/Skype or another video chat platform. Feel free to email them this worship order so they can follow along, too! + If you are a 1-person household and are unable to call or video chat family or friends, perhaps you could write in a journal as a part of these worship experiences.
    [Show full text]
  • Abcs of Orthodoxy
    SESSION 5 Prayer In the Name of the Father and of the Son and Of the Holy Spirit. Amen. O Heavenly King the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, who are in all places and fill all things, treasurer of blessings and giver of life. Come and dwell within us and cleanse us from every blemish and save our souls, O Blessed One. In the Name of the Father and Of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Glory Be to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever! Last week we discussed the main Doctrines and Dogmas of the Orthodox Faith - the main teachings or truths about the Orthodox Christian Faith that have been revealed to us by the Holy Spirit, through Holy Scripture and the gatherings of the Church in Council. In particular we studied the Creed. I must admit that I covered a large amount of material in a relatively short period of time and I am sure that it was too much to absorb. And, you might have even thought or said after the class was over, that this information was beyond you and concluded that dogma is something that should be left up to theologians and scholars to debate. If you thought this way, I do not blame you, I even recall being overwhelmed in Seminary with many of the same topics, But let me share with you a very helpful explanation that one of my professors gave me as to the relationship between theology, that is the study of the teachings of God, and the life in Christ.
    [Show full text]
  • The Good News Letter April 24, 2020
    THE GOOD NEWS LETTER APRIL 24, 2020 MESSAGE FROM BISHOP WHEN DO WE REOPEN OUR DOHERTY CHURCHES? When the stay-at-home restrictions begin to lift, we Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, will follow diocesan guidelines for reopening our We are facing difficult times. I understand churches. We do not yet have dates on when that some of what you’re each going through. For will occur, so even if the restrictions begin to lift on example, I haven’t been able to visit with my own May 1st, we may not yet be back in the pews. But mother since Christmas and her building has been on when we do reconvene, as we are all so anxiously lockdown for the last month. Each time I speak to a awaiting, more direction will be placed on healthcare. new person, clergy member, or business employer, I As you undoubtedly have heard many times by now, hear about the daunting circumstances that so many the following guidelines are recommended from the experience. People hunger to get back into church. CDC to help prevent the spread of germs: Decisions about Masses and sacraments are complex. o Stay home when sick. The recommended time I ask for your continued patience. frame is to stay home until fever free for at Our diocesan office of communications least 24 hours. continues to update information regarding news, o Avoid touching eyes, mouth, or nose with livestreamed Masses, prayer opportunities and unwashed hands. catechetical ideas for families on our website: o Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects https://dol-in.org/covid-19-updates.
    [Show full text]
  • Parish Office Staff
    THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING HOLY FAMILY Holy Family Catholic Church November 1, 2020 Solemnity Of All Saints When we are united with Christ through his body and blood in the Eucharist, our works live too through him. My Parish is composed of people like me. I help make it what it is. It will be friend- ly, if I am. It will be holy, if I am. Its pews will be filled, if I help fill them. It will do great work, if I work. It will be prayerful, if I pray. It will make generous gifts to many causes, if I am a generous giver. It will bring others into worship, if I invite and bring them in. It will be a place of loyalty and love, of fearlessness and faith, of compassion, charity, and mercy, if I, who make it what it is, am filled with these same things. Therefore, with the help of God, I now dedicate my- self to the task of being all the things that I want my parish to be. Weekly Mass Intentions Saturday 10/31 4:00pm People of Holy Family Thursday 11/05 8:00am Larry & Kay Michael & Sunday 11/01 9:00am Joyce Flerchinger † Family Monday 11/02 8:00am Mr. & Mrs. McRae & Friday 11/06 8:00am Ginny Acey † Family Saturday 11/07 4:00pm Pam Kuther † Tuesday 11/03 8:00am No Mass Sunday 11/08 9:00am People Of Holy Family Wednesday 11/04 8:30am Wayne & Georgia Burnam Parish Office Office Hours Confessions 1102 Chestnut St.
    [Show full text]
  • Holy Week at Home 2020 This Week Is the Epic Story of God Vs
    Holy Week At Home 2020 This week is the Epic Story of God vs. Evil. This is the battle God has been engaging since the beginning of time; God’s resistance, God’s cajoling of humanity, we who so often choose, like we did in the garden, our own made-up gods and coercive power, over the abundant life God gives to us all. Today we read this epic tale from the Gospel of John. Throughout history humans have been pawns in this conflict, overtaken by the anti-human, the anti-creation, the anti-God force. The temptation has worked every time. The kings of Israel have given in, The kings of other nations: You can be like God. It has been the same temptation to everyone with any amount of power, big or small. Jesus is on the journey to overcome, on our behalf. And now we have reached the climax of history. This is the Holy Week. The confrontation to end all confrontations. Surely evil will continue to be in the world, but the limits of its power will be known from now on. Jesus has come. To defeat evil, to overcome the temptation, in all of us, to be like God. Jesus is the Christ, a human with ultimate power, The man who is God. The One who could do anything, and will use that power towards his only desire, to lead a movement of people back to God.1 Let us keep watch, let us listen with our hearts as well as our ears, let us be overwhelmed at the Great Story, the Sacred Story, the Holy Story of how God has come for us.
    [Show full text]