Discussion/Devotional Quote of the day:

In the introduction to a book of Josemarie Escriva’s sermons, I read this,

When we cry ‘Abba! Father!’ it is the Spirit himself bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him” (Rom 8: 14–17). This text speaks to us about the Blessed Trinity, which is another frequent theme in these homilies. It also reminds us that Jesus Christ is the way leading to the Father through the Holy Spirit. He is our brother, our friend—the Friend—our master and lord and king. The Christian life, then, means being continuously in touch with Christ in the context of our ordinary life, without abandoning our rightful place. How does this contact take place? Monsignor Escrivá explains very concisely: “In the bread and in the word.”
Escriva, Josemaria. Christ is Passing By

I was recently told that the only hope for the church was to be found in a “annointed man’s” understanding of the book of Revelation and the end times passages of Matthew.

I don’t think so, for Paul declined talking of such things in detail – saying it wouldn’t be of benefit to the church.  What matters – that we understand His grace is all we need. (funny coincidence that I just preached on that!)   That we, because of Christ, and through the Holy Spirit can cry out Abba, Father!  That is where our hope lies!  Not in someone’s speculation – but instead in a intimate dance with the Trinity, as they pull us into their relationship…

That comes, as the introduction tells me this priest points out – as we hear God’s logos, His word, His reason, His plan.. as we see that plan re-revealed as we come again to the feast which is a foretaste to come, as we commune with our Lord, as He communes with us.  This is not just some simple ritual, this gathering of people who walk with God, it is an intimate encounter with God, the I AM – and because He is, as we commune with Him, we find out that we are…. His. It’s where we enjoy the dance, where we are reminded of the depth, height, width, and breadth of God’s love, of that fact that His peace is so incredible, that we can rest in His presence, rejoicing that we are welcome there…

God’s Revelation, the Apocalypse, the Unveiling  (they are all translations of the same word) is not about the calendar – its about the relationship, the assurance that God is with us, that He is always HERE.  If we can learn that… if we can hold on to that… we won’t have to change the church… we will realize that we are being changed… as we walk in Christ.

That is the reason we have hope… when we realize…

The Lord has had Mercy… on us..