A Call for Unity Amidst Division: Reflecting on the Election and the Spirit of Christ

As the election season draws to a close, the air is thick with tension, division, and fear of what may come. On social media, memes about a "Civil War" have circulated, some people laughing about the prospect, others expressing genuine concern. Many of these voices, from both sides of the political spectrum, claim the banner of Christianity—touting faith, love, and the teachings of Jesus—while posting things that seem to contradict those very principles. As a follower of Christ, I can't help but reflect on the contrast between the words of our Savior and the anger and division we see online today.

A Divided Kingdom Cannot Stand

It's hard to ignore the language of division and violence that permeates social media and our national conversation. Some Christians seem to be posting about "getting ready for the civil war," or asking "when does it start?" and there’s something deeply troubling about this. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be agents of peace, not chaos. Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, famously said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God"(Matthew 5:9). I don't think He was encouraging us to rally behind violence or division, but to foster reconciliation.

In fact, when His disciples were ready to fight and defend Him in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus rebuked them and said, "Put your sword back in its place...for all who draw the sword will die by the sword" (Matthew 26:52). How often do we forget that we are called to a different kind of kingdom? A kingdom not of this world, but one of love, peace, and reconciliation.

If we are truly Christians, we need to take a long, hard look at what we are posting, what we are sharing, and what we are saying in the midst of a divided nation. We must ask ourselves: Are we contributing to the chaos, or are we working towards healing and unity?

A Call for Reflection: What Are We Truly Saying?

Earlier today, someone asked me how I voted. When I told them I had voted, but not for either candidate, I was quickly labeled as a “baby killer” and was accused of supporting policies that harm our country. What was supposed to be a simple conversation turned into a barrage of judgment, name-calling, and anger. It was eye-opening, though, to witness how quickly the veneer of "holiness" can be stripped away when differences of opinion emerge. It left me wondering, how many of us—myself included—are guilty of showing more anger than grace in the face of disagreement?

Jesus warned us about the dangers of judgment. In Matthew 7:1-2, He said, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."How often do we forget this? How often do we ignore the command to love our neighbors, not just the ones who agree with us, but all of them?

The irony here is that many who cry “tolerance” from one side of the political aisle seem to forget that tolerance includes allowing for differences of opinion, even those with which we strongly disagree. True tolerance doesn’t mean silencing the voices we don’t like; it means respecting their right to speak and finding a way to coexist peacefully, even when we differ. As Christians, we are called to lead the way in this, showing the world that there is room at the table for all.

Let Us Work Toward Unity, Not Division

So here’s my plea: If you wake up on Wednesday morning and the election doesn't go the way you hoped, take a deep breath. Accept the results. As Christians, we are not called to act out of anger or bitterness when things don’t go our way. James 1:19-20 reminds us, "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires."

Instead of posting angry memes or making threats of violence, let us turn that energy toward something constructive. **Start working in your community.** Reach out to someone you disagree with and begin a dialogue. Volunteer. Serve. Be a part of the solution rather than contributing to the problem. The change we seek can only come through the hands and feet of those who choose to work for peace, healing, and unity in practical ways.

But the same is true if your candidate wins. Don’t gloat. Don’t look at those who disagree with you and rub their noses in your victory. **Romans 12:15** says, "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." If we can’t rejoice with others in their joy and mourn with them in their sorrow, we fail to live out the love Christ calls us to. Our victory should not be about boasting in our candidate, but in the opportunity we have to do good in the world around us.

Real Change Happens in Our Communities

Whether we win or lose, the world is watching how we respond. Will we be the Christians who spread love, grace, and understanding? Or will we be the ones who add to the chaos, division, and hatred? Our country is divided, but the body of Christ need not be. We are called to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3). This doesn't mean pretending we don't disagree, but it does mean working towards peace, respecting our differences, and choosing unity over division.

So, if you wake up on Wednesday and things aren’t as you hoped, instead of letting anger or frustration rule your heart, choose to love. If things turn out the way you wanted, don’t let pride take root. Instead, choose humility and continue to work toward the common good.

Real change won’t happen in Washington or through memes on social media. Real change happens when we roll up our sleeves and get to work in our communities, in our neighborhoods, and in our hearts. It happens when we choose to love, even when it's hard. It happens when we live like Jesus, who was not a man of division, but a man of reconciliation.

Let us be the peacemakers, the change-makers, and the bridge-builders. Let’s show the world that Christians are united in Christ, not divided by politics. And in doing so, we will fulfill the command to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39).

May God grant us peace, wisdom, and courage in the days ahead.

The Tearing of the Veil: What It Means for Us Today

Last week after RCIA, I had an interesting conversation with my priest about some traditional Catholics who were upset that our church didn’t have an altar rail. They believed the altar should be railed off because it is holy ground. This sparked a deeper reflection on the significance of sacred spaces, particularly the veil that once separated the Holy of Holies in the temple from the people.

In the time of the Old Testament, the temple was designed to reflect God's holiness, and the veil was a powerful symbol of that separation. Solomon’s temple, as described in *1 Kings 6:2*, stood at 30 cubits high, but historical records from Josephus, a first-century Jewish historian, suggest that Herod later increased the temple's height to 40 cubits. This means the veil was likely around 60 feet high. Although early Jewish tradition claims the veil was four inches thick, the Bible doesn't confirm this detail. *Exodus* tells us that the veil was made from blue, purple, and scarlet material, intricately woven with fine linen, symbolizing the grandeur and holiness of God’s presence.

This veil was not just a piece of cloth; it was a barrier separating the Holy of Holies—the place where God’s presence dwelt on earth—from the rest of the temple, where men lived and worshiped. According to *Hebrews 9:1-9*, the veil represented the separation between God and humanity due to sin. Only the high priest could pass beyond this veil once a year, on the Day of Atonement, to make atonement for the sins of the people (*Exodus 30:10*; *Hebrews 9:7*). The veil symbolized our sins (Isaiah 59:2), but also pointed forward to Christ, whose flesh would be "torn" for us to grant access to God.

Then, something extraordinary happened during the crucifixion of Jesus. As He died, the veil in the temple was torn in two from top to bottom (*Matthew 27:50-51*). This was no small event; it carried immense theological weight.

So, what does the tearing of the veil mean for us today?

First, it symbolized the end of the old religious system. When Jesus died, He became the ultimate sacrifice for our sins, rendering the continual animal sacrifices of the temple obsolete. His shed blood was sufficient to atone for all sins once and for all. With the veil torn, the way to the Holy of Holies—the place where God's presence dwelled—was opened to all people, both Jew and Gentile.

No longer would God dwell in temples made by human hands (*Acts 17:24*). With the coming of Christ, the old temple was left desolate and destroyed in A.D. 70, as Jesus had prophesied (*Luke 13:35*). As long as the temple stood, it signified the continuation of the Old Covenant. But the tearing of the veil marked the dawn of the New Covenant, where God now dwells within the hearts of believers through Christ. *Hebrews 9:8-9* tells us that the temple system was only a shadow of what was to come, and now that Christ has come, we have access to God through Him.

In many ways, the veil itself was a symbol of Christ. Just as the high priest had to pass through the veil to enter God’s presence, so now Christ has become our High Priest. Through His death and resurrection, we can confidently approach God. *Hebrews 10:19-20* says, “We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, His body.”

The tearing of the veil also reminds us that the temple and its rituals were always meant to point toward something greater: Jesus Christ. The sacrifices, the rituals, the priesthood—all of these were shadows of the ultimate High Priest and the ultimate sacrifice. Jesus, through His death, removed the barriers between God and humanity.

The veil in the temple was a constant reminder of the separation caused by sin. The daily and yearly sacrifices pointed to the fact that sin could never truly be atoned for by the blood of animals. Only Christ, the perfect Lamb of God, could take away the sins of the world. And by doing so, He removed the need for the veil and opened the way for us to enter God’s presence with boldness and confidence (*Hebrews 4:14-16*).

Today, as Catholics, we see this profound mystery unfold in the Eucharist. Through Christ's body and blood, we encounter the living God—not hidden behind a veil, but present with us in a tangible way. The torn veil teaches us that we are no longer separated from God. We are His people, and He is our God. In Christ, the way to the Father is forever open.

Let us approach with reverence, knowing that the veil has been torn, and we have been granted free access to the throne of grace.

Biscuit

Over the years, you have heard or read about Biscuit, my beloved little mixed breed dog...well Biscuit made her final journey on September 4, 2024. 

Buttermilk Biscuit Anders

Sept. 1, 2009 – Sept. 4, 2024

Buttermilk Biscuit departed this life on September 4, 2024. Known by her middle name, Biscuit came into the family like a whirlwind, and from that moment, nothing was ever the same.

Many might not know Biscuit's full story, so I'd like to share it with you today. Biscuit was a rescue from Alexander County, North Carolina. Her journey to us began after the loss of my beloved beagle, Hunter. When I saw Biscuit’s picture online, I knew in my heart that she was meant to be ours. During that week of contemplation, my parents advised, "Just pray about it." So pray I did. A few days later, with the adoption fee in hand, I asked my mom to "just go look."

When we arrived, we learned that Biscuit and her siblings had been abandoned, no older than six weeks. They allowed us to see her, and the moment Biscuit gazed into our eyes and nuzzled my mom's neck, I knew she was coming home with us. As we stepped outside, Mom said, "Let's go to the bank to get the adoption fee." I smiled and pulled the money out of my pocket, ready for the moment I knew would come. We walked back in and said, "Let's go home!"

Mom cradled Biscuit all the way back, and that night, when Dad came home, he picked the perfect name: Biscuit. We decided to add a touch of Southern charm by giving her a friend's CB handle, Buttermilk. And so, Buttermilk Biscuit became part of our family.

For 15 incredible years, Biscuit filled our lives with love, laughter, and more than a little mischief. She was never just a dog; to my parents, she was the "Baby," and to me, she was my "Little fur sister." After about 12 years of delightful shenanigans, Biscuit began to slow down. She developed liver and kidney disease and, six months ago, stopped hopping up the steps. Last night, she began to cry, unable to use her back legs. Today, four days after her 15th birthday, we made the ultimate act of love and mercy, letting Biscuit go. 

In reflecting on her life, I’m left wondering: Who really rescued whom on that day in October 2009? Biscuit may have been the one we brought home, but she’s the one who truly rescued us, filling our hearts with her unwavering love and joy.

Rest in peace, Biscuit. You’ll always be the "Baby" of the family, and the best little fur sister I could have ever asked for.

Navigating Faith and Belonging: A Personal Journey Through the Catholic Church

In late 2023, I embarked on a significant journey of faith, prompted by a profound disillusionment with my previous Methodist church. The split within the Methodist denomination, centered on issues such as homosexuality, same-sex marriage, and LGBTQIA+ inclusion in leadership roles, left me deeply troubled. I chose to abstain from the vote on the split, unable to support a decision that would marginalize a part of the Christian community based on their identity. My commitment to love and inclusivity guided this decision, leading me to leave the church when it aligned with a more conservative stance.

For nearly eight months, I was away from any church community. This period of absence was marked by a lack of outreach from my former church or its leaders, which was disheartening and left me feeling disconnected. My spiritual journey took an unexpected turn when a dentist friend invited me to attend Mass with him and his wife. What began as a single visit quickly became a regular practice, leading to an invitation from the parish priest to join the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) and consider teaching faith formation.

Despite the warmth and welcome I’ve experienced, I find myself grappling with several significant questions about the Catholic Church that have arisen during my time in OCIA. My reflections on these questions may resonate with others who are also navigating their faith journey:

1. The Origins of the Church

One of my main questions revolves around the historical origins of the Catholic Church. The Catholic tradition often traces its roots back to Peter, viewed as the first pope. However, this raises questions about how the Church’s practices have evolved since the early Christian community. If the Church’s origins were directly with Peter, why does the Catholic Church not align more closely with the early Jewish roots of Christianity, including the observance of Jewish feasts and festivals?

2. The Role of Communion

Another area of concern for me is the role and requirements for participating in communion. The Bible, particularly 1 Corinthians 11:28-30, emphasizes self-examination before partaking in the Lord’s Supper: “Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup,” and warns of serious consequences for those who do not. This suggests that communion is a personal and reflective act of faith. Why, then, is formal church membership a prerequisite for receiving communion in the Catholic Church?

3. The Concept of Pride and Exclusivity

Lastly, I’ve encountered the notion that not joining the Catholic Church could lead to a questioning of one's faith or standing before Jesus. This idea concerns me, as I believe that salvation and faith are deeply personal and not solely contingent on denominational affiliation. I find it troubling that some might view non-Catholic Christians as inadequate or excluded. This perspective seems to imply a level of pride and exclusivity that conflicts with the inclusive nature of the Christian faith as I understand it.

Reflecting on Faith and Belonging

My reflections are not meant to challenge or critique but to seek understanding and clarity. I am deeply committed to exploring a faith community that aligns with my values of inclusivity, love, and personal faith. As I continue this journey, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of how the Catholic Church’s teachings and practices align with the broader principles of Christianity.

Thank you for joining me in this exploration of faith and community. I look forward to continuing this journey with an open heart and a quest for knowledge, hoping to find a spiritual home where my beliefs and values are embraced and nurtured.


If you want to follow more, you can do so by subscribing to https://ociajournal.blogspot.com

That One Word

Years ago, when I attended The Cove, my life group chose to do the "ONE WORD CHALLENGE." that was also the year I chose "Trust." Trust was hard to come by because my life started falling apart. I lost my best friend and my church, I finished seminary but couldn't get a job in chaplaincy. 

Despite all that, I continued to try to learn more about "Trust." I won't lie it was hard, and there were times when I would ask God "How can you expect me to trust you when all these other things had happened?"

My next word was Patience, another dangerous word, but that was the year I got my new job with a company I love, and I have continued to forge ahead with it over the years. 

Then something happened; I didn't pick a word for a few years. 

The other night I got an email from Mike Ashcroft, the founder of "My One Word." the email basically said, "Hey it's time to say goodbye to our words for 2023." And I realized I didn't have a word to leave in 2023. I had learned a great deal without having a word, and trust was certainly part of what I learned. 

So what would I choose in 2024? Would I choose a word in 2024? 

I started to go through lists of words: 

Worth

Dream

Trust

Patience

Wisdom

self-love

self-assurance

Joy

Peace

Forgiving

Prayer

Abundance

Fearless

Yes

Consistency 

Grace

and I also spent time praying. The word I felt God impress upon me is to be a person of Intention; to be intentional about prayer, to be intentional about faith, prayer, making myself available to God and others. 

So would you like to join me? Choose a word, you choose from the list or explore ideas of the kind of person you want to be in 2024. Leave your word in the comments and we'll explore them together! 

Does God Hate...yes and no

There is a question that came up recently, "Does God Hate?" The answer to that is "God doesn't hate his creation, but he does hate the evil that leads to wrong actions. In fact, Proverbs 6:16-19 states 

16 There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: 17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, 19 a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.

Billy Graham said, 

It’s God’s love for man that prompts Him to hate sin with a vengeance.

The following is Solomon’s list of the six things God hates and the seventh that is detestable to Him.

1. Haughty Eyes

Haughty eyes denote arrogance (yahir in Hebrew), a spirit of superiority. A haughty spirit leads to “a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).

This is often called Lucifer’s sin. He exalted himself above God (Isaiah 14:13-14). It was also a factor in the dramatic humbling of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. A few signs of haughtiness are setting oneself up as a judge over others, criticizing or rebelling against authorities, and boasting.

King David said God will bring low those “whose eyes are haughty.” Daniel said God will humble those who walk in pride. Jesus said, “those who exalt themselves will be humbled.” And the Apostle Paul described arrogance as acting out of “selfish ambition or vain conceit,” an attitude so unlike the humble mindset of Jesus. God resists the proud, and Paul said he was kept from this detestable sin by a “thorn in the flesh” to humble him. 

Arrogance closes people off from godly wisdom and instruction and the salvation they need. “No one can come proudly to the Savior,” Billy Graham said.

2. A Lying Tongue

A person with a lying tongue aggressively intends to deceive. The falsehoods are used to hurt people, exalt oneself, challenge others’ character, or flatter people for selfish purposes. While it’s impossible for God to lie, and He detests lies, Satan is a liar and the “father of lies.” Jesus said it is out of the abundance of the heart that our mouth speaks (Luke 6:45). Psalm 109:2 predicted that those with wicked hearts would open their mouths in lies against the Messiah.

Signs of a lying tongue might include not telling the truth about a wrongdoing, telling half-truths or “white lies,” flattering for personal gain, exaggerating facts, blaming others for our own sins, making excuses, and even withholding needed information. “Lying lips are an abomination” to God, but He delights in the truthful. His hatred for lying was evident in the early church when Ananias and Sapphira died as a result of their deception. Paul exhorts believers not to lie, because it is part of the “old self.” Instead, we should walk (and talk) in truth.

3. Hands That Shed Innocent Blood

God hates the unlawful, intentional, premeditated, violent shedding of innocent blood. He is the Creator of life, and all human life is created in His image. Murder is a grievous sin, a characteristic of an evil culture and a desire for power and greed. But in some cases, the Bible does not forbid killing (Joshua 11:20). Just as the devil was a liar from the beginning, he was also a murderer (John 8:44a).

Additional scriptures bear on certain issues concerning killing people regarding abortion, capital punishment, and deaths taken in war. While these issues are often debated by Christians, with many other verses that can be examined, for the purposes of this article it’s important to consider the words of Jesus regarding the murderous heart. In Matthew 5:21-24, He said anyone who is unreasonably angry with someone — without offering mercy for forgiveness — commits a sin that is equivalent to murder. This concept is repeated in 1 John 3:15. Murderers who kill the body are dealt with by the law, but many bullies and “murderers” of reputations and relationships are not behind bars.

4. A Heart That Devises Wicked Schemes

God hates it when people conceive (plot, conspire, manufacture) evil against any person or group for personal benefit or for foolish, wicked purposes. God sent the flood in Noah’s day because “every inclination” of humans’ thoughts were “only evil all the time.” David’s wicked scheme — a cover-up for his sin with Bathsheba — was a plot against her righteous husband, Uriah (2 Samuel 11). Jesus addressed adultery in Matthew 5:28, saying even a look of lusting after a woman is committing adultery in the heart.

Those who manufacture wicked plots will find plans returning upon themselves! Evil imaginations can lead to sinful habits, addictions, and bondage. In Matthew 15:19, Jesus said such wickedness comes from the “heart” — sown in the thoughts, and contaminating the will and emotions. Our deceitful hearts can make us justify these sins, but God sees thoughts and intentions. The heart must be transformed and guarded against wicked scheming.

5. Feet That Are Quick to Rush into Evil

This indicates a person who exhibits no resistance to sin, but rather is enthusiastically involved in doing what displeases God. For example, when Eve was tempted, she failed to resist the serpent’s words; but, believing him, she plunged into sin. Unlike Eve, Jesus refused to yield to Satan’s temptation.

Some claim they’re not sprinting into wickedness, but they’re not exactly running from it either, and that can set them up to sin. (For instance, how many people linger on an evil scene while changing TV channels?) Many evils are not “stumbled upon,” however. They are willfully and intentionally planned with delight in doing wrong. When evil thoughts and wicked imaginations are fed, sinful actions are not far behind. The Bible says to depart and restrain from walking toward evil, because we will reap what we sow. James says, “resist the devil” and he will flee from you (4:7).

6. A False Witness Who Pours Out Lies

While similar to the lying tongue mentioned previously, this narrower focus of lying — giving false testimony — could send someone who’s innocent to jail or to some form of destruction. False witnesses led to Naboth’s stoning, and those who sought Jesus’ death sought false witnesses against Him. Intentionally spreading misinformation, sharing malicious gossip, subtly misrepresenting the truth to create a false impression, and any act of character assassination are also forms of breathing out lies. The Bible tells Christians to put away evil speaking, because slander and lies are part of the old self.

False witnesses could also include pastors in pulpits or Bible teachers who misrepresent the Gospel of Christ. Remember: a truth-teller does not need to fear accountability; but “a false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will perish.”

7. A Person Who Stirs Up Conflict in the Community

God despises dissension and division among His children because believers are meant to live in a community of unity — to live in love, not in constant conflict and strife, stirring up jealousies, disagreements, and suspicions.

Proverbs 16:28 says, “A perverse person stirs up conflict and gossip separates close friends.” James says fights and quarrels come from ungodly personal desires and ambitions. Those who sow discord sabotage the work of God in the church and in other places where believers are gathering — even in the Christian home. Paul exhorts Christ-followers to, as much as possible and with effort, live at peace with others.

What Does All This Mean for Us?

If we want to do things that please God and not things He hates, we must first be certain we are in Christ. We cannot change outward behavior until our hearts are changed. Then we need to offer our bodies daily to God as a “living sacrifice” and allow Him to transform our thinking through the Word of God — replacing ungodly thinking and behavior with godly thinking and behavior.

The Holy Spirit will show us how to pursue humility, truth, and unity, and build up believers instead of tearing them down. One of the best way to build Christian community is through practicing the “one anothers” of Scripture.

Prayer Points for Israel October 27, 2023

Here are the prayer points from the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews

Prayer Points and the Fellowship Prayer Team unites Jews and Christians around the world to raise a chorus of prayer to God for the security, well-being, and protection of Israel and the Jewish people. By appealing to God on behalf of his children, the Prayer Team will make a powerful, positive impact on Israel’s struggle for peace and security, and provide a tremendous source of encouragement to Israel and her people.  
Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
It’s been more than two weeks of war, tragedy, and loss in Israel. Many Israelis are now displaced or sheltering in bomb shelters. Now more than ever, Israel needs your prayers as they face such terror and devastation. Thankfully, we know our God is stronger and mightier than any destructive force here on earth. And so we trust in Him, as we pray for peace and comfort for all of Israel.

• Pray for the Israelis who are sheltering the displaced—including the elderly and children—and that they may find comfort soon. “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23).

• Pray for the men and women on the front lines. All those who bravely defend Israel in the Israel Defense Forces, as well as the first responders and security officials who are risking their lives to save lives. “I have posted watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night” (Isaiah 62:6).

• Pray that The Fellowship will be able to help all those who are suffering as a result of the Hamas attack on October 7. Pray that we will be able to provide some comfort and support in Israel’s greatest time of need. “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem” (Isaiah 66:13).

• Pray for the day when God will bless His people with the most precious gift of shalom, peace. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure” (Psalm 122:6).