PROTECT CHILDREN

 

Let us care for, and protect, infants and little children. We do this as disciples dedicated to Jesus, Who loves the little children.

DO NOT CONDEMN

 

We follow Jesus Who did not judge or condemn others, but helped them to restart their broken lives with their heads held high.

Let us do likewise.

NON-VIOLENCE

 

We follow One Who died forbearing to raise His Hands in violence, even to save His own life.

Let us then eschew violence towards others.

CARPENTER RABBI

 

We follow a Carpenter Rabbi Who forgave utterly and sincerely as His life-force ebbed away during His execution.

Who do you have in your life whom you must forgive? Why not mend fences today, in the spirit of forgiveness so gently expressed by Our Lord Jesus Christ?

THE EXAMPLE OF CHRIST

 

The example of Jesus Christ is to love the other especially at their most unlovable. To forgive the other especially when they have done the unforgivable. To offer understanding to the other especially when they are at their most rejecting. To pray for the other especially when they are most filled with hate. To speak well of the other especially when they do not speak well of us. 

We are called to live as another Christ in this world.

DISCIPLES OF JESUS CHRIST DISPERSED

 

The disciples of Jesus Christ dispersed throughout the known world to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ after His death and resurrection. Mark arrived in Egypt around 42 CE, while Philip travelled to Carthage (present day Tunisia) en route to Asia Minor. Matthew visited Ethiopia – by way of Persia, as did Bartholomew. 

Resource: Alistair Boddy-Evans. Early Christianity in North Africa. 27 February 2019. Accessed 13 August 2022. https://www.thoughtco.com/early-christianity-in-north-africa-part-1-44461

Image with thanks to Freepik AI gnerated content by CN Whittle

MARGARET KIRKBY, ANCHORESS OF RAVENSWORTH

 

MARGARET KIRKBY (POSSIBLY 1322 TO 1381-94), WAS AN ANCHORESS OF RAVENSWORTH IN NORTH YORKSHIRE, ENGLAND. She was the principal disciple of the hermit Richard Rolle, and the recipient of much of his writings. Information about her comes from a biographical office of Rolle written between 1381 and 1383, when Margaret returned to the Cistercian nunnery at Hampole some thirty-four years after Rolle's death. Her recollections were used to provide a biography of Rolle, celebrating his holiness. Miracles reported by pilgrims from across the North of England were also recorded to encourage an unofficial cult.

Anchoress Margaret was also instrumental in the composition of a liturgical commemoration of the gift of canor, the mystical ecstasy that Rolle celebrated in his writings. 

Margaret came from a small landowning gentry family in Ravensworth. It is thought that she became interested in the solitary life as a young nun of Hampole guided by Richard Rolle, the convent's spiritual director. He wrote his English translation and commentary on the Psalms for her.

Margaret became an anchoress in East Layton in Richmondshire - possibly in 1348. Her patrons may have been the Fitzhugh family, who were local estate-owners.

Rolle wrote The Form of Living for Margaret, the first vernacular guide for recluses since the Ancrene Riwle. He also presented her with a collection of his works made into a single treatise.

Margaret struggled when she left Hampole, and suffered seizures, an illness which eventually left her. In 1357, Margaret was given the unusual concession to change cells and was enclosed in Ainderby, so that she could observe the celebration of holy Mass in the parish church. Thirteenth-century episcopal registers emphasized the recluse's service to God through a penitential, ascetic life,

The enclosure at Ainderby churchyard brought her to the attention of Richard le Scrope who later became Archbishop of York. It is probably through le Scrope that Rolle's writings came to the attention of the Cambridge educated northerners in service of Thomas Arundel, Archbishop of Canterbury. This led to a pastoral response to Rolle's teachings which provided contemplative instructions for lay-folk.

It is through Henry Scrope, the king's treasurer, that the teachings of Rolle and Margaret's example inspired Henry V and Henry Baron Fitzhugh of Tanfield to establish the eremitic communities of Sheen Priory and Syon Monastery.

Margaret returned some time between 1381 and 1383 to Hampole, where she lived until her death ten years later. She was buried in the cemetery of Hampole. 

Frances Beer posits that from her life "we can surely conclude that [Margaret] was strong, courageous, intelligent, purposeful - deserving of the great esteem in which she was held by her great friend and advisor [Rolle]."

With thanks to resource: Alchetron - Margaret Kirkby

https://alchetron.com/Margaret-Kirkby 

First image used with permission from A.W., Lumiere volunteer. 

Image ot Sister at prayer with thanks to Freepik AI generated art by CN Whittle

THE CELL OF SELF-KNOWLEDGE

 

IT IS HELPFUL TO READ AND RESEARCH SPIRITUAL BOOKS. ONE SUCH BOOK IS "THE CELL OF SELF-KNOWLEDGE", WHICH DEALS WITH SEVEN EARLY ENGLISH MYSTICAL TREATISES. THE BOOK WAS PRINTED BY HENRY PEPWELL. CLICK IN THE LINK BELOW, FOR MORE REGARDING THIS WONDERFUL BOOK:

https://ccel.org/ccel/gardner/cell/files/cell.html

With thanks to ccel.org. Image used with permission from A.W., Lumiere volunteer

BAPTISM GIVES THE LIVING WATER OF FAITH TO US

 

                                                           https://youtu.be/90XLKN7z0oE

Baptism as a gift of God gives the living water of faith to us. God raises us to new life and plants us into new life. 

We are part of the Church earthly, in order to become part of the Church heavenly. 

Loving God, we thank You for the gifts which You have entrusted to our care. Thank you for calling us to your service. Let us do all that needs to be done in a spirit of loving service. Let us honour You through service of worship. 

Through baptism, we are made part of the worldwide family, following the footsteps of past generations over centuries. We are made heirs of age-old promises. 

Let our example offer our children and future generations inspiration, mindful of the faith we have been trusted to pass on. 

Save us from small and narrow minds. Restore us to the wholeness and fellowship You deserve. We offer service and deed in your service, not words alone.

Let us turn to You, dear God, at all times. Let us seek your wisdom in moments of joy, heartache, sorrow, doubt, worry, triumph and pain. Thus may the reality of the Almighty become the warp and weft of the fabric of our lives, that we as children become one with the Will of the Father Who made and loved us. Amen.

With thanks to Youtube

DO YOU THNK YOUR SIN IS TOO GREAT FOR GOD TO FORGIVE? NO IT'S NOT, AND HERE'S THE REASON WHY

 

Do you think your sin is too great for God to forgive? No, it's not, and here's the reason why. When we read the parable of the Prodigal Son, we realize that the two sons have no idea of the reservoirs of love within God the Father. 

The oceans of love, the waves of forgiveness and mercy within God are far greater than our minds are able to comprehend. God's Heart overflows with love, compassion, forgiveness, restoration. The elder brother's heart was full of bitterness, anger and betrayal. The younger brother's heart was full of damage from mis-spent years, guilt and loneliness. Only the love of God could bridge the gap of the individual needs of both the sons. 

The elder needed to loosen up a little, and enjoy time away from relentless grind of work ethic and undue responsibility. The younger needed to tighten his life somewhat, learn discipline and become a team player.

Whatever our personal needs, whether today we are experiencing more of an elder brother or younger prodigal son moment, God has the situation in hand. Trust in Him. And remember, we have all sinned.

So if you are reading these words, and you are hurting within due to past sin, why just pray for forgiveness and then let it go. God does.

The following prayer chapel may prove of comfort to you:

Prayer Chapel of Repentance:

https://eventslumiere.blogspot.com/2022/06/prayer-chapel-of-repentance.html

If you wish to give your life to Jesus Christ, visit the Chapel at the following link:

https://churchinterfaith.blogspot.com/2016/06/how-to-receive-jesus-christ-as-your.html