Beloved in Christ, I hope this Lenten season finds you both well and also greatly troubled. The wrath to come is never very far away and the time of trial always lies over the next horizon. And so may you be sorely tested by works of self-denial and deeply reflective on your sins. But also remember that this season also should be filled by works of mercy as the holy prophets command and likewise our holy mother Hilda. This is often difficult for us, especially for a certain ward of this house who is about to supplicate for his master's degree. How indeed shall a young man cleanse his way? It's easy to find time to meditate on our deep sinfulness, especially when we are young and the deceits of the world are so daily at our door. It is often difficult to find time for liberating the captive and minimizing our exploitation of the other.
In these last weeks, I have been thinking about the Northern Patriarchate in the 21st century to which this monastery is strangely bound by the mercies of God. I especially have been thinking about Changing Attitude Nigeria, an organization of gay and lesbian Anglicans in that country who meet together to reflect on the Word of God, praise His Holy Name, upbuild one another through prayer and fellowship, and consider the joys and obligations of their ordering by God and their place in their society. I was dismayed to learn that Changing Attitude Nigeria and similar organizations could be banned by legislation still pending in the Nigerian legislature. Worst of all, we have heard that the Primate of Nigeria, Peter Jasper Akinola, is a strong proponent of this legislation and may have initiated it himself. If this is so, we all should offer our prayers for this man, lest he place the godly among the lawless and become subject to the tribunal for the ill he wishes upon his brethren.
Here at the Monastery, we offer prayers daily for Davis Mac-Iyalla, the members of Changing Attitude Nigeria, and all gays and lesbians in Africa that the Lord may keep them in righteousness and preserve them in peace. But more can be done. In America on Tellus, there have been proposals that the Paschal feast is an opportunity for gays and lesbians to make public their presence in the churches by wearing the Arcus Imbri. Some have pointed out various difficulties with this, including the renowned BLS of the Topmost Apple. At her suggestion, our young ward has painted an icon in the ancient Powerpoint style in support of Changing Attitude Nigeria.
The figures are in the style of the famous Good News Illustrated Bible with a table pattern adapted from a tent hanging seen here . On the table lies the Holy Scriptures open to the verse of Psalm 118 that foretells gloriously the Resurrection of Jesus but also proclaims that victory over death is promised to all who declare the power of God. Note that the figures turn their head slightly toward Christ their Head, who opens the Scriptures to them.
You now can purchase this icon as a way of showing your support for Changing Attitude Nigeria, either on a t-shirt (for those who wear such things to Divine Service as is common in Laodicea) or as a button. at the Monastery's new online store. . Roughly 30% of the purchase price (all the profits) will go to Changing Attitude Nigeria. Wear them. Tell the story of Changing Attitude Nigeria. But also tell to those who do not know of the glorious resurrection unto vindication promised to those faithful to Christ Jesus.
Peace to you all in the Lord Jesus and to the Most Holy and Undivided Trinity be the glory world without end,
+Alfredus
3 comments:
Note that if you are associated with CAN and have questions, comments, concerns, or objections, we at the Monastery always seek fraternal advice and correction. E-mail us at the address provided in the About section.
...and it's a new t-shirt and button for me! thank you, Abbot!
bless you...
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