Spirit of the Eagle – February 2020
Spirit of the Eagle
St. John the Evangelist ACC
Spiritual Tidbits & Rector’s Reflections for
February 2020 from Father Tim
The month of February begins with The Presentation of Christ in the Temple, commonly called The Purification of Saint Mary the Virgin on the 2nd of February. The liturgical colors are white and gold to represent the light of Christ. The remaining Sundays of February are the Gesima days or Pre-Lent. The liturgical color changes to purple — a symbol of penance, mortification, and the sorrow of a contrite heart. The Feast of the Presentation, or Candlemas, forms a fitting transition from Christmas to Easter. The small Christ-Child is still in His Mother’s arms, but even now Mary is offering Him in sacrifice. The Solemnity of the Presentation of the Lord on harkens back to the Christmas mystery of Light except that now, Christ, the helpless babe, is the “Light of Revelation” to the Gentiles who will save His people from their sins.” Candles, symbolizing Christ our Light, will be blessed at the altar and carried in procession on this day, as will be the Paschal candle during the Easter Vigil Liturgy. The “Light of Revelation” shines more brightly with each successive Sunday of the church year, until its magnificence – exposing our sinfulness and need for conversion – propels us into the penitential Lenten Season. We prepare to accept the cross of blessed ashes on Ash Wednesday (26th of February) and commit ourselves to the major exercises of Lent – fasting, prayer, almsgiving – laying our thoughts on the heart of Saint Mary. It is she, who offered her Son in the temple and on the Cross, who will teach us how to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow after her Son. ~ Father Tim
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Is there someone in your life who would join you for a Holy Lent? Are they struggling with a life filled mostly with sorrow? February is a bright, light filled month, and a perfect time to invite someone to visit St. John’s to experience the praise and thanksgiving of our little parish family. Could this February presentation bring the Christ-child into the heart of someone you cherish? Help someone experience a true commitment by assisting them to begin their own spiritual pilgrimage — which in February begins with revelation — and ends with the cross of ashes. ~ Father Tim
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It cost God nothing, so far as we know, to create nice things: but to convert rebellious wills cost Him crucifixion. ~ C.S. Lewis
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February Spirituality Class
In February we will be continuing our transitional class with both Spirituality and Bible Study. With Ash Wednesday looming, and the Lenten Season approaching, the class in February will cover the meaning behind The Wages of Sin is Death, from Saint Paul’s epistle to the Romans, chapter 6 verse 23. The study of God’s word is central to the life and mission of our parish church of St. John the Evangelist. Please join us after Holy Mass on the 16th of February for an engaging, dynamic, and informative exploration of the Holy Scriptures. All are welcome, but be warned: continued exposure to God’s word will change your life.
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St. John February Ordo Kalendar
Sun., the 2nd of Feb. at 10:30 AM, Purification, B.V.M., Vestry Meeting
Saturday, the 8th of Feb. at 11:00 AM, Requiem Mass, Bettielu Conaway
Sunday, the 9th of Feb. at 10:30 AM, Septuagesima, Coffee Hour
Saturday, the 15th of February at 11:00 AM, Requiem Mass, Bob Schmerge
Sunday, the 16th of Feb. at 10:30 AM, we celebrate Sexagesima, Bible Study
Sunday, the 23rd of February at 10:30 AM, we celebrate Quinquagesima
Wed., the 26th of February at 12:00 PM & 6:00 PM, Imposition of Ashes
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February Birthdays & Anniversaries
Sally Whalen – Birthday – February 6
Helena Fisher – Birthday – February 11
Ruth & Mike Lenz – Anniversary – February 16
Carrie Moore – Birthday – February 18
Bob Petrie – Birthday – February 23
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Ash Wednesday
Yes—deep within and deeper yet
The rankling shaft of conscience hide,
Quick let the swelling eye forget
The tears that in the heart abide.
Calm be the voice, the aspect bold,
No shuddering pass o’er lip or brow,
For why should Innocence be told
The pangs that guilty spirits bow?
~ John Keble, The Christian Year
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Contrition
The groundwork of a true repentance is contrition. Without contrition, confession is of no avail, and there can be no lasting amendment of life. Contrition is the hatred of sin, springing from love of God. The true penitent views sin as an outrage against the love of God; he sees in the Passion and Death of Jesus the work and result of his sin. Contrition is the breaking of the heart in the thought of God’s love, as it is manifested in the Passion. True contrition places the soul in a state of reconciliation and peace with God. “The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit: a broken and contrite heart, O God, shalt thou not despise.” Psalm li. 17. ~ Vernon Staley, The Catholic Religion, A Manual of Instruction for Members of the Anglican Church
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Ash Wednesday of course is the first day of Lent – which is the period of self-restraint and abstention for Christians prior to Easter. It marks the first day of fasting, repentance, prayer, and self-control. Luxury or rich foods, such as meat and dairy, should be avoided by those taking part in a Holy Lent. Abstention from personal “bad habits” such as too much TV, too much social media, or consuming too much sugar should be implemented as well. Nothing prepares us for a glorious Easter better than a Holy Lent. Why should we sacrifice something in our lives that is so meaningful to us? As Bishop Starks once wrote, “ Does not His perfect sacrifice deserve our sacrifice this Lent? This is the WHY of our offering. This is WHY we chose to deprive ourselves. We sacrifice that we may show Him that we do love Him and are ready to open up completely to His will in our lives.” It all begins with enough self-control to come to church and receive the Ashes. ~ Father Tim
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We are in the planning stages for some Lenten Wednesdays for those who want to expand and deepen their prayer life before Easter. More information and dates will be announced as the plans come together. If you are interested in attending please see Andrew Masters or Father Tim.
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The seeking of Jesus Christ, and the quest for chivalry combined, lead directly to one place only: Anglican-Catholicism. Courage, honor, courtesy, justice, and a readiness to help and defend the weak and the poor. Welcome to the Anglican Catholic Church. ~ Father Timothy Butler