spirituality

The Body and Blood of Christ: A Sacred Gift

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The celebration of the Body and Blood of Christ is one of the most meaningful aspects of faith for Christians. It ties together stories from the Old and New Testaments, showing us just how much God’s love and care for humanity have always been a part of the plan.

Melchizedek’s Offering: A Hint of What’s to Come

Let’s start with Genesis 14:18–20. Here, we meet Melchizedek, who kind of pops out of nowhere as the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High. He brings bread and wine to Abram, who’s fresh off a big win in battle. Bread and wine may seem basic, but they’re loaded with meaning—they’re a sneak peek at the Eucharist that Jesus would bring into the picture years later.

What’s cool about Melchizedek’s offering is how simple yet powerful it is. Bread and wine are everyday things, but in this story, they become symbols of God’s blessing and promise. Melchizedek’s role as priest and king shows us a bit of what Jesus would later do—be both the ultimate priest and the sacrifice for the world.

This passage is a reminder that the Eucharist isn’t some random idea but part of God’s plan all along. Melchizedek’s bread and wine link the Old Covenant with the New Covenant, setting the stage for Jesus to fulfill God’s promise in an even bigger way.

Paul’s Take: A New Tradition is Born

Fast forward to 1 Corinthians 11:23–26, where Paul writes about the night Jesus was betrayed. This is where Jesus takes bread and says, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” Then He takes the cup and says, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Whenever you drink it, do it in remembrance of me.” Pretty powerful stuff, right?

Paul gives us a look at the Eucharist as both a memorial and a covenant. It’s a memorial because it takes us back to Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice on the cross, something we remember every time we celebrate the Eucharist. But it’s also a covenant—a promise of salvation sealed with Jesus’ blood.

The Eucharist isn’t just something we do—it’s an encounter with Jesus Himself. When we take the Body and Blood, we’re connected to Him and to each other as one big family in Christ. Paul’s account reminds us to approach this tradition with respect and gratitude because it’s not just bread and wine—it’s Jesus giving Himself to us.

The Feeding of the Five Thousand: A Miracle That Points to Something Bigger

In Luke 9:11b–17, we get the incredible story of Jesus feeding thousands of people with just five loaves and two fish. Imagine the scene: A huge crowd, no food, and the disciples freaking out. But Jesus calmly says, “You feed them,” and takes what little they have, blesses it, breaks it, and gives it out. Next thing you know, everyone’s full, and there are leftovers—twelve baskets, to be exact.

This story has some serious Eucharistic vibes. The way Jesus blesses, breaks, and gives the bread mirrors what happens during the Mass. The crazy abundance of food shows us how God’s grace is overflowing, way more than we could ever imagine. Just like the crowd got physical sustenance, we get spiritual nourishment through the Eucharist.

And let’s not forget the disciples—they’re the ones handing out the food, showing us that we’re meant to share God’s gifts with others. This miracle reminds us to trust God’s plan and to see how even the smallest offerings can make a huge impact when placed in His hands.

What the Eucharist Means for Us

The Body and Blood of Christ are a mystery we’ll never fully figure out, but that’s okay—it’s all about experiencing it through faith. The Eucharist is the heart of the Christian life, connecting heaven and earth and drawing us into Jesus’ victory over sin and death.

Looking at Genesis 14:18–20, 1 Corinthians 11:23–26, and Luke 9:11b–17, we see different sides of this amazing gift. Melchizedek’s offering shows us that God’s plan has been unfolding for ages, Paul’s words remind us of the seriousness and beauty of the Eucharist, and the feeding of the five thousand reveals the abundance of God’s love and grace.

As we think about these scriptures, let’s take a moment to appreciate the Eucharist. It’s not just bread and wine—it’s God giving Himself to us. Let’s come to the altar with open hearts and gratitude, ready to receive the nourishment we need for life’s journey.

Wrapping It Up

The celebration of the Body and Blood of Christ is more than a tradition—it’s an invitation to grow closer to God and to each other. Through something as simple as bread and wine, God shows us His love and gives us a piece of Himself. When we take the Eucharist, we’re reminded to live as Christ’s Body in the world, spreading His grace, mercy, and compassion wherever we go.

So, let’s go out there, filled with the Bread of Life, and share His love with a world that’s searching for hope and meaning.

Pax et Bonum,

Bishop Greer

Understanding the Mystery of the Triune God

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The doctrine of the Most Holy Trinity occupies a pivotal place at the heart of Old Catholic belief, revealing the profound mystery of God as one Being in three Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This profound concept, though difficult to fully grasp, illuminates the unique and eternal relationship within God’s very nature. A particularly striking passage that sheds light on the Trinity is found in John 16:12–15, where Jesus speaks to his disciples about the coming of the Spirit of truth. In this blog post, we will explore how this scripture offers a window into the dynamic life of the Trinity and inspires us to live in communion with God.

The Trinity: A Mystery of Unity and Diversity

The Catholic understanding of the Trinity is deeply rooted in the belief that God is one in essence but eternally exists in three Persons. This central doctrine is not explicitly spelled out in the Bible but is revealed through the life of Christ and the workings of the Holy Spirit. The concept seems almost paradoxical to human reasoning, yet it is an invitation to delve into the mystery of divine love and unity.

John 16:12–15 captures a moment of intimate teaching by Jesus during the Last Supper. In this passage, He says:

“I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify Me because it is from Me that He will receive what He will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is Mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from Me what He will make known to you.”

Here, Jesus points to the inseparable workings of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This passage invites us to reflect on the interplay of roles within the Trinity, showcasing their unity in mission and their diversity in function.

The Spirit of Truth: The Promise of Guidance

In John 16:12–15, Jesus promises the coming of the Holy Spirit, whom He calls the Spirit of truth. The Spirit’s role is to guide the disciples into “all the truth,” an ongoing process of revelation that ensures the Church remains in communion with God’s will. This promise points to the Holy Spirit’s active involvement in the lives of believers, illuminating the teachings of Christ and deepening our understanding of divine mysteries.

The work of the Spirit is also inherently Trinitarian. Jesus emphasizes that the Spirit will not speak on His own but will convey what He hears from the Son, who, in turn, shares all that belongs to the Father. This cyclical flow of knowledge and mission exemplifies the perfect harmony and mutual love within the Trinity. The Spirit, often referred to as the “bond of love” between the Father and the Son, extends this love to humanity, drawing us into the divine life.

Living the Trinitarian Mystery

For Catholics, the doctrine of the Trinity is not merely a theological concept but a lived reality. It calls us to reflect the unity and love of the Trinity in our relationships and communities. Just as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit exist in perfect communion, we are invited to live in harmony with one another, rooted in the love that originates from God.

The Trinity also reminds us of the mission entrusted to us as followers of Christ. The Spirit of truth continues to guide the Church, enabling us to proclaim the Gospel and bear witness to God’s love in the world. Through prayer, sacraments, and acts of charity, we participate in the life of the Trinity and become instruments of God’s grace.

The Trinity in Worship and Prayer

Catholic worship is deeply Trinitarian, from the sign of the cross to the celebration of the Eucharist. When we begin and end our prayers with “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” we acknowledge the presence and power of the Triune God in our lives. The Mass itself is a profound expression of Trinitarian worship, as we offer praise to the Father, through the Son, in the unity of the Holy Spirit.

John 16:12–15 also enriches our prayer life by reminding us of the Spirit’s role as our guide and advocate. In moments of uncertainty or confusion, we can turn to the Spirit for wisdom and discernment, trusting in His ability to lead us into the truth. This reliance on the Spirit fosters a deeper relationship with Christ and draws us closer to the Father.

Conclusion: Embracing the Mystery

The mystery of the Most Holy Trinity is a source of endless wonder and inspiration for Catholics. It reveals a God who is relational, self-giving, and eternally loving. John 16:12–15 invites us to glimpse the inner life of God and to participate in this divine communion through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

While the Trinity may remain beyond complete human understanding, it is a gift that enriches our faith and calls us to live in unity, truth, and love. As we reflect on this profound mystery, may we be drawn ever closer to the Triune God, who desires to dwell within us and transform our lives.

Pax et Bonum,

Bishop Greer

Pentecost: Exploring Unity, Diversity, and the Spirit of Inclusion

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Pentecost is one of those moments in the Christian calendar that feels electric—literally and spiritually. Celebrated fifty days after Easter, it’s the day the Holy Spirit descended upon the early disciples, as told in Acts 2. Think of it as the “birthday of the Church,” with unity blossoming in the middle of incredible diversity. It’s a powerful story of individuals being empowered to spread their message across cultural, linguistic, and geographical barriers. Interestingly, these themes of unity in diversity also run through 1 Corinthians 12:3b–7, 12–13, a passage that speaks to the Spirit’s ability to work beautifully through our differences. And what better time to reflect on these ideas than during LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, a celebration of individuality and community?

Finding Harmony in Our Differences

In this passage from 1 Corinthians, Saint Paul dives into the idea that every follower of Christ is connected by the same Spirit, yet each person has unique gifts to share. He writes, “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good” (12:7). Saint Paul takes it further with the metaphor of the body, where every single part has a role to play. “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ” (12:12). The message is clear: diversity isn’t just okay—it’s essential. Every person, no matter their background, is a vital piece of the puzzle that makes the community whole.

Pride Month: A Celebration of Identity and Love

June is a special time of year because it marks LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, a period dedicated to honoring the history, resilience, and contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community. It’s all about celebrating the rich tapestry of human identity and creating spaces where people can truly be themselves. Pride Month stands as a reminder that everyone is inherently valuable, deserving of respect, dignity, and love—values that resonate deeply with the inclusivity found in 1 Corinthians.

For the Church, this is an opportunity to embody Christ’s love in action by welcoming and affirming LGBTQIA+ individuals. Just as Pentecost broke down linguistic and cultural barriers, Pride Month challenges us to dismantle prejudice and celebrate our collective humanity. It’s an invitation to recognize our differences as strengths rather than sources of division.

Bringing It All Together: Pentecost, Pride, and Saint Paul’s Wisdom

When you connect Pentecost, LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, and Paul’s teachings, an inspiring theme emerges: the Spirit is constantly working through diversity to create unity. On Pentecost, the disciples spoke in many languages, yet their message was one of shared faith and purpose. Similarly, the LGBTQIA+ community’s beautiful spectrum of identities adds to the broader narrative of dignity and liberation.

Paul’s body metaphor feels especially relevant here. Imagine one part of the body saying to another, “I don’t need you.” Ridiculous, right? This truth is amplified during Pride Month, reminding us that LGBTQIA+ individuals are indispensable members of the human family. The Spirit doesn’t recognize the boundaries we create; instead, it moves through everyone, fostering a collective good that transcends human limitations.

A Spirit-Filled Call to Action

The flames of Pentecost sparked a movement, and the celebration of Pride Month continues to light a path toward love and inclusion. 1 Corinthians 12:3b–7, 12–13 reminds us that the Spirit’s gifts are for everyone and that these gifts are meant to bring us closer, not pull us apart.

By embracing both Pentecost and Pride, we witness the Spirit working in extraordinary ways through our differences. The Church is called to reflect this Spirit by affirming that all people are fearfully and wonderfully made. Let’s honor not just what unites us, but also what makes us unique. This Pentecost and Pride Month, may we step into a more in-depth understanding of what it means to be one body with many beautiful and irreplaceable parts.

Here’s to a season of hope, love, and radical inclusivity!

Pax et Bonum,

Bishop Greer

The Ascension and Inclusive Catholicism

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A Powerful Start

Acts 1:1–11 opens the exciting story of the early Church, and honestly, it’s epic. Picture this: Jesus spends His last moments with His apostles, gives them a life-changing mission, and ascends to heaven in a cloud. It’s dramatic and full of inspiration for anyone who’s ever wondered about their place in the Church.

But here’s the thing: this passage isn’t just about Jesus leaving earth. It’s about what He leaves behind—a promise, a challenge, and hope that His message is for everyone. And that’s where inclusive Catholicism comes in, taking this vision and running with it.

What Happens in Acts 1:1–11?

Let’s break down the highlights:

  • The Promise: Jesus tells His apostles to stay in Jerusalem until they receive the Holy Spirit. Think of it as the spiritual fuel they’ll need for their mission.
  • The Mission: Jesus gives them a clear roadmap: “You’ll be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Translation? They’re called to share His love with everyone, everywhere.
  • The Ascension: Jesus rises into heaven, leaving His apostles staring at the sky. Two angels show up to remind them to focus on their mission instead of waiting around for His return.

What Does This Mean for Inclusive Catholicism?

Inclusive Catholicism is all about making sure the Church reflects the universal love of Christ—welcoming everyone, breaking down barriers, and celebrating diversity. Our readings give us a solid foundation for this mission.

The Holy Spirit Unites Us All

When Jesus promises the Holy Spirit, He’s talking about something bigger than just the apostles. The Spirit is for everyone, breaking through cultural and linguistic divides at Pentecost. This reminds us that the Church should always strive to be a place where all people feel at home, no matter their background.

The Mission Goes Beyond Boundaries

Jesus didn’t set limits on who could hear His message. “To the ends of the earth” means exactly that—everywhere and everyone. Inclusive Catholicism takes this to heart, working to connect with people from all walks of life and build bridges of understanding and love.

The Ascension Inspires Hope

When Jesus ascends, it’s not the end of the story—it’s the beginning of something greater. The apostles are called to focus on the bigger picture: a world united in faith and love. This hope pushes us to dream of a Church that actively works for justice, equity, and inclusion.

Living Out the Message

This story in Acts isn’t just an ancient story—it’s a call to action. How can we live out these values today? Here are some ideas:

  • Be Welcoming: Make our parish and community a space where everyone feels accepted, especially those who’ve been marginalized.
  • Start Conversations: Engage in dialogue with people of different faiths, cultures, and perspectives. Building relationships is key.
  • Stand for Justice: Advocate for fairness and equity in our community and beyond. The Church can be a powerful force for good!

Final Thoughts

Acts 1:1–11 is a reminder of what the Church is meant to be—a community fueled by the Spirit, focused on a universal mission, and inspired by the hope of Christ’s return. Inclusive Catholicism takes this vision seriously, striving to make the Church a home for everyone. As we reflect on this passage, let’s think about how we can step up and live out its message in our own lives.

So, what do you think? How can we make the Church more inclusive and welcoming for everyone? Share your thoughts—we’d love to hear your perspective!

Pax et Bonum!

Bishop Greer

Reflections on Unity and Love

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Our reading from the Gospel of Saint John this Sunday is a part of Jesus’ prayer for all believers, where He emphasizes the importance of unity and love among His followers. There’s something truly inspiring about these verses, and I think they resonate deeply with us today.

In John 17:20-21, Jesus prays, “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” This plea for unity among believers highlights the profound connection we share, not just with each other, but with Jesus and the Father.

One of my favorite spiritual writers, Thomas Merton, once said, “The Christian is not merely ‘alone with the Alone’ in the Neoplatonic sense, but he is One with all his ‘brothers [and sisters] in Christ.’ His inner self is, in fact, inseparable from Christ and hence it is in a mysterious and unique way inseparable from all the other ‘I’s’ who live in Christ, so that they all form one ‘Mystical Person,’ which is ‘Christ.’”

Merton’s words remind us that our journey towards understanding and purpose, is intertwined with the relationships we build and nurture. Just as Jesus prayed for unity, we too are called to seek connections that uplift and strengthen our faith. We Franciscans call this “the univocity of all being” (speaking of all beings with one consistent voice), “that all may be one” (John 17:21)

Continuing in John 17:22-23, Jesus says, “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one – I in them and you in me – so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” Here, Jesus speaks of the glory given to us, a glory that binds us together in perfect unity. This sense of divine love and connection is something we should cherish and strive to embody in our daily lives.

Merton also wrote, “Love is our true destiny. We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves alone – we find it with another.” I love this quote because it underscores the idea that love is central to our existence. When we embrace love and unity, we reflect the divine relationship between Jesus and the Father, and in doing so, we become a testament to the world of God’s love and grace.

Lastly, in John 17:24-26, Jesus prays, “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.” This final part of the prayer is a beautiful reminder of Jesus’ desire for us to experience His glory and love.

Thomas Merton’s insights complement this passage beautifully. He once said, “Our job is to love others without stopping to inquire whether or not they are worthy. That is not our business and, in fact, it is nobody’s business. What we are asked to do is to love, and this love itself will render both ourselves and our neighbors worthy.” This powerful message challenges us to love unconditionally, just as Jesus loves us. It’s a call to action that, if embraced, can transform our lives and the world around us.

Pax et Bonum,

Bishop Greer

Command: Love one another

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I know that some people are getting tired of hearing me preach about love. They think that love is too weak or too woke of a concept. And to listen to those in power in the United States, love is supposed to be reserved for our closest family and friends.

This Sunday, we have a Gospel passage that makes it obvious to everyone that we are to love one another. Jesus wanted it to be so clear that he called it a command. He commanded us to love one another.

Unlike those who claim to be Christians in our world today, Jesus did not put an asterisk next to that command. He did not say:

  • Love only your friends
  • Love only those who look like you
  • Love only those who are the same religion as you
  • Love only those who speak the same language as you
  • Love only those who have the same skin color as you

We cannot continue to claim to be Christians and ignore the simple truths of Jesus’ messages. In a world full of hatred and darkness, we must be willing to stand up for love. We must be willing to show love to everyone we meet.

I pray you will join us on this journey to follow the teachings of the Christ.

Pax et Bonum,

Bishop Greer

Following the Good Shepherd

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The whole world watched in great anticipation as we all stared at the chimney over the Sistine Chapel in Rome. The smoke rolls out white, but then quickly turns black. No pope. Twice we lived this anticipation. And then, finally, the smoke stayed white. Roman Catholics around the world rejoiced as the new Pope stepped out on the balcony to bless the crowds around the world.

While Old Catholics do not have a pope, we watched with excitement too. The process of electing a pope is shrouded in mystery and intrigue. And who doesn’t like a good mystery and a surprise ending?

This Sunday we listen to the story of Paul and Barnabas and how they faced persecution for preaching the Gospel to the Jews. We see the moment when they decided to turn toward the Gentiles to preach the message to them. The Gentiles embraced the message almost immediately. And they embraced it with great joy.

Two thousand years after Jesus called himself the Good Shepherd, we shepherds of the church continue to follow in his footsteps. We should all strive to follow the Good Shepherd and to put our faith and trust in him. Paul and Barnabas showed us that despite the persecution they endured, they remained steadfast in their faith.

There are times when I am disheartened by the lack of faith of most people who claim to be Christians. They put their faith in money, power, personality cults, and possessions. Sadly, all those things will pass away and rot. They will not be there for you when your life is over. Only faith in Jesus remains.

And so many people claim to have faith but fail to care for one another. They fail to care for the poor, the widow, and the orphan. Instead, they seek out riches and power. They are filling to trade the eternal for the fleeting.

As a Shepherd, it is my job to call the sheep back into the fold. It is my job to call those who stray to repentance. And many people see that as judgmental, however, it is our call as shepherds. Jesus called out those who failed to live up to the Gospel. He called out the religious leaders of his day who had sold out their faith for the temporary power given them by Rome. And Jesus routinely called them out for their lack of faith.

Today, I pray you will listen and hear me. Trump will not get you to heaven. Money, power, and possessions will not get you to heaven. Only faith in the divine will get you to heaven.

So, I pray you stop focusing on the things that will pass away and heed the call to set your mind on things that are eternal!

Pax et Bonum,

Bishop Greer

A new way to be Catholic

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Building an affirming and accepting parish in the Deep South is difficult work. And sometimes it feels like we are like the disciples in this Sunday’s Gospel. The disciples knew they were in Jesus’ presence, but they also wanted to ask to make sure it was Jesus. However, they were afraid.

It is scary to stand on the front lines of the battle being waged in our nation. People are afraid of the changes happening in our world today, and many do not feel safe to speak up. I understand that fear and it is natural. Not everyone is called to stand on the front lines. There needs to be people ready to continue the fight for the moral soul of the nation when those of us on the front lines are gone.  

Our parish has committed to being a safe space for all those who are marginalized, abused, and neglected in our world. It is not easy, but it is our commitment. We have been fighting for the rights of all people for decades and will continue to fight as long as we have breath in our lungs.

We cannot do this work without you!

I know some of you are scared to be seen in a progressive church. Some are leery to be in the church after the abuse and marginalization they have experienced in the past.  This too is understandable.

Here at Saint Francis Parish and Outreach, we are trying to build something different. We are a different way to be Catholic. We are not bound by the dogmatic nature of the Roman Catholic Church. Furthermore, we are an open, accepting, and affirming parish that seeks to be a safe space for all people.

Like I said, we need you to continue our work. We need you to come be an active part of our parish. We need you to financially support the work we do. Not only that, but we cannot continue to offer the services and safe space we do without you.

Our parish needs to raise $1200 in the next couple of weeks to pay our liability insurance, prepare for the Augusta Pride fest in June, and to continue providing the online services we offer.

Even more than that, we need you to come and support our parish in person. You can become a lector, acolyte, or greeter in our church. As we grow, there will be more and more things to do in the parish. And that is where you can help out!

Consider today becoming a part of a new way to be Catholic!

Pax et Bonum,

Bishop Greer

Pope Francis and Divine Mercy

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As I watched the transition of the earthly remains of Pope Francis from the chapel in the Casa Santa Marta to Saint Perer’s Basilica, I am reminded of the very humble and simple man that he was. He lived the real-life version of Divine Mercy in his daily life. He was not afraid to have hard conversations with people and with the Curia.

He called on us to show love and compassion to all people, including those so marginalized in society such as LGBTQIA+ individuals, women, immigrants, and the poor and homeless. He embraced those who were disabled and those who struggled in their daily lives.

He did not shirk away from extending his hand to those who needed love the most. One of the things that frustrated the Swiss Guard and the conservatives in the church was that he would disappear from the Vatican to go out into Rome to serve the poor and homeless. He washed the feet of transgender individuals on Holy Thursday in an act of compassion and understanding.

He embraced those who were sick without concern for his own wellbeing. He was a modern version of Saint Francis of Assisi, our patron saint. He may have been a Jesuit, but to many of us Franciscans, he was one of us.

This Sunday we will honor his life and legacy at our parish. We will pray for the repose of his soul and pray that God blesses us with a new Bishop of Rome who will follow in Pope Francis’ footsteps. We may not be Roman Catholic, but as Old Catholics, Pope Francis spoke our language. He understood what it meant to be a pastor, shepherd, and still be a normal human being.

I pray you will join us for this celebration and to learn about the Divine Mercy of our Savior as Pope Francis understood it.

Eternal rest grant unto Pope Francis, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.

Pax et Bonum,

Bishop Greer

Do you follow Jesus or the ruler of a nation?

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As I have watched the things happening in our country, especially the illegal and unconstitutional disappearing of American Citizens, I cannot help but see the parallels to the stories we read this week. Jesus was arrested for speaking up for the poor, homeless, widows, orphans, and those seen as less than the religious and civil leaders of his day.

His message was simple, all people deserve to be loved and are loved by God. This message so threatened the religious establishment of his day that they plotted to have him arrested and killed. And they succeeded. They were willing to lie and to twist the truth to make it happen. And the civil government at the time gave them the “legal” cover to do just that.

Rumeysa Ozturk, a Tuffs University student, was arrested by ICE agents who hid their faces so as to not be identified for the crime of writing an opinion piece for her school newspaper calling for an end to the genocide in Palestine. That was her only crime: Empathy.

Ozturk was one of dozens of students ICE has detained or deported to extermination camps in El Salvador simply for speaking out against war and genocide and standing up for peace. (See https://time.com/7272060/international-students-targeted-trump-ice-detention-deport-campus-palestinian-activism/)

The case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia is another example of the current regime using lies and false testimony to go after peaceful citizens of our nation. He is a father of a child and a husband who has no gang ties, yet the government used false information to claim that he was. Judges have rules that he was not a gang member and was not to be sent to El Salvador. However, this regime refused to obey the courts, failed to abide by the law and sent him to die in a prison in El Salvador.

Many Christians this week will stand in church and listen hypocritically to the readings about Jesus’ passion. They will fake tears over the betrayal, false testimony, and abuse Jesus suffered. All the while, they support that very same treatment against people they see as less than themselves. They will cheer on the Ruler of our nation when he calls for American citizens to be sent to those same prisons in El Salvador. And many of them will rail about how I should be sent there too for speaking the truth of the Gospel.

This week should be a wakeup call to many Christians in the former United States of America. They should see the hypocrisy of weeping for Jesus’ false imprisonment, fake trial, and ultimate murder by civil and religious leaders for the crime of calling for love and empathy toward their fellow human being.

I am calling on you today to search your heart and soul. Are you living the message of Jesus or are you giving away your birthright to a ruler of a nation? Are you standing up against war, genocide, and abuse or are you cheering it on?

Now is the time to open your hearts rather than harden them. It is time to live the Gospel, not just give it lip service.

Pax et Bonum,

Bishop Greer

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