Ember Friday in September - What would Jesus do ?

Dear Fathers, Friends in Christ,

 

A short reflection on this Ember Friday in September 2016

 

The Gospel 
St. Luke iv. 16. 

 

 JESUS came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord. And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.

 

We, in the Anglican Catholic Church, believe in the Apostolic Ministry and the message from the Holy Gospel set for today describes very much such so the duties of a Priest in the Apostolic Succession.Yes, they are my duties and they were difficult to fulfill in the time Jesus walked on earth, but still extremely difficult in the year of our Lord 2016.

The society we live in is a secular society , Christian religion has become less relevant. Another point to note is that the way Australian people have been governed over the last few years, requires much to be desired. Those in society who are sick and suffering and underprivileged have to live in fear constantly that the present Government is going to cut their welfare benefits, which will increase suffering even more.

 

In His Steps is a best-selling religious fiction novel written by Charles Monroe Sheldon. First published in 1896, the book has sold more than 30,000,000 copies, and ranks as one of the best-selling books of all time. The full title of the book is In His Steps: What Would Jesus Do?. I dont know about you , but I have read this book many times and it has still a rightful place in my bookcase. It contents teaches us how to handle ourselves in daily life, at home and in the workplace. How would our Blessed Lord Jesus handle things? If we do walk in his steps , then we are going to make a difference and then are we working towards the establishment of the Kingdom of God here on earth.

 

If you are at present struggling with certain situations, which you cannot handle, make some time and reflect on the few notes I have written to you from Australia on this Friday evening.

 

My Mission is new here in Launceston, I moved down here in February this year. I, as a Priest , am longing for a number of dedicated people to support me, lets preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

 

Amen

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