The BreadCast

(Phil.1:1-11; Ps.111:1-6; Lk.14:1-6) "My prayer is that your love may more and more abound." Paul's prayer is addressed to the Philippians, who "have all continually helped promote the Gospel from the very first day" he came into their midst preaching. He overflows with love for them himself and finds them present "to a man" sharing in his "gracious lot," even as he "lie[s] in prison" far from their land. And so he prays that always "with a clear conscience and blameless conduct [they] may learn to value the things that really matter," and is confident that "He who has begun the good work in [them] will carry it through to completion, right up to the day of Christ Jesus." And Jesus' prayer for the Pharisees is really the same. Though they treat Him as Paul has so often been treated, though He is "summoned to defend the solid grounds on which the Gospel rests" before eyes that observe "Him closely" for any misstep upon which they could capitalize – yet His desire for them is the love of God; yet He would teach them of the ways of the Lord Most High, who cares at every moment for the well-being of even His smallest creatures. Thus does He ask them, "If one of you has a son or an ox and he falls into a pit, will he not immediately rescue him on the sabbath day?" to open their eyes to the innate concern they have for those in their care, that they might see the love of God for all. And though they are not like the Philippians, though they do not accept His word with joy and put it into practice immediately, there may come a time when they will listen, when at least some of them will hear and follow His teaching. "Majesty and glory are His work, and His justice endures forever." This is what every heart must proclaim of the "wondrous deeds" of God. It is not only Paul's wish but the wish of the Lord Himself that all of us "may be found rich in the harvest of justice which Jesus Christ has ripened," which He has brought to maturity in His blood, in His love. "He has given food to those who fear Him"; this food of love is for all who reverence God to share. More and more it should abound in our midst, even as it does in all our churches and on all our altars this day. Alleluia! ******* O LORD, your love extends to all and is undying – help us to share more and more in that love with your Son. YHWH, may your love abound throughout the world and we abound in it. May your glory be known in all your works, through all holy souls the Gospel go forth. We give you thanks, O LORD, we give you praise. For your love is endless and it looks upon every creature with abiding care. In your presence and by the ministry of your Son, we are saved – let us stand in the light of your holy Day! You give food to all who love you, LORD; you heal every soul that comes humbly to you. Let us appear before you with a clear conscience and blameless conduct. Your will be fulfilled in all our lives. Wondrous are your deeds, O LORD; majesty and glory are yours alone. But you desire to share your gifts with your children, continually calling us to dwell in your love. Rescue us from all sin this day, LORD, from the hardness of our hearts, that we might be among the assembly of the just come to full maturity in your Son.

(Eph.6:10-20; Ps.144:1-2,9-10; Lk.13:31-35) "Today and tomorrow I cast out devils and perform cures, and on the third day my purpose is accomplished." "Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for battle, my fingers for war," King David sings, for the Lord is the "shield… who subdues peoples under [him]"; He is the "stronghold" by whom "victory" is his. The same image of battle is used by Paul as he encourages us, "Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil." But "our battle ultimately is not against human forces" – in war against nations or even any individual enemy – "but against the principalities and powers, the rulers of this world of darkness, the evil spirits in the regions above." It is spiritual warfare we engage in, and in it we must "pray constantly and attentively for all in the holy company," for the attacks against us are constant and we must ever with our brothers and sisters resist the evil one and "stand [our] ground." Heed Paul's summary of the strength we must draw from the Lord for our mission: "Stand fast, with the truth as the belt around your waist, justice as your breastplate, and zeal to propagate the gospel of peace as your footgear." Does not the Lord do just this? Does He not witness fully to the courage we must have in the battle of earthly life? For though the Pharisees come with the warning, "Leave this place! Herod is trying to kill you," Jesus "proceed[s] on course" in firm resolve. Though "Jerusalem… slay the prophets and stone those who are sent to [her]," yet the Lord's face is set like flint to enter there. In every step along the way, on every day that leads there, He conquers the devil valiantly, displaying His great power over all darkness of this world by His Word of truth; and when He comes to the cross the war will have been won – the evil one will have no weapon remaining. "Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord." Blessed is Jesus the Christ, and blessed all those who follow in His way, who fight unto death the evils that beset us here. Brothers and sisters, faith in God will deflect all "the fiery darts of the evil one." "The helmet of salvation" will protect you from all harm; and by "the sword of the Spirit, the word of God," you shall conquer mightily with the Lord. "Pray in the Spirit." Pray always. Pray for the Church militant that she proclaim the Gospel and come quickly to the Lord's salvation. ******* O LORD, we bless your NAME and we are strong; we are ready for battle against all evil. YHWH, give us strength in the battle of earthly life, strength to overcome the attacks of the enemy, strength to stand with you on the holy day. You are our strength; you are our deliverer. You save us from all harm by your invincible power and glory – let us indeed stand strong in battle on this earth, that we may come quickly to Heaven. Your Word go forth, O LORD, to the ends of the earth, your Word of truth, your Word of life. The sword of the Spirit be in our hands, upon our tongues, that we shall defeat all the forces of the evil one. Let us be ever in prayer before you, ever calling upon your holy NAME. And we shall be saved, and we shall save others by the grace that you give to do battle this day. With your Son let us cast out devils, LORD; let us serve to cure the troubled soul of man. Blessed is He who comes in the NAME of the LORD! Let us be blessed to follow Him on the way to Jerusalem, on the way to the Cross – for on the third day He shall rise.

O zealous and loving apostles, to the ends of the earth you brought the Word of the Lord; calling sinners to repentance, seeking healing for all souls, you carried the light of Christ to all the world – pray we shall match your zeal for the Gospel; pray we serve to impart the mercy of God unto life everlasting for all children of the Lord. May the power and glory upon you in the name of Jesus Christ build up His Temple in forgiveness and love this day that soon all will be one with Him and with you in Heaven.

(Eph.2:19-22; Ps.19:2-5; Lk.6:12-16) "You are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God." And whom is this building founded upon but our Lord Jesus Christ; He is the cornerstone by which the apostles and prophets are set in place, and we are built upon this firm foundation, all integrated as one "holy temple in the Lord." This Church is "the dwelling place for God in the Spirit." Alleluia! Oh that blessed night Jesus spent "in communion with God"! Praise God for the mountain on which He prayed! For that night, in that place, in these prayers was conceived the foundation stones of His holy temple: in the Spirit that night the essential structure of the Church was given birth in the names of these poor apostles, these simple human beings. And at daybreak He called them forth by name. Upon them His favor rested. And though one "turned traitor" and had to be replaced, yet here are the pillars on which the Church rests. And to this day their descendants, their blessed successors remain with us, holding up the Church despite their frailties – yes, the power of the Spirit continues to go forth from their call. "Day pours out the word to day, and night to night imparts knowledge." Nothing can stem the passage of this Word to the ends of the earth, for it is founded in the silent communion with God. Who can touch this silence? Who can tear down this oneness in the presence of God? No one can hold the wind in his hands and no one can restrain the power of the Spirit. It indeed goes forth. Yes, "the whole structure" continues to be "fitted together" in the Lord's Name, and no persecution can stop its growth, can prevent its inevitable coming to fullness in the eternity of heaven. And so, let us thank God for His blessed apostles and prophets and martyrs today. Let us pray we shall be found worthy to be one with them in the House they build. And let us come to know the Lord even more, who is at the heart of us all. Written, read & chanted by James Kurt; produced by Carie Fortney. Music by Carie Fortney; used by permission. ******* O LORD, may we be built into your House with all your holy apostles. YHWH, let us become your dwelling place; let us make our home in your Spirit as you make your home in us. Let us be firmly founded in your apostles with Jesus as our cornerstone. Then through us, too, your Word will go out to the ends of the earth. Then we will be one with your apostles. Into your household let us be built, O LORD, with all your saints in Heaven. Let Heaven and earth declare your glory – truly let us be your handiwork. As your Son chose the Twelve by your hand upon Him, so let us be chosen and formed in their image to serve you faithfully in this land, to make this land as your kingdom. Let our words not be spoken in vain, LORD, our prayers not fall short of your glory; let us rather speak only in the Spirit that your light we might bring to this place. Though our cause seem hopeless, though darkness beset us, yet let us look to you and find refuge in the prayers of your apostles, of all the holy ones in your Temple.

(Eph.5:21-33; Ps.128:1-5; Lk.13:18-21) "To what shall I compare the reign of God?" Jesus Himself compares it to a mustard seed which grows so steadily into a "large shrub," and to yeast which makes "the whole mass of dough" rise. And Paul tells us of the marriage union that it "refers to Christ and the Church." These images should lead you, brother, to understand the glorious kingdom that is beyond all image. "The husband is head of the wife just as Christ is head of His body, the Church," and husbands should "love [their] wives, as Christ's loved the Church," giving themselves "up for her" as the Lord has done for us. A wonderfully beautiful call; a marvelous image which is to bring the Lord so really into our midst: love between husband and wife – the love of love upon this earth, which indeed brings the fruit of new life. "A man shall leave his father and mother, and shall cling to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." Here is a word of truth incomparable to others in the joy it brings the ear and the heart open to its call. For by it is promised great happiness to those "who fear the Lord, who walk in His ways." Yes, the obedient man will find that his "wife shall be like a fruitful vine" and his "children like olive plants around [his] table"; great is the blessing upon those who wed in love, the true love of the Lord. But a greater promise than this does this word bring, for in it is indeed "a great foreshadowing"; in it we see not only the fruitful love of man and woman, but of God and His people. For does not Jesus leave His Father in heaven and cling to us? Does it not bring the great knowledge that we shall be made one with Him and with His Father in heaven? If "he who loves his wife loves himself," does this not emphasize the absolute oneness of husband and wife? And if such marriage foreshadows Christ's love for us, can we not conclude that we will be as He is? Oh to what glory we are called! To be as the only Son of God, to be one with Him. Indeed "we are members of His body" even now, certainly. Has Jesus not asked Saul why he was persecuting Him, referring to His Church (Acts 9:4); and has He not said what we do unto the least of our brothers we do unto Him? We are one with Him even now, but yet we are growing, yet we are rising. And the immeasurable glory to which we come is beyond even the most poignant image to depict. It is absolute fullness, absolute union with our Lord and God. Alleluia! "The prosperity of [the New] Jerusalem" is ours. ******* O LORD, teach us to love one another that we might be joined to your Son and so enter your reign. YHWH, may husbands and wives be truly one in your sight; let there be no separation between them. For they are one as we are one with your Son, and why would we separate ourselves from our Lord? Salvation is ours in Him and in our love for one another. Let us be obedient to His voice and fear you and walk in your ways, and we shall grow unto Heaven. O LORD, you greatly bless those who fear you, who worship you alone and always do your will. Help us to live according to your Word, particularly as it affects marriages. For this day there is great separation between husband and wife, between man and woman; no sense of their oneness seems known anymore. Set against one another do they not set themselves against you? And living thus, how shall their love grow? Then what hope have any of being fruitful in your sight and coming into your eternal presence? It seems their children they would let die. O save us from such destructive pride that we might love one another as ourselves, as you love us in your Son.

(Eph.4:32-5:8; Ps.1:1-4,6,Eph.5:1; Lk.13:10-17) "There was a time when you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord." Brothers and sisters, remember always that "God has forgiven you in Christ." Once you "walk[ed] in the way of sinners," but now you are as he who "delights in the law of the Lord." And so as God has shown His mercy to you, so should you do unto others; we must "be imitators of God as His dear children." As when Jesus saw the woman who "was badly stooped – quite incapable of standing erect," for eighteen years afflicted by her infirmity, He had pity for her, called her to Him and "laid His hand on her" so that "immediately she stood up straight and began thanking God"… so should our hearts go out to all those in need, all those afflicted by infirmity and sin, that all might be as well as we have become, that all might praise God as we do. "Make no mistake about this: no fornicator, no unclean or lustful person – in effect an idolater – has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God." Brothers and sisters, how many of us have been guilty of the deadly sins of which Paul speaks today? (And if not these, what others?) How many of us have deserved to be barred from the kingdom? In truth we must say that all of us have fallen short of God's glory and found ourselves in desperate need of the salvation only Christ brings. And so should we hold out no hope for those who commit such sins now, who are as we have been? Certainly "there are sins that bring God's wrath down on the disobedient" and put them in danger of dying; but do we instruct these to "have nothing to do with them," do we offer light to those in such darkness… or do we presume their condemnation? The Lord left not the stooped woman in Satan's clutches, despite the "indignant" attitude of the leaders of the synagogue – whose own inability to stand erect is so much more difficult to cure. No, the Lord saw a soul in need and reached His hand out to her; and should we not do the same with those we see suffering affliction, if not with a healing touch of our hand at least with the healing touch of devout prayer? The well-being of others must always be our concern. We must ever "be kind to one another, compassionate, and mutually forgiving." For if our hearts stoop to jealousy and judgment as does the leader of the synagogue's, what hope shall there be for us then of entering God's kingdom? We must ever be children of light, dispelling all darkness, if we are truly to be the "dear children" of our Lord. ******* O LORD, let us stand up straight before you, turning from sin and walking in your way at all times. YHWH, let us be as your dear children, kind and compassionate toward others, ever reflecting your glory. Let there be no sin among us, not even the whispering desire for sin. Let us live as your children of light – banish all darkness from us. Help us to walk in your way, O LORD, to be well instructed in your paths; for there are many who wander aimlessly and are easily subject to Satan's wiles. Let us be taught as the Jews of Jesus' day and listen with attentive hearts to His words. Indeed, like Him let us become, like a tree planted near the running water of the Spirit, and we shall prosper all our days, ever bearing fruit in your NAME. Make clear to all, O LORD, that sin is sin, that the idolatry of lust is a turning from you and the light of your truth and the love of your heart. Keep us from certain death, from the counsel of the wicked, delighting only in your Law day and night.

(Ex.22:20-26; Ps.18:2-4,47,51; 1Thes.1:5-10; Mt.22:34-40) "If ever you wrong them, and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry." In this simple statement by the Lord is revealed the essential nature of our God in His relation with His people. It demonstrates certainly what He says of Himself, "I am compassionate," for what is He telling us but that He has an ardent care for the poorest among us and the injustice they suffer? But it also demonstrates the justice of God itself, for what does He mean when He says He will "hear their cry" but that He will punish the wicked for their heartless crimes? He states clearly, if any should "wrong any widow or orphan… [His] wrath will flare up, and [He] will kill [him] with the sword." Now in the Church today we find an arbitrary and utterly deceptive and false separation of members into "liberal" or "conservative" camps, as if the Lord and His Church could be limited by either assignation. The liberal hears "love God and neighbor" and ignorantly excuses himself from keeping the law; and the conservative grasps the law so tightly he squeezes the very life, the very love, out of it. The Lord is neither liberal nor conservative, but may be said to be both – and that to the extreme in both cases. First of all, He has come to liberate us from our sin, to free us from the sentence of death all justly deserved as much as the adulteress or the thief on the cross He forgave. No one could be more liberal in His free giving of Himself and His love. What compares to the shedding of His blood, and the free gifts we gain thereby? Yet it must not be forgotten that the Lord Jesus is absolutely conservative in His teachings and in His ways; at all costs He preserves the truth. For though He says that "the whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments" of love of God and neighbor, He does not thereby do away with the whole law. Indeed, He strengthens it. Does He not say not a single letter, nor even part of a letter, will pass away until all the law is fulfilled? Does He not tell us now that even to look at a woman lustfully is adultery and to be angry with another is as murder (see Mt.5:17-30)? And will He not come at the end of the age and judge all hearts, separating the evil from the good and casting them into eternal darkness and eternal flames? Though He "delivers us from the coming wrath" if we love Him, failing that, we cannot but be thrown into hell. The Lord has two hands and either taken alone is ineffective, is, in fact, wicked, for either alone falls short of love and truth. The Lord is absolutely kind and absolutely just: these two meet and kiss in Him. And so they must in each of us. We must be "model[s] for all the believers." Let it be said that from us "the word of the Lord has sounded forth," that "in every place [our] faith in God has gone forth – that we have carried both His love and His truth to every heart we touch. Then we shall rightly call the Lord our "rock" and our "deliverer"; then we shall exclaim, "Praised be the Lord" and be "safe from [our] enemies." Then He will hear our cry and save us, and all who truly love Him, for then we will be His disciples. Written, read &chanted, and produced by James Kurt. Music: "The Child and the Beast" from Remove the Mask of Lies, second album of Songs for Children of Light, by James Kurt. ******* O LORD, help us to love you with all our heart, and to love others as you love them. YHWH, we must turn from idols to worship you alone, for you are the living and true God and deserve all the love of our heart, mind, and soul. And we must love others as you love all, ever sharing your unending compassion with our neighbor. For you hear the cry of the poor, and to that call we must attend or we are not loving you at all. Whose compassion is beyond is beyond your own, LORD? Whose love can approach your perfection? For your love is founded on perfect justice, a justice we cannot fathom apart from your favor toward us. Your justice cannot but punish evil, for if not, how could it protect the good? How could the widow or orphan find your compassion if you did not destroy those who oppress them? But even as you destroy the wicked, you do so out of love, out of mercy even toward those you destroy. For how shall they turn from their sin and be saved if you do not chastise them for their wrongs, for the lack of compassion which separates them from you? Your kindness be upon all this day, O LORD, that we might live in your love.

O zealous apostle who traveled throughout the earth driven by the fire of the Holy Spirit, you labored strenuously, rejoicing in poverty and welcoming hardships as you gave your very life for the flock in your care – pray the love of Christ will urge us on to holy zeal that we might approach your apostolic spirit, desiring to inflame all men with the fire of God's love. Concerned always and only for the glory of God and the salvation of souls, may we fulfill our call; as sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, with her same purity and commitment, pray we give birth to Christ in souls by the preaching of the Gospel until all are formed in His image in the heavenly kingdom.

(Eph.4:7-16; Ps.122:1-5; Lk.13:1-9) "Each of us has received God's favor in the measure in which Christ bestows it." Paul reminds us today of Scripture: "When He ascended on high, He took a host of captives and gave gifts to men." Christ Himself "descended into the lower regions of the earth," coming to the place where we lowly humans dwell, and then "ascended into heaven, that He might fill all men with His gifts," that those to whom He comes here on earth might know the riches of heaven to which He draws us all. "It is He who gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers in roles of service for the faithful to build up the body of Christ." Yes, He gave us these leaders such as Paul to guide us to all truth, but He no less has given us each a share of His heavenly glory and bestowed upon each of us the gifts that are our portion from Him. None is without gifts, and none can fail to employ these gifts. It is necessary that the Body of Christ has "the proper functioning of [its] members joined firmly together by each supporting ligament" if it is to grow in love as it is called to do. All our gifts must be employed to the full; each must fulfill his role. The Lord makes clear the call upon each of our souls to utilize the gifts He grants to each of His members. Listen to the words of the vinedresser in His parable: "For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree and found none." Who is that vinedresser but Jesus Himself and who is that fig tree but we who claim to be His disciples? And finding no fruit on the fig tree, what does the vinedresser say? "Cut it down. Why should it clutter up the ground?" Why indeed should we drag down the Body of Christ struggling to grow in love in this world; if we are dead members, what place have we in His kingdom? And unless we reform in the short time we are given, what shall become of our souls? Brothers and sisters, do we not wish to "go up to the house of the Lord," to rejoice in the heavenly Jerusalem, to "form that perfect man who is Christ come to full stature"? Then our tree must bear fruit in His name and serve to build up the Body in love; "if not, it shall be cut down," and we shall be separated from the glorious presence of the Lord. See the great graces and gifts the Lord showers upon you; pray for their fulfillment, for their growing more and more – "profess the truth in love" and the favors you have been given will bear their fruit, for your benefit and that of the whole world. ******* O LORD, let us not be cut down but built up as the Body of your Son. YHWH, let us make our home in you; in the Body of your Son let us find our place. In your holy Church may we ever dwell, bearing fruit in your NAME. To full maturity let us come, in Jesus who has come to us. O LORD, in your House let us rejoice; let us find our peace in the New Jerusalem. Within Her gates we are safe from every false doctrine, from every whim and fancy of man. For divine wisdom rests in Her whom the Christ has formed by His own hands, in His own blood. Since He has founded the Church and its servants, it is He who lives in it with you. But we must leave behind our sin if we are to find such perfection in Him. We must reform our lives if we are to be made in the image of Christ your Son. O LORD, let our lives not be empty; let us not come to a sudden end… May we please you by our repentance and know your blessings upon us this day. Let your Church and all its members grow and bear fruit in Jesus' Name.

O tireless preacher of God's Word, how well, how completely, you called all men, and especially the priests of the Lord, to a life of holiness, to shine the light of Christ; with patience and sound doctrine and the example of a blameless life you sought to save souls throughout the world and bring them into the fold of Holy MotherChurch – pray this day apostles go forth in the brightness of holiness as light to the world, drawing all men to God. In such wisdom let truth be known, the truth of our Savior Jesus Christ, that every heart might call Him Lord and proclaim the Church as His own. Pray not a day pass, not an hour upon this plane, wherein His Word is not heard.