AMMA THEODORA, EARLY CHURCH MOTHER: GOD BECOMES YOUR DEFENCE

 

                                                                                 Freepik

Amma Theodora said: “Never forget that in a life of intense prayer, God becomes your defence in all the virtues. When needed, the mighty Lord will come to your defence, fully armed” (Matericon: Instructions of Abba Isaiah to the Honourable Nun Theodora [2001], 72)

If you wish to know more about the Desert Fathers and Desert Mothers, please click in the link below;

https://churchinterfaith.blogspot.com/2024/

Voices of the Ammas 

They left the rush of crowded days, the markets loud and wide,
And journeyed to the desert’s hush where God alone would guide.
The early mothers, strong in grace, in silence made their home,
Where hearts grew vast in hidden prayer, though outward lives seemed lone.

In caves of dust and burning sun, in cells both bare and small,
They learned to hear the still, soft Voice that gently speaks to all.
Through fasting deep and vigils long, through tears both pure and wise,
They fixed their gaze on Christ alone, their treasure and their prize.

The Ammas spoke with quiet strength, their counsel clear and true,
To souls who sought the narrow path and longed their God to view.
Their words, like wells in desert lands, still draw the thirsty near,
A living stream of holy truth that echoes year by year.

They call to us within our hearts, beyond the world’s loud claim:
“Become a desert in your soul, and kindle there His flame.
Be anchorites in secret depths, though streets around you roar,
Hold fast the Word in silent faith, and seek His Face the more.”

For we who walk the marketplace, with hurried steps and eyes,
Are summoned to that inward place where deeper treasure lies.
To live the wisdom that they gave, with steadfast hearts made whole,
And carry Christ, the Living Word, to every seeking soul.

O mothers of the ancient way, your witness still remains,
A lamp within our modern night, a balm for hidden pains.
Teach us to dwell with God within, though outward paths we roam -
Till every heart, made still in Him, becomes His desert home.

MOTHER THEODORA, EARLY CHURCH MOTHER: PASS BY SAFELY ALL THE EVIL IN THE WORLD

                                                                                          Freepik

“Raise your hands in prayer, my Sisters,” Mother Theodora said, “and beg God that, when it is your time, your soul and the souls of those dear to you, may pass by safely all the evil in the world impeding their way to Heaven” (Matericon: Instructions of Abba Isaiah to the Honorable Nun Theodora [2001], 68). 

In the spirit of the Desert Mothers, strive to be a spiritual person of the highest good.

If you wish to know more about the Desert Fathers and Desert Mothers, please click in the link below;

https://churchinterfaith.blogspot.com/2024/

Voices of the Ammas 

They left the rush of crowded days, the markets loud and wide,
And journeyed to the desert’s hush where God alone would guide.
The early mothers, strong in grace, in silence made their home,
Where hearts grew vast in hidden prayer, though outward lives seemed lone.

In caves of dust and burning sun, in cells both bare and small,
They learned to hear the still, soft Voice that gently speaks to all.
Through fasting deep and vigils long, through tears both pure and wise,
They fixed their gaze on Christ alone, their treasure and their prize.

The Ammas spoke with quiet strength, their counsel clear and true,
To souls who sought the narrow path and longed their God to view.
Their words, like wells in desert lands, still draw the thirsty near,
A living stream of holy truth that echoes year by year.

They call to us within our hearts, beyond the world’s loud claim:
“Become a desert in your soul, and kindle there His flame.
Be anchorites in secret depths, though streets around you roar,
Hold fast the Word in silent faith, and seek His Face the more.”

For we who walk the marketplace, with hurried steps and eyes,
Are summoned to that inward place where deeper treasure lies.
To live the wisdom that they gave, with steadfast hearts made whole,
And carry Christ, the Living Word, to every seeking soul.

O mothers of the ancient way, your witness still remains,
A lamp within our modern night, a balm for hidden pains.
Teach us to dwell with God within, though outward paths we roam -
Till every heart, made still in Him, becomes His desert home.

MOTHER THEODORA, EARLY CHURCH MOTHER: THIS PRESENT AGE IS A STORM

 

                                                                               Freepik

Mother Theodora said: “This present age is a storm, and it is only through many trials and temptations that we can obtain an inheritance in the kingdom of heaven.” (Apophthegmata Patrum, Theodora, 2). 

This Desert Mother was thought to be the widow of a fourth-century Roman Prefect of Egypt in Alexandria. Mother Theodora followed her faith in Jesus Christ into the desert. 

She is celebrated for having been a trusted colleague of her Bishop, Theophilus. Mother Theodora was often consulted about the living out of monastic life. Theodora is venerated as a saint on her feastday, September 11. 

Desert Mothers pursued personal spiritual holiness, and were committed to a deep sense of justice and service to the Christian community; for the love of their neighbour.

If you wish to know more about the Desert Fathers and Desert Mothers, please click in the link below;

https://churchinterfaith.blogspot.com/2024/

Voices of the Ammas 

They left the rush of crowded days, the markets loud and wide,
And journeyed to the desert’s hush where God alone would guide.
The early mothers, strong in grace, in silence made their home,
Where hearts grew vast in hidden prayer, though outward lives seemed lone.

In caves of dust and burning sun, in cells both bare and small,
They learned to hear the still, soft Voice that gently speaks to all.
Through fasting deep and vigils long, through tears both pure and wise,
They fixed their gaze on Christ alone, their treasure and their prize.

The Ammas spoke with quiet strength, their counsel clear and true,
To souls who sought the narrow path and longed their God to view.
Their words, like wells in desert lands, still draw the thirsty near,
A living stream of holy truth that echoes year by year.

They call to us within our hearts, beyond the world’s loud claim:
“Become a desert in your soul, and kindle there His flame.
Be anchorites in secret depths, though streets around you roar,
Hold fast the Word in silent faith, and seek His Face the more.”

For we who walk the marketplace, with hurried steps and eyes,
Are summoned to that inward place where deeper treasure lies.
To live the wisdom that they gave, with steadfast hearts made whole,
And carry Christ, the Living Word, to every seeking soul.

O mothers of the ancient way, your witness still remains,
A lamp within our modern night, a balm for hidden pains.
Teach us to dwell with God within, though outward paths we roam -
Till every heart, made still in Him, becomes His desert home.

AMMA SYNCLETICA, EARLY CHURCH MOTHER: HUMILITY

 

                                                                                    Freepik

Amma Syncletica;

She also said, “Just as one cannot build a ship unless one has some nails, so it is impossible to be saved without humility.”

If you wish to know more about the Desert Fathers and Desert Mothers, please click in the link below;

https://churchinterfaith.blogspot.com/2024/

Voices of the Ammas 

They left the rush of crowded days, the markets loud and wide,
And journeyed to the desert’s hush where God alone would guide.
The early mothers, strong in grace, in silence made their home,
Where hearts grew vast in hidden prayer, though outward lives seemed lone.

In caves of dust and burning sun, in cells both bare and small,
They learned to hear the still, soft Voice that gently speaks to all.
Through fasting deep and vigils long, through tears both pure and wise,
They fixed their gaze on Christ alone, their treasure and their prize.

The Ammas spoke with quiet strength, their counsel clear and true,
To souls who sought the narrow path and longed their God to view.
Their words, like wells in desert lands, still draw the thirsty near,
A living stream of holy truth that echoes year by year.

They call to us within our hearts, beyond the world’s loud claim:
“Become a desert in your soul, and kindle there His flame.
Be anchorites in secret depths, though streets around you roar,
Hold fast the Word in silent faith, and seek His Face the more.”

For we who walk the marketplace, with hurried steps and eyes,
Are summoned to that inward place where deeper treasure lies.
To live the wisdom that they gave, with steadfast hearts made whole,
And carry Christ, the Living Word, to every seeking soul.

O mothers of the ancient way, your witness still remains,
A lamp within our modern night, a balm for hidden pains.
Teach us to dwell with God within, though outward paths we roam -
Till every heart, made still in Him, becomes His desert home.

LAZARUS IS RAISED FROM THE DEAD

 

Lord Jesus raised his dear trusted friend Lazarus, from the dead. The Saviour called Lazarus from death's underworld back to life. All who saw the miracle marvelled. We, too, shall be called to eternal life after our earthly passing; have no fear. 

Yet after the resurrection, Lazarus had to learn to live again; to deal with the little things. Lazarus' experiences after death made earthly life so different now for the newly-raised. The calling by the Great Voice back to life was such mystery. Sheer amazement had overcome the crowds who witnessed the resurrection. Lazarus had experienced - in the deepest way - just how great God is throughout our lives.  

Let us not spiritually die within our hearts. May we always allow God's Holy Will to reign supreme in our lives. Safe in the harbour of God's Love, let us have joy in every day. May we enjoy earthly world's charm without sin.

Called by the Voice

Jesus Christ called His friend by name that day,
Lazarus rose as death was turned away;
From shadowed depths, from silent night,
He stepped again into the light.

The crowd stood still in trembling awe,
At what their very eyes then saw;
The grave undone, its hold released,
By Him Who is the Life and Priest.

So too shall we, when life has passed,
Be called to rise at last, at last;
No need for fear, nor dark despair,
For Christ Himself shall meet us there.

Yet Lazarus, restored to breath,
Had walked the hidden halls of death;
And life anew he learned to live,
Each simple act a gift to give.

The sunlight warm, the voices near,
All changed by what he’d known so clear;
The echo of that mighty call,
Still stirred his heart beyond it all.

O mystery deep, O wonder bright,
That Love can conquer death’s long night;
How great is God, through all our days,
Worthy of endless song and praise.

Then let us not within hearts die,
Nor let the soul in silence lie;
But let God’s holy Will take part,
And dwell alive in every heart.

With joy embrace each given day,
Walk gently in the rightful way;
Delight in beauty, pure within -
The world’s fair charm, untouched by sin.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/EvYQrYvrToU

With thanks to youtube

VOICES OF THE AMMAS

 

Voices of the Ammas 

They left the rush of crowded days, the markets loud and wide,
And journeyed to the desert’s hush where God alone would guide.
The early mothers, strong in grace, in silence made their home,
Where hearts grew vast in hidden prayer, though outward lives seemed lone.

In caves of dust and burning sun, in cells both bare and small,
They learned to hear the still, soft Voice that gently speaks to all.
Through fasting deep and vigils long, through tears both pure and wise,
They fixed their gaze on Christ alone, their treasure and their prize.

The Ammas spoke with quiet strength, their counsel clear and true,
To souls who sought the narrow path and longed their God to view.
Their words, like wells in desert lands, still draw the thirsty near,
A living stream of holy truth that echoes year by year.

They call to us within our hearts, beyond the world’s loud claim:
“Become a desert in your soul, and kindle there His flame.
Be anchorites in secret depths, though streets around you roar,
Hold fast the Word in silent faith, and seek His Face the more.”

For we who walk the marketplace, with hurried steps and eyes,
Are summoned to that inward place where deeper treasure lies.
To live the wisdom that they gave, with steadfast hearts made whole,
And carry Christ, the Living Word, to every seeking soul.

O mothers of the ancient way, your witness still remains,
A lamp within our modern night, a balm for hidden pains.
Teach us to dwell with God within, though outward paths we roam -
Till every heart, made still in Him, becomes His desert home.

Image courtesy of ChatGPT and CN Whittle "Living water in the desert cave" 

SATANIC TEMPLE PLANS TO HOLD SATANIC REVIVAL ON MAY 1, AT MOBTOWN BALLROOM BALTIMORE; ALLEGED NEWS. WHY NOT SIGN THE PETITION?

 

SATANIC TEMPLE PLANS TO HOLD AN EVENT CALLED THE "SATANIC REVIVAL" ON MAY 1, AT THE MOBTOWN BALLROOM IN BALTIMORE; ALLEGED NEWS. [1] 

This will be the satanic temple's latest national event since satancon in 2023, following a three-year hiatus; Alleged News [2] The revival includes satanic opening ceremony, and ceremony called "a ceremony of infernal pride," Alleged News. [2] The satanic temple also adds the requirement to sell one's soul to the devil to get a ticket for the event; Alleged News. [2] 

satan has no place in the public square

satan has no place in the public square. We need to keep the devil and his followers from establishing themselves in society. 

Why not sign the petition for the cancellation of the satanic revival event?

https://www.returntoorder.org/petition/protest-satanic-revival-in-baltimore/

and

https://www.tfp.org/petition/petition-stop-the-satanic-revival-event-in-baltimore/?PKG=TFPE3747

SOLUS CHRISTUS

Upon the clouds in radiant light, Christ rides the heavens high,
A crown upon His gentle brow, all glory in His Eye.
A white horse bears our King of kings through vast eternal air,
All the saints in garments white stand gathered round Him there.

Beside Him stands the angel bright, with standard lifted strong,
A banner cast upon the wind, the truth down ages long:
Solus Christus - Christ alone - the saving, sovereign Name,
The Lamb once slain, now risen Lord, forevermore the same.

We follow Him, our Messiah, through shadow, storm, and flame,
With hearts made still in trust and faith, we call upon His Name.
For He alone has borne our sin, has opened heaven’s door,
And leads us onward, step by step, to life forevermore.

Let not another voice arise to cloud the truth we sing,
No fleeting word of passing earth can crown another king.
For in the marketplace of souls, where many call and rail,
We lift our gaze to Christ alone, our hope will never fail.

All worship, honour, praise belong to God enthroned above,
Who sent His Son to ransom us in sacrificial love.
In Him our future firmly rests, our endless destiny - 
O Christ, our Lord, our guiding Light, our all eternity.

PRAYER CHAPEL FOR SATANISTS WHO WISH TO LEAVE THE MOVEMENT; WORDS OF COMFORT

https://churchinterfaith.blogspot.com/2016/01/prayer-chapel-for-satanists-who-wish-to.html

[1] Petition: stop the satanic revival event in Baltimore; Alleged News

https://www.tfp.org/petition/petition-stop-the-satanic-revival-event-in-baltimore/?PKG=TFPE3747

[2] Protest against "satanic revival" in Baltimore; Alleged News

https://www.returntoorder.org/petition/protest-satanic-revival-in-baltimore/

Image courtesy of ChatGPT with CN Whittle "Solus Christus"

With thanks to tfp.org and returntoorder.org