tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18902745.post2618256246765297885..comments2024-03-24T15:19:06.377-04:00Comments on The Continuum: Second Sunday in AdventFr. Robert Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05892141425033196616noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18902745.post-65781278008738933782015-12-06T21:22:47.323-05:002015-12-06T21:22:47.323-05:00Metanoia (translated "Repent") literally...Metanoia (translated "Repent") literally means to change your mind. But the usage adds also the clear meaning of acting on that change of mind. One must stop and turn around, ceasing to sin and beginning to do right. As demonstrated by Zacheus, repentance means restoring and making right, when possible, anyone whom we have wronged. Fr. Robert Harthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05892141425033196616noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18902745.post-63020930354765271912015-12-06T21:08:51.218-05:002015-12-06T21:08:51.218-05:00Hello Father Haart and others,
I hope you will dia...Hello Father Haart and others,<br />I hope you will dialogue with me a bit more on this topic. Here is how I understand the Gospel being presented.<br />God loves all humans to death. We are invited to share in that same pattern of life.<br />Through your baptism and taking communion you put on Christ.<br />You then can go out and spread the love of God by feeding the poor, sending a letter to someone, caring about another.<br />Nothing about repentance other than to change your mind about sin. This too supposes we can do nothing to affect our salvation but to believe and God will love us no matter what. Subtly it seems to give license for sinful indulgence since God can only save one.<br />This seems to have enough of the familiar to make it not feel so different. But when reading writers like you, it does seem quite different.<br />Does that clarify what's occurring in our congregation?<br />I hear much more credit given to the Sacraments than in times past.<br />God bless you and thank you.<br />DavidDavid C. Russell, Authorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10418513249724681496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18902745.post-40039046431523821592015-12-06T16:36:56.827-05:002015-12-06T16:36:56.827-05:00The phrase "a Gospel of love" as meaning...The phrase "a Gospel of love" as meaning what? acceptance of sin rather than preaching repentance for the forgiveness of sin? I take that as your meaning, and therefore take the liberty of renaming it, I hope without presumption. The Gospel is the manifest and true historical story of the love of God (Romans 5:8. John 3:16). That love is shown most clearly on the cross. It opens us all to God's forgiveness. But His forgiveness requires both repentance and faith according to what the Prophets and Apostles, and indeed the Lord Himself, all preached and taught. If your church is preaching another gospel, than I suggest you think seriously about departing from it to one in which you can bring others in good conscience. How, otherwise, can you be a faithful witness, as Andrew was to Peter? And there is the need for your own soul as well to be fed, and exhorted. Fr. Robert Harthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05892141425033196616noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18902745.post-37059100961718883582015-12-05T23:20:19.699-05:002015-12-05T23:20:19.699-05:00Dear Father Haart and Others,
I hope my recent com...Dear Father Haart and Others,<br />I hope my recent comment did not remain or does not interfere whith what I post below, questions for direction.<br />(1) Churches that approach Advent from a positive aspect of Christ coming, are they doing a disservice not to acclaim both positive and the serious side of His coming?<br />(2) One cannot control what the priest/pastor espouses from the pulpit week to week, are we to co-exist with those who emphasize a Gospel of love over one of choice and accountability?<br />(3) Are mainline seminaries discouraging proclamation such as yours from those they train currently?<br /><br />I am following your blog this Advent, and sure appreciate the return to orthodoxy if you will. Thank you!<br /><br />In Messiah,<br />DavidDavid C. Russell, Authorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10418513249724681496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18902745.post-6687473175279635742015-12-05T23:15:18.259-05:002015-12-05T23:15:18.259-05:00Hello Father Haart and Others,
I am a believer who...Hello Father Haart and Others,<br />I am a believer who attends a rather liberal mainline denominational church in lower Michigan. I am reading your blog this Advent and appreciate and need your stance on repentance, and the like. My questions are these:<br />(1) In our service, The Magnificat was the theme on which everything was based liturgically and otherwise, not Bible Sunday. Also, God loving us and being with us whereever we are on the journey is a certainty. Nothing about choosing to follow Him.<br />(2) Is this becoming common for most churches to assume a position of tolerance and love, especially those who adhere to the Sacraments?<br />(3) Does God place people in these liberal-minded churches for reasons known to Him, or do we fall prey to Babylon by choosing to stay in such circles?<br /><br />Thank you for your blogs and for telling the old old story. <br />Blessings in our Messiah,<br />David Russell (Mellow Roc)David C. Russell, Authorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10418513249724681496noreply@blogger.com