I often tell people, when I was filling out my application for law school, I answered the question, "Why do you wish to become a lawyer?" quite simply: because I hate bullies.
And let me also make it perfectly clear: this is my blog and here is where I express my opinions and observations. So if you have issue with what I say, take it out on me.
Now, as one might have read here before, I wrote a post that was critical of Kathleen Beckman and the local Magnificat chapter, as well as a local priest associated with her. To recap:
1. I reported that I was informed that she and the priest conduct private "healing" sessions by appointment only at St. Joachim's church. For all I know, the pastor is aware of this and approves. I don't know. My opinion, however, is that this is something risking liability in the current environment that the Church finds itself in, given both the "closed door" nature of the sessions and the relative inexperience of the priest (who has been in diocesan work some 2 to 3 years only). People who feel they are in need of a "healing" are likely, I believe, to be vulnerable, or God forbid the wrong person comes and later accuses the two of some misconduct. It is just not worth the risk, in my opinion.
2. I reported that Ms. Beckman asks for "love donations" or "love offerings" at meetings. I do not know how strongly she encourages them or whether they are requested in the private healing sessions. If someone does, please report it here. But again, there can be a very thin line between offering the opportunity for someone to donate and actively soliciting money. Again, in my opinion, it is an area of risk.
3. I reported what I observed firsthand at the Magnificat meeting. You know, there is a reason why Medjugorje is not a Marian apparition authenticated by the Vatican - discernment is required. I make no bones about it - I did not discern any real "charisma" in the speaking in tongues or reported visions at the Magnificat meeting I attended, and just because it "happened", I don't think we can assume it is real. Or you may - hence why I invited people to go and check it out for themselves. I do not profess to receive revelations from God and I am naturally skeptical of those who do without knowing their track record.
4. I am not responsible for comments made on my post - only the person who does so is, and even then, as I have stated, I allow anonymous commenting. So you may read something someone else has stated, but never know who they are.
5. Did I take a mocking tone in my post? Yes, I am a snarky bastard when I want to be. So if you are offended by that, my apologies. I will say, though, that I will use such a tone again here, because it is my blog. Blogger, WordPress - these are all free services. You can start your own, if you like.
Now, why am I saying all this again? Let me go back to where I started, with my comments about bullying. I found out that one of my friends who invited me to observe the Magnificat meeting - who has been a member of her parish for 15 years and active in various ministeries - has been asked by her pastor to "curtail" all of her ministries and to refrain specifically from entering either the sacristy or the sanctuary. This was his direction in consideration of the "feelings" from the priest referenced in my original blog post.
Mind you, this same priest (not the pastor, but he of hurt feelings) went out of his way to berate this women for "all the trouble that blog caused Kathleen and Magnificat," claiming that Ms. Beckman was summoned by Mother Nadine to "explain herself" and by the Diocese as well. And told her that he hoped that I would not show up at another Magnificat meeting, and that he read my blog and concluded I was falsely calling myself a Christian for being critical of Cardinal Mahoney, Bishop Brown, and the Pope.
Well, I can assure this priest that I had no plans to attend another meeting because I found it hokey. I had seen enough. Although I am curious to know, what would he do? Summon the police? Because oddly enough, that is exactly what Ms. Beckman threatened to do in an email shared with me if my friend had shown up at a recent retreat promoted by her parish. In fairness, I have not authenticated the email, but I do know that my friend plans to share it with her pastor. And well she should - any repeats of such threats by Ms. Beckman suggest to me, as a lawyer who has dealt professionally with such things, a restraining order against Ms. Beckman may be advisable.
Although, again in my opinion and without knowing what the priest told the pastor, I think before a pastor arbitrarily tells a long-time parishioner to stay away from ministeries where she has given her time, talents, and treasures for years, he should at least talk to her first about what happened, rather than postpone that chat until he returns from his trip to China. I do not know what my friend will do. I know she is upset but if pastor returns to find that the conversation is not necessary because she decided to take her time, talents, and treasures to a more welcoming parish, well, that's his tough luck. She is welcome at my parish.
And if Ms. Beckman was called to account for how she ran her ministry . . . well, maybe that is a good thing. If people are becoming concerned then maybe it means there are things being done that should not be done that have been flying under the radar for awhile. Or maybe the priest was simply lying. I don't know.
And what I find hifreakinlarious is that everything is about my bloody post here on my blog. Oh, I did get contacted by a priest who is close to Ms. Beckman - and outside of the parish in question - who asked that I call him because he "wanted to shed some light on Magnificat and convince [me] to remove the post." I sent him a message declining a conversation but asking that the light be "shed" in the comments here so everyone could read them. I also reiterated my policy that anonymous comments shall remain such, even if I know who is posting them, and that if I made a misstatement, I would not remove the post but publish a correction and/or retraction here. So far, I have not heard back from him. Otherwise, no one else has contacted me.
So there is the current state of affairs. Oh, and for the priest in question whose "feelings" are so delicate that a person has to be banned from coming near the sacristy or sanctuary, in matters of faith I am obedient to the Magisterum. In matters of policy, such as handling of the sexual abuse in the Church, I may not be and do not consider it "un-Christian" to offer my criticism. I would like His Holiness to be more strict with those bishops and cardinals who abetted the crisis with their malfeasance - or nonfeasance, as it were - in handling abusive priests. I hope that makes things clear enough for a canonical lawyer to understand.
There. I have had my say. If anyone takes issue, come after me. Leave the innocent alone.
49 comments:
I read your original post (it was good) and wonder about the brain level of anyone who would come after you. Dumb, dumb, dumb!
As to your friend - she needs to get away from all that nonsense anyway. It also points up to why I don't engage in parish life anymore. Sigh...
You may be happy to learn that the Magnificant site is gone so it appears someone higher up was not happy with Ms. Beckman.
I had no qualms with the original post, I just love how we have to point out the obvious for everyone
ahh bless you! I'm loving your blog, and I'm about 6 or 7 miles north of you~
may your easter be most blessed.
from another Jesus-following professional Christian woman,
B.
"You may be happy to learn that the Magnificant site is gone so it appears someone higher up was not happy with Ms. Beckman."
Maybe it's being redesigned.
Google's cache:
Front page
Store
Digi - I would stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you any day of the week. I know what is in your heart, I know your deep commitment to your Faith............I am proud to call you a friend! If they come for you, they come for me too.
God Bless You!
Ciao Awocata Bella!!
As always, you are not only a great defender of our faith, but a true defender of all who are innocent: babies, dear priests, and yes, friends! For all you do- I would proudly and gladly take a bullet for you anyday!
Sarai sempre il mio migliore amica!
RRRN(Rita Ray, R.N.)
That group is creepy. They should have been exposed.
Here's another link:
http://www.magnificat-orangecounty.org/ServiceTeam.htm
This kind of thing is why I stay out of parish groups.
Hey DH, I enjoy your blog and read it daily. You are extremely knowledgeable about our faith and can explain your thoughts so all understand. Thank you for defending those who need it and exposing those who would profit by it.
Well said I missed the original, and will go have to read it. But I can't stand bullying by people. PArticularly if they haven't heard both parties and are "assuming."
You do WELL to question closed door "healings." It shouldn't be news to anyone that even if something innocent and well meaning is going on, there are such people called "Ambulance chasers." The kind who pop up 10-20-30 years later and want big bucks from the Catholic church EVEN IF NOTHING HAPPENED - because they think the church has deep pockets and can afford to "pay up" even if it hasn't done anything. The church has already been hit with enough lawsuits -- why give "them" ammo?
Hey Digi,
I read your original post and wanted to comment then as I too had a similar "vibe" after attending a Magnificat breakfast twice in several years, I went because they had an interesting guest speaker I wanted to hear. I left as fast as I could after the speaker as I found the prayer/speaking in tongues portion to give me the "willies" and pretty umm.. staged. It looked to me (in my personal observance)like it happend right on queue. I am glad we are part of the same parish family. I too stand with you as I know you are a faithful servant of our Lord and his Church.
My husband and I spoke at our RCIA last week just before the Triduum to explain the various ministries we're involved in. Our parish Intercessor representative was in line, but we left right after we finished. I later learned she spoke about their prayer meetings, how they pray in tongues, and do spiritual journaling which amounts to channeling in my book. Thank goodness the most solid of our three deacons was present and had a talk with the RCIA director about having this "ministry" represented.
I am thrilled that you've exposed the Magnificat and quite frankly, there's nothing quite like a dose of sarcasm to get the point across and expose it for what it is. Sooner or later this crock has got to stop.
Hey, I'm confused. I was under the impression from your original post that Magnificat was an offshoot of the Intercessors. In checking out the Magnificat link provided by Vincenzo, however, I see no connection. What's the scoop?
TNP, I honestly don't know. I think both may be charismatic groups, so it does not seem unlikely that a person would belong to both.
To the last Anonymous post - don't know who you are, but thank you. Come up and introduce yourself at church one day, and I will keep your identity anonymous.
I'm sorry, that's "next-to-last" Anonymous post, the one who said they are with my parish.
I was that last Anonymous post, having clicked on the wrong button by mistake.
I sure wish you'd moved to East Tennessee back when you were considering it. I love your style, your wit, and yes, your sarcasm. We could use more level-headed, common sense around here.
And I posted seconds before you identified Anonymous as being in your parish.
Still wish you were in ours.
Aw, TNP, trust me, there are days I long for old Rocky Top!
What's the issue with tongues? Just cause you don't like it doesn't mean you have to bash so hard.
As far as "closed door" healings go, there was a big window so we could all see in and the people inside could all see out. There was no privacy whatsoever, except for the fact that we couldn't hear what was being said, but you could see everything.
As far love offerings go, it pays the gas for the speaker of the night or the priest that comes. They told us that one night when a priest came to talk. What's so wrong with that? It's not like they are raking in hundreds of dollars or anything.
Anonymous,
I have nothing against tongues - when I think people are truly doing so. In fact, I do not think people who believe that they are truly speaking in tongues - but speaking in tongues is a supernatural occurrence and while the Church recognizes it, one must always be careful with discerning such things. Do I think there can be cases of demonic posession? Of course I do. Yet, during the winter of 1692, people were wrongfully executed by Puritan elders because of some teen girls claiming "witches" were beleaguring them, something they later recanted. So when tongues start up and I see a pattern, I am skeptical. Does the Holy Spirit always descend upon you at every meeting? Do you say the same thing? Does what you say have any meaning? Or is just a cue to you that the Spirit is within you? I do not think God allows tongues "just because."
Regarding the big window, sorry, didn't see any such room. Were were in a very cramped meeting room and I did not see where any healings took place. There was a small room off to the side at the front of the room, it seems, but no picture window. My sources informed me that the healings took place out of sight. I am curious - have you received such a healing?
As for the love donations, if they pay the gas, great. I am informed, however - and I ask a priest to confirm - that canonical law prohibits a priest from taking such a solicited "gift." I will say, however, that perhaps Ms. Beckman might consider changing the term since it has been misused by the likes of TV evangelicals.
Maybe I will come to more meetings.
My understanding is that there are several ways to experience tongues.
First, the supernatural occurrance of tongues (usually with interpretation) that happens when there is a word from the Lord. Someone will speak out in tongues, then there will be a person there that received the "interpretation" from the Lord supernaturally, and that person will speak out the interpretation. (I have never personally experienced this, and it's not what goes on at Magnificat.)
Second, there are tongues where I am speaking in tongues, and you are from Lebanon, and you hear me in your native Arabic. Similar to Pentecost when everyone was hearing what the disciples were saying in their own native language.
Third, there are prayer tongues, which happen individually or in a group. No interpretation is needed. It is a prayer language that the Holy Spirit gives you. Some people know what they are saying, others do not. To know what you are saying is also a gift from God. When it happens in groups like at Magnificat, it is simply a group of people praying in tongues together for their own edification. It can be a very weird and unnerving experience if you haven't prayed in tongues before. But I can assure you, it is not a room full of 30 people that are all possessed by the devil! LOL!
You ask if the Spirit descends upon me at every meeting. I've only been to a few meetings, but yes, I prayed in tongues at those meetings, but I pray in tongues almost everyday. I pray in tongues on my way to work in the car by myself for a few minutes oftentimes. It's not something that is just triggered at Magnificat. Sometimes when words just don't cut it, and my heart is wrenched from the inside out, I will pray in tongues.
As far as it stopping and starting kind of all at the same time like you mentioned, that seems to be the norm. I can't describe it. But I've prayed in tongues for 10 years and whenever I'm in a group, it does tend to start and stop kind of together. Part of it is conscious, if I notice that we are winding down and it's time to listen now to a talk or something, I will slow and/or stop my praying. It is definitely not anything that is specific to Magnificat or the songs they play. When I'm in prayer groups with no music and a completely different group of people, a similar thing will happen.
God doesn't allow tongues "just because," he allows prayer tongues to build up each individual person. It is strictly for your own edification.
When I have been at Magnificat, the prayer for healing took place in that picture window room next to the cramped room. It is nicknamed "the library" because it has a lot of books in it. I think one of the reasons they pray for people in that room is because some of the things people share about what they want healing from are very personal and they don't want everyone hearing it. I haven't received a healing, I haven't asked to be prayed for. But I've seen them in that room praying for people when I have been there.
"I pray in tongues on my way to work in the car by myself for a few minutes oftentimes. It's not something that is just triggered at Magnificat. Sometimes when words just don't cut it, and my heart is wrenched from the inside out, I will pray in tongues."
"Part of it is conscious, if I notice that we are winding down and it's time to listen now to a talk or something, I will slow and/or stop my praying."
It sounds to me less like a gift of the Holy Spirit and more like a mantra you have developed yourself to trigger a prayerful state. Not that there is anything wrong with that - it is practiced in many faiths and can be an aid to deeper prayer. But I do not see it as the gift of tongues because you are controlling it. I note how the too other examples you agev of speaking in tongues share the characteristics of being both involuntary and unexpected.
I did not examine the whole room, so I will take your word for it that everybody gets to watch the healing. That is a good thing because it reduces liability - doesn't eliminate it, but I do not think the risk is in adult people claiming molestation from two other adults. The liability comes in what a person who may be mentally unstable claims the other two said, whether it was to deplete their life savings and give it to them, or to leave a spouse, etc. Indeed, people may say personal things, and that is a risk because they should first be advised that the seal of the confessional does not apply, nor does privilege under the California Evidence Code, due to Ms. Beckman's presence. It is different if a person speaks to a priest alone in confidence because the clergy/penitent privilege in law applies, even if it is not in the confessional. Bring in a 3rd party and it becomes arguable that the person has waived the privilege.
Nonetheless, for the protection of the priest and parish, I would keep healings public. I do not know what Fr. Steve and Ms. Beckman say to the poeple - to reiterate, though, I consider the risk to come from the person receiving the healing. As gemoftheocean says above, why give them the "ammo?" People can still receive healing, but do so with a neutral witness, which means either it is done publicly or have a parish representatve - perhaps Fr. Sera - attend the "behind closed window" healing.
Oh yeah, and to the actual point of this posting - don't take my opinions out on parishioners.
You said, "Oh yeah, and to the actual point of this posting - don't take my opinions out on parishioners."
I would never dream of doing that.
Sounds like you want to get back to your point, so I'll quit posting.
Anonymous, while you would never dream of doing that, it seems to me that your priests have.
Interestingly enough, Fr. Steve went up to the parishioner in question this past weekend and tried to engage her in conversation after complaining to Fr. Sera he was "uncomfortable" having her near him. What a tease, that Steve!
Do you confess how you talk about priests before you put Jesus on your tongue? Or do you just praise the Lord with the same mouth that you curse his people with?
Anonymous, do you believe priests are without fault by virtue of their ordination? Because if so, you might want to reread the 1st Commandment. We are all accountable to God. Priests have been given a special authority, but it does not make them sinless.
The priests who know me know I support them actively in their vocations. If Fr. Steve considers his actions part of his vocation, in my opinion, he's got some more formation to do as a priest. Maybe it is not a good idea to take someone fresh out of the seminary and start his life as a priest by sending him to Rome to become a canonical lawyer, rather than put him in the trenches, so to speak, as a diocesan priest.
I don't say that becuase I believe priests are without fault by virtue of their ordination. I say it because you are committing slander, gossip, and detraction. You could be speaking it about a priest or Osama bin Laden - it's still awful the way you are talking about other people. Do you feel even a little guilty for speaking about others in the way that you do? Do you think it is a sin at all?
Do the "priests who know you" know that you are yielding your tongue & pen like a weapon and gossiping about other people's VERY private business?
Whatever this situation is between said priests and parishioner, don't you think it should be worked out between THEM? Why should the rest of us gossip about it and slander everyone to death.
If not for the sake of sin, how about for the sake of class? Does this poor parishioner's family know how you are speaking? Are they active in the church? Would they be embarrassed to read all this? Don't you think it is a matter that is better left to privacy? If not for the sake of sin, for the sake of class?
Nope. I am reporting the facts, ma'am, just the facts. And my opinion thereof.
Just like you.
Care to put your name to your comments?
Sorry, that was "nope" to your penultimate comment and "yup" to your last one. People are aware of my blog and my opinions - that's what started this hoopla. And yes, my friend does know and is grateful that someone has her back.
Put my name on my comments? Why? So you can drag me through the mud the way you do everyone else in your loving Christian manner, under the guise of just reporting the facts? No thanks.
So posting this gossip is "helping" her? Beyond commiseration, how is this "having her back?"
It seems to me I hit a button with my comment about Fr. Steve and what appears to be a breach of his alleged "discomfort."
I hope it is worked about at the parish. Because the way it was handled, in my opinion, was very poorly. As for it being a "VERY private affair", well, no, since the aggrieved party told me about it and gave me the okay to blog about it. It might be uncomfortable, even embarassing, for the priests in question, but perhaps there is a lesson they can learn from it and make some changes so that all feel welcome at the parish.
Is it being un-Christian to point that out? Okay, that's your opinion and you're entitled to it.
Excuse me, that's "worked out", not "worked about."
No hot button, I don't even understand the issue. You said you were speaking objectively about your experience only with Magnificat, but then you keep talking about "your source" and the "parishioner's issue."
If the parishioner gave you explicit consent to publish all this, and the parishioner is giving you all this information to publish, which you would clearly not have on your own, then why would it be so weird that they talk to the parishioner about the blog?
I tried to share my objective experience when I've been to Magnificat, but got shot down because you wanted to get back to the "point," which is gossiping about this issue with the parishioner I guess. So the point wasn't your objective experience regarding your Magnificat adventure afterall.
I guess the weird tongue people and healings are just a side bar, and the real beef is this mysterious "issue with the parishioner." Got it. It's hard to sift through all the ranting, but I'm catching on.
You say you hate bullies, could this not be considered a form of bullying? It is one thing to bring hidden things to light in love, concern, and compassion, it is another altogether to speak with such venom the way you do.
And you’re not giving “just the facts, don’t delude yourself into thinking you’re a reporter that thoroughly investigates all sides and reports objectively. What your giving is opinions and second hand information out of it's context, which is also considered GOSSIP.
Anonymous, I do not seem to be the one ranting here. I have given you a forum for your views. And no, I did not "shoot you down" - I disagreed with what you said and then returned to the point of this post (versus my earlier one which was about what I saw at Magnificat) which is about what I think is an unfair reaction to the earlier post.
There is no "mysterious issue". Read my post and you will see what happened and why I think it stinks. Read it again - the pastor should be talking to the parishioner about this. But he hasn't, and instead told her, in essence, keep away out from the church out of respect for the other priest's feelings, until he has had a chance to talk to her. Okay, it's his call - I don't have to like it and I have had my say here. That's why I have this blog - it's my place to express myself. And I invite people to do the same in comments, regardless of their opinion. But if you expect no response, I invite you to try out one of the blogs on the blogroll to the right. Or look at the people who have responded here non-anonymously and go see their blogs by clicking on their Google IDs and seeing what blogs they write.
Anyone who comments here may find themselves in a debate. But right now I honestly have better things to do today than to continue. If you felt I shot you down re: tongues, please, continue talking about it here and I will let others respond. Or, you can email me directly at saricher@usa.net, although I will not preserve any anonymity and reserve the right to post the emails here. Or come to St. Joseph Church in Santa Ana this Sunday for the 11:00 Mass and talk to me after Mass - I sit in the transcept by the statue of Our Lady of Grace.
I was wondering when you would realize you have better things to do with your time. . . .
I have no idea where to begin...
Just because something has good fruits does not imply that it's from God.
Gifts of the Spirit are used for the edification of the Church as a whole, and not about the individual believer.
If you are in control of tongue praying, it's not from God, period.
My approach, if Jesus didn't speak in tongues himself, I have no need for the gift. The gift of tongues ala the Apostles' has ceased (see 1 Cor 14)
When edification is centered upon us that's the problem, all should be for the love of God, and from that flows. All the things I do in life aren't for my own glory, but rather for the love of God, and if it just so happens to be efficatious, then great.
I used to go to these charismatic prayer groups, there was something fake about it to me. (But then again, I'm a right winged traditonalist). No condemnation to those who are actually have the gift (you're not conscious of such a gift)
I'll stick with what the Church has always done, hasn't failed me yet,
I went to a Magnificat meeting once. It was creepy with a capital C. I think I'm gonna blog on this topic soon! Thanks!
I want to post that I am not embarrased, I know I am being used for some greater good to come out of this- I don't understand it, I have no control over it and I don't like it. But, I am here to carry my Cross and to serve Him. I only hope to blessed with grace in doing so.
I am, however, hurt beyond measure to have been abandoned by a priest, a parish, and threatened by a person who doesn't even know me. All this for trying to achieve Holiness, maybe I'm not ready for such holiness, it's in God's hands. My mistake: was in choosing a "baby" priest (4y ears ordained) as a spiritual director, sharing things perhaps I ought not to when one doesn't have the experience needed to direct the emotions professionally with compassion, charity and discreetly. What have I learned? I need to be more careful than ever as to what I say to any priest, outside of the confessional, because they can, will and do disclose my conversations with third parties who may or may not even know who I am....this is all so disheartening. I am disillusioned and broken about the trust I once had in my beloved priests. What can I do? PRAY! I will continue to pray for all of my dear priests, especially the ones who have forgotten why they became priests to begin with- or perhaps, they never really knew, but I will pray for them because I love them! That's AGAPE LOVE!
I will also continue to pray for all to have the heart of a child- a forgiving one. It is what our Lord commands us to do. I no longer attend anything related to Magnificat because of the threat I received from Ms. Beckman. She is not worth any trouble coming out of this, I don't even know the woman. But I will continue to pray that our Blessed Mother sets Ms Beckman straight, that someday, She returns to her a true and clean heart- one that does not exclude others to benefit her gains, whatever they may be. Ad maiorem Dei gloriam, vero?
I am ever grateful to have friends like you, Steph, who can get the message across without babbling (which is why I don't blog much).
I also thank God to know of at least ONE priest I can bet my life on who will NOT disclose my thoughts, feelings, conversations or emails with anyone without talking to me first; one who holds true to his vocation- and that is explicitely, to save souls!
Thanks for your holy and brave ways, Steph! I love you!
Rita
PS: can't remember my password to log on to blog-so anonymous I am!
***Do not complain, brethren, against one another, that you, yourselves, may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door. James 5:9
***Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy. Ps 101:5
***Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:31-32
***Do not speak against one another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother, or judges his rother, speaks against the law, and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge of it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is ale to save and destroy; ut who are you to judge your neighbor? James 4:11-12
***But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. James 3:17
***But now, you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. . . . .bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Colossians 3:8,13
***But shun foolish controversies and geneologies and strife and disputes about the Law; for they are unprofitable and worthless. Reject a fractious person after a first and second warning, know that such a person is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned. Titus 3:15
A message from Rita, to anonymous above...
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. (John 15:9-10)
It is still hard to believe that God the Father loves us as much as he loves the Son. We could maybe be coaxed into accepting that he loves us some because we are recommended by Jesus, but the very thought of being loved the way God the Father loves the Son stretches us beyond credibility.
He said it. If we choose to ignore it, we dishonor him. If we live with some sense of false humility that is only willing to be somewhat loved, we are denying the very grace of God.
Jesus indicates that the key to his life was in abiding in the Father's love. He could not have endured the cruel remarks and desperate circumstances had he not stayed in conscious awareness of the Father's love. He refused to believe his feelings or other's opinions when they contradicted the fact that the Father loved him unconditionally.
He tells us that we must abide the same way. We can experience the love of the Father only as we keep his commandments like Jesus kept the Father's commandments.
What commandments? Is he talking about the Ten mentioned in Exodus? Is he referring to the hundreds of laws the Jews had added to the original Ten? What has Jesus commanded? He said we are to abide in his love. We are to live according to his word which tells us what he has done that elevates us to sons of God. These are not commands given to motivate us to live cleaner and more religiously. They are commands that instruct us in how to access the grace that is ours in union with Christ.
Earlier Jesus had said that all the commandments could be summarized in this: Love God and love others. Now he is revealing how that can be done. As we are aware of the privilege of being connected to the vine we can allow his life to flow through us and actually love God with all our hearts and our neighbors as ourselves. We have been endowed with a love from above that frees us to do what we could never do apart from the Vine.
Pax Vobiscum!
Rita Ray
Rita,
Everything you have said about love is absolutely correct. All I'm saying with the verses I quoted is that the words I have seen here in this blog are very unloving, very judgemental, very gossipy. Almost all of the posts have been very one-sided and full of blinding anger. Remember that Christ told us to remove the plank from our own eyes, before trying to remove the speck from our neighbor's eyes (Matthew 7:3-5). Airing one's private disagreements in this kind of forum is not the way Christ demonstrated His love nor the way that Peter, Paul, John and the other writers of Epistles instructed loving Christians to deal with disputes of any sort. Remember Jesus is the one who said, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone (John 8:7)." I see a lot of stone-casting in these posts. Almost all of the posts have been very one one-sided and full of toxins that poison everyone around, not just the original parties in the disagreement. Jesus also said, "Father, forgive them. They know not what they do (Luke 23:34)." That is the loving example of Christ, not posting and commenting on gossipy blogs.
Fun facts about the Internet: did you know that each time you visit a web page, you leave a virtual footprint? If a website has a program such as Statscounter installed (which is free and easy to implement), it captures the ISP of the person visiting the web page. What is the ISP? That is a unique identifier for each of our computers.
So howdy, ISP 76.87.10.74, there in Costa Mesa, CA!
Dear Anonymous, So then, WHY is it so hard to fully and completely FORGIVE eachother? I have no choice but to forgive, that is, if I am to be any kind of holy example to my sweet son and husband, and especially those those around me who struggle in their unbelief. My forgiveness is strong in knowing that approximately two thousand years ago, a decree was issued at the judgment seat of Almighty God. It provided "legal" protection for the church against the devil. And that when Jesus died for our sins, the "ruler of this world" was judged (John 16:11). Our debts were nailed to Christ's cross and canceled; principalities and powers were disarmed. In truth, because of Jesus, we have a legal right, not only to be protected from our enemy but to triumph over him (Col. 2:13-15).
It does not matter where you come from, the sacrifice of Christ was so complete and the judicial decision from God against Satan so decisive that divine protection, enough to cover every need known to Christians, has been granted (see Rev. 3:10). Christ's death is the lawful platform upon which the church rises to do spiritual warfare; His Word is the eternal sword we raise against wickedness.
While it would be nice for those without sin to cast the first stone...we know that we are all sinners, but what would happen if we all fell silent to humans hurting the weak or those simply too damaged to defend themselves?
What you read here is not gossip- I confirm it because I am a party to it. The problem still exists, it doesn't anger me- but it has damaged me. All I can do now, as I said before, is to choose to have a heart of a child,to forgive as I have been forgiven by Our Father-and pray for all involved...I believe the other parties have not been forgiving, hence- the abandonement and the damage continues! Jesus, Mary and Joseph, PRAY FOR US!
Pax Tecum!
Rita
PS: DIGI: is that my ISP? I'm in CM!
Whatever happened with Kathleen Beckman? She was the focus of this blog and somehow it got re-focused onto forgiveness. What do Kathleen and forgiveness have to do with eachother? Not much. How did she get off the hook so easily?
I don't know that Ms. Beckman is off the hook. As for forgivness, it is definitely a challenge for me to forgive someone who has not asked for my forgivness. It takes a most contrite heart to do so. Prayers are all I have, at the moment,for Ms Beckman, along with this beautiful quote from Pope John Paul II, “Forgiveness is the restoration of freedom to oneself. It is the key held in our own hand to our prison cell"
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