They Say There is No Connection

A homosexual Episcopal priest pleaded guilty in federal court in Worcester to child pornography charges, but this was not his first rodeo. The story from Anglican Ink,

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Joseph Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division announced today the Rev. Gregory Lisby (40) had pled guilty to one charge of possession of child pornography.
Lisby was serving as rector of All Saints Episcopal Church in Worcester in the Diocese of Western Massachusetts and worked as a kindergarten teacher with the Holyoke Public School system when he was arrested on 11 Sept 2019 by the FBI. He was taken into custody at the rectory he shared with his husband, the Rev. Timothy Burger rector of St Luke’s Episcopal Church in Worcester.

More accusations soon followed,

In a letter sent to the diocese last Friday, the Rt. Rev. Douglas J. Fisher, bishop of Western Massachusetts, stated that following his arrest the diocese received “devastating credible evidence” that Lisby sexually abused a teenager “after he was ordained as a priest in 2007.”

The Bishop knew this guy was a bad apple,

Lisby was suspended as rector of All Saints Church in Worcester in 2018 for an “inappropriate relationship with an adult that did not involve sexual contact”, the bishop said at the time of Lisby’s arrest. 

“I cannot undo this terrible situation, but I can commit our diocese to telling the truth and seeking healing and reconciliation for anyone who has been harmed by Lisby,” Bishop Fisher wrote, adding: “I am deeply saddened to know that a priest is alleged to have committed such a grievous sin, and on behalf of the entire church, I offer my most heartfelt apology to the victim, the victim’s family and to everyone whose trust in the church has been violated.”

Bishop Fisher fails to recognize that the risks he takes by approving the sin of "married" homosexual priests, and unleashing homosexual priests on the sheep is the grievous sin that leads to this problem in the first place.

Oh yeah, there is no connection between homosexual priests and pedophilia.

Sure, just ask the Roman Catholics.

They Fell to the Ground. What Would You Do?

This Sunday's reading from Matthew 17:1-9 recounts The Transfiguration, 

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!’ When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Get up and do not be afraid.’ And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.
As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, ‘Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.’

That voice from heaven must have scared the pants off Peter, James, and John.

Does it scare you?

It should.

A Sesame Street Too Far

I did not grow up with Sesame Street, I was a Captain Kangaroo kid. I also liked Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop. When I was raising kids, I didn't let them watch Sesame Street because I felt that the show was attempting to further PBS's liberal agenda. I never trusted Big Bird, but I did not buy the argument that Sesame Street was passively communicating that Bert and Ernie were homosexuals because they shared a bedroom.

But now, Sesame Street has come out of the closet with the revelation that a cross dressing homosexual man is going to appear in drag on the children's show.

From the HuffPo,

"Billy Porter dusted off his now-iconic velvet tuxedo dress for a forthcoming appearance on 'Sesame Street.'
The popular children’s program confirmed the news on social media Thursday, and posted photos of Porter on set. Some of the images showed the 'Pose' and 'Kinky Boots' star in the Christian Siriano-designed ensemble he wore to the 2019 Academy Awards. Others showed him grinning happily alongside Elmo and other characters...
Given Porter’s status as a gender-fluid fashion icon, response to the 'Sesame Street' news was sharply divided..."

"Porter told Allure magazine earlier this month that he felt 'silenced' throughout his adolescence by the 'heteronormative construct that masculinity is.'” 

"The star, who made history as the first man to ever be featured on Allure’s cover, went on to explain his now-fearless approach with regard to his career."

"'I’m a part of the first generation of gay men, ever, who gets to be out loud and proud in the world,' he said. 'My generation is the first. Bitches are scared. And they should be.'”

Parents should be scared enough to place a parental block on Sesame Street.

The only thing on T.V. that my parents wanted to block was "The Song That Doesn't End"! We sang it until they chased us out of the house.

Today, the only song that doesn't end seems to be "Somewhere Over the LGBT Rainbow". 

Jesus Lays Down The Law

In this Sunday's reading from Matthew 5:21-37 we find out the bad news. We are all sinners and worthy of condemnation.

‘You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not murder”; and “whoever murders shall be liable to judgement.” But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother, you will be liable to judgement; and if you insult a brother, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, “You fool”, you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny. 

‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall not commit adultery.” But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Comment: No one to my knowledge has tried to make that last one "gender neutral". Why not make it "...that everyone who looks at a man, or a woman, or a transgender person with lust ..."?

If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell.‘It was also said, “Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.” But I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity, causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery. 

‘Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.” But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let your word be “Yes, Yes” or “No, No”; anything more than this comes from the evil one.

Revisionist priests probably look at these commandments, shrug their shoulders, and decide to preach on "reconciliation", ignoring the difficult parts.

The tough words of our Lord should be a reminder that we are fallen creatures indeed, and that all are in need of a Savior.

Unusual Post Abortion Options Offered By Clinic

This came out a few months ago at Life Site News, but received little or no attention. It is the story of a late-term abortionist who offers parents the chance to cuddle with dead babies before disposal.

BETHESDA, Maryland, August 29, 2019 (LifeSiteNews) – A late-term abortionist is offering women an opportunity to hold their babies “after delivery” or take a picture home as a “remembrance” after ending their unborn child’s life.

I double checked Life Site News by going to the clinic's web pages, and that information is to be found listed under "abortions for fetal anomaly and maternal health", but with the following addendum,

 "Please note that these services are not only for patients with fetal anomalies or complicated pregnancies. We understand that individuals process and experience abortions through their own life lens. We respect and uphold your right to navigate your abortion experience in the way that you believe is best for you. We are here to make sure we meet your needs and make accommodations to the best of our abilities which support you in your journey. Please keep in mind that some of these services may not be available for all abortions due to different processes needed to remove the pregnancy." 

Okay, Life Site News was just slightly misleading.

Here is more of their report,

"These are just a few options suggested in a brochure now being provided by notorious late-term abortionist Dr. LeRoy Carhart, found on his website by Dr. Pat Castle of the pro-life group LIFE Runners."

•  Viewing your baby after the delivery
•  Holding your baby after the delivery
•  Photographs of your baby
•  Cremation services referral
•  Funeral arrangements referral
•  Footprints
•  Spiritual and ceremonial accommodations
•  Remembrance certificate

"That Carhart acknowledges via this pamphlet that a 'baby' is involved in abortion is consistent with his attitude in a recent interview he gave to the BBC."

“'think that it is a baby, and I use (the word) with patients,' Carhart said."

“'And you don’t have a problem … with … killing a baby?' the stunned BBC reporter asked."

“'I have no problem if it’s in the mother’s uterus,' he replied."

"Given that choosing either cremation or funeral arrangements would be a significant acknowledgement of the humanity of an aborted child, LifeSiteNews reached out to Dr. Carhart’s office to find out what percentage of women who undergo late-term abortions select one of those options, but had received no response by the time of publication."

I actually think that offering these services to a woman before she undergoes an abortion might make her think twice before undergoing the procedure, but any such decision a woman makes in the absence of guidance from God's word is bound to be the wrong one.

All lives matter to God. So much that he died on the cross for those lives.

That should make the choice easy. 

Making the Grade

This Sunday's Gospel reading is from Matthew 5:13-20 and comes right after the Beatitudes,

"‘You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.' 

‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.' 

‘Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one iota, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished.'

'Therefore, whoever annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.'"

Let's face it, our righteousness as measured by the Law, will never make the grade. While the Law itself will never go away, and we are commanded to keep and teach it, the fulfilled Law means that we are forgiven for our unrighteousness, and we are reconciled to God through faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. That is the only way saltiness can be restored to salt that has lost its taste.

Episcopal Vision 20/20: Does Anyone Remember?

It was back 20 years ago that the Episcopal organization created a task force that laid out a vision for the year 2020. It was called the 20/20 strategy. One of its goals was to double average Sunday attendance (ASA) by the year 2020. That goal was quickly forgotten because by 2002 they were already setting new goals such as,

"...envisioning innovative and groundbreaking ways to move the Episcopal Church away from 'business as usual' and into a missional mode that would strike the words 'we’ve never done it that way before' from the Episcopal vocabulary." 

"Their vision had grown beyond data", they said.

If you look at the data currently available on their research pages you can see the utter failure of the Vision 20/20 Task Force's plan.

Average Sunday Attendance:

In 2001: 850,000
In 2004: 795,765
In 2008: 665,100
In 2018: 533,121

That is a whopping decline of 37%.

If their vision had been fulfilled, ASA should be 1,700,000 by now.

What went wrong?

 By electing non-celibate homosexual bishops, by creating blessings for same-sex couples, by continuing to support abortion, and by ignoring the scriptural warnings about such things, the Episcopal organization, the "Church", took the path to cater to people who did not put a lot of faith in the Bible.

People who do not put much stock in the Bible do not find much reason to schlep to church on Sunday mornings.

Don't expect to read any commentary on the 20/20 strategy group anywhere but here.

A lot can be learned from your mistakes, if you care to learn. 

The Presentation of the Source of Our Purification

This Sunday marks the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple in Jerusalem.

In the Old Testament reading from Malachi 3:1-4 we hear the prophet give the Lord's promise of a savior who will purify the priests and the Temple,

"See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight—indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?
For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years."

Why do we need a Savior? Because we like the sons of Levi, are in need of purification, and our offerings can only be pleasing to God when we make them in the name of Jesus.

Malachi 3:1-4 was also the inspiration for Handel who composed "And He Shall Purify" as part of his "Messiah".

The melismatic form is well illustrated in this selection, and I encourage you to try to follow your vocal part in the above video. It is a fun piece to perform and a joy to listen as we hear the Lord's promise over and over that we can be purified of all our sins by Jesus Christ.