Monday, May 25, 2020

Sunday after the Ascension 24 May 2020

My Friends,

The Epistle
1 St. Peter iv. 7.

THE end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

The Epistle from Blessed Saint Peter could not be more appropriate for the times we live then anything else. Global warming is making life on this planet in the years to come, that is we don't do anything about it, absolutely impossible. Here is in Australia we have had the most horrendous bushfires ever, from which the nation still not has recovered. Now we are surrounded by the COVID-19 Virus and the outlook for the world is not good. There is nowhere to run to anymore. Amongst many countries, which persecute followers of Jesus Christ, China and North Korea are the worst offenders and then there is the story of Hong Kong.

Some months ago we were observing Advent,  the birth of Jesus Christ, but also His coming again on the clouds of Heaven. In the Holy Gospel on the second Sunday of Advent from Saint Luke 21 beginning at verse 25 Jesus talks about signs in the stars and the moon and upon the earth distress of nations - and when these things come to pass then lift up your head as your redemption draws near.
I am and you no doubt  well aware that 100 years ago times were bad too, but when you look at all the signs we are experiencing now things are different.

The question on my mind now is how we can follow the advice of the Apostle Peter, that is to have fervent charity and to offer hospitality to one another and use our gifts
as being good stewards of the manifold Grace of God. In other words while most of mankind is having such a horrible time, how can we make the burden for them lighter and how can we preach Christ Crucified?

This Sunday's Gospel gives us a good answer, it comes from Saint John 15, beginning at the 26th verse. Jesus promises us the Comforter, the Holy Spirit. Through the power of this Holy Spirit we can continue the rest of our journey through this barren land, coming soon to the promised land of our Blessed Lord Jesus Christ,
doing His Work on the way.  

Have a blessed week,

Fr Ed Bakker,
Anglican Catholic Church / Original Province
Mission of Saint Aidan of Lindisfarne,
Launceston
Tasmania
Australia


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