Being ‘Still’

(Fr) Chori Jonathin Seraiah writes:

Someone asked me today why I had not posted anything about my diaconal ordination that occurred this last Sunday (June 10th, 2012). It is not as though I did not want to say anything about it (for any who want to see pictures, the Diocese of Des Moines has posted some here ). And though I have been very busy, that is not the reason either. I have actually been a bit overwhelmed at what is happening.

Being overwhelmed can lead one to exasperation and frustration, or it can lead one to inner contemplation. Thankfully, the latter has happened to me recently. In this contemplation I have found less to say because I realize more fully than ever before (and I attribute this to the grace of the Spirit) that this whole thing is not about me. I am a part of a historic event, yes, but I am also merely a servant of God; He is what it is all about. I do not like talking about myself unless it can help others to grow closer to Christ. So, here are some reflections on my experience of the past three days.

My inner contemplations have also helped me to see better the drastic contrast that exists between the peace that I now feel, and the the chaos that is so prevalent in much of Christendom today, especially in America. We are such a busy society that our culture has slowly assumed the necessity of being busy. This is especially challenging for me since I am something of a workaholic. I do not think I am actually obsessed with my work, as some are, but I will admit that I do not “rest” very well. I have to force myself to do so (a movie works well in this regard, but I do not want to become a “vidiot” either).

“Be still, and know that I am God” has always been a tough verse for me personally. I do not mind being patient while I wait for God to work (I have lots of practice at that), but sitting still is much harder than doing something to pass the time. We are inundated today with temptations that prevent us from sitting still. Grocery stores have tv’s hanging from the ceilings, video screens playing commercials on the end of most aisles, and background music from three different directions. How hard it has become to find a place where we truly can “be still”. Parents who do not see this clearly are often crippling their children’s spirits without knowing it. Allowing them anything that gives a constant stream of distraction (internet, tv, music, etc.) numbs the mind to the discipline of “being still”.

One of the reasons that I have thought about this lately is because of something that happened during my recent ordination to the diaconate. Laying prostrate on that cold marble floor of the Cathedral while the litany of the saints was being sung is an experience I will never forget. Face down, arms outstretched, and pleading with God to make me the clergyman He wants me to be; it is truly a time to “be still”. Although you do not need to spend time prostrate on the floor of a Cathedral, when was the last time that you were intentionally “still” before God? Parents may have to have someone else watch the children, and those who live in mixed homes may need to find another location. Certainly silent Eucharistic adoration is a good way that this is done, but it is not the only one, and if we use it as an excuse to avoid “holy silence” at other times, then we are missing out on a wonderful blessing.

As I read and hear about things afoot in Anglicanism, I am greatly saddened by it. I want nothing to do with all the in-fighting and the denominational politics. Yes, I know that the Catholic Church is not free from disagreements and power struggles, but I also know that now I can stand completely confident that I rest in the grace of God. When I am able to “be still” it has an entirely different context. The background noise and inner static is gone. I am a member of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church and there is no doubt about the validity of the sacraments. I hurt for my Anglican brethren who are still trying to find their place, and I do pray that they can also find how to “be still” as I have. Whether that is your situation or not, seek to find regular time to “be still” and know that He is God; after all, it is all about Him.

 

(Fr) Chori Jonathin Seraiah Ordained to the Diaconate

Via A Traditional Catholic in Iowa:

This past weekend an historical event took place in Des Moines, Iowa. was ordained to the deaconate. Some might wonder why the significance, well, he is one of the first Americans to enter into Orders under the provisions of Anglicanorum Coetibus. You see, (Father) Seraiah was an Anglican priest.

Reconciliation with Rome is a monumental event, when anyone does it, but there is special significance related to this. The true meaning of religious tolerance and catechesis really shines forth. It has always been the goal for the Church to convert the masses, but it has had varying success over the years and since the Protestant Revolt (some call it a Reformation), it has been very difficult. This is a watershed moment and the reverberations will be heard for all time! A Protestant ecclesial communion is in the process, very real process of reuniting with Holy Mother Church. And (Father) Seraiah couldn’t be happier about it.

Over the last year or so, I’ve had the distinct pleasure of getting to know him and his family quite well. They are God-fearing and their devotion to right thinking and the proper melding of faith and reason is admirable. They are searchers and they have found their way home. When I first met (Father) Seraiah he was finishing up saying an Anglican mass. I was struck by two things,

1. How similar it was to the TLM and
2. the devotion by which he celebrated the service.

Upon speaking with him, I learned that his devotion as an Anglican minister was more Catholic than many priests I know. He has a strong devotion to the Eucharist and a very strong devotion to Our Lady. His devotion to the Blessed Sacrament was what really captivated me and to be honest it perplexed me a little. I had never seen a Protestant believe with such ferocity about a dogma which is so fundamentally Catholic. As I continued to get to know him I found that his Catholicity was genuine and that his understanding of religion was in tune with Catholicism 100%.

Yesterday, (Father) Seraiah was ordained a deacon in the Catholic Church. He will be ordained priest on July 8. As I was speaking with him yesterday, I was struck by the humility that he embodied. He truly sees his ministry within Holy Mother Church as one which is of service. He understands what it means to be deacon. He understands that as he finalizes his preparation to become a priest, that his role is being fully realized. (Father) Seraiah is meant for the work he is about to undertake. I strongly pray that he embraces the ideal which is found through Melchizedek. Hebrews 7 and 8 speak about this considerably and I know that as the days approach, (Father) Seraiah will reflect upon the awesome endeavor he is about to undertake.

I pray for (Father) Seraiah. I pray for his wife Catherine. I pray for his children, Ajha, Ransom, Rook, Blaise and Winter. I pray they understand that as a Catholic priest they must share their familial leader with the Church. They will. This family is an embodiment of charity (in the true sense), love (agape), and clarity of purpose.

While it seems as though I’m singing the praises of (Father) Seraiah, what I am really doing is showing Catholics that there are those who need to be catehcized and evangelized. There are those who we must be ecumenical with in the Orthodox Church. We can and we should recognize the signs and the markers of those who genuinely want to be Catholic and we should support them and praise them. We should help them along their search to find Catholicism and the truth which lies behind it. I met (Father) Seraiah when his journey was more or less complete. I met his family when their journey was more or less complete. But their family gives me hope that there are others. There are others out there when presented with the truth will accept it. The Seraiah’s are a model. (Father) Seraiah is an example of what proper catechesis and what proper acceptance can bring. It can bring fruit. We all should redouble our efforts and we should realize that we can, as a Church, bring about the reconiliation of ecclesial communions.

HT:  Steve Cavanaugh

Fr Chori Jonathin Seraiah blogs here.

 

(Fr) Andrew Bartus Ordained to the Diaconate

Via the Blessed John Henry Newman Church:

On the Feast of St. Columba, Saturday, June 9, 2012, Archbishop Jose Gomez ordained men to the diaconate, including the Rev. Mr. Andrew Bartus…

See you all on the Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle, Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at 11:00 am at the Mission Basilica, when he will be ordained to the Priesthood and Bl. John’s is received into full communion and members are confirmed into the Catholic Church!

HT:  Steve Cavanaugh