Presbyterian History 101 in the United States

Presbyterianism is a branch of Christianity that began during the Reformation.  This was a time of great theological development as well as political, social and religions upheaval.  John Calvin, a lawyer who had studies for the priesthood, converted to the reformed movement in 1533.  He became an influential leader in the Protestant Reformation in Europe.  His influential "Institutes of the Christian Religion" outline his theological ideas.  John Knox, was a Scot turned reformer, who studied under Calvin.  He returned to Scotland, where he played an important role in the Protestant Party's 1560 revolution and the adoption of the Scots Confession by the Scottish Parliament.  The Reformed and Presbyterian movements grew in Europe, and Presbyterians were among many of the first to arrive at the shores of New World.  This short video, picks up the story of the history of the Presbyterian Church in the continental United States.  It is in many ways, a story of break ups and hook ups, but demonstrates the diverse nature of the Presbyterian church as well as its contributions to the American culture.  It is part of a series for new members developed by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

As we approach Reformation Sunday next month, it is a good time to reflect on our own heritage and that of the Protestant Reformation.  Among the benefits, the Reformation brought the Bible into the language of the people, it has allowed for greater participation of the laity in the life of the church, and new theological emphasis, but it also brought about schism and divisions in the body of Christ.  Let us continue to pray for the unity and peace of the church while we celebrate the good the reformation brought.

A few notable characteristics of Presbyterianism:

• Belief in the sovereignty of God
• Emphasis on the grace of God
• Baptized Christians are stewards of God's creation
• Social justice is an outflow of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
• Education is important because all truth is God's truth
• Church polity recognizes checks and balances to keep corruption in check
• Shared governance between clergy and laity

Prayer for Christian Unity

Gracious God, you sent your son Jesus Christ in the power of the Spirit to redeem your people. Unite us in our diversity, that we might affirm and proclaim together the good news of the life, death and resurrection of Christ for a world in need of his gospel. Amen.

Holy Mass in Madison Square Garden

Pope Francis enter at 24:00, Processional begins at 40:00

I've posted this link (third party site) from the Vatican of Mass at Madison Square Garden with Pope Francis.  One of the emphasis for this blog has been Christian worship.  I have maintained that there are close similarities between Catholic and Protestant worship.  Although there are significant differences, some of the similarities can be observed at this Mass.  While some of the differences are theological, the form of worship between Catholic and Historic Protestantism are very close.  (Liturgical and Sacramental Traditions such as Lutheran, Episcopal, and Presbyterian).

The word Mass simply refers to this central act of worship in which the Eucharist is celebrated, it originates from the latin text of the priests dismissal of the congregation at the end of the liturgy (dismissal/missal/mass).  The service is often referred to as simply the Mass, or the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.  It appears that from the earliest of time, the church always met and celebrated Holy Communion, although this practice dropped off during the Middle Ages.  Most Christians rarely celebrated, and (1215) the Fourth Lateran Council required communion at least once a year.  It was during the Reformation that reformer John Calvin called for a return to the practice of weekly celebration of Holy Communion.  Today, most Christians denominations have returned to the weekly practice.  That is to say, a worship service is always a service of both Word and Sacrament.  I have highlighted the main movements of the service below.  The theme of this Mass was justice and peace.

The altar area was covered in very simple white linens, and the papal chair or throne (cathedra) which represents the church's teaching authority and unity, was very simple in its design.  Green vestments were worn as the season is currently Ordinary Time.

In the sermon, Pope Francis stated that "Jesus still walks our street", he spoke of the peace of Christ that comes to those who walk with Christ.  "He frees us to walk the path of peace." He went on to say that "God lives in our cities, and our church must live in our cities."

24:00 The Pope enters Madison Square Garden
40:00  Opening Processional begins (Processional Hymn All Creatures of our God and King)
47:00  Invocation/Greeting
47:49  Penitential rite (Prayer of Confession)/Kyrie Eleison
56:11  Alleluia/Gospel Acclamation
Liturgy of the Word
57:16  Gospel Reading
1:01:00  Homily (Sermon)
1:16:00  Silent reflection
1:18:00  General Intercessions (Prayer of the People)
Liturgy of the Eucharist
1:23:00  The Presentation of the Gifts
1:25:00  The Consecration of the Elements/Incensing of the Altar
1:30:00  Sanctus
1:33:00  The Words of Institution
1:35:00  Eucharistic Prayer
1:40:00  Sign of Peace (Passing of the Peace)
1:41:00  The Breaking of the Bread

Pope Francis:  Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Blest are those who are called to his supper.
All:  Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed.

1:43:35  Holy Communion
1:53:00  Communion Hymn "Alleluia Sing to Jesus"
2:00:00  Concluding Rite (Prayer After Communion)
2:01:55  Announcements (Timothy Dolan Archbishop of New York addresses Pope Francis)
2:07:33  Blessing and Dismissal 
2:10:09  Recessional Hymn "Now Thank We All Our God"

Pope Francis Visit 2015

Pope Francis was born in Buenos Aires in 1936, a child of Italian immigrants.  He studies chemistry but became a Jesuit, and was ordained a priest in 1992.  He was consecrated a cardinal in 1998.  In 2013, Pope Francis became the 266th pope.  He is the first Jesuit to become pope.  He chose the name of Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi reminding christians and catholics of the importance of not forgetting the poor.

He has written several documents including, Lumen Fidei (the Light of Faith) and an Apostolic Exhortation called Evangelic Gaudiem (the Joy of the Gospel) which is available on this blog.

Today, in a historic event, the pope addressed both houses of Congress.  It was telling to see three Roman Catholic Christians on the screen.  Seated behind Pope Francis was the Speaker of the House, John Boehner, a Roman Catholic, and the President of the United States Senate Joe Biden, also Roman Catholic.  Two Roman Catholics, one a Republican the other a Democrat, serving in a chamber that is divided and partisan and known for its toxic culture of division.  Yet, the reason that this pope is a leader for his time, is that in my opinion, he can't be labeled as either a conservative or a liberal politically.  He spoke about the value of life of every stage, covering both the abortion debate, and the death penalty, he spoke both of the value of business and our responsibility to create fairness in our economy.  To understand this Pope, one must understand that he is first and foremost interested in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and not serving any one political agenda.

There were many high points in the speech.  He reminded law makers of their vocation embodied in Moses the lawgiver of Israel.  He spoke on the importance of the "right application of technology, the spirit of enterprise, and a modern economy which is both modern, inclusive, and sustainable".  He spoke of business as a noble vocation.  He spoke of combating poverty, respecting immigrants, and taking care of nature, all in the light of the common good that we all share.  He emphasized the importance of children and our commitment to them.  There were four Americans he referred to that embodied these values: Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr, Dorothy Day (social justice) and Thomas Merton (capacity for dialogue).  He is scheduled to eat lunch today with the homeless.

I am currently on a series on the Beatitudes, its timely that this Sunday I will be speaking on "blessed are those that hunger and thirst for justice."  This speech as well as this pope are embodiments of someone who does just that.  May we also have the same heart for others, which is the heart of Christ and the heart of the Gospel.  Indeed, he needs our prayers...

Blog entry July 2014 (The Joy of the Gospel)

click here for text of pope's speech to congress (third party site)

click here for archive of pope speeches at Vatican Radio (third party site- you are leaving this blog)

NY Times Video of Pope Speech to Congress

download papal encyclical at this link (third party site) Laudato Si

Pope Francis Schedule

Pope Francis schedule 2015 visit from united states conference of catholic bishops

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 (WASHINGTON, DC)

• 4:00 p.m.    Arrival from Cuba at Joint Base Andrews

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 (WASHINGTON, DC)

• 9:15  a.m.  Welcome ceremony and meeting with President Obama at the White House
• 11:00 a.m.  Papal Parade along the Ellipse and the National Mall (time approximate)
• 11:30 a.m. Midday Prayer with the bishops of the United States, St. Matthew's Cathedral
• 4:15  p.m.  Mass of Canonization of Junipero Serra, Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception 

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 (WASHINGTON, DC, NEW YORK CITY)

• 9:20  a.m.  Address to Joint Meeting of the United States Congress 
• 11:15 a.m. Visit to St. Patrick in the City and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington
• 4:00 p.m.   Depart from Joint Base Andrews
• 5:00 p.m.   Arrival at John F. Kennedy International Airport
• 6:45 p.m.   Evening Prayer (Vespers) at St. Patrick's Cathedral 

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 (NEW YORK CITY)

• 8:30  a.m. Visit to the United Nations and Address to the United Nations General Assembly
• 11:30 a.m. Multi-religious service at 9/11 Memorial and Museum, World Trade Center 
• 4:00  p.m.  Visit to Our Lady Queen of Angels School, East Harlem
• 5:00  p.m.   Procession through Central Park (time approximate)
• 6:00  p.m.  Mass at Madison Square Garden

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 (NEW YORK CITY, PHILADELPHIA)

• 8:40  a.m.  Departure from John F. Kennedy International Airport
• 9:30  a.m.  Arrival at Atlantic Aviation, Philadelphia 
• 10:30 a.m. Mass at Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, Philadelphia 
• 4:45  p.m.  Visit to Independence Mall
• 7:30  p.m.  Visit to the Festival of Families Benjamin Franklin Parkway

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 (PHILADELPHIA)

• 9:15   a.m.  Meeting with bishops at St. Martin's Chapel, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary 
• 11:00  a.m. Visit to Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility 
• 4:00  p.m.   Mass for the conclusion of the World Meeting of Families, Benjamin Franklin Parkway 
• 7:00   p.m.  Visit with organizers, volunteers and benefactors of the World Meeting of Families, Atlantic Aviation 
• 8:00   p.m.  Departure for Rome

• this is a third party link to US conference of Bishops site

Church of Scotland General Assembly Addressed by Coptic Bishop Angaelos

Bishop Angaelos is a bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church, a church that traces its roots back to Mark the apostle in 55 AD.  He was born in Cairo, studied in political science, philosophy, and sociology, and law before joining a monastery, serving as a Papal secretary, and then as a parish priest in England.  He was consecrated as a bishop in 1999.  In 2014 he addressed the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.  This is an important address dealing with the witness of the Coptic Christians today.

click here to access Bishop Angaelos web site