Informal Newsletter for January

[Editorial Note: One of the reasons for this being “Informal” is because the Editor(s) [for several are involved] do not have to worry so much about grammatical, spelling and other errors or mistakes. In fact, you can save this to your ‘desktop’ and print it out for later when you can take it to your easy chair or most comfortable place, sit down with a good cup of coffee or tea and see what dribble this old codger has allowed to be published; even doing some of the very things himself in making mistakes in grammar, spelling, etc.

Understand that in these informal newsletters, practically nothing is OFF LIMITS… for everything has to do with our Worship to God, our Faith. For indeed our very worship and faith is an every day action for it is by our thoughts, our words and actions that we worship God in both spirit and truth! And much that we have discussed at our main website of http://wwww.apostle1.com has much to do with how we live, breathe, think and act – for God is the creator and source of all life and abundance…

We want to present to you the LOVE of Jesus Christ through His Life and Teachings along with the reality of today’s society which includes our numerous experiences (yours and ours).

Be blessed you who read this and hopefully you will take no offense for its rather blunt ways of presentation and discussion… Blessings indeed! ]

Our Yahoo Groups can be accessed at one of the following links…(or - copy and paste them into your browser):

For Health: Sister Elaine (Working on one lung) - Abouna +Gregori (upper chest & lungs, heart) & just plain old age catching up with him – Bishop Donald Pierce Weeks (cancer and being on dialysis, longevity issues) - Vladyka +Thaddeus (hernia in groin, recuperating from surgery in that area, stomach and lower back issues coupled with degenerative arthritis and an aneurism) along with TIA’s - for George & John in Deming, New Mexico, for their deceptive tactics and games to bleed others of money, false friendships and their hidden ‘hate’ against people as well as their hidden agenda involving alleged friendships and actions with vigilante people.

Repose: Bishop +Matthias (known as Father +Jeffery “Matthias” Hammons, Barbara Gase of Deming, NM; Vladyka Herman of blessed memory; Vladyka +Karl Barwin (recently reposed in September 2009); Bishop +Douglas O’Connor; your own family members and close friends.

Other things: As this is being prepared for publishing we ask for your prayers so that we are no longer faced with the antics of those who are a part of a so-called stunted form of false and misleading or errant christian Vigilante Justice at the border of Mexico on the New Mexico side (Columbus and Deming, NM) as well as those of the Boise, Idaho area who hold to stunted forms of (shall we say ‘cultic’) theologies (one a family member(s) who have impacted the very life one who has recently gone to his final repose. .

Is it possible to bring beauty to this world gone mad? Is it possible to inspire people today? What do you think?

Each of us has a duty much like a clergyman, monk or nun… our needs alone are not too different from the needs of anyone else no matter what social or economic status in life they live. The problem is the arrogance of people who believe themselves to be above others. They claim they aren’t but their actions speak volumes about where they stand.

We do know of one woman whose heart is so ‘right on’ the proverbial ‘dime’ and while we cannot mention her name, we can say that she, in her own way ‘reaches out’ through one-person-at-a-time!

She lives alone, has one dog of many years with her. She does reach out and yet is not connected to any special “Church” except via friendships held, and aids others with her short quips of advice. She has been known to help with more than just money, but with many other things, especially things of the heart and mind both positive and negative (depending on who is speaking about her)… in short, she’s direct and to the point, will not mince words. She’s a dear because she has no axe to grind or political agenda whatsoever.

How often some may look through the Holy Bible and begin to wonder how “Holy” it is with all the revisions that have been accepted by society. Such revisions, unbeknownst to many of them, are the result of cultic Protestants who have a personal agenda to push which involve their false and errant theologies… that are being pushed upon an unsuspecting public. And, do you know what? It has been and is working. The ONE WORLD CHURCH along with the Roman Jurisdiction’s personal agenda while claiming UNITY as their motto is more the idea of continuing Popish hold over everyone it is believed.

How often one has gone through some newer or newest “Revision” of the Holy Bible and found their favorite quotation has been changed, altered, or modified whereby the original meaning and understanding initially or originally received, no longer exists?

In Holy Scripture we learn that in Matthew 5:18-19 – that one “jot,” “dash,” or “Yoth” shall not pass away from the law until all of it is fulfilled. In some versions it means something else such as not changing one “jot” for those who do will be condemned for it weakens the Word of God. In other versions, other things are said in a similar, but not always the same thing is taught. In verse 19 we learn, “Whoever therefore tries to weaken even one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven…” - - - a strong indication that to revise the Word of God for the so-called sake of linguistics and culture idiom changes in language is to weaken the meaning and understandings.

For some clergy in one of the various churches, the bible that was originally accepted has now been changed and then… oddly enough, one finds ones’ self very much alone, it seems, asking within if it was all worth it??? Those in convents, some in monasteries and others in the field who may be posted to some parish… including many faithful parishioners find themselves in a crisis of faith!

Many of the writings about the lives of the saints are treated in a similar manner as the Holy Bible. Their lives are, for most (if not many of them) are whitewashed. The hardships and errors, the inner guilt feelings they may have written about in their personal diaries or journals may never have made it into print. Their early years involving a bit of decadence or debauchery and how they overcame those things are not included. Their lives are pristine clean of error, guilt, faults and frailties. The very things that many saints overcame and how they did it are not included. These are things that the average individual, even clergy, want to know about because of their own issues, problems and situations which could be much aided in being overcome if but truth were told in the many lives of those august saints.

On talking with a variety of older people in these present times, we have found that there are many who feel what is being done to the Holy Bible is an abomination to the Holy Trinity and to the children (people) of God who struggle out of pain of heart to live according to their nature and degree of ability to that which the Holy Bible and lives of the Saints provide.

People will spend a great deal of time searching for something valuable. When a child is lost, no expense of time and money is spared in the effort find the price-less son or daughter. Researchers spend entire lifetimes searching for cures for diseases. The French explorer, Ponce de Leon, went to Florida reportedly in search of a “Fountain of Youth”. He searched in vain and finally died.

There is a fountain from which God invites us to drink deeply and often: His Holy Word. The Word conveys to us Jesus Christ, who provides “a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14). Everlasting life! To live forever in glorious communion with God, at peace and with a body restored to full health, together with angels and all God’s saints – that is something worth searching for!

It would be best for me to say, “Search no longer” But it seems with all the revisions on-going, one has to ask, “Whose version?” But, even yet I must add that this special fountain of eternal life springs from Jesus Christ, once a version of the old times is found.. even those of these days provide something valuable, but not as completely as those of olden times. God assures us all our sins are fully forgiven through the shed blood of his Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Jesus said His kingdom is like a precious pearl, which a man found and then sold all his other jewels in order to buy that one costly gem, he proverbial ‘pearl’.

The more we search Scripture, the more precious it grows as it testifies of and about Jesus Christ’s Life and Teachings, the pearl of great price. When we read the lives of the Saints, we find that the writings about them tie directly into the Holy Bible and most assuredly into His Life and Teachings which make the pearl of Great Price even more valuable when those lives of the Saints are not ‘White-Washed’.

With all that has been said thus far, why are the various denominations ‘white washing’ Holy Scripture? Not really because the are attempting to translate Holy Scripture into our own vernacular of these present times where old English is become outdated and hard for a reader (even it does provide hard reading, an argument that cannot necessarily be set aside) but more for their own political agenda of converting thousands to their way of reading and understanding the Bible which then promotes their errant theologies. This is not true Christianity, but a Christianity being presented, unbeknownst to the printers and translators, at the fomentation of the Anti-Christ, Satan, Lucifer and his minions. It makes easier the arguments of many Protestant cults to those who are true spiritual strugglers in Roman and Orthodox Catholic Christianity to accept them, as some already have. And it is, after all, the Roman jurisdiction who reached out to the most horrendous of religions in attempt to dialogue with and hopefully to open doors for more interaction which is the false and satanic religion of Islam whose unholy book is the Koran.

For many, these times in which we live is truly a Crisis of Faith, especially when we find that the One World Church will impose their philosophies and false manner of understanding theological issues, upon an unsuspecting people who have already been ‘dummed’ down in the public school system. It has taken the last three generations of “dumming down” our children who have reached adulthood in order for governments to get where they are, but it has happened and is happening to an unfathomable degree whereby most citizens are concerned only for what goes on in their own little circle of friends and family, less interest about the world environment and the changes on-going. Where are you? Crisis of Faith?

There is no place in this world in which we can hide from our sins, our faults and frailties no matter who we are. And there is no hierarch in the church world wide that can be considered equal to or above our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

For it is that while any one of us who continue in this life for the life to come; we must do battle within our very selves to fight the fight against the many and numerous passions of the flesh, the vices that constantly assault us in our thoughts, in our environment through out this society or any society this world has had, for many there were before us and many that will come after us.

Often I am asked “Why Suffering”? And, to be honest with you, “Suffering” was not God’s wish for us before the fall of Adam and Eve, but because of their fall, “suffering” became a part of the lot of human kind which includes you and me. Suffering has no regard for status or life itself. “Suffering” was brought to us by the Evil One, Satan, known as Lucifer the Light Bearer and remains with us until the Second Coming of Jesus Christ who died for us, our sins, Who descended into Hell to lay down the law before Satan, arising on the third day and ascended into Heaven.

In spite of the many advances in medicine and science, many kinds of suffering exist and the same question is still often asked. Why Suffering?

Everyone has experienced suffering or affliction of the body as well as the spirit in varying degrees. This experience, when new, often is followed by fear which is the enemy’s weapon.

Fear is caused by the unknown and is common to all, for no life can escape suffering and adversity. Suffering is aggravated by fear which Is not controlled by the mind of reason. One’s very attitude and understanding determines whether one will grow through suffering or embittered by it. Suffering and fear it is said, can only be overcome by courage. It is also said that without courage all is lost. Courage, according to some church fathers makes it possible to move ahead, with a will to make the best of difficult situations and set an example that can sustain others who suffer. Courage makes it possible to perform duties as they come and go. Understanding suffering and pain helps one to face the inevitable and inescapable. But, is there another means beyond “Courage”? You will have to experience the reality in your life as to what the best approach would be for you for it is that not every one experiences Suffering in quite the same way as another. “Courage” may be a good word in and of itself, but it is my personal belief that “Faith” and that a strong one which many in these present times do not yet have within themselves. Faith in Jesus Christ! Faith in the teachings, in the words of Jesus Christ, His Holy Apostles and many who have left us writings down through time and history to aide, comfort, and provide a road map of sorts for directing us and offering us a means to come toward overcoming “Suffering”.

Personally, I use a very special prayer which is an altered form of what is presented in Holy Scripture as the Lord’s Prayer for He did not say we MUST PRAY in a word for word manner, but that we can pray in like a manner. You may find that prayer posted at this website which I have often taught and used for many people who are “suffering” in body, mind and soul. Many Monks, Priests, Bishops, Archbishops, and Metropolitans have said that they had found it so very useful for not just themselves but for many to whom they minister to for it explains much more and provides more strength for those who are weak both physically and otherwise.

In times of illness and suffering one is very conscious of the contrast between health and illness. A person in good health too seldom protests his or her health in order to prevent its breakdown and then there are many who do not even observe such while going about believing themselves somewhat invincible to such breakdown until they begin to suffer.

At times people exploit their own health and destroy their bodies by using material and spiritual devices such as alcohol, legal and illegal drugs (beyond reason), lust of the flesh and other weaknesses of society.

Energy, time and money are often consumed in trying to cure, yet good health is more often than not, taken for granted. The cause of our ills and injuries can often be traced back to our very own carelessness, our disregard (especially as youth) for the rules of good health maintenance – physical, emotional and even more often than not, sadly to say, spiritual.

There are times when we do not know the reasons, because we are healed and other times we are not. Negligence of both body and spirit contribute greatly to the loss of health resulting in suffering and pain. Thus, suffering is an undeniable reality, a dilemma which people often minimize as if denying it might make it disappear. Few adequately reflect on the depression and dejection that sometimes comes over them. Few deny the deep-felt feelings of hopelessness which nearly crushes them. Hardly can they flee from their lonely dread although they try to keep from disclosing their feelings of uneasiness and illness.

Actually, when one stops to think about it, we find that “Suffering” pervades all individuals and institutions. It is the principle that governs many social service institutions of our society – those for the handicapped, blind, mentally disturbed as well as hose in prison, the needy and even the elderly. Even though suffering permeates every aspect of this life we are living in – it is the least heeded and understood by those who judge and govern, who overlook the simplest facts. Many in those various institutions are surprised by the horrible sufferings of other people. This response indicates a failure of those institutions’ abilities to help those who suffer. This is what psychology is about… a science of mankind which is yet to be more fully understood or developed. It is in itself still in an infancy stage. Yet few blame them but rather place blame on “evils” in society.

To be honest, it is my own personal feeling that living conditions of a vast number of people today are sub-standard; life expectancy is not being reduced by eradication of preventable disease as one is being led to believe; bare standards of mental well being are not really being met partially because the Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ has not been fully understood or where there are few who do understand, there has been a perversion of them for the sake of an organization of cult.

Man’s potential for gaining a higher plateau of well-being, better achievements and better living is being destroyed by the very elements that should be promoting human potential – the family, marriage, work, educational, professions and political institutions and society in general are to be blamed because of what has been said above in the previous paragraph.

Can this suffering be resolved by group solutions? It is believed that it is possible but not likely because of the diversity of beliefs as Christians or so-called “Christians” have altered, modified or even bastardized the Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ for religio-political purposes. We see this in certain jurisdictions of the Catholic Church from Rome to even Orthodoxy itself and most assuredly in various Protestant cults which have become so numerous that it would seem to be amazing how they can exist… but exist they do with sincerity of heart by many who operate them, but operate them with the back-in-the-mind idea of power, self-glory, silver and gold unbeknownst even to themselves which is an evil of the mind and heart that affects the soul. Our political institutions operate on much the same kind of momentum.

On examining our world around us, our character – our understanding may grow. Only in such a life and word today can we know good health and learn to appreciate them.

How can we learn to appreciate health without disease and pain? How can we appreciate love without hate? How can we appreciate a sunny day without the storms and natural disasters? How can we appreciate life without coming to know death? Knowing the existence of a moral world with good and evil – we can gain insights into both. Here is where mankind has been given FREE WILL, by the Grace of God who wants us to come to Him. And for which reason He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ into the world who suffered for us. Yet, believing is not enough in and of itself! It must be LIVED! It must be our walk and talk not with “thou and thee” as though we lived in the times the Holy Bible was finalized and then later printed by the Gutenberg press… But with an energy of sincerity and desire to be a blessing to each one who we meet and greet each day of our life!

It is then that with the FREE WILL we are given, we have the choice of seeking one and trying to avoid the other. This knowledge though, does not always make it easier for us. But the recognition and acceptance of the existence of good and evil strengthens our abilities to adjust to changing circumstances. We then become aware that there is no real ‘easy way’.

The marvel is that people do such amazing and inspiring things despite their difficult circumstances. People, who are crippled, blind, handicapped and ill, have accomplished unbelievable feats, overcoming their difficulty. Persons without arms learn to use their feet to type, write and paint. Blind persons become exceptional lawyers, musicians, weavers, etc. If we learn to accept the things that happen to us, we will find some peace and tranquility. The humble acceptance of our misfortunes emerges from the virtue of gratitude. If we realize that suffering can come to us at any time, we should learn to value our days of peace, health and happiness, which for some, is not easy when faced with immediate issues involving struggle. But calling them to mind eases the transition whereby the hope of more peaceful and tranquil moments ahead is a focal point to reach, especially when we recognize and realize the depth to which our Lord had gone for each and every one of us. A strong sense of gratitude frequently lessens the possibility of bitterness.

Suffering and adversity often develop in people a new tenderness and gentleness. This understanding emerges from the recognition that suffering and pain are a part of the design of human life. Moreover, they become strong, worthy factors in enabling us to face whatever difficulties that come along. But being aware of the possibility and having a healthy attitude makes the difference in dealing more effectively with the worst that might come in the future. A healthy approach will develop the courage to face the worst. This keeps us from being taken by surprise and lessens the shock and dismay that affects those who are oblivious to the fact that life has its share of suffering and adversity.

Of course, it is not possible to know or visualize what lies ahead for us and fully prepare for it. However, if we are prepared in general, we are better able to meet any unforeseen occurrence. A philosopher has said: “To accept what has happened is the first step to overcome the consequences of any misfortune.” IF we apply this sound advice, we can strengthen our spirit to cope with suffering and adversities. The question that naturally arises is whether one can do this more easily? The answer is rather simple – Faith In God!

As already alluded to, Faith In God creates Courage. Faith in God is the very source of courage and fortitude when one faces a tragedy. The most inspiring example if the very Life of Jesus Christ Himself! His courage and fortitude demonstrated clearly these values when He faced His arrest, trail, scourgings, beatings and suffering on the Cross.

It was a majestic display of courage unmatched in the whole of known human experience. Jesus Christ quickly dealt with the tasks and difficulties confronting Him. His actions were direct, not evasive, and each difficulty that arose had a part in demonstrating His courage during His agony on the Cross. It is this kind of courage which shows a person’s capacity for understanding and doing one’s best. Courage in confronting a problem, large or small, results in diminishing worries and fears.

Jesus Christ’s example of facing His difficulties is the kind of courage everyone should follow. Therefore, from the very life of Jesus Christ we must learn a great deal about suffering.

At the time of Jesus Christ’s walk and talk on this planet of ours, the world was far less secure than what many think it is today. Yet, He taught people to live one day at a time: “Do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day’s own trouble be sufficient for the day” (Matt. 6:34). Jesus Christ also said: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me” (Matt. 11:28, 29). It is anxiety and lack of care of body and mind that leads to their breakdown and suffering.

Faith in God overcomes anxiety, as alluded. This becomes evident even though we face sufferings, and fears, because Jesus Christ overcame the evils of the world in which he physically lived. This belief and knowledge gives us assurance, thereby creating a calmness in our body and mind which, in truth, heals. Yet, it is your faith that is to be tested and tried.

A very strong and abiding faith in God has cured many people of diseases and suffering where doctors and medicines have failed to do so. Faith in God can produce miracles. He promises those who suffer, physically and emotionally, even spiritually, that He will not leave them or forsake them. God’s presence is our constant strength. Jesus Christ said to the woman suffering for 12 years, when she touched His garment, “Take heart, daughter, you faith has made you well” (Matt. 9:22). Many of Jesus Christ’s followers were indeed healed. Yet, other men and women of faith were not; there are many such examples in the Bible.

Apostle Paul is one who was not healed, even though he was an apostle with great faith. His life was filled with illness and many other problems, for it was as he said: “Three times I besought the Lord about this, that it should leave me; but he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness’. I will all the more gladly boast of my weaknesses, that the power of [Jesus] Christ may rest upon me” (2 Cor. 12:8-9).

Paul asked God to remove his suffering, saying: “We felt that we had received the sentence of death; but that was to make us rely not on ourselves, but on God who raises the dead . . . on him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again” (2 Cor. 1:9,10). Here was a man of great faith, yet his sufferings were not healed. However, he gives us an answer to the question of suffering: “For the sake of [Jesus] Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and calamities; for when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:10). When Apostle Paul was not relieved of his thorns, he accepted them as an asset, declaring that God’s Grace was enough for all his deeds, whatever they might be. Apostle Paul’s story is also an example for facing our own sufferings in these End Times that we have entered world wide and in which the Anti-Christ rules more and more and where people have become so ‘dummed-down’ by their many false claims of being ‘Christian’ without recognizing or realizing what it truly means in both spirit and truth! This is alarming and also an answer as to why there may seem to be more sufferings, more calamities and worse.

As I write this missive, I have been watching on television the recent crisis in Haiti. The sufferings on-going there is only a touch of the proverbial spiritual and material ice-berg. Truly a test of one’s faith. And, I would dare say that son of the infamous Protestant preacher Billy Graham (whose belief is of sincerity for sure although a bit misguided with his and his family’s numerous monetary requests that is not truly a part of the Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ and the Holy Apostles whatsoever) . . . does not have a clue as to what is going on in this world’s spiritual affairs while claiming that the paganism loose or afoot is the cause… it is far worse than that for the example in Haiti is for the world to see as to what is really wrong and cause for God’s hand of blessing to be lifting ever so slowly from this America in which many of us live…

Faith in God, then, means that we must put our very lives into His hands and acknowledging that we live by His Grace. And one wonders in their mind, “How do I do this?” The answer is rather simple but most difficult to do for our human nature is to rely on someone or something that provides a more solid assuredness as in a ‘guarantee’ or ‘contract’ of ‘clause’ of a written document. Well, the Holy Bible does not lie! And, it is a contract for those who literally and those who spiritually live by it. Thus it is something solid for those who are weak and unmoved by the reality of truth given by the root, ground and base of all things CHRISTIAN which is Orthodox Catholic Christianity from which the Roman Jurisdiction did indeed schism even though they have much to claim otherwise including surreptitious documents of their own pen. Yet, the Holy Bible, even with its having been altered, has not yet been so deformed in these times to obliterate this truth of and about the answer.

Having faith makes the body function better, which in turn helps it to renew itself more readily. “A cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a downcast spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22).

Christians who truly dedicate their energy and health to the Will of God look upon their illness and suffering as a “…visitation of the Lord”. They show their courage, in the midst of illness and suffering, much like Job.

Job, a just man of the Old Testament, experienced much suffering. Even so, he displayed great courage in his sufferings, saying: “Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?” (Job 2:10). The Book of Job gives one explanation of the question of suffering: that God lets His people be afflicted to prove their faith in the face of suffering. The problem of man’s suffering is resolved by the Prophet Isaiah in the conviction that suffering finds its glorification in service to others (read: Isaiah Chapter 53).

The faithful Christian who expresses his gratitude to God for his health, bodily and spiritually, has the courage and the patience to undergo the pains of illness with the same dedication. He believes that whatever his condition of body and soul, in health or sickness, God’s Grace leads him to life.

It must be admitted though, that the truly sincere and faithful ‘Christian’ cares for and protects and even nourishes his body. He should nourish it with spiritual as well as material things. Yet, in saying this, I am sure there will be those who argue about clergy who ‘smoke’ cigarettes. And, the answer, the only answer that stands strong is that which Jesus Christ, Himself, said: “Think not of that which goes into the body and out through the affluent but by every word that proceeds from thy mouth thou shall be judged by.” Thus the argument is allegorical in respect to the idea of maintaining your body, nourishing it… For indeed it is up to the individual, for the idea is not a demand on everyone, but for one to consider which makes him or her no less and no more truly “Christian”. For indeed, it is our thoughts and words as well as our actions that judgment will come. Again, it is not what goes into our body that shall count… yet, consider all things that you take… prescribed and non-prescribed by physicians…

In the Gospel according to James, Chapter 5:14-15, we learn: “Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sin, he will be forgiven”. This practice as instituted by the Apostles of Jesus Christ as the sacred ceremony of the Church by which its members are granted redemptive power through her priests, the elders, the Sacrament of Holy Unction. This also alludes to the Seals of the Confession which is, in another writing, pointed out as being of and through Jesus Christ from which many Protestants and their ever increasing cults have fallen away from believing in… thus their altered faith and lack of belief make them less than Christian, but luke warm if at all, or anti-christian at best when coupled with their many other heresies and heretical beliefs. This is not intended to be a negative about the people of Protestantism, so much as a fact of the theologies they have allowed to creep into their much claimed “Christian” churches that many people have opted to accept… a lie for truth while teaching truth as lies!

The very Sacrament of Holy Unction sustains the faithful person who feels the need of His Grace (God’s) through Jesus Christ, in order to be saved and by which is transmitted to the sick person that which has been said so that “…the prayer of faith will save the sick man”. Both body and spirit are cured. Thus, the Sacrament of Unction, as described by the Holy Apostle James, is an act of divine authority. Divine Grace is invoked and transmitted to the faithful believer with the hope of healing and forgiveness of sins.

Faith in God creates the hope of the suffering person to be made well. Faith and hope go hand in hand as Holy Scripture points out for it is a divine power. Only the faithful can rejoice in hope, for they rejoice in the glory of God. Faith creates such a hope that it becomes a dynamic force from within. It is this hope that motivates the spiritual energies of the faithful person, especially one who is suffering within and outwardly.

Suffering, therefore, cannot be endured without God’s help, compassion and His understanding which our His one and only begotten Son, Jesus Christ experienced.

Our sufferings from illness, accidents, loneliness, poverty, lack of love, loss of wealth, broken families, lack of freedom, prejudices and many other factors dominate most of our very lives. IF we are alone and wandering without an awareness of the divine companion in our lives, our sufferings are permanent. But the devoted Christian struggler, whose faith in Hope and Prayer is vivid, makes himself a recipient of God’s Grace by which he can endure his sufferings.

To the unbelieving person it appears a paradox for the faithful to rejoice in their sufferings. They do not understand that suffering produces patience. Patience in itself produces experience in virtues and character from which hope penetrates our very being. This hope never disappoints us as followers of Jesus Christ whose Life and Teachings present a vivid picture or road map for living in this life so that we may attain a blessedness in the life to come when we cross the threshold from this life into the next.

Suffering Produces Strength

The question of “Why Suffering” can now be better accepted in the light of this understanding. This new experience can be more easily accepted by putting oneself in the hands of God.

The positive thinking of faith, trust and hope in God can be a healing force. God gives us the ability and strength to pass through most difficult times. It is amazing how the human being has the ability to endure great suffering and pain. But more amazing is the power of prayer which is both an expression of faith and hope but a way of developing and growing in faith.

When one establishes this communication with God, prayer activates God’s healing power within us. This does not always stop our suffering and pain, but it most certainly renews us inwardly and sustains us.

The healing power value of prayer is not so much in the healing itself, but in the creating of our companionship with God. Faith also does not always lessen suffering, yet faith never fails to heal the inner being, enriching our lives.

The true values in life become clear to us when we suffer. We see through the superficial approach to our modern living, putting material possessions and money in their proper perspective. We become aware of true values: faith in and worship of God, love, health, family, friendship, meaningful work and service to others. WE come to realize that these true values put material possessions and money which dominate our lives, in their proper perspective. When sickness and suffering are suddenly experienced, proper focus is placed on these material possessions. The suffering one also seems to see more clearly the reason for his existence.

Be strong when facing suffering. Be of good courage. Be not afraid nor dismayed. Be of good cheer. Seek inner strength and believe in this: “I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me” (Ph. 4:13).

This strength comes from a resilient power of a deep and abiding faith in God. The suffering one must draw form this source to strengthen and renew the weakened body. Through struggle can one gain strength to overcome. It is at this time of suffering that our faith is truly put to the test.

Do we feel sorry for ourselves, do we weep, do we wring our hands, do we give up? If so, faith and prayer cannot penetrate through these kind of walls.

The true Christian struggler must realize that behind suffering and adversity there lies the promise of God’s love, compassion, understanding and most of all, redemption.

The Holy Bible has many assurances of God’s concern for the sufferings and adversities of people. The Psalms have frequent reference to this. The suffering person will find great comfort and strength in reading the Holy Bible diligently even if it is one paragraph at a time or whole chapters.

But, again… it must be emphasized that courage can be taken form the Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ. The suffering Christ justifies the sufferings of His followers. Jesus Christ suffered because of the sins and weaknesses of others. Since Jesus Christ suffered should we not also suffer if we are truly His followers in both spirit and truth?

The Apostle Peter also offers many solutions to the problems of suffering, calling it a means of purifying and elevating the soul. According to Peer, suffering brings us into closer fellowship with Christ, thereby helping us to attain the higher life. The suffering one can receive courage form the fact that “Since, therefore, Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same thought, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer by human passions, but by the Will of God” (1 Pet. 4:1-2).

The following was sent to me by our Rev. Father Michael Valentine (Sweet) whose pseudo name for authoring is “Monk Michael”.

I know Monk Michael very well. He is not delusional and does know well how to guard against the many guises of the Evil One (Satan) who is the great deceiver.

I have discussed the following he sent to me at great length and have every reason to believe his experience is true and real. He has granted me permission to edit the following with hopes of clarifying some of his thoughts and his experience. There is every reason in my mind and heart to believe him as being a very gifted man by the Grace of God through Holy Spirit. And, remember… sometimes words used in life and those used by the Church are often misunderstood and therefore there is often much condemnation that goes on because of a way of thinking and speaking, of terms and terminology that often get in the way of understanding spiritual truth…

Blessed are you who may also agree with our assessment. And blessed are you who may had similar experiences who know how to discern…

+Thaddeus the Unworthy repentant one and fool for Jesus Christ in the vineyard of this life!

Eminence, I am going to try to explain what is happening in me at this time. You may or may not understand but I will do my best to verbalize this with clarity. This is a short version simply to just try in putting the experience down on paper.

You may recall the story of the hit and run driver when I ended up in a hospital not knowing my name nor the names of my wife or children. While I was in the hospital intensive care, the Holy Virgin Mary came to me, I know it was her without a doubt because I asked her to tell me her name and so she said that I would know her as Mary.

As my conversation was ending the night nurse came bursting into the room, turning on the light, looking around and asking me where the woman went that was in the room with me. She (the nurse) had overheard the conversation between two voices and one was “…definitely a woman,” she said, and asked where did she go off so quickly to??? This is the physical reality of my experience and it proved to me that I was not hallucinating. But, it was not actually physical. I touched her by reaching out yet it was not a physical touch as one would normally feel as in a sensation of touch on the hand or fingers or when touching someone or something. No, this was a touch from the inside, I cannot explain it, she was bathed in light, she was pure love and beauty and we touched; we had conversation that others could hear the sounds of, yet, the feeling of touch was inside of me as if it were our souls were touching. That is the best way that in which I can describe it. With that in mind I wish to bring this to your attention - - - something that came out of this experience!

There is something within me that will not rest! I am more on fire inside to preach the truth and warn the church of the issues that she (the church) has put her self in, and this horrid state of affairs is not at all good, not at all.

I have this concept inside me that will not go away and it is not simply a thought, it is the same as when the Virgin was with me, it is within me, it is a part of my very existence. Let me explain it to you further and you can meditate on it and think whether I am insane or if this is in fact even possibly a reality of fact.

We know that the Word of God has always been with God, the Word of God is God, His Word. His Word created all things, nothing that was created was created without Him, God spoke and the world became. Yet His Word was not physical, it was His Word yet it was not physical because it was within the bosom of the Father. We know that the God walked with Adam and then Adam sinned and was cast out of the Garden and yet this did not end God’s walk with mankind.

God spoke with Cain and Able and even in the sin of the murder by Cain, God protected Cain from harm even in his punishment.

We know that Enoch walked with God and was no more. Enoch walked a sinless life and was taken up and the Word was not made flesh yet.

Noah was found not to be lacking in faith either and became the physical salvation of the human race by the grace of God by himself and his whole family being saved through the flood.

Abraham was found worthy by his faith in the Word of God because it was not just a belief of which faith is, but his actions, words and thoughts were centered on God in all things he did daily.

Elijah was found to be worthy and was taken up. The Word was still not flesh but still in the bosom of the Father.

These people listened to the Word of God when no one else was listening. They each lived a daily life where there thoughts, words and actions were appropriate to the Love, Compassion and Understanding God wanted all to follow and practice. God’s Word was put into writing and became the law through Moses and yet Moses believed the Word as it was spoken to him, the written word of God was given to everyone else who did not heed the Word placed in their hearts.

David was found worthy until he murdered Uriah the Hittite in order to cover up his adultery. He (David) was then forgiven because of his penitent heart and yet the Word was still in the bosom of the Father, we know that the written Word of God or the law was abused by the religious of the day and the people suffered.

God said that He would send forth His word and It would travel the earth doing His will and then it would return unto Him. He also said something else just as peculiar. He said that man was without excuse because He had written His law on the heart of every man born of a woman. So we are born with the Word of God instilled within us, written on our very heart of our soul before we ever hear the Gospel preached. This meant that if the Word is written in the heart of our soul; then one’s thoughts, words and actions should have been in balance as it was with the prophets I have mentioned.

Finally God sent His Word, born of a woman, born in the flesh and His Word did as He commanded it to do and then it returned unto Him. Jesus (Christ) said that the Kingdom of God was within us. What He said bears witness to the Word being written in the hearts of all men born of women!

Jesus Christ became the final sacrifice in the flesh; Jesus Christ said that no man comes unto the Father but by Him. Now we know this to be true because the Holy Scripture tells us that it is so, that there were those who were taken up while the Word was yet in the Bosom of the Father as already mentioned.

We know that when Jesus, after His death on the cross, descended into hell, He preached to the prisoners there and released them. After the resurrection there was no more preaching in hell. Before the ascension and Pentecost, the Apostles were not yet traveling the world preaching the Gospel and saving souls, yet people still died in the meantime.

People die today even those who have never heard the name of Jesus Christ yet do good everyday.

God said that His law was written in the heart of every man that was born of a woman. We know that there have been those that were taken up simply based on their walk with God while in this life and they knew His Word even though it was only in His bosom because He spoke to them and they listened. So it was still the Word that they heard and hearkened unto and by faith through heeding the Word they were saved from corruption.

The Word finally became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ Who walked with man and explained the meaning behind the written Word because man did not heed the Word in his heart or the written Word given to him. We know this from reading the New Testament Gospel accounts.

So, with so many dying, even today, without ever hearing the name of Jesus Christ, we have to believe that they know the word because it is written on their heart and they heed it or they do not. This is where it really gets difficult for me to vocalize or put into writing…

Jesus Christ said that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He is the living Word of God in the flesh. We worship Him as God because He is God, “I and the Father are one”. Obviously Almighty God who is spirit cannot be one with the flesh, not in the sense it is spoken or understood. He must be saying that they are of one accord to the spirit because the fleshly body of Jesus houses the Holy Word of God and it is the Holy Word of God that is one with God. When we invoke the Holy Spirit the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of our Lord in the Spirit.

So in this same mind-set . . . when Jesus Christ says that no one comes to the father but by Him, is the “Him” actually the Word of God? And if so then it is through the Word of God that we are saved and of course we know this to be true but what if there is a deeper and more spiritual level to it because not everyone who has ever lived after the first coming of Jesus Christ has even heard His name spoken. I cannot help but think that in this way of understanding, even those who have never heard the name of Jesus Christ yet obey the Word of God written on their heart, they must see the salvation of Almighty God because of His Word, faith in His Word on their heart while they struggle to live life honestly and do good for all people even though they do not know the name of Jesus. They must still know the Word of God in order to be doing what is right to do according to their nature and degree of ability for it is by their thoughts, their words and their actions that they hold true to that which is written in their heart… which is the Word of God!

It is the Word that saves! We know this but only on the physical level of hearing someone preach the name of Jesus Christ and believing. But what about the spiritual level of Jesus Christ being the Word and it is the Word that saves us? With this understanding many of the man-made church laws and petty arguments and power struggles over who is correctly providing the truth - - - will bring about the eternal ruin of many.

Think about this; the church split over the argument of the two natures of Jesus and how they interacted and united within Him. It is beyond anyone’s comprehension how the nature of Jesus worked. He never told us, and the church split over a political and power struggle using something that no man can ever prove as the excuse and they still use it even today. You must realize how utterly ridiculous this is. This is only one example of how the church has reduced Jesus Christ to a mere human that we can dissect and fight over, as if we can ever understand God.

I think somehow I must understand what it is I am trying to vocalize that is within me. The message is simple, we must believe the Word that we have been given and love God first and our neighbor next. For it is in that way we will always do that which is good if we have such love. I think that is why the Word became flesh because no one heeds the word of God in his heart and they refused to obey the written Word, so God placed His word in the womb of a woman in order to walk and talk to us in the flesh and explain the simplicity of His message for our salvation. Love God and each other and stop the power plays and the petty law giving for political power and control of the people’s property, mind and hearts.

That is about all that I can write for the moment, I really do not know yet how to vocalize this in print and hope you have ears to hear and eyes to see for discerning these many things in spirit.

Be blessed and be a blessing in both spirit and truth… don’t patronize, be upfront and honest… for it is a blessing!

My Father Confessor, My Brother, My Friend, My 27 Years Partner and much more in the vineyard of this life for the life to come.

For many of you who may not be either Roman or Orthodox Catholic but of another religion or of one of the various Protestant Denominations of the root, Ground and Base of all things Christian which began with what is known and today called “Orthodox” or “Orthodox Catholic Christianity” realize and try to understand something very, very important:

When Thomas (Sainted Apostle of the chosen 12) who was chosen by Jesus Christ… When St. Thomas laid his head upon Jesus Christ as it states in Holy Scripture… His was a love that surpasses all understanding and is oddly enough very much minimized amongst all Churches and Jurisdictions of our Holy Faith. There was not physical acts or actions as often many jump to think when such happens between two men, especially clergy these days… But such a love does exist, can exist, has existed and will exist among men (and women)… It will involve holding of hands, hugging, even (as it does in many European and Asian Countries… kissing… A kind that is misunderstood by Western countries… The same would also hold true for females as well, but is more easily and readily accepted by those in Western countries than seeing two men.

The Love that we had for each other was of the same kind described above… Love can and does exist that goes far beyond most human’s abilities to comprehend! Such a love is a love that lasts for an eternity. It can, and sometimes does initiate through physical encounters not really acceptable by most, and can turn into something more that embraces celibacy as a true Christian… of which such (Celibacy) should pe racticed by all unmarried individuals no matter what age they may be…

I cannot tell you enough but what such a Love is the Love that is the Eleventh Commandment which encompasses all the other 10 Commandments of the Old Testament … Far too many cannot understand this Commandment given by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ… for it exists - - - Read - John 13:34-35

Before closing this rather lengthy Newsletter, I wish for each of you to pray for the members and pastor of the Metropolitan Community Church (their pastor: Reverend Renee McCall and Deaconess Judy Cross) of Boise, Idaho for if it were not for their erstwhile efforts in assisting this unworthy repentant one in obtaining funds and funding, Father +Jeff’s remains would still be lying in the cold of the funeral home who have equally assisted us in their efforts.

It was this particular MCC group that Father +Jeff wished to explore as he had talked with some of their members by telephone a week before his passing. We had planned to attend their services but it was too late by the time this unworthy repentant one attended along with Father David.

It is this particular MCC group which one of Father +Jeff’s family members were adamant in not wanting to go to for a memorial we had begun making arrangements with in memory of Father +Jeff. This says much about stunted and errant forms of theologies and following the Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ by family members… which was to honor Father +Jeff in his demise, but others unknowingly wanted to honor themselves more it would seem to appear. I am being very harsh I know… and forgiveness I shall need for saying such, but truth is truth! I shall not cover over that which is truth!

For all who believe in Jesus Christ wholly and totally, set aside their own personal differences and attempt to heal the splinters that separate us when others willing enough to go out of their own way to accommodate understandings different from their own, open their very doors to us… yet those within a family who oppose anything of such an understanding which is an opposition to Jesus Christ’s Holy Life and Teachings in both spirit and truth are not true Christians but followers of the Anti-Christ whether they know it or not!

This was the same family member of Father Jeff's who shouted in the lobby of the hospital that all Catholics were going to hell and he wasn't allowed to "Witness" to his brother to save him from going to hell. His children (just barely teenagers) yelled in unison what their step-father and father said, "yup, going to hell..." while their mother stood there and did nothing to put them in their place.

Father +Jeff was, before his mind was become more seriously affected by the horrible disease he contracted in the 1980's from a blood transfusion, very strong in his faith and he remembered having such strength even though he couldn't say why... but said during a lucid moment before his passing; "Why would I even want to be 'witnessed' to since I am strong in my faith... it seems he (name excluded) is trying to save himself than anyone else."

Father +Jeff would try to avoid saying anything negative about people unless he was really mad which took a lot for him to become angry or mad. Yet, he did not like for this particular brother of his to lie to him, which he felt his brother had done in months gone by since his and another brother's visit to Deming, NM long before we moved...

May you who read this, be blessed with compassion, love, and understanding, not of man, but of and in Jesus Christ, not the anti-christ who some are today unknowingly following in spirit and truth!