His Steadfast Love. Golden Keyes Parson. 2011. Thomas Nelson. 336 pages.

The sweet, gooey peach pie filling had overflowed its crust and dribbled down the side of the plate.

His Steadfast Love is set in Texas during the Civil War. The heroine of His Steadfast Love is a young woman named Amanda. Before the war, Amanda meets a young soldier, Captain Kent Littlefield. He’s attracted to her despite their different backgrounds–he’s from the North, from Pennsylvania; she’s from the South, from Texas. He doesn’t ‘like’ the fact that her father owns slaves. And Amanda’s father doesn’t really see him as a good match for his daughter, he wants a Southerner, a Southern gentleman. So even before war is declared this courtship is problematic…

Most of this novel is rushed. Readers see all the years of the Civil War. Readers see it from Amanda’s side. As a concerned sister with a brother in the Confederate army. And as a sweetheart. She knows that she loves Kent. He has told her that he loves her and that he wants to marry her…after the war…with or without her father’s or brother’s approval. Readers also see it from Kent’s perspective and Daniel’s perspective. (Daniel is the brother.) Though mainly it’s focused on Amanda and Kent. 

I liked this one. But I didn’t exactly love it. I never really came to care strongly about the characters. It was a quick read, an enjoyable one. I just didn’t find it to be amazing or wonderful.

Read His Steadfast Love

• If you’re a fan of Christian historical romance. In my opinion this is stronger as historical than romance, but that could just be me.
• If you’re a fan of historical fiction set during the Civil War
• If you’re a fan of fiction set in Texas

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible

Source: http://operationreadbible.blogspot.com/2012/01/book-review-his-steadfast-love.html

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                I?ve decided to offer an interim review of the volume, for I am currently using it in my own sermon preparation.  I must add that I am friends with one of the editors of this volume, and from a conversation about this volume, I was told that he (Ron Allen) was the primary editor of this volume, and that the other two editors are focusing on years A and C.  I?m sharing my thoughts on the volume at this time, because we?re already well into Year B.

                The editors, in this case Ron Allen, have recruited a wide range of contributors, some of whom are academics and some are pastors.  A quick look at the list of contributors will reveal well known names and some who are much less well known.  There are women and men, and people of a variety of ethnic backgrounds.  What they hold in common is a commitment to social justice and a belief that Scripture speaks to such matters.

                The format is simple.  A writer takes up the four texts of the day ? Hebrew Testament, Psalm, Epistle, and Gospel ? and wrestles with it with a social justice lens.   The addition of the Social Justice Holy Days is quite helpful, for preachers will often focus on these important issues and having texts and commentary to turn to is important.  Additionally, the presence of these Holy Days is a reminder that we live in a broader social context that extends beyond Sunday morning.   

As with any multi-author volume there is unevenness in the presentations, but that does not hinder one from hearing the text a new.   It is of course, but one resource.  It is insufficient on its own, but taken together with one?s other resources, this volume will broader our preaching horizons.  It will enable us to see the texts in a new light, for social justice remains a central focus of the prophetic tradition, a tradition that undergirds the preaching tradition.  Called to preach, we are called to speak to the questions of the age, and justice is always at the forefront of our questions.    

We are blessed to have this new addition to the series of important contributions for preachers that WJK Press has published in recent years.   Many of us have found their Feasting on the Word series to be a tremendous blessing to our preaching.   Since Ron Allen is the primary editor of this volume, I will also point out the value a three volume lectionary commentary set that he wrote together with his colleague from Christian Theological Seminary, Clark Williamson, dealing with the lectionary texts with the problem Christian anti-Judaism in mind.  That series, which has not gotten sufficient attention, underlines the importance of having a variety of perspectives to draw upon as we prepare ourselves to speak from Scripture to the gathered people of God.  

If you are a preacher who is concerned about the state of the world in which we live, and you feel called to address the social issues of our day, and you wish to root that message in the Scriptures, then you will find this volume to be of great assistance.   And, don’t wait to add it to your collection, Year B is moving along quickly!   

Source: http://www.bobcornwall.com/2012/01/preaching-gods-transforming-justice.html

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Sister Neena Barwa, a nun who was raped during the 2008 persecution of Christians in the eastern Indian state of Orissa, has told the Fides news agency that suffering has led Christians to grow in faith and charity.

?I am sure the Christians in Orissa have not suffered in vain. Our suffering has borne fruit: we grow in faith and the love for God? she said, adding:

Priests, religious and lay people have suffered and fought together. The Lord knows our ordeal, but there is no hatred in our hearts. We believe that unspeakable pain inflicted on us has not been useless ?

We know that in suffering we experience God’s blessing and the pain has borne fruit: today we have become stronger in faith and the love for God ? I feel part of the community in Kandhamal and I have never thought of leaving this place. We have come a long way and we have a long way to go together. In this path, God is our strength and our stronghold ?

Today we survive thanks to faith. God is our protection, and He is with us always. We cannot stop to look back because there are significant challenges ahead of us: the Lord has kept us alive and now we are called to face these challenges with hope, confidence, and conviction.

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Political theorist Jurgen Habermas states that the religious voice is welcome into the public sphere, but this voice requires translation if it is to be received and have influence in that sphere.  But, what is the nature of this sphere?  What role does the state play in this sphere?

The First Amendment of the US Constitution suggests that the state will not establish any form of religion or impede the freedom of Americans to worship as they please.  The question that has been raised historically, but more specifically in recent years, concerns the level to which religion can be present in the public square and what form that can take?  

Thus, is it appropriate for schools to require students to pray?  The Courts have held that while students can organize themselves for prayer, the schools cannot organize them for prayer.  

It’s really a tricky thing — this interaction between religions and the public sphere — especially in one that is rather pluralistic (and becoming increasingly so).

I want to throw into this discussion the voice of another philosopher and political theorist — Charles Taylor (a Canadian).  In a piece entitled “Why We Need a Radical Redefinition of Secularism,” Taylor writes that in a pluralist society some kind of neutrality or “principled distance” needs to be kept between religion and the state.  

So, as a way of approaching this question he points to the French Revolutionary trinity of liberty, equality and fraternity:

1.  No one must be forced in the domain of religion or basic belief.  This is what is often defined as religious liberty, including of course, the freedom not to believe.  This is also described as the “free exercise” of religion in the terms of the U.S. First Amendment.  There must be equality between people of different faiths or basic beliefs; no religious outlook or (religious or areligious) Weltanschauung can enjoy a privileged status, let alone be adopted as the official view of the state.  Then 3.  all spiritual families must be heard, included in the ongoing process of determining what the society is about (its political identity), and how it is going to realize these goals (the exact regime of rights and privileges).  This (stretching the point a little) is what corresponds to “fraternity” [in The Power of Religion in the Public Sphere, pp. 34-35]

This appears to be a workable solution — the state invites the voices of all faiths as well as those who profess no religious position to come to the table.  No one’s position is favored, but all are equal and included.  Of course, in the United States, where Christianity in all its variety, remains the dominant expression of religion, we’ve found it difficult to maintain a balance.  Fifty years ago, Mainline Protestants had a major voice in creating the social/cultural dynamic.  Today, their voice is muted, and other voices, including conservative evangelicals and conservative Roman Catholics seem to be making more noise.  But is their influence greater than before?

So, what should the relationship of state and religion be in an increasingly pluralist setting?  Should we push the religious voice out, or find a way to accommodate it?  Perhaps by finding ways of translating that voice into more secular forms?

N.B.:  As you ponder this question you may find it valuable to check out John Fea’s article contrasting the moral visions of Santorum and Obama.  

Source: http://www.bobcornwall.com/2012/01/state-neutrality-and-religion-in-public.html

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From the upcoming edition of The Catholic Key:

Will China Buy Our Silence About Persecution of Catholics?

By Most Rev. Robert W. Finn

In May of 2007, Pope Benedict XVI issued a Pastoral Letter to Clergy, Religious, and Lay Faithful of the Catholic Church in the People?s Republic of China. There the Holy Father expressed his affection for the people and his solidarity with them. He explained the proper relationships within the diocese, between the dioceses and the State, and the indispensable link between the local Churches and the Church Universal. The Pope offered encouragement for unity and a guide for evangelization.

The challenging circumstances for the work of the Church in China have been intensified because of a separation that has existed between a state-supervised Patriotic Catholic Association, China?s only legal public form of Catholicism, said to have about 5 Million members, and an ?illegal,? ?underground church,? believed to be the home for perhaps 10 million clergy, Religious and laity, who have sought to maintain a more unfettered communion with the Vatican. It is acknowledged that many members of the Patriotic Association, bishops included, have attempted to keep ties with Rome.

In his letter of four years ago, the Holy Father seemed to succeed in establishing a conciliatory note, while clearly outlining vital principles of religious freedom, and the Church?s requisite foundation for governance and pastoral action. The Vatican was able to build some level of communications with the Peoples? Republic, giving rise to what has been, for the last few years, a more active and helpful collaboration in the selection of bishops ? within the Patriotic Association ? on the Mainland.

As 2010 was drawing to a close, the mood of cooperation collapsed as the Patriotic Catholic Association began forcibly gathering bishops in order to bring them to Beijing for an assembly, the intended purpose of which was to elect a new national president of the Patriotic Association and president of the council of Chinese bishops. A number of bishops resisted and fled; others refused to participate in Masses that were to be part of the assembly.

An illicit ordination of a bishop ? one in which there was no mandate from the Holy See or permission from the Holy Father ? took place in November of 2010; another a few weeks ago on June 29, 2011, and another last week. In the Vatican?s daily Press Release of July 15, Vatican Press Office Director, Fr. Federico Lombardi S.J. spoke of the Pope’s ?sadness and concern at the latest illegitimate episcopal ordination in China? which, he said, damages ?the unity of the universal Church.?

July 14, 2011, ?at Shantou in the region of Guandong Fr. Joseph Huang Bingzhang was ordained a bishop without pontifical mandate. ? A number of bishops who are in communion with the Pope were obliged to attend yesterday’s ceremony.? Shantou already had a bishop, and the ?new bishop? had been cautioned several times by the Holy See not to accept Episcopal ordination.

Following the June 29 ordination, the Holy See released a declaration highlighting how a bishop ordained ?without the papal mandate, and hence illegitimately, has no authority to govern the diocesan Catholic community, and the Holy See does not recognize him as the bishop of that diocese.? In a release of July 18, the Vatican formally confirmed the sanctions against the illegitimate bishops, expressed support for the conscientious resistance of those who remain faithful to the Holy See, and asked for a cessation of the hurtful actions, ?The Holy Father, having learned of these events, once again deplores the manner in which the Church in China is being treated and hopes that the present difficulties can be overcome as soon as possible?.

Some news sites suggest that, after the forced elections of the Patriotic Associations, in which ballots were reported to have only one name, as many as ten ordinations of new bishops are expected.

Aside from the concern over the kidnapping and arrest of bishops compelling them to participate in fraudulent elections, there are grave implications for all Catholics in China who, whether within the Patriotic Association or in the so-called ?illegal? or underground church fear more interference in Church life, and a renewal of reprisals from years past.

According to a July 17 CNN story, leaders in China have, in turn, accused the Vatican of interfering in its religious affairs. Last November the U.S. State Department listed China as one of eight countries of “particular concern” on religious freedom. Specifically the U.S. accused China of persecuting followers of the Dalai Lama in Tibet and Uyghur Muslims in western China. While President Barak Obama met last week with the Dalai Lama, apparently no public mention has yet been made by the administration about actions against Catholics.

In his July 17 blog post, Deacon Keith Fournier of Catholic Online (www.catholic.org) lamented the silence of the U.S. and other western governments about these abuses against human rights and religious freedom in China. ?We should ask ourselves the following question; with our growing economic reliance and dependence upon the Regime in China: Are we sacrificing our fundamental obligation to defend human freedom and human rights because we depend on the economic assistance of a repressive regime??

At one time we might have insisted that China?s desires to be accepted and welcomed as a partner with the West must be met by an insistence that it respects this fundamental human right of religious expression and organization. Now we must be careful that our need to come, hat in hand, to China in the economic sphere doesn?t require us to be silent about such significant restraints on human dignity.

For our Catholic brothers and sisters on the Mainland who have endured so much to hold on to an authentic Catholic faith, this is hardly an intellectual exercise. They need our support in prayer and political clout. Mary, Mother of the Church, intercede for your children. St. Joseph, defender of justice, pray for us.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheCatholicKeyBlog/~3/xdYHlWf0RWY/will-china-buy-our-silence-about.html

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Today we welcome guest blogger Jim Van Vurst, OFM. Friar Jim co-writes the free monthly e-newsletter Friar Jack?s E-spirations. To learn more click here.

There are what we call ?graced moments? in people?s lives. They can also be described as ?the touch of God.? I suspect most of us have experienced such a moment in our lives. After all, we are in God?s hands and God is always walking with us. Jesus himself said that he would never abandon us.

One of the most significant and dramatic touches of God is when a person experiences a conversion in his or her life. It may be somebody who really doesn?t know. Then there are conversions that take place in people?s hearts, who, though they believe in God, has wandered away and led a life directly contrary to God?s gospel values. A conversion is one of the most mysterious events that can occur simply because it happens in the deepest part of the person: the heart.

The Conversion of Zacchaeus, the Tax Collector

We are blessed in that the Gospels give us several scenes or events that reveal to us just how that conversion and change take place. One event in particular is what happened to the wealthy tax collector who met Jesus as he was passing through the town of Jericho (Lk 19:1-10). This encounter took place shortly before Jesus entered Jerusalem and faced his passion and death.

Have you experienced moments of grace?

Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector, is curious to see Jesus. It is at a moment like this that his heart opens, and the grace of God slips in. The Gospel tells us that Zacchaeus tried to get a good look at Jesus as he approached, but he was short, and the gathering crowd blocked his view. And so he climbed a sycamore tree and perched up there like a bird in a tree.

Now he could see Jesus coming. Jesus looked up, spotted Zacchaeus, smiled and shouted, ?Zacchaeus, come down. Today I must stay in your house with you.? Jesus? voice and his manner filled the heart of Zacchaeus.

It is at that very moment that the heart of Zacchaeus responded to Jesus? invitations. He hurried down from the tree and ran to Jesus. Luke uses these beautiful words, ?Zacchaeus received Jesus with joy.?

Conversion Means Change of Life

Zacchaeus illustrates a key element of the grace of conversion: He changes his behavior and makes reparation for all he has cheated in the past.

After Zacchaeus fulfilled that promise, he was probably no longer a rich man. In truth he was richer than ever. His heart was filled with the riches of God?s grace.

Jesus knew what Zacchaeus was saying and that he really meant it: ?Today salvation has come to this house because this man, too, is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and save what was lost.? Jesus? words are a confirmation that Zacchaeus really made the change, and the grace of God filled his heart with goodness.

I believe that, in our own lives and journeys, we have all experienced one or two conversions and life changes. After all, the Gospel events that we relish are not just for our enjoyment, but to remind us of God?s love and God?s constant seeking of us.

*****
Featured image: Emin Ozkan

Inset image: pakorn

Source: http://blog.americancatholic.org/2012/01/god%E2%80%99s-touch-is-a-graced-moment/

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One of the most beautiful prayers in the Mass is the Gloria. Monks chant it. Composers today, like Vivaldi and Bach in the past, set it to music. Christians echo its sentiments when they sing the popular Christmas carols “Angels We Have Heard on High” and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.”

The Gloria is a doxology. It is a prayer of praise that extols the glory of God. It is sometimes called the Greater Doxology to distinguish from the short Glory Be that Catholics learn to recite at childhood.

The Gloria recalls the mystery of the Incarnation. In this prayer, we give praise to God by recalling how great He is and how worthy he is to be worshiped. Despite our sinfulness, God loved us enough to send His Son. Hence, our joy in praying the Gloria.

In its original form, the Gloria comes from the Gospel of Luke, a gospel overflowing with praise. In fact, Luke speaks of praising God more than any other evangelist. In his infancy narrative, each new revelation of Jesus’ coming as the Messiah is met with a hymn of praise.

The angel Gabriel announces to aged Zechariah that he and Elizabeth will have a son who will prepare the people for the coming of the Messiah. Zechariah, at the birth of their son John the Baptist, sings the Benedictus. In praising God for fulfilling His promises to His people, his hymn harkens back to the Old Testament (e.g. Gen 12:1-3: 26:3; 2 Sam 7:8-1; Ps 18:17).

In the Visitation, Mary goes to visit Elizabeth. Both women are with child. Elizabeth greets Mary as the mother of her Lord. Mary returns her blessing by glorifying God with the Magnificat (Luke 2:46-55). Mary recites in song the revolutionary effects of the birth of Jesus. The lowly will be exalted. The rich will be sent away empty. And, Israel’s longing heart will rejoice in the mercy given to Abraham and his descendants. Her hymn of praise is filled with allusions from the Old Testament, especially from the Song of Hannah (1 Sam 2:1-10).

When the infant Jesus is presented in the Temple in Jerusalem according to the Law of Moses, Mary and Joseph meet Simeon. Simeon is a just man who had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die until he saw the Messiah. At the sight of the Christ child, Simeon recognizes the long-awaited Messiah. He utters his Nunc Dimittis (Luke 2:29-32).

Though a brief canticle, Simeon’s song is replete with Scriptural allusions (e.g. Isa 40:1-2; 52:10; 53:6; Ps 97:2). His song eloquently and simply expresses the relationship of Christianity to Judaism. It not only looks back to the past and to Jesus as the fulfillment of Israel’s hope, but also to the future and to Jesus as a light to the Gentiles.

These three hymns of praise-the Benedictus, the Magnificat, the Nunc Dimittis-spring from the human heart and are found on human lips. But the short Gloria in Luke’s gospel is different. It is the song of the angels who surround the throne of God. At the end of the angel’s announcement of the birth of Jesus to the shepherds in Bethlehem, “suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests’ ” (Lk 2:13-14).

The Gloria that we sing or recite at Mass echoes and amplifies that angelic hymn. As Pope Benedict XVI has said, “The Church, in the Gloria, has extended this song of praise, which the angels sang in response to the event of the holy night, into a hymn of joy at God’s glory – ‘we praise you for your glory’ ” (Homily at Midnight Mass, Christmas, 2010). In the Gloria, we voice a joy that cannot be contained at the goodness of God now visible and tangible in the birth of Christ and in his saving work as our Redeemer.

Bishop Serratelli is the bishop of Paterson, New Jersey.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/catholicnewsagency/columns/bishopscorner/~3/kZBUtDtufNQ/column.php

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davidfitch on January 16th 2012

For all those who ask what place non-violent demonstration has in our society (i.e. Occupy Wall Street etc.) and our participation in it as Christ?s church, here is a helpful reflection from MLK on the day named after his honor. Here, in this broadcast of Meet The Press, Dr. Martin Luther King responds to the statement by Harry Truman ?the march of Selma was silly.? I think all missional communinities have to ask the question, how is God working (or not working) in the demonstrations we see in the world today, and how do we bring the authority of the Kingdom of Christ into these places when these demonstrations come into our midst. The rest of the piece (on just and unjust law for instance) is food for much discussion. Enjoy!

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/reclaimingthemission/go/~3/UujYIYsUDBI/

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On January 20, Pope Benedict XVI is scheduled to hold an audience with members of the Neocatechumenal Way. Sandro Magister of L’Espresso writes that the date could bring a final resolution of long-running conflicts between the lay movement and Vatican officials about the unusual liturgical practices of the Neocatechumate.

Founded in Spain in the 1960s, the Neocatechumal Way has spread quickly around the world, forming thousands of small groups and claiming the allegiance of up to 1 million Catholics. The group gained official recognition from the Holy See in 2008.

However, the unusual liturgical practices of the “Neocat” communities have drawn frequent criticism, encountered hostility from some bishops (notably in Japan) who see, the movement as divisive and occasionally received official rebukes from Rome. After years of dialogue with the Vatican, leaders of the Neocatechumenal Way are hoping that Pope Benedict will give final approval for their liturgical practices at the January 20 meeting.

In his commentary on the matter, Magister sketches the four distinctive elements of the Neocatechumenal Way liturgy. These practices, as Magister describes them, seem clearly in conflict with the Church’s liturgical norms.

When he met with ?Neocat? members last January, Pope Benedict praised the group?s apostolic vigor, but cautioned that the movement must show ?filial obedience to the Holy See and the pastors of the Church.? He encouraged the group ?always to seek profound communion with pastors.?

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Welcome to my Birthday Bash!

Honestly I don’t typically celebrate my birthday by throwing myself a party, but as I have been cleaning my office I found several things that I had intended to giveaway on the blog, so what better way than just declaring the whole week a giveaway celebration?

So let’s get the party started!  Each day this week I’ll feature something fun and have something to giveaway.  Entries will be accepted all week and I’ll draw for winners on Friday, to be announced Saturday, on my birthday!! Don’t worry…entering will be easy with just a comment.
Today I have TWO great things for you!

Since it is the season of fresh starts, I thought featuring a very cool Prayer Journal would be in order. 

This journal is from Hearts at Home, and I just happened to help design it!  Here is a description from the Hearts at Home site:

     “If you are new to journaling or even if you are journal savvy, this new Prayer Journal is for  you.   We at Hearts at Home know that prayer is the most powerful way to impact our lives and the lives of those around us. Our prayer is that as you use this journal, God will speak to you in wonderful ways.”  (head over to their site with the link up to see a more detailed description)

Hearts at Home has a fabulous lineup of speakers this year for their annual conference for moms, including featured speakers Michelle Duggar and the Fly Lady,  Marla Cilley!  Hearts at Home?s mission is to encourage, educate, and equip every mom in every season of motherhood using Christian values to strengthen families.  I highly encourage you to check out this fantastic organization.  They host conferences in different areas of the country, so chances are, they may be in a city near you!

Secondly…..

Did you notice my fun Birthday Bash banner at the top of the page?  All of those elements and paper is from one of my favorite Digital Scrapbook Designers, Jennifer Labre, from her kit Shabby Garden. 

Jennifer is offering a 25% off discount code for any single item in her store with the code CherieBday. (you must be logged in before entering the code, good through 2/15)  Please be sure to thank Jennifer for her gift to you!  You will LOVE her shop!!

So that’s it for today!  Leave a quick comment to be entered to win the Prayer Journal and check back on Saturday for a list of winners for the week.

Source: http://www.heartandsoulreflections.com/2012/01/birthday-bash-and-prayer-journal.html

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