CELTIC CROSS MINISTRY

I’m not sure if you have heard of a group called the, national pro-life alliance, you should check them out because they really can use your help.

It seems to me like a life time and or at least for as long as I can remember that this feud has been going on. Pro-life folks on one side and Pro-choice on the other. All I know and feel in my heart is that I would like to see that laws that protect human rights be carried to the point of conception. If not than in my heart it tells me it murder. And by Gods grace I understand what is meant by thou shall not kill.

We have many fine organizations that stand up for human rights but I ask, where are those folks now. What ever happened to the folks that have tried to voice their opinion on the issue, have they got permanent laryngitis? I don’t get it!

We the conservative right have given in on so much and for so long, that I’m afraid that we’ve lost our will to draw a line in the sand and stand up for that which we know is right. That is, what is right in the sight of God, and the world. Here we are fighting for about every cause that has ever needed a cause to fight for. And federal legislation has been adopted and now is enforced not only here in the “good Ole US of A” but internationally as well. But on this one issue there seems to be no end.

Well it’s that thinking that is tearing down the moral factor of this great nation known for “equal rights” who I ask is speaking for them that can not? I know I am! We pass laws to protect children of all ages with things like the Amber alert system and Megan’s law and so many more. There is no doubt in my heart and mind that an international law banning human trafficking will pass before a ruling or law is past to help protect the (unborn child).

It is those very two last words, that both sides agree on. “( the unborn child or fetus) which means the same thing. And yet the pro-choice movement seems to be gaining the upper hand in this verbal wrestling match. Look I am only willing to concede on four factors of this issue. So listen up all of you pro-choice advocates, It seems logical to consider other ways of handling the situation, that is rather than yelling and screaming and pouting because you aren’t getting your way. The four things that I agree with in your argument are these and only these. 1) in case of rape (at any age when conception is identified and before it hits any other stage of development). 2) in the case of incest, and again only if all other avenues are exhausted. 3) in the case of the mother to be, may die if and only if proven, will case her death. And number 4) if the infant will die before, during or immediately after the child is delivered if it were to go to full stage and also only if all other avenues are exhausted. Such as adoption, or plan parenthood or the such. This would include by any means, be it natural child birth or induced child birth or lastly by “C-section”. Outside of that, I draw the line in the sand.

Folks, please, hear me loud and clearly, I will continue to stand up for the right to life. That is to say, every time this issue comes up. I myself as well, I’m sure hundreds of thousands if not millions and maybe a few billions of folks world wide, would like to see this issued agreed upon sometime in our life time.

It seems as I have stated, a logical understanding of what is life and for what we as human beings need to stand for. I mean lets get real here for a moment. You can not deny that here in the USA as well as around the world there are organizations that protect most everything imaginable. So I ask why is it so difficult to come to any agreement?

If you have a valid argument them fine, bring it. But as we are willing to listen to you, then you will have to give us the same respect. In other words, lets deal with this issue once and for all. I’m sure many of the pro-life folks as well as the pro-choice would like to see an end to this argument and a law in place that will stand the test of time. So what do you say? I say lets talk.

Now for us pro-life folks I recently signed an on-line petition that will be added with others and sent to the Congress and Senate. I did this because I was lead to do so. There are many programs and campaigns out there that need some volunteering, or taking a moment and signing a petition or even working in programs that “educate” folks on both sides of an issue.

When I was about 25 years old I personally worked on a campaign that dealt with the organizing or several hundred hours of video tapes of actual abortions. And yes maybe now both sides can see why I take such a bold and hard headed stand on this issue. What I did was organize this videos into categories. Categories that would be understandable and acceptable for most any age group that watched them. I had to make sure that no one would take offense to the educational process.

I had broken them down into three categories, 1) effective and acceptable for teens and adolescents, 2) for the parents and other organizations that were wanting to aid them in getting the message across and to have a better visual concept of what the process of an actual abortion was at any stage and by any means possible. And for number 3) I had organized them for the “professional”, like Doctors, Attorneys, Clergy, and planned parenting groups as well as councilors that dealt with individuals that either were contemplating an abortion, or aid those to deal with the trauma and fact of what they had just done.

I’d like to reiterate this last point for you, because the average person can only imagine what that individual is going through. That is, mentally, physically, emotionally and in a lot of cases, spiritually speaking. No offense here intended, but really, unless you have been through the actual process or had to directly deal with an individual that just went through the process than you have no right to pass judgment on the issue. An opinion yes, but to be fanatical about the issue. NO! You don’t have the right to incite.

This is the greatest country in the world and we have rights that only some, in other parts of the world can only imagine. So I ask this question directly towards you, the loud mouth that is the boisterous one that incites rather than gather peaceably in making your point. It is your attitude that needs to be remanded and removed from demonstrating.

Hold your own demonstration, put your name on the permit to hold an event. Just make sure that you take out enough insurance to cover the damages when it gets out of control. It will be no one else but your own fault. But then again I reckon you are to much of an instigator to be responsible in a peaceful way.

As for anyone now on both side of the issue, you to can not relate to the level of “ torture” that, that fetus goes through when the instruments are use to “extract ” the helpless and innocent. I can! And it ain’t “ humane.” !!! It is plain, down right “murder.”

Non of you have any idea unless you have taken the time to “truly educate” yourself with “ unbiased,” facts. Then and only then can one truly debate this issue. As for me working with the videos, I must say that it was an eye opener. And yes, I could get very, very graphic in my explanation of what I witnessed through those “hundred plus hours” of categorization. But I won’t unless it becomes necessary.

Yet I know that there are tens of thousands of other professionals that deal with or have dealt with this issue first had. That’s to say could maybe do a better job of explaining the procedure to both sides.

Listen, in any sport that uses a coin toss to choose which side plays offense and the other plays defense. But then, the other side gets to now play offense and yet the other one plays defense. This goes on until one wins. But in this case, is not it kinda like the same thing? It seems like much the same. Doesn’t it seem to kinda work the same way? At least for the most part?

One side yells their belief and the other side counters with yelling their side on the issues. So I ask you Pro-life folks is this the only way to resolve such an important situation? What I mean is, and I mean it for you Pro- choice folks as well and that is “ has it gotten us any further in solving the question?” NO! It has not. So then, why not put both sides of the issue on the ballot and let the “people decide the out come?”

No matter what the out come is, the other side should be proud enough to say, we put out our best and it just wasn’t enough to get the law enacted. But like with any law, there are ones that we except and obey, and there are ones that we wish were not laws at all. But no matter what, for the most part we obey them just the same. At least the majority of us do. So please, take the time to voice your opinion through the petition process, It is a very, very effective way to get a final result. Which is what we all really want, isn’t it?

As for all that read or hear this message and request, please do not take offense in any way, for I am just trying to find an end to the means through communication. There is no fighting, no shouting, no physical protest, even if it is our constitutional right to do so. There is no reason we can’t present both sides of this issue before the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary branches now, when they really need to show us, the American people some action to what we all want. And yet still stay within the freedom of rights to not only the mother to be, but to the child that is.

If you decide to want to get involved than by all means get involved until the issue is resolved. To start please, contact Mr. Martin Fox, President of the National Pro-Life Alliance, and ask how you can help or get involved. Even if that involvement is starting a grass roots program to take this issue to every corner of America. Lets turn up the heat a bit, and I don’t mean in a literal since of the words turn up the heat, but rather to just be dedicated to which ever side of the issue you think is worth the time and energy to make a difference. This issue needs to be dealt with once and for all.

And here is one place you can start…
Contact…( Martin Fox )…At…

( martin.fox@nationalprolifealliance.com via returnpath.bluehornet.com )

( martin.fox@nationalprolifealliance.com )

Sincerely, Bishop Andrew R. M. Manley, DD., O.S.P., and the O.S.M.
Patriarch of the Celtic Cross Foundation of Ministry,
Universal Life Church of the Celtic Cross , and also the
Independent Catholic Churches International.

First I would like to say seasons greetings to everyone and thank you for taking a moment to read this, for it is in the true spirit of the season that I give this message to all who may need a little help, in and for a new year.

I came across this wonderful but sad poem the other day along with this very expressive picture and, it falls right in line to what this message will challenge in you spiritually speaking.

Broken Halos and Wings

My halo has plummeted
And I have broken both my wings
I don’t think I will ever be the same again
As I no longer have these things

Yesterday I was young and innocent
I had never been kissed
Now I have fallen and can’t find my way
And my innocence has gone amiss

What happened to the young girl
Who looked upon the world with starry eyes
Who always told the truth and never felt the need to lie
I am afraid she has been exposed to this world

It is a shame that growing up our innocence does take
And how our halo’s plummet from our brow
The way in which our wings do break
And we lose that trusting heart we have somehow

Neva Flores 2010

http://changefulstorm.blogspot.com/2010_01_01_archive.html


Thank you, for your artistic view, and poetry. You truly have a God given gift.

As many of you know I enjoy starting my messages with a question and this message is no exception. So with that said, the question is “when was the last time you took your “halo” off to looked at it? Is it still as shinny as the day you got it? And or do you even have a “halo?’ I ask these questions for a specific reason, that being each one takes a different answer. I will add here a word of caution, that being for you not to answer the questions in hast. For when we are finished I am sure you will be asking these very questions of yourself and contemplating your answer more carefully as well.

Anyways, I don’t know about you, but every once and a while I have to take mine off and use a wee bit of brass-o and elbow grease on it, so as to make it shiny. By the way, for the lay person that reads this consider the term “brass-o” to mean choices we make and the “elbow grease” means to implement or to act on that choice.” Just make sure to put your “halo” back on when your done polishing it up. And with that said it brings me to what this message is about.

The other day I came across an unknown artistic rendition of our Lord and Savior kneeling at a large rock gazing up into the heavens with his hands clinched. So much so, you could almost see his knuckles turning white as he prayed. His eyes were fixed on the heavens with great passion, as if waiting for an answer to the many questions that must be flying through his mind. But what struck me the most was the image of his halo that looked more like a crown upon his head, and how bright and clearly it shined.

I can not but wonder with awe, what patience this artiest must have had in order to paint just this one part. Although there are thousands of renditions of Christ out in the world, this one painting (in my opinion) has to be one of the best of Christ ever made. But as I said it is just my opinion. The image that I am speaking of is one that many of you know and that is of Christ praying the "Lords Prayer" in the Garden of Gethsemane. I wish to thank the (St. Takla.org) for putting it out on the world wide web for the world to gaze upon and reflect upon.

As I gazed upon it I started wondering if I had a halo, and if it shined as bright as that of our Lord Jesus. The more I thought about it, the more questions I started to ask. But ask of whom? Of me, of someone I care about, a stranger that I may have come across at some other point in my journey in life.

Then it hit me, and as the realization sank in more and more, I started to reflect on those things that I need to have forgiveness for. Oh, don’t get to bent here, for we all have sinned, and we all have fallen or at least stumbled at some point. But the more I thought about the condition of my halo, I started to worry about everyone else too.

As a father, as a grandfather and as a Shepard of his flock trusted to me, I began to see that I needed to take my halo off and look at it long and hard. What is it that you may have thought I found? What I found surprised me at first glance but as I looked closer, I saw much, much more. One of the most important things I noticed was that there were many scratches, chips, dings and dents in it, you might as well say that there were many imperfections on it. And yet, as I looked even closer I began to see my own soul, my own salvation and I was saddened to see how tarnished it had become. Although, each year that has gone by brings it’s own triumphs, it also showed those times when I found myself in less than his perfect light. What I can tell you here is that as I reflected on Christs halo, I began to see that I had a long way to go to be pleasing unto the one who has given me so much. I guess that is what reflection is all about.

We need to remember that this is the perfect time of the year to reflect, especially as we prepare to start a new year. Not only is it a time of the year that brings family, friends, and co-workers together, we need to take time in the mites of all the hustle and bustle, to make time. I assure you, it is more important to prepare and do this form of reflection, as it is to be swept up in all the glitz and glamor of the season. Keep also in mind that as you open your gifts and gaze upon them that the gift of self awareness is one that you can use for a lifetime. So when your done opening those gifts and you are about to throw away all the wrapping paper, boxes and other pieces of trash, be sure you don't throw away this gift from above.

As we celebrate the anniversary birthday, of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and the beginning of a new year, we must, greet them both with great expectations and those expectations should ring out loudly. Sorta like the mighty church bell, chiming on a cold and quite Christmas morn.

When reflecting on all the sights and sounds of the holiday, it becomes easy to get so caught up in the moment that the experiences around us can often negate what is just underneath the surface. It is human nature to block out, the pain and suffering that is always there. And your right, Christ said that the poor and less fortunate will always be with us, so why then should we allow mixed emotions and even some less than pleasant memories dampen what is supposed to be a joyous time of the year? It is quite simple, and it is what I have been talking about all along. It is a time for reflection and yes, many times, reflecting hurts. Please don't be selfish in your reflections, it is proper to take notice of everything around you. Even those things that we may see in someone else. For this is a time to deal with feelings. And when you recognize someones suffering or misfortune, you begin to take a little elbow grease to that halo of yours. Take time to notice the subtleties in human nature. For many times folks remark that they “never saw the warning signs”, that caused a tragedy. Always keep in mind that some folks put up a good front or hide the emotional suffering they may have, and by you seeing through their fa-sod, and doing something about it, have just made your halo a bit brighter. Besides, when you do for others in a less than perfect situation, it makes you feel good about yourself. Just make sure that your not one of those people that boast about what you did for someone else. For it is said, don't let your left hand know what your right hand has done.

Now for most, it is a gay old time of celebration and then, there are some that it does not matter who, what, where, when or even why, care about getting warped up in all of the hoopla. The season may annoy them no matter how hard one tries to cheer them up or help them out. Just do what you can and leave the rest up to the Holy Spirit to handle. You, by doing so have planted the seed of Christian love and it is not always you, that is to bring in the harvest. Remember it is being that Christ like light on the table that is important, not what may seem like a lack of appreciation on the other individuals part.

Granted this time of year can be a trying time, a lonely time, a depressing time when one is not in a mood to celebrate the festivities for personal reasons. The holidays to them, is a painful time and a time for them to recall their hurt more so than their gaiety. Yes, I am sure there are quite a few Scrooges and Grinchs among us. However, I am equally as sure that there are many who can see through the smoke screen and with great compassion, and greet adversity head on, no matter where they find it.

It is difficult to say just how anyone is feeling at any point in time but, there are indicators we can watch for. Body language is one of the most prevalent and easiest to notice. Another one is facial expression and yet another is attitude or it can be an act of isolation or interest in ones character that could give us an indication that something is wrong.. That is to say if someone you know is not acting like, they normally do. I am sure, there are a few more traits and observations that I have forgotten to identify here but more so, any of the fore mentioned can aid us in recognizing problems and changes within our own environment. It is what we do next and with that information that can make a difference in our lives as well as to those around us.

At times it is like a guessing game when we try to figure out things and yet not all of us are good investigators. Note first what needs to be done, is an in depth examination of ourselves first (looking deep into our own halo). The bible states this to be quite plain, in such a case, and for those that are not sure what I mean, then look at the book of Matthew chapter 7 verse 3, it reads like this, “And why do you look at the speck in your brothers eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?” (nkjv). To most folks this is self evident and with that said, most people today do not mind sticking their “nose” into someones business, weather it is asked for or not.

You know the old saying, “The road in life is paved with good intentions”, and how true it really is. But, is that truth of ones involvement given with the right intention or other wise? For here is the real answer to this question, we need to ask ourselves “am I, the right person to make a decision that can possible change or even destroy someones life forever, because of my “intention or observation”? When we do this self awareness first, then and only then can we “remove the speck from someones eye, in order to see clearly the problem”. Intention can be taken by others as good or bad and the question will always be asked in one way or another, does the intent behind the action justify the means.

When someone does something to someone else just because they can be anonymous it becomes a very dangerous step. That is speaking from a form of ones salvation, ( sorry, I feel the need to stress that word of caution once again) and that being to quote another scripture. This time look at the book of Matthew again and really study the verses around chapter 7, verse 1. It is pretty simple to comprehend but one many does not feel pertains to them. Yet this is why I feel so compelled to bring it up. Our judgment is unalienable, this one little verse should speak volumes but maybe some folks and yes maybe even you yourself just don't care to except or rather “heed these verses as a warning”. It is this attitude that will cost more than what you or that other individual may want to pay. Meaning losing your salvation and spending an eternity in hell. Just because of one act or compulsion.

This is not a joke, although some may not be so concerned with sticking their nose some place where they maybe acting on limited information or maybe even on a piece of gossip that they may feel is coming from a reliable source. Please, please I plead with those that this part of the topic is eluding to, to be slower to make that phone call that may cause a fellow human being such anguish. I speak as an authority for a reason that I know first hand what damage can be done to a family or individual. Keep in mind that you may not like it happening to you so why do it to someone else? No. I am not talking about blatant things that would need involvement, rather if it is a case that requires immediate action do to it being “life or death”, then make your call to 911, rather than say, social services or maybe even family services. If it is truly something that you feel needs to be addressed, then call the proper authorities. In that way the person or persons life you may be helping or even ruining, will have the opportunity to face you, the accuser. Remember it is a whole different ball game when you give someone that opportunity. And if you heed my words, will be more cautious before making that call to judgment. I'm sure if the shoe were on the other foot, you to would want to know who is making decisions on your behalf, weather you like it or not. Question is, who gave them the right to be “judge and jury” over your life and or why you think you have the right to be “judge and jury” on their life?

See doing that which we know is right, takes on a whole new level than when one “hides behind anonymous like a cowered”, and that is what it is. A cowardly act! There is so much more that can be alluded to when examining your own “halo” that needs attention than giving attention to doing the devils work. Oh, and if I have offended anyone here with these remarks, than please take under advisement, that you maybe under what we ministers call “conviction” and that it is not unhealthy to examine ones acts but in some countries what we take for granted as “freedom” here in the U.S.A., could cost you your life, somewhere else in the world.

So pray for yourself if you take offense, my words are not meant to hurt anyone, but rather wake up a few instead. And keep in mind those that you might be effecting by accusing unjustly. And if you are offended then you need to take your “halo” off and examine it real, no really, really close. Because karma is a very real thing and life can be like a viper and turn on you and bite back. Use your head and your heart more. For it is one thing for someone who is not a Christian to do such things but for those of you who confess to be a Christian, it is better to side on the side of caution first and for most. For it is a life eternal in true hell and damnation that is what is at hand. Not the other way around, being an eternity in bliss and happiness with our Lord and savior along with loved ones and other heavenly hosts.

Keep in mind again, that this is just one of many things we who call our selves “Christian” need to be concerned with. We should, when influence can be initiated, try to curve those that act ere-rationally in their life. Granted the old adage that misery loves company might be true but a Christian act of love will go far more easier for one who sticks their nose somewhere they aught not.

Once one examines their own halo more closely, they begin to realize that they are not perfect and that maybe even they them self, actually might be the one who really needs the help to clean that tarnish off your own “halo”. Which brings me to my next point. That this is what the “elders” of the body of Christ are to do. They are called to be a mentor and lead those that may not be as deeply spiritual as they should be. So that when those elders in Christ act, they act as Christ would. So doing so will be like putting a wee bit of elbow grease to a fellow brother or sisters halo. I can't but be reminded here for a moment one last thought that came to mind. That being, when Christ was choosing (or rather calling to service) His disciples and said, “come follow me and I will make you fishers of men”. So once again the old adage holds true, that when you give a man a fish, he eats for a day but when you teach a man to fish, he eats for a life time. So my final statement here to you is this. “ put the sign on the door and let folks know your going “fishing”.…

Sincerely, and with love of our Father, our Savior and their blessed and ever Holy Spirit, may this year be a great year for all those that profess to be “Christ-like in their life and that when being called a Christian can truly mean life rather than death, eternal. Pray not only for those things that need prayer but look deep inside and pray for your Fathers love, blessing and grace in your life. For we all need grace for without it, we are lost.

God Bless one and all,
Bishop, Andrew Robert Moses Manley DD., O.S.P., O.S.M.
Of the Independent Catholic Church of the Universal Life Church World Head Quarters and also the Universal Life Church of the Celtic Cross a Non-denominational Ministry of 1st Century Christianity in the year of our lord, 2012

Warriors and laity around the world, hear ye, hear ye. When is a Prophet not a Prophet? When we that are being prophesied to, don’t ad-hear to their words!

Most every Christian or even mortal man has heard at one time or another the quotes of our Savior in reference to “profit”, and I’ll quote the book of Matthew as to the subject of which.

In the, NKJV – Matthew ch., 16 v., 26 … For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or rather the question should be as to – what will a man give in exchange for his soul? Granted the same paraphrase is alluded to in the books of Mark – ch.,8:36 and, as well as Luke – 9: 25.

But this is not the type of profit I refer to in this segment. What I will say is to the actual term of Prophet (spelled as P_R_O_P_H_E_T and not the latter, which is spelled as P_R_O_F_I_T.)

Now I can see, and understand how confusing the English language can appear to those that don’t grasp the incidentals of it. I should also note here that the word known as Prophet , p_h_e_t, was termed differently in Israel (That is to say that, when a man went to get guidance and understanding of Gods word, he spoke to a “SEER”, now called a prophet.) In this next book, 2ND Chronicles I will make mention of the dealings with the Trustworthiness and even the Rejection of the Prophets. Thought brief as they may be.

Again in the, NKJV – 2ND Chronicles, 20: 20 … Refers to the first ( Trustworthiness) When Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, O Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem: Believe in the LORD your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper.”

The two notations of inference here are ( be established ) and, ( shall prosper.) The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary states the word ( established as ) to institute (as a law) permanently by enactment or as I think of it, as one being anchored in … and, the term ( shall prosper ) as to become strong and flourishing.

So when you think about what this verse really means it can be said that to believe in the Lord God is to be permanently anchored in your belief and understanding, of His promises and when you come to an understanding of this concept, then you shall be enriched for the better coming to the realization of this fact by one who is sent by God to you, thus allowing you to be factually informed as to His truth. And I don’t mean the “prophets version of truth but, that of Gods truth or rather promise.

Now also in the book of the 2ND Chronicles 36: 15 -16 deals with the rejection of prophets and states. The LORD God of their fathers sent warnings to them by His messengers, rising up early and sending them because He had compassion on His people and on His dwelling place. 16) But they mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against His people, till there was no remedy.

These verses are not quite as simple to grasp to an unbelievers understanding. That is, as it is and should be taken more seriously. In verse 15 the greater inference is the “warning” which has been sounded from the roof tops sense it was written. Yet many in the modern era still just think them to be just the ramblings of a time long ago and not as relevant today.

I recon that is why what jumps off the page here, (at least to me is) that most folks know and understand what a warning is. Just the thought of it is rather scary and unsettling. Benjamin Franklin who most assuredly is one of our nations wisest men was quoted as to have said “Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” I often wonder if he came to this realization of fact from this verse where the author states, “ by His messengers, rising up early and sending them, because He had compassion on His people. Another clushay of a quote is that “the early bird gets the worm”… LOL… it only makes better since to draw the conclusion through these clushays to bring home a point of reference and understanding that the words “early rising, send or rather sent them, meaning the ones who tried to bring understanding to the people. The same can be said of us even to this day. That the clushay quote reference to the word “worm”, means as it is referred to in many passages of the Holy Scriptures as “meat” and no folks not the understanding of the word to meet someone, but rather to the reference of the subsistence and comprehension. Be it a real life-sustaining nourishment or the nourishment of ones soul. Preferably to your soul and to your betterment of understanding of Gods “warnings.”.

We as a whole, of our human nature still denounce the teachings of Christ Jesus and the Prophets, as mankind did all those many years ago. When the author states that God, “had compassion on His people and on His dwelling place.” still holds a great truth today. There is a small clarification on the tail end of this passage that refers to “His dwelling place”, which may need that clarification.

Yes God still has compassion on the human race, so don’t get your bees in a bonnet….lol…I am referring to a two-fold meaning of the word dwelling. Which means to “dwell or live within, and they are that of the obvious, which being is Jerusalem, in Israel. Not the Jerusalem in Yates County, New York .

No disrespect intended to the folks that call it home. But rather as the term dwelling being Zion, Church, Temple and or held in endearment in one’s heart. It is why the Holy Trinity has not given up on us, where He has patients and, many times we don’t. He is not without limits. I mean, we all have been a bit short fused from time to time not only with our fellow-man but when things don’t go our way we turn our wrath on Him. He is the one who never wavers on compassion, forgiveness and yes even love.

However, as the author puts it so succinctly, that being “But they mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against His people, till there was no remedy.

Here’s a question for you, are not ministers, priests, clerics and clergy in general still not taken seriously even today? So, if true, than we can conclude there is still relevance in these words as to Gods messengers ( that is as godly men and women are referred to).

Many in the world today “despise His words, mostly because, (and I think,) that there is a perception that His word takes all the “fun” out of life and that it is words that mean “don’t s. I have to say that this is so far from the truth that it “almost becomes laughable to even contemplate the notion.” However, it should be a blue print in our lives as to how to live life. How to act with regards to respect as with person, places and things. And for now a better term would be, “reverence” to the world around us.

Yet now comes the hard part for folks to come to grips with and that is because we have been brainwashed to the point of excrescence that God is the opposite of that last part of the 16Th verse, which being “until the wrath of the LORD arose against His people, till there was no remedy.”

It seems to me that mankind forgets that God has a temper and like us He does become short in patients and also that we are constantly in violation of the second commandment given to Moses by God himself and that being “Thou shalt have no other gods before me”! Please before you say it isn’t so, think! Do we by an act of human nature, place things in a higher standing in our lives than this one commandment? Think about it for a moment, would you not be even somewhat put a miffed if you yourself have to take the back seat. That is in regard to what you thought was more or even most important? Then it only goes to show and reenforced by the fact, that though God is a loving God and that He, has great compassion for you. Along with understanding as well as patients with you and even all of us in the world. Remember, so as not to forget that though you might feel like the 12 man on the football field or the 9Th man on the ball field that it is tough for us to be that “odd man out”.

So, in closing please, please don’t think of yourself any less for falling short of His glory, for God knows all to well that we are only human. And by the way, I’m thinking that my last comment here, isn’t likely to hold any weight when it comes to judgment-day. I thank the heavens that Christ walked this same world as you and I, and that He suffered and died to save all mankind.

With warmest and sincere affection to all, God bless and don’t forget, He made you in His image and that He didn’t make any “junk”, only mankind does…Love always,

Chaplain, Andrew R. M. Manley DD. o.s.m., o.s.f., o.s.p., of the ULCCC.

Warriors, greetings, it has been a long hard summer as of late. I am sorry for not being here as often as I would have liked to. Know though that none of you have been far from my heart and always in my devotions. I am doing well and I shall be on line more often. But for those times that I am not for one reason or another I'd like to leave you with a reminder and love that is always with you. It is just one of several prayers that Saint Patrick, the patron Saint of Ireland used to say as he to went about Gods work for friend and foe. It goes something like this:...

Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.

Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, and in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

It is through this prayer that we can find comfort when we are not together. So always remember that you are always loved by many and that you are never forgotten in my prayers. Gods blessings are sent to you from a far and may they shower down upon you leaving you with the warmth and peace of the blessed and Holy Trinity.

Sincerely your fellow warrior in the cause that is of Christ Jesus and our burden to shoulder and share.
Msgr. Andrew

Greetings Christian Warriors, I am so very sorry for not being online over the past few months. I have some how crashed not one, not two but, three computers over that time. I am back up and running for the time being and I shall get to your e-mails and messages ASAP. I will be online at 10:00 PM (EST) this evening. I will bring you up to speed then. Until then my prayers and love are always with you. TTFN...Chaplain Andrew

Warriors, being that we are now in a new year and a new decade I see an opportunity for all of us, to renew our vow with the Holy Trinity. We make commitments almost everyday, so why not place a few notes around in strategic places so that they will be a reminder to you to remain focused on what it means to actually be... one of Christ' chosen few...But, first things first ...I stumbled across Rev. Ch., 2 verse 5 in my devotions this morning and felt the need to pass it on to you. As you know I lead my every step in cadence to His word in our lives.So this verse reads like this...

" Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent ".

This quote should be a reminder as to how quickly we can become so involved into day to day life that we forget that our Lord is true to His word. And, if this be so, than we need to be true to ours to him.

How many times have I spoke to you of being that candlestick on the table for the world to see? Many, many times I think. In Christ' statement here it should motivate all of us to remain focused. And visualize what is really important in our lives.

So think of all He has given you and rededicate yourself to Him this new year. For that is what truly matters in this world and it should lead you well on the path He has placed you to walk.

Just remember to stop and smell the roses from time to time...
Chaplain Andrew

This was the question/statement

"Life for Jesus-Lets see how many people we can find that are not ashamed to admit they love Jesus".





I'm not ashamed, never was, never will be.
But then again, not everyone is me.

So I reckon I'll lift up those that are on the fence and that they see the light, and feel the loving hand of our lord and savior.

Then, we all will be elated for reaching their decision to walk with God in their heart forever. And, as their notice of their rebirth reaches the heights of heaven, and it is placed by special delivery into our Fathers hands, the celebration will be jubilant, so loud will be the joy of the saints that it shall shake the gates of Hell, letting those know that it could have been them that the angels rejoice for, but no it is a never ending reminder of the indecision of their own free will that has placed them in the bowls of perdition forever.

With that said, the one that makes the right choice will see their life take on new meaning and they can rest a sured that they are not alone, ever. For now they are family. And what a big family it.... .

Thank you God for excepting another poor sinner into your loving arms and may they remain with you for an eternity... This is my daily prayer for myself and for each and everyone of you...

What about YOU????

Dr. Andrew ~ Chaplain, and family...God Bless...

Folks, Pappa gave me the responsibility and calling to be your friend and fellow Christian Warrior.

It is a responsibility that I do not take lightly. Every person has it in them to change someones life, for the good or the bad, but if you hold true, the words of Jesus Christ our Lord than you will only do good to and for others.

So many people have crossed my path in this life and each and everyone of them including you all here, have effected me in ways I can not describe, but if I could I would and could only say thank you and that I love each one of you folks.

Those that have known me for years know that I speak the truth and that my heart is not mine anymore but it belongs to you all and to Christ Jesus. I have no malice towards anyone, and no one knows better, that we all make mistakes, that the key is to recognize them, address them and move on with the knowledge firmly in your mind so to remind you that no one is perfect, except for our lord and savior.

But with that knowledge we can begin to change ourselves, than those around us will notice the change and then we can hold our heads high, keeping our sights on the ultimate prize which is, our proper place inside the pearly gates where St. Peter will be holding the gates open for you and with Christ him self, will be standing there saying, "well done, my good and faithful servant, enter into your house of rest".

This is what I want for every human being on the planet, but it all boils down to these words from Christ, "many are called but few are chosen". I want everyone in ear shot of my voice and my writings to hear my words and do a U-turn in their lives and come follow Christ as a living example of His love for us all.

It can be done, it will be done and it shall be accomplished long after we are gone. But the seed will be planted and it will grow and folks will turn back towards the Holy Trinity before the end of times. Mark my words, it will happen one person and one soul at a time.

Thanks for your love, your prayers, your kindness and most of all for opening your hearts to a new way of looking at life and being called Christian.

You are all in my prayers even until my last breath...May God continue to look favorably upon you and keep you close to him and in His grace now and forever...Rev.Fr.

The statement started with this question.


Debbie Orrino May 7 at 4:45am
Hello Andrew,
I am one of the blind writers for Kipp Griffin & read your info tab. Question: You are Christiand & Independent Catholic. You also are a part of the Celtic Cross Ministry (which I don't understand). 2 questions. As an indep;endent catholic, do you still believe in praying to the multitude of statues & saints with different functions? Also, what is the Celtic Cross Ministry?

I am an evangelist, soon to be ordained minister, I am a missionary to Africa/Haiti & soon to be India, but primarily Africa. In fact, as of the 2nd week of July I will live there for 3-4 months building an orphange. I love casting out demons, I love counseling & prayer counseling, I love laying hands on the sick & praying with strangers for a miracles to be received & also for healings to take place, I just love ministering the Word of God from Gen-Rev. Why I clicked on your name I don't know. I was coming on fb to post & there you were. It is 4:41 & when I am awake at this hour, it is God ordained, not me. I'd rather be under the covers dreaming or having visions. But I do know one reason God has me up. I've read some of your wall & like what I've read thus far. So I'm just curious about the questions I've asked.

Have a blessed evening,
Debbie Orrino


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Andrew R. M. Manley May 7 at 10:52am
Dear Sister Debbie, first I wish to say welcome and thank you for stopping by. Secondly, I will pray for God to keep you close to him and protect you in your ministry, it is a wonderful thing you are doing, and you are a credit to the international ministry.

As for your questions, I am a born-again Christian ever since 1986. Though I was raised by nun's in a Catholic convent, I have always be interested in what people believe in different forms of religion.

I started Celtic Cross Ministry to show some pride in the international Christian ministry and to my personal heritage. I still hold some traditions of the Catholic faith within my ministry, but I also can relate to most anyone in the world as to what they hold dear to their hearts in faith. I to, preach the salvation of Jesus Christ
daily around the world through the internet, and I have a fallowing of close to 1000, Christian Warriors in my Network.

On a personal note, and because of my up bringing, I do speak with the saints, but not to an idol, except the cross and a picture or two of Jesus. However, I will use whatever I can to help people understand the Holy Trinity and except Christ as their personal savior even if that item is Oh lets say a three or four leaf clover.

I believe that all peoples have there place in this world and so did the one before us and so will the ones after us, also have their place. Jesus, gave me several messages over the years that I am now just beginning to understand and put in to practice for his fellowship and ministry through Celtic Cross.

Jesus showed me a division within his church and the Christian faithful and He instilled into my heart a drive to expose and correct this flaw with in the body of Christ as well as in the clergy. He showed me that we all believe in Him but we resent the congregation next door or every where.

Christ, if He has said it once He has said it a thousand times, and that is a house divide can not stand, and His house is divided and it is the fault of the denominational organizations for not preaching the true examples and gospels of the word of God from the Holy bible.

It is this correction and of tolerance that Christ through me is correcting. And if folks will not listen and change their ways, than they will be doomed by His own remission to the instruction of His word. That one word was his "commandment", " LOVE one another". Which I see is not in the hearts of the "Christian of today" for there is only superficial love and not true love expressed in the way Christ meant it.

So now maybe you understand a little bit more of my ministry and what I seek to accomplish in his Holy name. It truly is a mission that many will reject because it is foreign to them for they are more worried about the number of parishioners than they are about their souls. The deception has to stop and I will fight the evil one where ever I find him, even if it is in the body of Christ.

Well again, welcome and I want to agree with you that Pappa (Christ Jesus), sent you to me. Most assuredly for this very reason. So God bless you and please stay in touch.

Rev.Dr.Andrew Manley Chaplain, also know as Rev.Fr....in Gods peace have a wonderful and productive day.


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Debbie Orrino May 7 at 10:39pm
I LOVE what I just read & would love to stay in touch. I am extremely tired at the moment as this day has been on FIRE for the Lord in sooooo many ways. I must get up early in the morning as I will be on the streets of Ft.Myers doing a childrens program, handing out food/clothes & more importantly the Word of God. But the area we go to is the drug infested areas. Our church has an 18 month rehab program with 93% success rate. Had a guy lay down his gun & drugs one time. He is totally rehabilitated. We have no fear but sometimes the cops do. But they love when they see us coming & ask us to come back. Anyway, I need to go to prayer & then sleep. But I would love to stay in touch with you, if you please. Have a blessed evening.....debbie "This heart IS God's instrument - This life IS God's song"... (i will send a friend request-good night)



This is by far NOT the only thing that Celtic Cross Ministry does, but it is a big part of it, that is to change minds and souls. Now you know the rest of the story...God Bless you for your time to read and understand CCM and my self, Thank you so very much and have a wonderful day...Rev.Dr. Andrew R. M. Manley Chaplain....

The verses from 1 John 4:7-10, "Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins".

In the New Living Translation these verses tell me a different story and that being more of instructions, for those people who call themselves Christians. The way we should conduct our selves before God and before our fellow man. It speaks of how we as "so called Christians" need to act, think and feel about the Holy Trinity, about ourselves and about the world around us.

Oh don't get me wrong. These verses speak volumes in relation to how we should conduct ourselves, it is a list of do and don't. As an example we read in this message of how we should be like children, always before God. It tells us where love truly comes from, it speaks of what we should do with that gift that has been given to each of us. The verse speaks of sacrifice and devotion and respect. It speaks of "real love" not superficial love such as we find in the carnal world.

I have to say that the word love is probably, if not definitely, one of the most misused words in any language, in the world. Such as when we say we love that color or I would love to have those or even I love the fact that it is the weekend. We can even take it a step further by inserting it to I love this,or I love that and the famous, I love you. What I am getting at is that we don't always use the word in a proper since thus causing the word it's self to sound and become, trite.

If you, call yourself a Christian then why complain, why pick, and why be little others? Why do you, start to "gossip" the moment church services are over, even before you have left the inside of the sanctuary. Isn't the "sanctuary" a Holy place that should be a place to edify God and have peace among the congregates? Is that the way we should show the secular world that is watching every move we make, the example of respect and of love? Isn't the actions of ourselves important enough to us personally and worth showing God our Father, that gave us His only son, Jesus, worth pleasing and showing at least some form of righteousness from us to Him?

If you ask me I think that disrupting the sanctuary and even selling items in the foyer is comparable by example as to what caused Jesus to bring a point home to the people by over turning the tables at the temple. I do think that or Lord Jesus Christ is taking notes, as to how we, so called professed Christians, treat the sanctity of his house, be it where ever that place of worship is held. For is it not true that when two or more are gathered in His name, so is He. If this is true and we all know it is, should we not respect others who might be trying to meditate and pray to Father, before, during and after the services? I do think that Jesus, if he were physically present, speaking metaphorically or rather spiritually I'm sure Christ would have something to say about it, maybe even to the point of over turning a few more tables in order to get our attention.

I don't know about you, but I surly do not want to see the wrath of God sweep through my life, my path or my house in a rage for something as petty as disrespect, when it is something that is within our personal control to rectify or at least under this example. Though when you look at it, isn't showing respect away of showing "Genuine Love", To show God who is so deserving, and for our fellow brothers and sisters who are trying to be tolerant, surly if it were you that was being talked about or disrespected, you would be offended, and want to speak up.

It seems not, it seems folks think that others are wrong for saying something and usually they turn around and become, the next target of your gossip or at least an attitude of "well", who do they think they are, to speak to me that way, as a thought or comment under the breath.

I ask you, is that showing LOVE? Is that the example that you want associated with being Christian? Isn't being a true Christian to be likened to be "Christ Like', in all that we do, say and are?

Folks wonder why other people do the things they do, that shows disrespect in some ways, and wonder why they were not brought up better or with more discipline, which when you think about it, the word discipline, does it not mean the capacity for keeping one's actions under close control? To me that is away of showing love rather than saying it.

I believe we as true Christians need to take a real hard look at ourselves and put ourself in another's shoes so to speak, and see how we act in other peoples eyes or for that matter in Gods eyes.

We should care what other people think, because it is by example, kinda like the example that Jesus tried to "SHOW" us, how to be and what comes from within us that causes, others to react, or not react to except or not to except or even to become or not to become "a Christian".

We are to be helping others who are not Christian, find the way to be a Christian and live a Christian like lifestyle, to bring them or at least help them understand what the meaning of being called Christian is, all about. For if we truly act the way we should, that being by example, as the light on the table for all to see, then it is most probably the single most thing we can DO, to show the living act and true meaning of Love thy neighbor as thy self and, do onto others as you would what them to do onto you.

All I am talking about folks is that we all know what the right thing to do is, and we all know that we as Christians have power over, and that is, the evil things of this world. That is if and only if you want to have power over it. Sometimes I'm not so sure, but we all have the capability to master it over time and I'm sure if we ask Jesus to help us over come adversity, temptation, greed, gossip and an oldie but a goody, "attitude", we will be, not just saying that we love God or others, but proving to the world that we have over come the things of this world and we will not be telling God that we love him and that we are sorry and yet keep doing the same old thing again, and again. But we will have even "proven" to the Holy Trinity the we are "worthy" of the gift that is true love.

Well I'm here to tell you that peace, devotion and love starts with you. No one else, just you, for it is you and only you that can change your attitude, and your lifestyle even if it were with little baby steps in the right direction. Trust me when I say, that the world will take notice and so will God. Also, by doing so don't we show the world that through genuine love and respect for all things which are Holy, that the example of the act, in it's self, which is discipline, also shows what true LOVE is?


I do believe so, and nothing else would ever have to be "said", for our actions "will speak louder than our words".

Rev.Fr. Andrew R. M. Manley D.D. / Chaplain...ULC & CCM

As I prayed my daily devotions today, the Holy Spirit reveled these verses to me. I am inclined to insist that we all work together in settling down the general public around the world. It should be a topic for the "BULLY PULPIT" but as long as you agree and act accordingly then we can and will bring calm out of chaos. Pleas, Pleas take this with all the sincerity that my heart can give, I am only following Gods direction in my heart to let it be known.

I put this statement out for my ministry around the world which will reach more than 600 Christian Warriors with in my Network. I suggest you do the same... Warriors, hear these words, read theses verses, it is the SIGN of OUR TIMES, today and tomorrow. FEAR NOT, for Christ Jesus gives you knowledge of the things to come. What is and what is not. LUKE,Ch.21, Ver. 8 through 28. These things are happening and are still to happen, worry not for Jerusalem has not yet fallen. Pray for righteousness sake and mercy for those that truly seek that which is Christ like in all things done.
Please let me know your feed back to this, it is important that the word get through and a consensus is drawn for all clergy, world wide, using what ever media is available to you. I am here to help you, that is if you need assistance.

Thank you for your time to this matter of great importance, your fellow servant in Christ Jesus, now and forever. Amen...Rev.Dr. Andrew R. M. Manley D.D....

Listen to the Holy Spirit in all that you do in his name...

Read more...

Today is my anniversary as an ordained minister and messenger of the Holy Trinity, it is also the feast day of Saint Nonna, she is the mother of Saint David of Whales. A very interesting story, I will encourage you to Google her name and do your on investigation. But in the post section I am placing a bit of her story and what I found on this remarkable woman of faith.


If you like this information on the Celtic Saints, I will continue to post stories like this from time to time, but it will depend on your responses in the comment section. So I hope to hear from you and may God Bless you for taking the time to get to know the peoples of faith that walked the earth before you helping to set the path that now brings you here to read and understand these writings...Rev.Fr.

Read more...

I just thought you all should know where I stand and why....

Read more...

St. Valentine
Patron Saint of Love, Young People, Happy Marriages
Martyred in the year 269 AD


St. Valentine

Valentine was a holy priest in Rome, who, with St. Marius and his family, assisted the martyrs in the persecution under Claudius II. He was apprehended, and sent by the emperor to the prefect of Rome, who, on finding all his promises to make him renounce his faith in effectual, commended him to be beaten with clubs, and afterwards, to be beheaded, which was executed on February 14, about the year 270. Pope Julius I, is said to have built a church near Ponte Mole to his memory, which for a long time gave name to the gate now called Porta del Popolo, formerly, Porta Valetini. The greatest part of his relics are now in the church of St. Praxedes. His name is celebrated as that of an illustrious martyr in the sacramentary of St. Gregory, the Roman Missal of Thomasius, in the calendar of F. Fronto and that of Allatius, in Bede, Usuard, Ado, Notker and all other martyrologies on this day. To abolish the heathens lewd superstitious custom of boys drawing the names of girls, in honor of their goddess Februata Juno, on the fifteenth of this month, several zealous pastors substituted the names of saints in billets given on this day.

The Origin of St. Valentine

The origin of St. Valentine, and how many St. Valentines there were, remains a mystery. One opinion is that he was a Roman martyred for refusing to give up his Christian faith. Other historians hold that St. Valentine was a temple priest jailed for defiance during the reign of Claudius. Whoever he was, Valentine really existed because archaeologists have unearthed a Roman catacomb and an ancient church dedicated to Saint Valentine. In 496 AD Pope Gelasius marked February 14th as a celebration in honor of his martyrdom.

The first representation of Saint Valentine appeared in a The Nuremberg Chronicle, a great illustrated book printed in 1493. [Additional evidence that Valentine was a real person: archaeologists have unearthed a Roman catacomb and an ancient church dedicated to Saint Valentine.] Alongside a woodcut portrait of him, text states that Valentinus was a Roman priest martyred during the reign of Claudius the Goth [Claudius II]. Since he was caught marrying Christian couples and aiding any Christians who were being persecuted under Emperor Claudius in Rome [when helping them was considered a crime], Valentinus was arrested and imprisoned. Claudius took a liking to this prisoner -- until Valentinus made a strategic error: he tried to convert the Emperor -- whereupon this priest was condemned to death. He was beaten with clubs and stoned; when that didn't do it, he was beheaded outside the Flaminian Gate [circa 269].

Saints are not supposed to rest in peace; they're expected to keep busy: to perform miracles, to intercede. Being in jail or dead is no excuse for non-performance of the supernatural. One legend says, while awaiting his execution, Valentinus restored the sight of his jailer's blind daughter. Another legend says, on the eve of his death, he penned a farewell note to the jailer's daughter, signing it, "From your Valentine."

St. Valentine was a Priest, martyred in 269 at Rome and was buried on the Flaminian Way. He is the Patron Saint of affianced couples, bee keepers, engaged couples, epilepsy, fainting, greetings, happy marriages, love, lovers, plague, travellers, young people. He is represented in pictures with birds and roses.

This story is from Catholic Online ( Saints and Angels )which can be found at http://www.catholic.org

The book of Luke, Ch. 12 Ver 54 - 56; 54: "And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is. 55: And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass. 56: Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?"

It is so true that we in our day to day chats with others predict our weather by the elements we feel, but we understand not the things that are happening in our world. So let us pray for divine intervention, guidance and discernment with what is going on and how to deal with our environment. Offering understanding and truth in things around us. Amen.........Rev.Fr.

From: "Celtic Daily" <celticdaily@csif.org.nz>
To: <celtic-daily@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 6:04 PM
Subject: Celtic Daily Reading (February 4)



4 February

Feast Day: St. Modan of Melrose, St. Aldate of Gloucester, St. Liephard

Theme: May we have fullness

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Declaration of faith

To whom shall we go?
You have the words of eternal life,
and we have believed and have come to know
that You are the Holy One of God.

Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ,
King of endless glory.

Psalm: 68:17-35
With mighty chariotry, twice ten thousand, thousands upon thousands, the Lord came from Sinai into the holy place. Thou didst ascend the high mount, leading captives in thy train, and receiving gifts among men, even among the rebellious, that the LORD God may dwell there. Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation. [Selah] Our God is a God of salvation; and to GOD, the Lord, belongs escape from death. But God will shatter the heads of his enemies, the hairy crown of him who walks in his guilty ways. The Lord said, "I will bring them back from Bashan, I will bring them back from the depths of the sea, that you may bathe your feet in blood, that the tongues of your dogs may have their portion from the foe." Thy solemn processions are seen, O God, the processions of my God, my King, into the sanctuary-- the singers in front, the minstrels last, between them maidens playing timbrels: "Bless God in the great congregation, the LORD, O you who are of Israel's fountain!" There is Benjamin, the least of them, in the lead, the princes of Judah in their throng, the princes of Zeb'ulun, the princes of Naph'tali. Summon thy might, O God; show thy strength, O God, thou who hast wrought for us. Because of thy temple at Jerusalem kings bear gifts to thee. Rebuke the beasts that dwell among the reeds, the herd of bulls with the calves of the peoples. Trample under foot those who lust after tribute; scatter the peoples who delight in war. Let bronze be brought from Egypt; let Ethiopia hasten to stretch out her hands to God. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth; sing praises to the Lord, [Selah] to him who rides in the heavens, the ancient heavens; lo, he sends forth his voice, his mighty voice. Ascribe power to God, whose majesty is over Israel, and his power is in the skies. Terrible is God in his sanctuary, the God of Israel, he gives power and strength to his people. Blessed be God!

Old Testament:Leviticus 25:23-38
The LORD said to Moses on Mount Sinai, "Say to the people of Israel, When you come into the land which I give you, the land shall keep a sabbath to the LORD. Six years you shall sow your field, and six years you shall prune your vineyard, and gather in its fruits; but in the seventh year there shall be a sabbath of solemn rest for the land, a sabbath to the LORD; you shall not sow your field or prune your vineyard. What grows of itself in your harvest you shall not reap, and the grapes of your undressed vine you shall not gather; it shall be a year of solemn rest for the land. The sabbath of the land shall provide food for you, for yourself and for your male and female slaves and for your hired servant and the sojourner who lives with you; for your cattle also and for the beasts that are in your land all its yield shall be for food. "And you shall count seven weeks of years, seven times seven years, so that the time of the seven weeks of years shall be to you forty-nine years. Then you shall send abroad the loud trumpet on the tenth day of the seventh month; on the day of atonement you shall send abroad the trumpet throughout all your land. And you shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants; it shall be a jubilee for you, when each of you shall return to his property and each of you shall return to his family. A jubilee shall that fiftieth year be to you; in it you shall neither sow, nor reap what grows of itself, nor gather the grapes from the undressed vines. For it is a jubilee; it shall be holy to you; you shall eat what it yields out of the field. "In this year of jubilee each of you shall return to his property. And if you sell to your neighbor or buy from your neighbor, you shall not wrong one another. According to the number of years after the jubilee, you shall buy from your neighbor, and according to the number of years for crops he shall sell to you. If the years are many you shall increase the price, and if the years are few you shall diminish the price, for it is the number of the crops that he is selling to you. You shall not wrong one another, but you shall fear your God; for I am the LORD your God. "Therefore you shall do my statutes, and keep my ordinances and perform them; so you will dwell in the land securely. The land will yield its fruit, and you will eat your fill, and dwell in it securely. And if you say, 'What shall we eat in the seventh year, if we may not sow or gather in our crop?' I will command my blessing upon you in the sixth year, so that it will bring forth fruit for three years. When you sow in the eighth year, you will be eating old produce; until the ninth year, when its produce comes in, you shall eat the old. The land shall not be sold in perpetuity, for the land is mine; for you are strangers and sojourners with me. And in all the country you possess, you shall grant a redemption of the land. "If your brother becomes poor, and sells part of his property, then his next of kin shall come and redeem what his brother has sold. If a man has no one to redeem it, and then himself becomes prosperous and finds sufficient means to redeem it, let him reckon the years since he sold it and pay back the overpayment to the man to whom he sold it; and he shall return to his property. But if he has not sufficient means to get it back for himself, then what he sold shall remain in the hand of him who bought it until the year of jubilee; in the jubilee it shall be released, and he shall return to his property. "If a man sells a dwelling house in a walled city, he may redeem it within a whole year after its sale; for a full year he shall have the right of redemption. If it is not redeemed within a full year, then the house that is in the walled city shall be made sure in perpetuity to him who bought it, throughout his generations; it shall not be released in the jubilee. But the houses of the villages which have no wall around them shall be reckoned with the fields of the country; they may be redeemed, and they shall be released in the jubilee. Nevertheless the cities of the Levites, the houses in the cities of their possession, the Levites may redeem at any time. And if one of the Levites does not exercise his right of redemption, then the house that was sold in a city of their possession shall be released in the jubilee; for the houses in the cities of the Levites are their possession among the people of Israel. But the fields of common land belonging to their cities may not be sold; for that is their perpetual possession. "And if your brother becomes poor, and cannot maintain himself with you, you shall maintain him; as a stranger and a sojourner he shall live with you. Take no interest from him or increase, but fear your God; that your brother may live beside you. You shall not lend him your money at interest, nor give him your food for profit. I am the LORD your God, who brought you forth out of the land of Egypt to give you the land of Canaan, and to be your God.

Meditation:

They came at length to the stronghold of the Leinster King, and we are reminded of a big farmer driving his trap or buggy when we read that Dubthach went in, leaving Brigid in the chariot at the gate while he settled the business. He left his sword in the chariot. By came a leper; for those unfortunates abounded in Ireland in those times. He begged alms of the girl in the chariot, as a beggar would of a farmer's daughter left in a fine car while her father made a call. Brigid handed the leper Dubthach's sword, the only movable object in her reach. Meanwhile, Dubthach was asking Leinster's King if he would buy "a bond maid, namely my daughter." Naturally enough, Dunlang asked his visitor why he wished to sell his own daughter. "Nothing will stop her," Dubthach replied, "from selling my goods and giving to the poor." The king said: "Bring her in."

So out went Dubthach for his daughter, and he found Brigid in the chariot and his valuable sword gone; the leper, wisely enough, had made off with his prize. Dubthach was furious. He brought Brigid to Dunlang, and doubtless he said, as he brought her, "This has settled it, my girl!" King Dunlang received the maiden. Perhaps he was struck by her presence, and realised at once the nature of her. He said: "You take your father's wealth and distribute it. How much more would you take my wealth and my cattle, seeing that I am nothing to you, and give them away?"

Brigid's answer is recorded. It has her unmistakable touch. "The Son of the Virgin knoweth," she said, "that if I had your might, with all Leinster and all your wealth, I would give them to the Lord of the Elements."

Always, mark, she spoke of acts of charity being done to God, in His creatures. In all the half-fantastic tales of Brigid her love of God burns clear. Like Patrick, she was always the mystic living in the world by standards that are not of the world. This King Dunlang evidently realised. A Christian, he could recognise that Dubthach did not understand the motive of the girl's strange ways. To Dubthach, the King said: "You and I are not fit to bargain about this maiden. Her merit is higher before God than before men." -Catholic Culture: "Brigit, Mary of the Gaels"

New Testament:John 4:43-54
After the two days he departed to Galilee. For Jesus himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country. So when he came to Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, having seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the feast, for they too had gone to the feast. So he came again to Cana in Galilee, where he had made the water wine. And at Caper'na-um there was an official whose son was ill. When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and begged him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. Jesus therefore said to him, "Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe." The official said to him, "Sir, come down before my child dies." Jesus said to him, "Go; your son will live." The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went his way. As he was going down, his servants met him and told him that his son was living. So he asked them the hour when he began to mend, and they said to him, "Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him." The father knew that was the hour when Jesus had said to him, "Your son will live"; and he himself believed, and all his household. This was now the second sign that Jesus did when he had come from Judea to Galilee.

Closing Prayer:

St Brigid, Mary of Ireland
Ask for us all today
The courage to do God's bidding
Whatever the world may say
The grace to be strong and valiant
The grace to be firm and true
The grace to be faithful always
To God, God's mother and you.


Sent out at approximately midnight G.M.T.

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Pray and never cease for the hopes of others, it is a worthy scarifies for all of us.

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