AOC Two

   Rev Hap brings the Propers together.  The Collect asks God’s help to increase in us hope, faith and charity, and more importantly that we might want to things for ourselves that he wants for us, so as to gain increased hope, faith and charity.  And his Epistle to the people of Galatia, Paul tells us Heaven and Earth are in conflict in our lives. If we want to gain eternal life, we have to give up the influence of this world, and accept guidance and In the Gospel, Luke relates Jesus’ story of the 10 lepers who are healed, and only one turned back to give thanks. This is an important concept, giving thanks, being grateful for what we are given. Also, it is important to know just that when the one turned back, Jesus told him  thy faith have made thee whole . He had already been healed of leprosy, but the faith in Jesus made his life whole. Rev Hap’s sermon is below the propers and can be viewed on video  RIGHT HERE ! The Propers for today are foun...

      The Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity.   The Collect.   A LMIGHTY   and everlasting God, give unto us the increase of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain that which thou dost promise, make us to love that which thou dost command; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen .   Collect            How does one attain to the salvation of one’s soul? Does salvation come by personal merit, good works, a commendable spirit, sacrifice, or bloodlines? No, salvation comes by none of these according to Holy Scripture. Then from whence does it come and by what means? Please review the following text – parse every phrase and word – then, answer by what means we are saved:   But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,  Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)  And hath raised us up ...

      The Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity.   The Collect.   A LMIGHTY   and everlasting God, give unto us the increase of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain that which thou dost promise, make us to love that which thou dost command; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen .               How does one attain to the salvation of one’s soul? Does salvation come by personal merit, good works, a commendable spirit, sacrifice, or bloodlines? No, salvation comes by none of these according to Holy Scripture. Then from whence does it come and by what means? Please review the following text – parse every phrase and word – then, answer by what means we are saved:   But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,  Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)  And hath raised us up to...

  Why is classical music ‘classical?’ It is because the music has enduring qualities to lift humanity above the common plane of mundane existence. Music is the language of the soul and it possesses power for good or evil depending on its message. We can know the quality of music by simply knowing whether it makes us desire to be better in our lives, or else to behave in ways not edifying. Such is the music, and motives, of the great composers (to lift our souls and not to lower them to levels of vulgarity.)                Great composers such as Petr Tchaikovski believed music could actually speak by conveying specific messages like the spoken word – I tend to agree.                Below is a story I wrote and published in the  Logos of St. Andrew  in 2004. The character and compassion of the composer, Antonio Vivaldi, is evidenced in...

  Happy Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity! The AOC Sunday Report is  RIGHT HERE . We have really good for me today from Bishops Jerry and Roy, as well as Revs Jack and Bryan.  Rev Jack's sermon can be viewed on video  RIGHT HERE .   He brings the Propers together again.  The Collect acknowledges God’s most precious gift is to provide guidance to help us follow His will. This is a huge deal, only through following His will can we find true happiness.  In the Epistle Paul reminds us, “To Abraham and his seed were the promises made.  He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.”  The Law, which came 430 years after this covenant, did not supersede the covenant.  The Law was “added because of transgressions, til the seed (Jesus) should come to whom the promise was made … Is the law then against the promises of God?”  No.  “… for is there had been a law given which could have given life, … r...

    The Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity.   The Collect.   A LMIGHTY  and merciful God, of whose only gift it cometh that thy faithful people do unto thee true and laudable service; Grant, we beseech thee, that we may so faithfully serve thee in this life, that we fail not finally to attain thy heavenly promises; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen . N OW  when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,  7  There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat.  8  But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?  9  For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.  10  When Jesus understood it, he said  unto them,  Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.  11  For ye have the poor a...