Through the years, quite a few people have predicted the Second Coming of Jesus at a specific time.  Anyone who knows Scripture well knows that advance warnings are not accurate, because Jesus Himself said that his return would be “at an hour you do not expect” (Luke 12:40) and that nobody knows the time but his Heavenly Father.

We must admit, however, that such predictions can catch our attention.  Often we get so caught up in our day to day activities that we live as though Jesus’ return is some distant reality.  We often forget that our Lord could come back at any time.  The predictions, as wrong as they are, could become a reminder of the importance of being prepared for the Savior’s return.

The Feast of the Ascension is not only a feast of our Lord’s glorious ascent into heaven, but it is also a commemoration of the reality of his Second Coming in glory.  As He was seen to ascend, so will he appear when He comes again.

Sometimes when we think of being ready for Jesus’ return, we think about what we should not be doing.  But being prepared is very much about purifying ourselves and becoming more and more like Him so that we are pleasing to Him and comfortable in his more immediate presence.  Jesus taught that being ready for his return requires living according to our Master’s will now (Luke 12:47).  Will we be prepared when it’s time for the real thing?

Look for Christ’s return and you’ll live for Christ’s glory.

Based on an article by Joe Stowell.

 

Date              Service    Reader          Cantor              Social Host           Donors        Cleanup

6 May            DL          R. Huber       G. Huber            V. Bowden        DeNures     Espedals

13 May          DL          An. Bitsko     G. Huber            J. Greenwell      Greenwells Stolarskis

16 May          VDL        J. Deane       G. Huber

17 May          FM          E. Rusnak     G. Huber

DL          G. Huber      E. Rusnak

18 May          VDL        J. Chase           J. Deane

19 May          GV          D. Laman

20 May          DL          G. Huber      E. Rusnak           V. Bowden        T. Rusnak   M. Connolly.

Lord, our Savior, bless us, your people, with an increase of vocations to the presbyterate, diaconate, and consecrated life in the service of your holy Church.

Adult Classes continue on Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9 PM.  These classes are tailored for those preparing for the holy mysteries.  All adults are welcome!  Class topics are:

8 May               The New Testament  (meet in the E.C.F. Center)

22 May             The Incarnation

29 May             The Theotokos

5 June              Church History, esp. the Church in Transcarpathia  (pages 1–86)*

            12 June             A Church Supressed  (pages 87–143)*

19 June             A Church Underground  (pages 145–212)*

26 June             A Church Alive  (pages 213–358)*

3 July                The Church and the Profession of Faith

10 July              ACTS, hymnody, iconography, gestures, sacramentals

17 July              The Divine Praises

24 July              The Examination of Conscience – a thorough review

31 July              Review of sacramental rituals

* text used for these four classes is Finding a Hidden Church by Father Christopher Zugger.

Laboring for Eternal Happiness – Respecting LIFE, Defending Religious LIBERTY, Promoting Marital LOVE:

The Second Vatican Council exhorts the faithful “to perform their duties faithfully in the spirit of the Gospel.  It is a mistake to think that, because we have here no lasting city, but seek the city which is to come, we are entitled to shirk our earthly responsibilities.”

Pope Benedict XVI

            Both of the readings at today’s Divine Liturgy focus on God’s power to raise up those who are unable to walk and his power to restore to life those who are dead.  In the reading from the Acts of the Apostles, “Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed, then he turned to her body and said ‘Tabitha, rise up’” and she awoke from the dead. (9:40)

Throughout the Book of Acts, we recognize Peter as one who acts confidently by the power of the Holy Spirit.  He preaches powerful sermons that convert thousands.  He heals a lame beggar at the Temple gate (Acts 3:1-10).  He says boldly to the paralyzed Aeneas, “Jesus Christ heals you; get up” (9:34).  This is quite an impressive and powerful man, but something lies behind his power.

When the Christians in Joppa send for him after the death of their dear sister in the Lord, Tabitha, Peter doesn’t spring immediately into action.  He listens attentively to what the community tells him about her.  Then he sends them all out of the room.  He prays seeking to know if it is Tabitha’s time to die, or if God has something else in mind for her. Only when Peter has united himself with the Father through prayer does he turn and speak to Tabitha, effectively calling her back to life.

Faced with illness and other difficulties, we often rush to intercessory prayer, urging others to join us in our intention.  We beg God to heal a brother, bring a wayward child back to the Church, solve a financial crisis, or make a son a priest.  We should always, like Peter, first unite ourselves prayerfully to the Father long enough to enter into his love and peacefully come to better understand his will and what is for the greater good.

 

Date              Service    Reader          Cantor              Social Host           Donors        Cleanup

29 April         DL          G. Huber      E. Rusnak           V. Bowden        Washickos  M. Connolly

2 May            DL          E. Rusnak     G. Huber

5 May            DL          J. Chase           G. Huber

GV                               G. Huber

6 May            DL          M. Crucitt      G. Huber            V. Bowden        DeNures     Espedals.

CHRIST IS RISEN!          INDEED HE IS RISEN!

CHRISTOS VOSKRESE!          VOISTINNU VOSKRESE!

CHRISTOS ANESTI!          ALITHOS ANESTI!

iCRISTO HA RESUCITADO!           iEN VERDAD, HA RESUCITADO!

AL MASEEH QAM!          HAQQAN QAM!

 

Rattlesnake season has begun and continues through October.  Parents, please be most vigilant with your children when they are outside the church and hall building or walking through the parking lot.

 “Called by Name” continues!  Please turn to the back of the enclosed calendar for further information.  Some qualities to consider as you pray about who you might “Call by Name” are:

A Sense of Prayer – the Church looks for people who have a prayerful relationship with God, and who are able to translate that prayer into service for others;

Service – the Church looks for people who are interested in, or who are already involved in service to other people, those who show an interest in people and care about the welfare of others, particularly those in need, and those who can relate well with others;

Integrity – the Church looks for people of strong character and virtue, who demonstrate honesty at school, at work, and in relationships, who prioritize well when it comes to things spiritual, and who possess sound moral values;

Intelligence and Health – the Church looks for people of average to excellent intelligence and health sufficient for the physical demands of the calling.  A person must possess the energy and ability to continue the mission of our Lord Jesus Christ.

SPRING and SUMMER ADULT CLASSES at Holy Angels Church

Classes are on Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9 PM.  These classes are tailored for adults and teens preparing for Confession and the Mysteries of Initiation (Baptism, Chrismation/Confirmation, and/or Eucharist) as well as for their sponsors.  All adults are welcome!  Here are the topics for the remaining classes:

1 May               The Old Testament

8 May               The New Testament  (meet in the E.C.F. Center)

22 May             The Incarnation

29 May             The Theotokos

5 June              Church History, esp. the Church in Transcarpathia  (pages 1–86)*

            12 June             A Church Supressed  (pages 87–143)*

19 June             A Church Underground  (pages 145–212)*

26 June             A Church Alive  (pages 213–358)*

3 July                The Church and the Profession of Faith

10 July              ACTS, hymnody, iconography, gestures, sacramentals

17 July              The Divine Praises

24 July              The Examination of Conscience – a thorough review

31 July              Review of sacramental rituals

* text used for these four classes is Finding a Hidden Church by Father Christopher Zugger.

Laboring for Eternal Happiness – Respecting LIFE, Defending Religious LIBERTY, Promoting Marital LOVE:

The Second Vatican Council exhorts the faithful “to perform their duties faithfully in the spirit of the Gospel.  It is a mistake to think that, because we have here no lasting city, but seek the city which is to come, we are entitled to shirk our earthly responsibilities.”

Pope Benedict XVI

FASTING SCHEDULE this WEEK

Friday, 27 April                                       Simple Abstinence from meat & meat byproducts (or equivalent penance)

LITURGICAL PRAYER SCHEDULE this WEEK

 

SUNDAY of the MYRRH-BEARERS

Saturday, 21 April

            5 PM  Great Vespers with Litija

Sunday, 22 April

            8 AM  Festal Matins

            9 AM  Divine Liturgy  [followed by E.C.F. Youth Classes]

 

Monday, 23 April                     SIMPLE FEAST of the Holy Great Martyr GEORGE; Myrrh-bearers

9 AM  Festal Matins

            7 PM  Divine Liturgy  (Rev. Msgr. George N. Vida)

 

Tuesday, 24 April                     The Holy Apostle and Evangelist Mark

            7 PM  Great Vespers  [and Adult Catechism – Spring/Summer series begins]

Wednesday, 25 April

            9 AM  Festal Matins

 

Friday, 27 April                                    The Holy Apostles Jason and Sosipater; Myrrh-bearers Week

            7 PM  Vigil Divine Liturgy

 

SUNDAY of the PARALYTIC MAN

Saturday, 28 April

            5 PM  Great Vespers

Sunday, 29 April

            9 AM  Divine Liturgy  [followed by E.C.F. Youth Classes]

A word from Saint John Climacus:  Since I am not so proud as to pry into the gifts of God, I cannot say why it is that some people appear to be naturally inclined to temperance or silence or purity or modesty or meekness or contrition.  Others have to fight hard against their own natures to acquire these, they have to force themselves on to the best of their ability, suffering occasional defeat on the way; and it seems to me that the very fact of having to struggle against their own natures somehow puts them into a higher category.

SPRING and SUMMER ADULT CLASSES at Holy Angels Church

All classes are on Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9 PM.  These classes are tailored for adults and teens preparing for Confession and the Mysteries of Initiation (Baptism, Chrismation/Confirmation, and/or Eucharist) as well as for sponsors.  All adults are welcome!  Here’s the topic schedule:

24 April            Revelation, Faith, Creation, and the Ancestral Curse

1 May               The Old Testament

8 May               The New Testament

22 May             The Incarnation

29 May             The Theotokos

5 June              Church History, esp. the Church in Transcarpathia  (pages 1–86)*

            12 June             A Church Supressed  (pages 87–143)*

19 June             A Church Underground  (pages 145–212)*

26 June             A Church Alive  (pages 213–358)*

3 July                The Church and the Profession of Faith

10 July              ACTS, hymnody, iconography, gestures, sacramentals

17 July              The Divine Praises

24 July              The Examination of Conscience – a thorough review

31 July              Review of sacramental rituals

* text used for these four classes is Finding a Hidden Church by Father Christopher Zugger.

Laboring for Eternal Happiness – Respecting LIFE, Defending Religious LIBERTY, Promoting Marital LOVE:

The Second Vatican Council exhorts the faithful “to perform their duties faithfully in the spirit of the Gospel.  It is a mistake to think that, because we have here no lasting city, but seek the city which is to come, we are entitled to shirk our earthly responsibilities.”

Pope Benedict XVI

            When we think of the Holy Apostle Thomas, one of the first things that comes to mind is that he is the apostle who questioned our Lord’s appearance in the locked room after the resurrection.  For this reason we call him the “Doubting Thomas.”  Yet, in other parts of the world – especially in India – this great apostle is remembered not for his doubting, but for his great deeds of charity.

It is told that the apostles – after being filled with the zeal of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost – set out to the various countries of the world to preach the Gospel of the Lord. The task of traveling to India fell upon Thomas.  He soon found himself in India standing before King Gundafor in the royal court.  The king had learned that Thomas was an exceptional carpenter and commissioned him to build a great palace.

Frequently, the king would ask Thomas, “How is the construction of my palace progressing?”  Each time the king asked this, Thomas would answer, “Work is progressing as planned, but I am in need of more money.”  Finally, the king came in person to inspect the construction progress and discovered that Thomas had never even attempted to build a palace.  Instead, Thomas gave all the king’s money to the poor.

Thomas explained to the king that instead of building an earthly palace, he was preparing a heavenly palace for the king built on charity and good works.

 

Date              Service    Reader          Cantor              Social Host           Donors        Cleanup

15 April         FM          R. Huber       G. Huber

DL          R. Huber       E. Rusnak           ByzanTEENs      ByzanTEENs               Byzanteen

21 April         GVwL                          G. Huber

22 April         FM/DL    J. Deane       G. Huber            V. Bowden        Moeller Fam. Moellers.

 

Rattlesnake season has begun and continues through October.  Parents, kindly be most vigilant with your children when they are outside the church and hall building.

 

Called by Name is a program which identifies potential vocations to the priesthood, the consecrated life, the diaconate, and monastic life.  This program begins in our parish and throughout the entire Byzantine Metropolitan Church of Pittsburgh next weekend, just as our pilgrim icon ends its journey.  More information about this exciting program will be in the bulletin.  Let’s continue our daily prayers for an increase of vocations to church service.

Attention Parish Young Adults (18 to 35):  We have a wonderful opportunity this paschal season to come together and have a day of reflection at our sister parish of St. John the Baptizer Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church at 4400 Palm Avenue, La Mesa, 91941.  This Saturday, 21 April at 9:30 AM, Divine Liturgy will be served and afterwards two talks will be given by Fr. James, the pastor of St. John’s.  The day will end by 2 PM and a small lunch will be served.  A small donation for lunch and also for our host parish would be greatly appreciated.  5 to 10 dollars is suggested.  The topic of the talks will focus on death to the world and living the ancient faith in today’s world.  Bring a friend!

Laboring for Eternal Happiness – Respecting LIFE, Defending Religious LIBERTY, Promoting Marital LOVE:

Can we use ethically tainted vaccines?  A similar question was asked by one of our ByzanTEENs so I thought quoting an answer would be helpful:  In 2008, the Vatican published a document titled Dignitas Personae, which spells out the Church’s teachings on various bioethical issues including embryonic stem cell research and the use of vaccines developed using “biologic material” of unethical origin, i.e., vaccines grown on human cell cultures from cell lines initiated with cells from aborted fetuses or embryos.

In section 34, the statement affirms that “it needs to be stated that there is a duty to refuse to use such ‘biological material.’”  However, there may be situations when it’s appropriate to consider the vaccines.  The document specifies:  “Thus, for example, danger to the health of children could permit parents to use a vaccine which was developed using cell lines of illicit origin, while keeping in mind that everyone has the duty to make known their disagreement and to ask that their health care system make other types of vaccines available.”                             George Delgado, M.D.  (COLFS)

            A story is told of a man who, while he lived upon the earth, was unconcerned about the state of his soul, or spiritual growth, or eternity.  When he died he found himself not enjoying eternal happiness but, rather, suffering eternal torment.

His friends and relatives went down to the gates of hell and tried to intercede for him, giving him a positive endorsement and a good character reference, but the gates of hell would not open to release him.  Likewise, his parish priest tried to plead for him.  Still, the gates of hell remained closed.  Finally came his mother.  She did not plead for him, she did not try to bargain for him, she did not make excuses for him.  She simply said, “let me in.”  The gates of hell opened immediately because they could not withstand the force of her love.

Our Holy Father John Chrysostom reminds us of the power of the love of Christ in his Paschal Homily:  “Let no one fear death, for our Savior’s death has set us free.  He has destroyed death by enduring it.  He has despoiled death by going down to its kingdom.  O Death where is your sting, O Hades where is your victory?  Christ is risen and you are abolished!  Christ is risen and life is freed!  Christ is risen and the tomb is emptied of the dead, for Christ has become the leader and reviver of those who had fallen asleep.  To Him be glory and honor forever!

Date              Service    Reader          Cantor              Social Host           Donors        Cleanup

8 April           RM/DL    B. Bitsko       G. Huber            Blessing of Paschal Foods    All

9/10 April                     DL/RM D. Laman        G. Huber

10 April         DL          G. Huber      E. Rusnak

11/13 April     DL/RM    E. Rusnak     G. Huber

13 April         DL          G. Huber      E. Rusnak

14 April         RM/DL    J. Chase           J. Deane

GVwL                          G. Huber

15 April         FM          R. Huber       G. Huber

DL          R. Huber       E. Rusnak           ByzanTEENs      ByzanTEENs               Byzanteen.

Remember ByzanTEENs, the cost of the summer rally at U.S.D. is $275 per person and includes programs, meals, and on-campus lodging.  Lodging on campus is required of all attendees.  Space is limited so be sure you are registered soon if you plan to attend.  Full payment and completed registrations must be received by the Rally Planning Office in Illinois by the end of May.  Please go the narthex information rack for forms and details.

Laboring for Eternal Happiness – Respecting LIFE, Defending Religious LIBERTY, Promoting Marital LOVE:

The Second Vatican Council exhorts the faithful “to perform their duties faithfully in the spirit of the Gospel.  It is a mistake to think that, because we have here no lasting city, but seek the city which is to come, we are entitled to shirk our earthly responsibilities.”

Pope Benedict XVI

            The Holy Spirit reminds us “not to reject the traditions of our elders, which they have learned from their fathers” (Sirach 8:9).  We of the Byzantine Christian tradition have inherited many meaningful customs which make our liturgical worship inspiring, spiritually rich, and close to the heart of the faithful.  The Blessing of Paschal Foods is a prime example.  As we celebrate Pascha – a feast of new life – we bless the food sustaining our physical life.

The name we use for the Feast of the Resurrection – Pascha – is from the Hebrew word “pesach” meaning “to pass over.”  Pascha is the celebration of Christian Passover.

The connection between the paschal banquet of the Old Testament and our traditional blessing of the prepared foods on Pascha is quite obvious.  But the motive which prompted the custom of the blessing of the food is entirely Christian, based on the New Testament Scripture:  Jesus’ recognition by two of his disciples in Emmaus at meal time (Luke 24:30); His convincing his apostles of his resurrection after He “ate before their eyes” (Luke 24:43); eating with his apostles on other occasions (Acts 1:3-4); “I shall not eat (this Passover) again until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God” (Luke 22:15-16); not to mention the many teachings on fasting and feasting.

The foods traditionally blessed for Pascha can be reduced to three categories:  1)  paska bread, made specially for the celebration of the Feast of Feasts; 2) meat products, like ham, stuffed veal, suckling pig or lamb, kolbasi (sausage), bacon; and 3) dairy products, like butter (formed in the image of a lamb), cheese (especially custard-like “hrudka”), splendidly decorated eggs, etc.

The paska bread, meat products, and the “hrudka” are generally prepared on Holy Saturday (or picked up before Holy Thursday from our parish hall).  When all is in readiness, the foods are carefully placed in an Easter basket set aside specially for this blessing.

                        THE FEAST of FEASTS – THE RESURRECTION of OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

Saturday, 7 April

            5 PM  Paschal Vigil Divine Liturgy of St. Basil with Litija & the Blessing of Paschal Foods

Easter Sunday, 8 April

            9 AM  Resurrection Matins and Divine Liturgy with Procession & Paschal Foods Blessing

(Vocation Icon to the DeNure Family)

Monday, 9 April                       BRIGHT MONDAY  (Solemn Holyday)

            9 AM  Divine Liturgy with Gospel Procession

            7 PM  Paschal Vespers

A Gift to the Church:  A special monetary gift above your regular tithe is a fitting way to thank God for his saving gift of eternal life.  Assist your church in announcing the message of salvation throughout your community by making a special offering this Pascha.  Use the special paschal envelope or mark your check accordingly.  May God bless your generosity.

Remember ByzanTEENs, the cost of the summer rally at U.S.D. is $275 per person and includes programs, meals, and on-campus lodging.  Lodging on campus is required of all attendees.  Space is limited and early registration recommended.  Full payment and completed registrations must be received by the Rally Planning Office in Illinois by the end of May.  Please go the narthex information rack for forms and additional information.

Laboring for Eternal Happiness – Respecting LIFE, Defending Religious LIBERTY, Promoting Marital LOVE:

The Second Vatican Council exhorts the faithful “to perform their duties faithfully in the spirit of the Gospel.  It is a mistake to think that, because we have here no lasting city, but seek the city which is to come, we are entitled to shirk our earthly responsibilities; this is to forget that by our faith we are bound all the more to fulfill these responsibilities according to the vocation of each one.”                                                                                    Pope Benedict XVI

 

            We define that the holy icons, whether in color, mosaic, or some other material, should be exhibited in the holy churches of God, on the sacred vessels and liturgical vestments, on the walls, furnishing, and in houses and along the roads, namely the icons of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ, that of our Lady the Theotokos, those of the venerable angels and those of all saintly people.  Whenever these representations are contemplated, they will cause those who look at them to commemorate and love their prototype.  We define also that they should be kissed and that they are an object of veneration and honor (timitiki proskynisis), but not of real worship (latreia), which is reserved for Him Who is the subject of our faith and is proper for the divine nature, … which is in effect transmitted to the prototype; he who venerates the icon, venerates in it the reality for which it stands.

 

My Church is composed of people like me.  We make it what it is.

It will be friendly if I am.  Its nave will be filled if I help to fill it.

It will make generous gifts to many in need if I am generous in stewardship.

It will bring other people into its worship and fellowship if I bring them.

My Church will be a Church of loyalty and love, of fearlessness and faith,

and a Church of noble spirit, if I, who make it what it is, am filled with those things.

Therefore, with the help of God,

I shall dedicate myself to the task of being all the things that I want my Church to be.

            The word steward/stewardship is found 87 times in the New Testament.  For example, the Holy Apostle Paul speaks of himself as a steward of the Gospel.  He has received the Good News from the Lord, and it has been given to him so that he can share it with others. In two passages of Luke’s Gospel, it is even on the lips of Jesus.

New Testament writers use the words steward and stewardship to make the point that all people are God’s stewards, because everything that exists belongs to God.

Laws about ownership can help to keep good order in society, but legal ownership can be deceptive.  A person only owns something in the sense that others can’t claim it for themselves.  For example, to take another person’s car is auto theft.

But in relation to God, no one ultimately owns anything.  God is the owner of everything that exists.  God created it, and it is God Who continually keeps it in existence.

That is a fundamental element of stewardship – everything really belongs to God.

Laboring for Eternal Happiness – Respecting LIFE, Defending Religious LIBERTY, Promoting Marital LOVE:

Three U.S. Supreme Court decisions – Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857), Plessy v. Ferguson (1896), and Roe v. Wade – were an attack on human dignity.  “The first two denied the full human dignity of African Americans, the third created the constitutional right to abort unborn children.  Because God created human beings in his image and likeness, human dignity is not something that the state can give, nor can the state take it away.”  Southern Cross

            When the Apostles James and John asked Jesus “Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left,” Jesus responded, “You do not know what you are asking.”  (Mark 10:37-38)

In this passage from the Gospel of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Mark that we heard today, the Apostles James and John’s basic mistake is that they did not understand what Jesus meant when he talked about the kingdom of God.  They thought in terms of royalty, and pictured the kingdom as a royal court, with different levels of honor.

But Jesus spoke of the kingdom of God as taking shape here among us.  Jesus came to make the kingdom of God present in a new way, raising creation to a new level.  He wanted us to know that we all have a part in this.

He used the example of a tiny bit of yeast that leavens a large amount of dough, or a tiny mustard seed that grows into a large bush.  Jesus preached a new way of life that would move the human race and all creation farther along toward becoming the kingdom of God.  He was enlisting people who would live and teach this new way of life.

The way of life Jesus taught was no longer an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. Instead of “getting even” with someone who does evil – which simply adds more evil to the world – we are to absorb the evil, and respond with forgiveness.  Instead of leaving the poor to wallow in their own misfortunes, we are to use our own resources to help them. Instead of making war, we are to make peace.  To live this way can be risky.  If we are generous, we can be taken advantage of.  But that is how the kingdom of God comes about, and that is how we get our places in the kingdom.

Members of the Holy Angels Parish Family are strongly encouraged to plan now for their liturgical observances during Holy and Great Week and Bright Week.  The schedule of services will be found on the enclosed calendar.  Let’s plan now to spend these holiest of days together in worship.  The 40-day Great Fast ends this Friday.

Laboring for Eternal Happiness – Respecting LIFE, Defending Religious LIBERTY, Promoting Marital LOVE:

The Second Vatican Council exhorts the faithful “to perform their duties faithfully in the spirit of the Gospel.  It is a mistake to think that, because we have here no lasting city, but seek the city which is to come, we are entitled to shirk our earthly responsibilities; this is to forget that by our faith we are bound all the more to fulfill these responsibilities according to the vocation of each one.”                                                                                    Pope Benedict XVI

            Driving out evil in our lives so that we may be holy in God’s sight is accomplished through prayer and fasting.  Having passed the mid-point of Lent, it is good for us to consider how successful our efforts in prayer and fasting have been over the past 4 weeks.

Prayer goes well beyond a particular ritual or a multiplication of words.  At heart, prayer is my relationship with God.  If I am comfortable with Him, maybe I can just sit quietly and listen to Him speak to me in my breathing.  Perhaps I can read the Bible, even if it’s the same passage everyday.  Perhaps I can take time out of my hectic life to attend a Lenten service with my parish family.  If I am serious about growing in personal holiness, I should spend a good amount of quality time with the Holy One.

Fasting is not Weight Watchers for Christians.  We “give up” certain foods or practices in order to bring our lives into line with God and his Gospel.  As almost anything can be a distraction from that which we want to do or should do, fasting is a sort of time out.

By the practice of fasting we can save money that can then be given to those in need. Fasting joined with prayer and deeds of service for others is an act of worship to God and is helpful in our pursuit of spiritual renewal and closeness to God.

In addition to fasting from food, we can also learn to fast or deprive our other senses of certain pleasures.  For example, regarding the eyes, fast from television on certain days; the ears, voluntarily not listen to the radio, c.d.’s, or i-pod on Wednesdays and Fridays.  Minimize cyber communications and entertainments.  Allow the silence to be a time for inner stillness, increased physical activity (e.g. walking, running), and prayer.

Skip the health club this week – the Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete is one of the masterpieces of Byzantine liturgy.  It is a beautiful repentance poem based on the scriptural canticles.  Troparia are introduced by the pripiv (verse) AHave mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me@ and each time this is sung the faithful make a prostration.  Plan to join us this Wednesday evening at 7 PM.

Adult Enrichment Series Two continues for two more weeks.  We appreciate the baby-sitting that our ByzanTEENs have been devoting themselves to during these classes.  We gather Tuesday evening from 7 to 9 PM, beginning in the church.  Here’s the schedule:

20 March – Liturgy of the Faithful  (pages 76–95)         27 March – Conclusion  (pages 96–120).

Laboring for Eternal Happiness – Respecting LIFE, Defending Religious LIBERTY, Promoting Marital LOVE:

Three U.S. Supreme Court decisions – Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857), Plessy v. Ferguson (1896), and Roe v. Wade – were an attack on human dignity.  “The first two denied the full human dignity of African Americans, the third created the constitutional right to abort unborn children.  Because God created human beings in his image and likeness, human dignity is not something that the state can give, nor can the state take it away.”  Southern Cross

 

            We define that the holy icons, whether in color, mosaic, or some other material, should be exhibited in the holy churches of God, on the sacred vessels and liturgical vestments, on the walls, furnishing, and in houses and along the roads, namely the icons of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ, that of our Lady the Theotokos, those of the venerable angels and those of all saintly people.  Whenever these representations are contemplated, they will cause those who look at them to commemorate and love their prototype.  We define also that they should be kissed and that they are an object of veneration and honor (timitiki proskynisis), but not of real worship (latreia), which is reserved for Him Who is the subject of our faith and is proper for the divine nature, … which is in effect transmitted to the prototype; he who venerates the icon, venerates in it the reality for which it stands.

 

            Forgiving people when they apologize is one thing; but have you ever tried to forgive someone who has hurt you and never shown any remorse?  Not so easy, is it?  It’s tough to bury that hatchet.

Even after years spent developing a relationship, a single harsh statement or thoughtless act can destroy everything we feel for that person.  We forget the good and play out bitter, vindictive scenarios in our minds.

When someone hurts us, we have choices.  We can go our separate ways and never talk again.  We can live with the anger.  We can bear grudges, nurse hate, and seek revenge. We can pretend everything is fine and just bury our feelings.  Or we can face the person and talk things through … and then forgive.

Of course, the last choice is the healthy one.  Even if the person who wronged you refuses to change or take responsibility, you can still let go of pride and bring closure and healing – for your own sake.

Forgetting is the hardest part of forgiving.  We bury the hatchet; but when we leave the handle sticking out of the ground, we’re just giving the pain permission to continue cutting us.  Bury the handle!  Cancel the debt!  This is the only way to experience freedom.

Attention ByzanTEENs!  The national ByzanTEEN Youth Rally (for 13 to 19 year olds) is to take place at the University of San Diego, July 12-15, 2012.  The theme is “O Joyful Light.” The cost is $275 per person and includes programs, meals, and on-campus lodging.  Lodging on campus is required of all attendees.  Space is limited and early registration recommended.  Full payment and completed registrations must be received by the Rally Planning Office in Illinois by the end of May.  Please contact Jonathan or Father Robert for further information.

My Church is composed of people like me.  We make it what it is.

It will be friendly if I am.  Its nave will be filled if I help to fill it.

It will make generous gifts to many in need if I am generous in stewardship.

It will bring other people into its worship and fellowship if I bring them.

My Church will be a Church of loyalty and love, of fearlessness and faith,

and a Church of noble spirit, if I, who make it what it is, am filled with those things.

Therefore, with the help of God,

I shall dedicate myself to the task of being all the things that I want my Church to be.

            The word steward/stewardship is found 87 times in the New Testament.  For example, the Holy Apostle Paul speaks of himself as a steward of the Gospel.  He has received the Good News from the Lord, and it has been given to him so that he can share it with others. In two passages of Luke’s Gospel, it is even on the lips of Jesus.

New Testament writers use the words steward and stewardship to make the point that all people are God’s stewards, because everything that exists belongs to God.

Laws about ownership can help to keep good order in society, but legal ownership can be deceptive.  A person only owns something in the sense that others can’t claim it for themselves.  For example, to take another person’s car is auto theft.

But in relation to God, no one ultimately owns anything.  God is the owner of everything that exists.  God created it, and it is God Who continually keeps it in existence.

That is a fundamental element of stewardship – everything really belongs to God.

            Fasting is the practice of refraining from all or from certain foods for a length of time.  Religious fasting is not merely a means for losing weight, nor is it merely an exercise in self-control.

By fasting, our bodies participate in our prayer.  “O God, You are my God:  You do I ardently seek; for You does my soul thirst, You does my flesh desire, as an arid and parched land without water.” (Psalm 62:2)  Fasting reminds us that our souls long for God just as our bodies long for food.

            A special obligation binds us to make ourselves the neighbor of absolutely every person, and of actively helping him when he comes across our path, whether he be an old person abandoned by all, a foreign laborer unjustly looked upon as a refugee, or a hungry person who disturbs our conscience by recalling the voice of our Lord:  “As long as you did it for one of these, the least of my brethren, you did it for me.” (Matthew 25:40)

Furthermore, whatever is opposed to life itself, such as any type of murder, genocide, abortion, euthanasia, or willful self-destruction, and whatever violates the integrity of the human person, such as mutilation, sterilization, torments inflicted on body or mind, attempts to coerce the will itself; whatever insults human dignity, such as subhuman living conditions, arbitrary imprisonment, deportation, slavery, prostitution, as well as disgraceful working conditions … all of these things and others of their likes are infamies indeed … they are a supreme dishonor to God.

Since all persons possess a rational soul and are created in God’s likeness, since they have the same nature and origin, have been redeemed by Christ, and enjoy the same divine calling and destiny, the basic equality of all must receive increasingly greater recognition.

True, all persons are not alike from the point of varying physical power and the diversity of intellectual and natural resources.  Nevertheless, with respect to the fundamental rights of the person, every type of discrimination, whether social or cultural, whether based on gender, race, social condition, language, or religion, is to be overcome and eradicated as contrary to God’s intent for us to love our neighbor.

Bend Outward

* St John the Baptizer Church; 4400 Palm Avenue; La Mesa 91941;  Call to Confirm:  619-567-6967.

Adult Enrichment Series Two has been seeing record-breaking crowds.  We appreciate the baby-sitting that our ByzanTEENs have been devoting themselves to during these classes.  We continue our in-depth look at the Divine Liturgy each Great-fast Tuesday evening from 7 to 9 PM, beginning in the church.  Here’s the remaining schedule:

13 March        Liturgy of the Faithful – Part One  (pages 65–82)

20 March        Liturgy of the Faithful – Part Two  (pages 83–95)

27 March        Conclusion  (pages 96–120).

Laboring for Eternal Salvation – Respecting LIFE, Defending Religious LIBERTY, Promoting Marital LOVE:  “I stand here today with my sisters in Christ who also made the choice to have an abortion.  We thought that our choice would be a solution to our immediate problems….  But we have suffered spiritually, physically, and emotionally because of our choice” said Leslie Brunolli of the “Silent no more” awareness campaign.

Stand Up for Religious Freedom:  This nationwide effort will take place Friday, 23 March from 12 noon to 1 PM.  Locally, participants are to gather at the San Diego County Administrative building at 1600 Pacific Highway (facing harbor) and stand in opposition to the H.H.S. Contraception mandate.  You may also take action by going to www.usccb.org/conscience.  Take the greatest action through fasting and prayer.

 

Below are some excerpts from recent bulletins.

The Seventh Ecumenical Council’s Proclamation on Icons

Burying the Proverbial Hatchet

 

 

My Church

 

What is Stewardship?

            The word “stewardship” is the English translation of a Greek term formed from two words:  manage and house.  A steward is someone who manages someone else’s house (e.g. all the owner’s possessions).

During difficult economic times, the sacrificial stewardship of our parishioners appears quite exemplary.  Generosity with weekly tithing, our renovation campaign, the needs of the hungry, clergy medical insurance, and retired religious has shown brilliantly. Christmas collection monies this year will be used for Renovation Phase II debt reduction. Kindly use the marked envelope found in your stewardship sets or mark your check.

 

Stewardship in the parish first takes the form of a financial tithe, but parishioners also share of their bounty by giving of time, talent, and various treasures.  This giving is crucial for the life and health of our church.  Some people wish to donate items for use in the liturgical life of the parish.  Often these donations are made in memory of loved-ones.  Especially regarding these items donated for our church building (inside or outside), please consult Father first so that your donation may be put to fitting use, and that it be consistent with our parish vision and the spiritual mission of the Byzantine Catholic Church. Here=s a wish list of our parish at this time:

Donations for new blue sanctuary side tables, tetrapod, and lectern coverings for the church. These will be styled like our currently used gold covers.  Father has fabric swatches to be used for the covers for those who are interested:

2 for the side tables                            $1,200 each

For the tetrapod                                 $1,100;

1 white (w/ gold trim) altar server sticharion                                              $600; and

Mindfulness of stewardship and your spiritual family after you leave this world by including your parish in your will.  We should be referenced as “Holy Angels Byzantine Catholic Church; San Diego, California.”  Please talk to your estate attorney.

 

Fasting

 

The Prayer of Saint Ephrem is basic to all services held on penitential days in the Byzantine tradition.  Let us be sure to include this prayer in our weekday prayer rule during the Great Fast:

Lord and Master of my life, spare me from the spirit of indifference, despair, lust for power, and idle chatter.  (prostration)

            Instead, bestow on me, your servant, the spirit of integrity, humility, patience, and love. (prostration)

            Yes, O Lord and King, let me see my own sins and not judge my brothers and sisters; for you are blessed forever and ever.  Amen.  (prostration)

 

Human weakness dislikes facing disagreeable truths.  Human weakness tends to keep eyes closed to the unpleasant.  Therefore, many of the faithful enter into the Great Fast without a clear view of its purpose as thoughts remain only on the Ahardships@ and Adon=ts@ of self-denial. Death to self-centeredness and sin is necessary if we are to enjoy the true spiritual happiness of our Lord=s resurrection, not only in the yearly celebration of the resurrection but in its eternal celebration in heaven.  This vision should change the Agloominess@ of Lent into a Ajoyful sadness@ that leads to new life with Jesus Christ.  During the Great Fast we renew our baptismal commitments and cleanse our baptismal robes.  We confess our sins, both in our private prayer rule and in the Holy Mystery of Penance (Confession), and increase in our penitential acts in order to turn back to our Lord.

At the same time, Lenten abstinence does not imply a rejection of God’s creation.  In fact, all that God has made is “very good” (Genesis 1:31).  To fast is not to deny this intrinsic goodness but to reaffirm it.  In fact, those who fast, far from repudiating material things, are actually assisting in the redemption of that which is material.  When we fast we deny our bodily impulses – for example our spontaneous appetite for food, drink, entertainment, or intimacy – not because these impulses are in themselves evil, but because they have been disordered by sin and require to be purified through self-discipline.  Therefore, asceticism is a fight not against the body but for the body.  The aim of fasting is to purge the body from alien defilement and to render it spiritual.

 

Wont You Be My Neighbor?

 

Regarding Infirm and Home-bound Visitation:  Please remember that if a parishioner is in the hospital or confined to home because of illness or advancing age, Father very much wants to bring the confined person the Holy Mysteries on a regular basis.  It is also recommended that one receive the Anointing of the Sick before any major surgery or as needed due to serious illness.  Please do not hesitate to let Father know that a parishioner is ill or home bound and would like a visit.

            Fasting is the practice of refraining from all or from certain foods for a length of time.  Religious fasting is not merely a means for losing weight, nor is it merely an exercise in self-control.

By fasting, our bodies participate in our prayer.  “O God, You are my God:  You do I ardently seek; for You does my soul thirst, You does my flesh desire, as an arid and parched land without water.” (Psalm 62:2)  Fasting reminds us that our souls long for God just as our bodies long for food.

 

            Presanctified Liturgy is the fulfillment of God=s promise of manna during our forty-day wandering through the desert of the Great Fast.  It is composed of three clearly distinguishable parts: Vespers; Liturgy of the Word; and Holy Communion.  As the name suggests, the Eucharistic Gifts are presanctified or consecrated beforehand, usually at the preceding Sunday’s Divine Liturgy.  This means that there is no Great Eucharistic Prayer of Offering, but Holy Communion is distributed in the form of consecrated bread placed in ordinary wine.  At Holy Angels Church, the usual time for Presanctified Liturgy is Friday at 7 PM.

 

* St John the Baptizer Church; 4400 Palm Avenue; La Mesa 91941;  Call to Confirm:  619-567-6967.

Adult Enrichment Series Two continues this week with an in-depth look at the Divine Liturgy.  We gather Tuesday evening from 7 to 9 PM, beginning in the church.  Here’s the remaining schedule:

6 March          Liturgy of the Word  (pages 43–64)

13 March        Liturgy of the Faithful – Part One  (pages 65–82)

20 March        Liturgy of the Faithful – Part Two  (pages 83–95)

27 March        Conclusion  (pages 96–120)

Also, our ByzanTEENs have graciously volunteered to baby-sit young children during these classes.  Please contact Jonathan if this is of interest to you.  Thanks, teens!

The Catholic bishops of the U. S. called “unconscionable” a decision by the Administration to continue to demand that sterilization, abortifacients, and contraception be included in virtually all health plans.  “To force American citizens to choose between violating their consciences and forgoing their health-care is literally unconscionable” said Timothy Cardinal Dolan.  At issue, all the U.S. bishops and other religious leaders insist, is the survival of a cornerstone constitutionally protected freedom that ensures respect for the conscience of Catholics and all other Americans.  As the Bishops continue to study all the implications of this troubling decision, we must continue to act.  Take action by going to www.usccb.org/conscience.  Take the greatest action through fasting and prayer.

 

            We define that the holy icons, whether in color, mosaic, or some other material, should be exhibited in the holy churches of God, on the sacred vessels and liturgical vestments, on the walls, furnishing, and in houses and along the roads, namely the icons of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ, that of our Lady the Theotokos, those of the venerable angels and those of all saintly people.  Whenever these representations are contemplated, they will cause those who look at them to commemorate and love their prototype.  We define also that they should be kissed and that they are an object of veneration and honor (timitiki proskynisis), but not of real worship (latreia), which is reserved for Him Who is the subject of our faith and is proper for the divine nature, … which is in effect transmitted to the prototype; he who venerates the icon, venerates in it the reality for which it stands.

 

            Forgiving people when they apologize is one thing; but have you ever tried to forgive someone who has hurt you and never shown any remorse?  Not so easy, is it?  It’s tough to bury that hatchet.

Even after years spent developing a relationship, a single harsh statement or thoughtless act can destroy everything we feel for that person.  We forget the good and play out bitter, vindictive scenarios in our minds.

When someone hurts us, we have choices.  We can go our separate ways and never talk again.  We can live with the anger.  We can bear grudges, nurse hate, and seek revenge. We can pretend everything is fine and just bury our feelings.  Or we can face the person and talk things through … and then forgive.

Of course, the last choice is the healthy one.  Even if the person who wronged you refuses to change or take responsibility, you can still let go of pride and bring closure and healing – for your own sake.

Forgetting is the hardest part of forgiving.  We bury the hatchet; but when we leave the handle sticking out of the ground, we’re just giving the pain permission to continue cutting us.  Bury the handle!  Cancel the debt!  This is the only way to experience freedom.

Attention ByzanTEENs!  The national ByzanTEEN Youth Rally (for 13 to 19 year olds) is to take place at the University of San Diego, July 12-15, 2012.  The theme is “O Joyful Light.” The cost is $275 per person and includes programs, meals, and on-campus lodging.  Lodging on campus is required of all attendees.  Space is limited and early registration recommended.  Full payment and completed registrations must be received by the Rally Planning Office in Illinois by the end of May.  Please contact Jonathan or Father Robert for further information.

My Church is composed of people like me.  We make it what it is.

It will be friendly if I am.  Its nave will be filled if I help to fill it.

It will make generous gifts to many in need if I am generous in stewardship.

It will bring other people into its worship and fellowship if I bring them.

My Church will be a Church of loyalty and love, of fearlessness and faith,

and a Church of noble spirit, if I, who make it what it is, am filled with those things.

Therefore, with the help of God,

I shall dedicate myself to the task of being all the things that I want my Church to be.

            The word steward/stewardship is found 87 times in the New Testament.  For example, the Holy Apostle Paul speaks of himself as a steward of the Gospel.  He has received the Good News from the Lord, and it has been given to him so that he can share it with others. In two passages of Luke’s Gospel, it is even on the lips of Jesus.

New Testament writers use the words steward and stewardship to make the point that all people are God’s stewards, because everything that exists belongs to God.

Laws about ownership can help to keep good order in society, but legal ownership can be deceptive.  A person only owns something in the sense that others can’t claim it for themselves.  For example, to take another person’s car is auto theft.

But in relation to God, no one ultimately owns anything.  God is the owner of everything that exists.  God created it, and it is God Who continually keeps it in existence.

That is a fundamental element of stewardship – everything really belongs to God.

            A special obligation binds us to make ourselves the neighbor of absolutely every person, and of actively helping him when he comes across our path, whether he be an old person abandoned by all, a foreign laborer unjustly looked upon as a refugee, or a hungry person who disturbs our conscience by recalling the voice of our Lord:  “As long as you did it for one of these, the least of my brethren, you did it for me.” (Matthew 25:40)

Furthermore, whatever is opposed to life itself, such as any type of murder, genocide, abortion, euthanasia, or willful self-destruction, and whatever violates the integrity of the human person, such as mutilation, sterilization, torments inflicted on body or mind, attempts to coerce the will itself; whatever insults human dignity, such as subhuman living conditions, arbitrary imprisonment, deportation, slavery, prostitution, as well as disgraceful working conditions … all of these things and others of their likes are infamies indeed … they are a supreme dishonor to God.

Since all persons possess a rational soul and are created in God’s likeness, since they have the same nature and origin, have been redeemed by Christ, and enjoy the same divine calling and destiny, the basic equality of all must receive increasingly greater recognition.

True, all persons are not alike from the point of varying physical power and the diversity of intellectual and natural resources.  Nevertheless, with respect to the fundamental rights of the person, every type of discrimination, whether social or cultural, whether based on gender, race, social condition, language, or religion, is to be overcome and eradicated as contrary to God’s intent for us to love our neighbor.

            This portion of the prayer in preparation for reception of Holy Communion is a hymn proper to Holy and Great Thursday and common on other days throughout the year. It reminds us to never take lightly our approach to the Divine Eucharist.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church gives some helpful and practical guidance in this regard:

Bodily demeanor (gestures, clothing) ought to convey the respect, solemnity, and joy of this moment when Christ becomes our guest. (ref. #1387)

Anyone who desires to receive Christ in Eucharistic communion must be in the state of grace.  Anyone aware of having sinned mortally must not receive communion without having received absolution in the sacrament of penance. (#1415)