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Holy Week
Fr. Andrew • March 20, 2024
And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? Matthew 26:40
On Sunday we embark upon the weeklong journey to Easter morning. There are several opportunities for worship in the subsequent days that are intended to assist us in reflecting upon Jesus’ sacrifice and death for our sake. Each service is unique, designed to make us active participants in the moments leading up the Resurrection.
It all begins on Palm Sunday, foreshadowing the week to follow. The service that morning is actually two services combined into one. The first begins, weather permitting, in the driveway of our building with the blessing of the palms and a procession into the sanctuary. In doing so, we seek to recreate the joyful reception of Jesus into Jerusalem, as he was hailed as King by all who gathered along the main road to welcome him with palm branches and coats laid before his feet. Yet, things take a turn as we enter the church and our readings point to the cross as shouts of “Hosanna” quickly change to “Crucify Him!” The service ends on a more solemn note as we leave reflecting upon the week ahead where Jesus would be betrayed, mocked, spit upon, beaten, killed, and buried.
The scene is then set for Maundy Thursday, where we remember Jesus’s institution of the Eucharist and giving of a new commandment to love one another. Everyone is invited to have his or her feet washed to remember the call to put our love of others into action through serving others. After Communion, we recall Jesus’ betrayal and affliction in the Garden of Gethsemane in the hours before he is drug before the religious leaders and put on trial. We too, remove the Body of Jesus in the Sacrament from the church to our ‘garden’ where it will remain until Good Friday. The service abruptly ends in silence after all is stripped away in the sanctuary, leaving only a bare altar for the days to follow. All are then invited to ‘watch with Jesus’ for an hour in prayer in our ‘garden’ as we recall His agony and obedience in the hours leading up to the events of the day to follow.
Good Friday places the centrality of the crucifixion in front of us. The reading of the account of Jesus’ death, entrance of the cross for our veneration and contemplation, and reception of Communion, keep the gravity of the day before us. Jesus words, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ are left ringing in our ears when we leave reflecting upon the greatest moment in human history: the moment wherein Jesus bears the weight of sin for all humanity so that we may be reconciled with God.
On Saturday we gather to embrace the emptiness and silence as the Author of our salvation harrows hell (see Eph. 4:9 ; 1 Peter 3:19). It is a day of preparation as we recall the stillness and anticipation of what will happen next. In perhaps the shortest service of the year, we gather to enter into this moment together as we prepare our hearts for the joy of the morrow.
When we arrive on Sunday to an ornate church filled with flowers and beautiful hymns we more fully appreciate the day having gone through the rollercoaster of emotions in the days prior. The baptisms of the morning take rich meaning as we reflect upon their meaning in light of what Jesus did for each of us.
Make this week a priority. Block off the service times as appointments with the Lord on your calendar. We are invited in these days to take the time, typically only an hour or so each day, to give thanks, recall, and worship the Author of our salvation. Jesus’ words then to the disciples are no less convicting to us now, And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? Matthew 26:40. May we not be found slumbering amidst the business and busyness of our lives this week to miss the greatest week in salvation history, which opens unto us the gates of heaven.
Blessings,
Andrew
Observing a Holy Lent Lent is a word which we use to mark the forty days that lead up to Easter. The word quite literally means, the spring season. But as in many points throughout history, Christians brilliantly captured the words and customs of surrounding pagan cultures to use them for evangelization. Subsequently, the Early Church used this season to prepare new converts for baptisms on Easter. For these catechumens, or individuals receiving instruction on the Christian faith, fasting, almsgiving, prayer, and repenting from worldly and pagan practices were as much a part of the preparation as the instruction itself. Lent was also a time when those who were excommunicated, removed from receiving Communion, would do penance. As they were removed from the life of the Church, during these forty days, it allowed a time for them to redirect their hearts and actions back to God. At Easter, they would be restored into the Faith Community through receiving Communion once more. For those who did not fall into either category, it remained a season for both refocus and return. The intentional time allows one to examine the Faith afresh, and in doing so, repent and turn away from sinful desires and behaviors in one's life. In doing so, one draws nearer to God. The marks of fasting, almsgiving and prayer have always stood as a means to assist toward that end. For instance, the old practice of abstaining from meat on Wednesdays and Fridays dates back to a time when the wealthy had multi-course meals. Fish would be one of the earliest courses, before entrees of meat, which were more expensive and rare. The Church encouraged those who were of such means to abstain from such lavishness in order to both save money to give to the poor, and also to create more time for prayer and contemplation. As we examine our lives, we too are called to fast from distractions and indulgences and to take on practices that foster more time with the Lord. If we give up alcohol, sweets, or soda, we can spend that time, even if only 5 minutes, in prayer or the study of God's Word when the urge for such treats arise. Also, the money that would have been spent upon such items can be saved during these forty days and given to the Church for God’s work in the world through our own almsgiving. Although the self-denial may only last forty days, the practices and disciplines we take on for our spiritual growth should last a lifetime! As we were reminded on Ash Wednesday, we are invited to observe a Holy Lent. Determine to do so through fasting, almsgiving and prayer. In doing so, prepare to more fully receive our Lord in the yearly remembrance of His death and resurrection in the weeks ahead. May our desire to keep a Holy Lent further us in this earthly pilgrimage to grow to look more like Jesus, by the Holy Spirit’s work in us, until we see Him face to face. Blessings, Andrew
Ash Wednesday is just a few days away (March 5). Its arrival marks the beginning of Lent and a new season in the Church Year. On that day we pause and attend a rather unique service as we embark upon this season together. But, what exactly is the history and significance of the service? What is the purpose of ashes? And what is the scriptural basis for all of these things? The earliest liturgical record of an Ash Wednesday service dates back to around 960 A.D., finding its roots in the Romano-Germanic pontifical (a collection of liturgical services dated to the 10 th century and later widely distributed throughout the Ottoman Empire and Italy). Yet, the historical use of ashes is found much earlier within the Old Testament. Often when the Israelites turned back from their sins to God, they did so in sackcloth and ashes (see Isaiah 58:5; Jeremiah 6:26; Daniel 9:3; Jonah 3:6; and Jesus references to it in Matt 11:21 and Luke 10:13). The act was one of humility, in which an individual would turn away from the things of the world through fasting in order to recommit oneself to the Lord. Doing so also served to reminded them of their humanity. In spite of their pride and false sense of self sufficiency, they were confronted with the reality that they are created beings whose days are fleeting (Genesis 3:19; Psalm 39:5,11; 62:9; 78:33; 94:11; 144:4). Therefore, as we begin Lent, we too, begin in like manner. As we will hear in the service that evening, we are invited, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent: by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and alms-giving; and by reading and meditating on God’s holy Word. We are called to draw back to our first love. Traditionally, the ashes used are the burned remains of the palms from the past year’s Palm Sunday. These are sprinkled with holy water, and sometimes incensed, as a series of four ancient prayers are prayed over them. The custom serves to remind us of our fickle nature. We, too, cry out to the Lord with our wants, but quickly turn away from Him when they are not met as we desire! The pillars of Lent are housed in the exhortation that evening to assist us in reorienting our hearts and lives over the following forty days. Interestingly, we find a model for them in the practice of fasting from meat on Wednesdays and Fridays in Lent. Historically, those of means would only eat the first course of a three-course meal, usually a fish dish, as part of their Lenten fast. The money saved in the more meager portions lead to almsgiving. These saved resources would be returned to the Lord to tend to the less fortunate and for the advancement of the Gospel. Finally, the reduced meal preparations and time spend eating allowed for more time with the Lord in prayer, Scripture, and worship. While customs change, the principles do not. Begin searching your heart for what you may fast from this season. Focus upon something that you ‘hunger’ for regularly and whose presence will be missed. When forgone it should serve as a reminder to you and create space in the midst of your day. It could be times on social media, alcohol, shopping, or a TV series. The times opens moments for prayer and time in God’s Word. Likewise, the financial savings may allow you to sow into the advancement of God’s Kingdom. May we all keep a Holy Lent, as we begin to think and prepare toward that end in order to draw nearer to Jesus over the next forty days. Blessings, Andrew
In the early life of Church the connection was made between the Nativity, or Jesus’ birth and entrance into the world, and His baptism. The very reason for Jesus' entrance into the world was to reunite us to God. And after entering the world in silence and great humility on Christmas Day, we see even more clearly who Jesus is in the Epiphany, whereby the world (signified by the magi) come back to God in their visitation of Jesus (God incarnate). Yet, it is in the baptism of Jesus as the heavens are opened and God the Father proclaims Jesus’ divinity from heaven that His ministry becomes even clearer (see Luke 3:21-23). Maximus of Turin, one of the Church Fathers, so marvelously noted this connection long ago,
January 6 marks the beginning of Epiphany, and the close of the Christmas season. As the twelfth night of Christmas gives way to the Epiphany, or revelation of Jesus Christ, we move from celebrating the Incarnation (Jesus’ coming into the world) to celebrating his manifestation to all peoples. Isaiah reminds us that Israel was always intended to be a light unto the nations (Is. 49:6). Through them, God’s salvation would extend to everyone. And it is upon the arrival of the three Magi, or Wise Men, symbolic of the other nations, to see Jesus, symbolic of Israel, that we see this promise fulfilled. Additionally, when they came to see Jesus they were transformed. And we are told that they left to tell others what they had seen and heard. So, this season holds a twofold purpose for us as Christians. First, it is a yearly reminder that Jesus came to fulfill God’s purposes to save all nations and people. Secondly, we, who have been transformed by Jesus, are called to make Him known as well. Toward that end, this season is also a particularly appropriate time for individual house blessings. Often our homes serve as the entryway to our church. Even in these odd days our homes are the places where we work, fellowship and engage in life together. At our Epiphany Mass on January 6 at 6:30 pm we will bless chalk and have a short order of service so you can mark and bless your home as well. We will also have a King Cake to mark the occasion too! Don’t miss out on this beautiful custom and opportunity to begin the new year by inviting Christ Jesus into your home anew. As we prepare for this season, let me leave you with these poetic and provocative works from Lancelot Andrews who noted of this season and the Magi - They came a long journey, and they came an uneasy journey; they came a dangerous journey and they came now, at the worst season of the year. They stayed not their coming till the opening of the year, till they might have better weather and way, and have longer days and so more seasonable and fit to travel in. So desirous were they to come with the first, and to be there as soon as they possibly might; broke through all these difficulties, and behold, come they did. And we, what excuse shall we have if we come not? If so short and easy a way we come not, as from our chambers hither? And these wise men were never a whit less wise for so coming; nay, to come to Christ is one of the wisest parts that ever these wise men did. And if they and we be wise in one Spirit, we will follow the same star, tread the same way, and so come at last wither they are happily gone before us. The final blessing this week is a proclamation over you toward that end as the celebrant will pray, May Christ, the Son of God, be manifest in you, that your lives may be a light to the world. I hope and pray this may be so in your life and in mine! Blessings, Andrew Epiphany Painting: Adorazione dei Magi (Adoration of the Magi) by Artemisia Gentileschi, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Merry Christmas to you all! It is appropriate to spend some time in the coming days reflecting upon the centrality of the Incarnation and the Christmas season and to celebrate the monumental moment of our Lord stepping into creation to redeem it. It is hard to fathom God entering creation as a baby if we truly dwell upon it. The magnitude of Jesus leaving his rightful place in glory to enter the world in such humility is incredible. Saint Augustine of Hippo so poetically captures the importance of it, “Man’s maker was made man that He, Ruler of the stars, might nurse at His mother’s breast; that the Bread might hunger, the Fountain thirst, the Light sleep, the Way be tired on its journey; that Truth might be accused of false witnesses, the Teacher be beaten with whips, the Foundation be suspended on wood; that Strength might grow weak; that the Healer might be wounded; that Life might die.” Jesus stepping into the world is the greatest act of love. And each moment thereafter His love was revealed time and time again with each teaching, healing, and ultimately in His death upon the cross. Saint Athanasius in writing on this very topic put it this way, “This He did out of sheer love for us, so that in His death all might die, and the law of death thereby be abolished because, when He had fulfilled in His body that for which it was appointed, it was thereafter voided of its power for men. This He did that He might turn again to incorruption men who had turned back to corruption, and make them alive through death by the appropriation of His body and by the grace of His resurrection. Thus He would make death to disappear from them as utterly as straw from fire.” He did so that you and I may no longer be under the bondage of sin, which alienates us from both God and one another. Instead, we may find the fullness of life here and now in restored relationship with Him as we turn to Him finding forgiveness, healing, and peace. Often, in the midst of the busyness of these days we don’t soak in the full weight of this season. For in it is the foundation of our faith. The birth of Jesus sets into motion God’s plan of redemption and restoration for all of creation, giving our lives hope and purpose. In the days to come, as we reflect upon the year past and look with anticipation to the year ahead, may we hold our Hope ever before us. Spend time reading John 1 and reflecting upon it. Or, as I am I trying to do in these days, read through some of the saints’ reflections upon this season. One you may want to explore is Saint Athanasius’ treatise "On the Incarnation of the Word" which can be found here. I pray that with fresh eyes and open hearts, we may continue to see, turn, and embrace the hope and love God lavished upon us at Christmas. Faithfully, Andrew
Dear Friends in Christ Jesus, Archbishop Ben Kwashi has recently retired from many of his roles within Anglicanism, but has not retired from active ministry. He moved out of the diocesan quarters where he lived as the Bishop of Jos and has moved to Zambiri some distance away. In the past few years as they considered his retirement, they purchased property there with the plan to house over 400 orphans that Archbishop Ben and Gloria have under their care. Prior to moving to Zambiri, the Kwashis developed a school and housed the orphans in the official Bishop’s compound, while he served as Bishop to the people of Jos, and led GAFCON as General Secretary. In this new season, they have dedicated their own resources to provide a new school building, proper housing, and needed care for these children⎯who grow in number almost daily. The Kwashis’ plan to continue to disciple, house, feed and educate some 450 orphans comes with many operational costs estimated at $72,000 per year, not including the construction costs. This figure does not represent funds for the Kwashis’ own living expenses. The operating budget roughly equates to an annual cost of $160.00 per child to be housed, clothed, fed and educated⎯a small sum to invest in the next generation! I have been blessed as one in whom the Kwashi’s have invested and have discipled over the years. At a time when I was discerning my call, they “took me into their home” as well, offering godly counsel and nurturing love. They have continued to pray for and counsel me over the years⎯I represent the second generation that Archbishop Ben and Gloria have raised up. I know many of you have your own stories from conferences and their visits to your dioceses and parishes, as they brought the Gospel and built up the Kingdom wherever they went. No matter how big the task or venue, they always made time to invest in our lives, carving out moments for meals and conversations. They are doing so again with these orphans, investing in a third generation⎯not merely with food, clothing and housing, but with the Gospel. Who knows what church leaders will emerge in the years to come from the godly deposits they are making in these young people! While they have not asked for help, I am asking for your prayers and partnership for this vital work. Would you prayerfully consider assisting in some way? Perhaps it is a line item in your parish budget to sponsor a number of their children annually; or a one-time gift as you honor their Gospel impact; or perhaps a presentation about this before donors or other colleagues. If you feel led to give, you may do so by sending a check made out to Saint Barnabas Anglican Church, memo Kwashi Zambiri Fund (mailed to 8425 Parkwood Hill Blvd. Fort Worth, TX 76137), online at https://secure.myvanco.com/YPSV/campaign/C-157Q7 , or via the QR code below. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I truly appreciate your time and consideration. Faithfully, Andrew+ Fr. Andrew Petta Rector of Saint Barnabas Anglican Church
In the coming three weeks we will turn to the Old Testament and the book 1 Chronicles as we focus upon our call to be stewards (Nov 17, 24, Dec 1). Our opportunity to respond on Commitment Sunday, fittingly falls on the first Sunday of new church year on Sunday, December 1. It comes at a time of year when we are reminded of what we are thankful for in our culture and the reminder in our church calendar of preparing for Jesus’ return in Advent. In this season of thanksgiving, my heart is full of gratitude for each of you. The ministry, the lives impacted, and seeds sown this year have come through your giving. Each time we open the doors of the church, investments are made for ministry therein or that flows forth from it. Thank you! I hope you will be encouraged over the next three weeks through stories you hear toward that end from various parishioners. You have had a direct impact, because of your giving. I also believe that the community that we so dearly love at Saint Barnabas is poised to be a city on a hill for those around us. As we look to the building of the temple in 1 Chronicles, we are invited to build a community here that enables you to be build up as living stones, and for others to find genuine community in fellowship with God and each of us. God has been so faithful to Saint Barnabas, and His love stands central to this hospitable church. As we look at where we’ve been, God is laying upon my heart ways we might help others discover what we’ve found here. I’d invite you to begin to recount those blessings and hold them in prayer in the weeks ahead. I’d also invite you to begin earnestly asking the Lord where He may lead you to partner in the year to come. My only expectation is that you seek Him in this matter, and then heed His voice on December 1. Faithfully, Fr. Andrew Petta Rector of Saint Barnabas Anglican Church
Do you know why you do what you do on Halloween? Where did this whole idea come from? It has something to do with the “eve of all Hallows”- whatever that is, right? But why the candy and costumes? Let’s start with Halloween. What is Halloween, or All Hallows Eve? Just as we pray in the Lord’s prayer, “Hallowed by thy Name…,” “hallows” means holy ones, or put more simply, the Saints. And we know what “eve” means, it’s the evening before. All Hallows Eve, or the Eve of All Saints Day is a day when we prepare to celebrate the feast of All Saints, but what do we do to prepare? What is there to prepare for? November 1st has traditionally been All Saints Day, and November 2nd is All Souls Day. On these days, we typically pray for and honor the departed souls of those who have come before us. Even now, in some places, All Saints Day is when they pray for the Saints and departed Children, and All Souls Day is a day to pray for everyone else, known or unknown, who have departed this life. So, people would prepare for these days of prayer by collecting a list of names of all departed souls they knew, recent deaths as well as ancestors. People would also pray for their neighbors’ departed relatives and keep them in their devotions on these special days. But what does this have to do with putting on a costume and going door-to-door asking for candy? Well, in preparation for gathering those names we just mentioned, and to teach their children how to begin/maintain this devotion, people would send their children door-to-door to ask their neighbors for the names of their departed relatives. And the children’s reward for their prayers was a small cake or pastry, often called a “soul-cake,” given in trade for a prayer for a departed soul—one cake for one prayer. Another custom came along over the years where children would honor All Saints Day by dressing up as their favorite saint, so as to learn more about those Christians who gave their lives to the service of the Lord, and to pattern their lives after the Saints. Somewhere along the line, these practices were combined, and we ended up with children dressing up as saints and going door-to- door asking for sweets and prayers. Of course, like many other Christian days of devotion, All Saints Day was put in its current place on the last day of October to thwart the celebration at the end of the Pagan year, which was much like a New Year’s Eve celebration. Somewhere in this mix, we get the phrase “trick or treat?” as the pagans were reluctant to give up their holiday and participate in the Christian Holiday. Naturally, time withers all kinds of things, and customs get lost in their public interpretations. So instead of seeing children dressed up as Saints such as, St. Laurence, St. John, or the Virgin Mary, we see St. Batman, St. Sponge-Bob, and St. Cat-in-the-Hat walking the streets asking for candy, and we give them no names to pray for. So next Halloween, if you are able, or if you have the inclination, consider dressing your child as a Saint, or at least teach them to pray for the souls of your departed loved ones. The Saints pray for us daily, and we should return the favor! Also, if you don’t currently attend a church, you are invited to worship at Saint Barnabas on Sunday, in English at 10 a.m. and in Spanish at 12:30 p.m. God is always calling us back home, and the Saints continue to pray for us to find and serve God. HAPPY HALLOWEEN and HAPPY ALL SAINTS DAY Article courtesy of Fr. Jon Jenkins.
Who doesn’t love to celebrate?! We are nearing a time of year when celebrations stand central to our culture. We see lawn decor, seasonal dishes, and monthly events that carry us into a new year. In the Petta household, we have a birthday in the mix, which has become a chief celebration! Each Sunday as part of the Prayers of the People, we invite those celebrating birthdays and anniversaries to come forward to mark the moment and ask for God’s grace in the year ahead. I’d like to suggest two more that may be worth marking in your life as well, baptism and confirmation dates. These dates mark entrance into the Household of Faith in the case of baptism, and a desire to embrace more fully a life in Christ in confirmation. Each are worth noting! If you were baptized or confirmed here, we have a record of that day. We’d be happy to share it with you if needed. A great project is to do a bit of research if one or both predates your time with us, and make a note of it in your calendar. We’d love to pray and celebrate these occasions with you. There are some great customs to do so as well. Did you know that it is customary to light one’s baptismal candle on that date annually, and perhaps place it in a cake or some treat to celebrate? On your confirmation day, or around it, consider making a retreat, taking on a new study or finding a way to grow further. Prayers, found on page 668 of the Book of Common Prayer, such as #71-75, could likewise be used as a rededication of your commitment. Amidst all we can celebrate, consider celebrating the major moments in your life in Christ. Find ways to remain oriented upon Him, and perhaps draw others into the celebration to consider the same! Our lives are called to be a witness that points others to Jesus, and what better way than to do so than in celebration. After all, who doesn’t love cake! Blessings, Andrew
Celebrating Major Feast Days Beginning in August, we will shift from having midweek Mass every Wednesday to celebrating major feast days on their particular date. These dates are found on pages 688 and following in the 2019 Book of Common Prayer. These feast days fall into two major categories, Principal Feasts and Holy Days (also known as Red Letter Days). The Principal Feast Days include some Sundays (such as Easter, the Day of Pentecost, and Trinity Sunday) as well as some major dates that do not always fall on a Sunday such as the Ascension (40 days after Easter) or the Epiphany (always on January 6 after the 12 days of Christmas). At times these get ‘transferred’ to a Sunday, but we can miss the importance of celebrating them on the day. We mark major secular moments like July 4 or Presidents Day and in the Christian Calendar it is important to observe dates that form us as believers. Celebrating the Epiphany, for instance, reminds us of our call to go out and be a light to the nations, just as when the nations came to Jesus in the arrival of the Magi on that day. These assist us to keep our gaze upon Jesus. Additionally, we celebrate Holy Days, which are also known as Red Letter Days throughout the year. These include some important moments in Jesus’ life, like the receiving of his name, eight days after his birth, according to the law, which we celebrate on January 1. Others include people such as the apostles or the reminder of the invisible realm, as on Saint Michael and All Angels. Each are found at the back of the Book of Common Prayer in the Calendar, and these primary Holy Days were traditionally written in red where other saints days and observances were written in black. Prior prayer books called these “days of obligation” or dates that were set apart for the faithful to observe. Amidst all that can vie for our obligation and attention these days, it is edifying to take the time to celebrate, set apart the evening or morning to observe them, reflect, and reorient on these dates. We are labeling these dates Feast and Fellowship so that we will celebrate the date with a said Communion service that lasts 30-40 minutes with a homily focused upon the significance of that day. Then, we will transition into fellowship around some form of food to allow us to connect in community. Be on the lookout for these communications and as a general rule, if the day falls on a weekday we will gather at 6:30 pm and if on a Saturday we will gather at 9 am. I hope it gives us times of fellowship with a purpose as we gather around the great moments and exemplars in Christendom to spur us on in our earthly pilgrimage. Save the upcoming dates this fall: August 6 - Transfiguration August 15 - The Virgin Mary - Mother of our Lord August 24 - St. Bartholomew September 14 - Holy Cross Day September 21 - St. Matthew September 28 - St. Michael and All Angels (transferred) - Badge Blessing October 18 - St. Luke October 23 - St. James October 28 - St Simon and Jude November 1 - All Saints Day November 30 - St. Andrew December 11- Our Lady of Guadalupe December 21 - St. Thomas December 25 - Christmas Day January 1 - Circumcision of our Lord and Holy Name of our Lord Jesus Christ Blessings, Andrew Image: A diptych, with the representations of ten major Christian liturgical feast days. Probably used as a portable altarpiece. Greek-Orthodox or Armenian. Image credit: Dosseman, CC BY-SA 4.0 www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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