Jon has a meeting tonight with the councils of both churches, the synod, and a local pastor. This isn’t a happy meeting. Pray hard for a good outcome.
Jon has to testify in a trial tomorrow where he knows that the outcome will cause people to leave the church. Pray hard for his sanity.
I’m trying to be a supportive wife even though everyone is taking their frustrations out on me. Pray for me too.
I haven’t been writing much about where I am with my faith lately because I’ve been giving most of the energy of that part of myself to a paper journal. I’m starting a Bible study book on Isaiah that I had photocopied some studies from for the adult Sunday School class at Church #2. I did the first two studies on my own at Urbana 2000 and slacked off when I returned to school, so I’m hoping to get through everything this time.
Church stuff also hasn’t given me much spiritual insight lately because my mental energy has been taken up by all the junk that’s happening with a small group of people. It’s not my battle but it’s affecting me nevertheless. Prayers for that situation are coveted…
Due to waking up with a migraine this morning, I saw the news conference with the U.S. cardinals this morning and they were talking about the lighter side of Pope Benedict XVI (could popes like pick another saint’s name after they hit X?). Apparently, they have fond memories of him as a cardinal and are now treating him with white kid gloves because he’s the HOLY FATHER. (I can’t understand the attitude — it’s like kowtowing to our presiding bishop when you’ve known him as Bishop Bob.)
The reason I’m not fond of Ratzinger: Dominus Iesus which basically said that all non-Catholics are heretics. He’s the former head of the modern-day incarnation of the Inquisition. His attitude is unbending (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing) and echoes his favorite heretic’s words: HERE I STAND. (1.5 billion mythical points to anyone who can name the heretic there.)
My worst fears are confirmed. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger is the new Pope: Benedict XVI.
My prayers are with the Roman Catholic Church because this guy is the worst candidate that could have been chosen.
Jon just informed me that the trustees are coming to do a walk through on Tuesday evening. I am in flying squirrel mode trying to get the house cleaned. There will be very little posting until probably Thursday when my parents arrive.
Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.
Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
Earth’s joys grow dim; its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see;
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.
I need Thy presence every passing hour.
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s power?
Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.
I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.
Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.
Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.
–LBW 272