Benediction

Mobile friendly website

This is Benedictions mobile friendly Christian website with a range of resources. This site will be updated on the 1st of each month.

Homilies: Against Peril of Idolatry

Scriptural Reference:

"You shall have no other gods before[a] me. 4 “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. "
Exodus 20:3-4

"All who make idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Those who would speak up for them are blind; they are ignorant, to their own shame. Who shapes a god and casts an idol, which can profit nothing? People who do that will be put to shame; such craftsmen are only human beings. Let them all come together and take their stand; they will be brought down to terror and shame"
Isaiah 44:9-11

"Dear children, keep yourselves from idols."
1 John 5:21

" If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple."
1 Corinthians 3:17

Reflection:
When we read the "Homily Against Peril of Idolatry," as published in 1563 by the Church of England, we read a 16th-century treatise that argues against the use of images or objects within worship. That cites them as a source of idolatry. It does this by drawing heavily on scriptural passages. Particularly those found in the Old Testament commandments: Which speak strongly against the use of graven images. As well as historical examples of idol worship to assert that images can lead to superstition and a distraction from a true worship of God. The homily suggests that the proper focus for reverence should be on the Church as a place for scripture, prayer, and sacraments and shared worship; and not on external decorations or images themselves.

Key points of the "Homily Against Peril of Idolatry":

Rejection of Images in Worship:
The homily condemns the use of images, paintings, and excessive ornamentation in churches, viewing them as idols that incite or elicit idolatry. We can perceive how easy it is for people to focus too heavily on the object then on the Holy Spirit or on God Himself when in prayer or worship. As the object can become an intermediary between the one praying and the purpose of their prayer or worship. The tendency to rely tool heavily on a physical object becomes a prop that can lead an individual to start relating to the object. And like all props it can lead to a physical, emotional and psychological dependency.

Biblical Basis:
The homely argues that such images are forbidden by God in the Old Testament, which gave specific laws to warn against them. As God set down to Moses within the Ten Commandments. Forbidding His people from making such images or objects. Such as Those created in the early phase of the exodus from Egypt. Where, while Moses was away listening to God instruct him, the people created a golden calf so they had something tangible or physical to relate to. The object became the focus to the extent that they no longer felt a connection, or even a need for on, to their unseen God.

In a post-modern context the object can be a range of things. It could be the clothes that people where to attend services. I know of many Churches that insist people where either suits and dresses, known euphemistically as their Sunday best. Or those Churches where clothes must be bright and highlight a range of social issues that might be trending. Added these two would be the things set out within the Church to set the mood for the service. We know that almost every Church has a nativity scene set out during the month of December. Yet would a service be in any way diminished if the scene wasn't set out? Especially as almost every setting shows the visiting "Wise-Men" or "Magi" at the scene of the manger. When a read of the Bible tells us they didn't arrive until several years later when the family were living in a house. Setting the mood is one thing. Ignoring the truth for a quaint tradition is another.

Historical Comparison:
The text draws parallels between the use of images in contemporary churches and the practices of ancient pagan idolaters, arguing that the worship of saints' images with particular rituals is similar to how pagans worshipped their gods. In the past as throughout history people created such images to take the place of god's and goddesses'. Relying on the physicality of the object over the strength of faith in the hidden. For many Churches the aesthetic appeal of the building becomes more important then the spiritual purpose of the building. At the time of the writing of this homely the authours were aiming to point out the way Catholic Churches were ornate and created to inspire more awe then reverence. So a move away from the garnishing and a return to the core values was intended.

This could be deemed a move back to basics. Or a way that was intended on getting parishioners to remember the real purpose for their attending Church. If someone is surrounded by a range of fanciful objects and images they can become distracted and lose focus on the prayers. The early writers of the homilies wanted to warn against this tendency by using the Catholic Church as their example.

Focus on True Reverence:
The homily advocates for a reverence based on the church's function as a place for the teaching of God's word, prayer, and the administration of sacraments, rather than on outward and costly decorations. Essentially the Church is not meant to become ornate distracting images and ornamentation. As the real source of the Churches function is within the function of it as a place of worship and prayer. As in the previous homely, which focused on the use of the Church, this homely hones in on function and purpose as primary. Ornamentation being less important. Even to the extant that such ornaments being seen as distractions to the faith. The Catholic Church being deemed to have supplemented the true purpose of the house of God for the trappings or vibe. Many post modern Churches have followed a similar path. Creating a feel good vibe with a range of bright colours, loud modern music, trending slogans and phrases as well as a focus on attracting young people at the cost of alienating old people. Creating a shallow surface faith. One might even say similar to the seed that lands on shallow soil. It grows for a time. But soon dies from lack of proper nutritional foundations.

Hierarchical view of Images:
While condemning worship of images, the homily does not take a completely "iconophobic" stance. It maintains a more nuanced view, considering the subject matter and context of images, but still insists that those used for worship are perilous. So the use of any image within the Church is based on the principle purpose behind the image or object. If it's used to adorn but not distract from the core gospel principles and message then it's deemed to be okay. Though if it's becoming the primary focus to those who attend Church it's deemed to be a negative distraction and should not be permitted.

So as the old adage goes: All things in moderation. If a Church is able to include ornaments or artistic expressions within the building without compromising the integrity of faithful worship; then the out come is one that is encouraging and blessed. The need to keep any ornate expressions within context is as always important.

Substance over emotions is another way of expressing this. As mentioned, many Churches today seek to create a vibe or feel that will tract people to them, with an especial focus on the younger generation. They do this by using trending images and music. And sadly in most cases they miss the opportunity to engage with people on a deep significant level for the benefit of the immortal souls. As soon as trends change, and social influencers move on, so do those who were attracted to the Church.

So in closing and to repeat something that I had mentioned above. There is a need to keep the focus of those attending Church on the true source of their salvation. So that any ornate expressions within the Church is used with a strict application that is in context to worship.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,
I pray that my focus may always be on you.
That I may never become distracted,
By ornate objects or images.
That in all things my focus should be on,
The creator of all things,
And not on the created.

Though I will still marvel at the grandeur,
The splendour and wonder of creation.
As I give you proper and due praise,
For everything I have in the world.

May the earth and the heavens,
Continue to sing your praises,
From the rising of the sun,
To the setting of the same.

Amen

Beyond Sight and Sound ©
A Sapphic Stanza

You could search the world for the perfect sunrise.
Sleeping through the day and waiting through the night.
Your gaze steadfastly set on the horizon.
And never see it.

You could search your soul for the right words to pray.
Words that would weave the tapestry of your faith.
Into to a joyful prayer of adulation.
And still be silent.

So for now be still in the presence of God.
Close your eyes and see the sunrise of His grace.
As you listen to the Holy Spirit's voice.
And trust in the Lord.

MJ Flack

Inside Out

Directed by: Pete Docter
Screenplay by: Pete Docter, Meg LeFauve, Josh Cooley
Story by: Pete Docter, Ronnie del Carmen
Produced By: Jonas Rivera
Starring: Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Richard Kind, Bill Hader, Lewis Black, Mindy Kaling, Kaitlyn Dias, Diane Lane, Kyle MacLachlan
Music by: Michael Giacchino
Production Companies: Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar Animation Studios
Release date: May 18, 2015 (Cannes), June 19, 2015 (United States)
Content: Youth

Plot: Within the mind of a young girl named Riley are the basic emotions that control her actions: Joy, Sadness, Fear, Disgust, and Anger. Her experiences become memories, stored as coloured orbs, which are sent into long-term memory each night. The aspects of five most important "core memories" within her personality incorporate the form of five floating islands. Joy acts as the leader, and she and the rest of the emotions try to limit Sadness's influence.

At the age of 11, Riley moves from Minnesota to San Francisco for her father's new job. She at first has poor experiences: the new house is cramped and old, her father hardly has any time for her, a local pizza parlour only serves pizza topped with broccoli (which Riley dislikes), and the moving van with their belongings ends up in Texas and will not arrive for weeks. On Riley's first day at her new school, Sadness retroactively turns joyous memories sad, which causes Riley to cry in front of her class and creates a sad core memory. Joy tries to dispose of it by using a vacuum tube but accidentally knocks the other core memories loose during a struggle with Sadness, disabling the personality islands. Joy, Sadness, and the core memories are sucked out of Headquarters.

In Joy and Sadness's absence, Anger, Fear, and Disgust are forced to take control of Riley with disastrous results, distancing Riley from her parents, friends, and hobbies. Because of this, her personality islands gradually crumble and fall into the "Memory Dump", where memories are forgotten. Finally, Anger resolves to return to Minnesota, believing it will restore her happiness.

While navigating the vast long-term memory area, Joy and Sadness encounter Bing Bong, Riley's childhood imaginary friend, who suggests riding the "train of thought" back to Headquarters. The three, after extreme inconvenience caused by the islands' dissolution, eventually catch the train, but it halts when Riley falls asleep, and then it derails entirely with the collapse of another island. Afraid that all the core memories will become sad, Joy abandons Sadness and tries to ride a "recall tube" back to the Headquarters, but the ground below the tube collapses, breaking it and sending Joy and Bing Bong plunging into the Memory Dump. After discovering a sad memory that turned happy in Riley's parents' comfort to her, Joy understands Sadness's purpose: alerting others when Riley is emotionally overwhelmed and needs help. Joy and Bing Bong try to use Bing Bong's old wagon rocket, which gets energy when the rider sings, to escape the Memory Dump, but are unable to fly high enough due to their combined weight. On their last attempt, Bing Bong jumps out to allow Joy to escape as he fades away.

End of Spoilers

Review: This is a particularly good film for young people. It deals with the many emotions that can and do occur during puberty. The film can be watched by both adults and children with the plan to open up and encourage conversations. I especially appreciated the way that sad emotions can be seen as natural and in positive ways. That there will always be a need for a healthy balance of all emotions. One of the films I'm happy to suggest.

M J Flack

The Secret Garden

Authouress: Frances Hodgson Burnett
Illustrated by: M. L. Kirk (US), Charles Robinson (UK)
Language: English
Publisher: Frederick A. Stokes (US), William Heinemann (UK)
ISBN: 978-1514665954
Content: Youth

Review: The story begins at the turn of the 20th century, Mary Lennox, a young girl growing up in India, is neglected and unloved 10-year-old girl. Born in British India to wealthy British parents who never wanted her and made an effort to ignore her, she is cared for primarily by native servants, who allow her to become spoilt, demanding and self-centred. It's after a cholera epidemic kills Mary's parents, the few surviving servants flee the house without Mary.

She is discovered by British soldiers who place her in the temporary care of an English clergyman, whose children taunt her by calling her "Mistress Mary, quite contrary." She is soon sent to England to live with her uncle, Archibald Craven, whom her father's sister Lilias married. He lives on the Yorkshire Moors in a large English country house, Misselthwaite Manor. When escorted to Misselthwaite by the housekeeper Mrs Medlock, she discovers Lilias Craven is dead and that Mr Craven is a hunchback.

At first, Mary is as sour and rude as ever. She dislikes her new home, the people living in it and, most of all, the bleak moor on which it sits. Over time, she becomes less temperamental and befriends her maid, Martha Sowerby, who tells Mary about Lilias, who would spend hours in a private walled garden growing roses. Lilias Craven died after an accident in the garden ten years prior, and the devastated Archibald locked the garden and buried the key.

Mary becomes interested in finding the secret garden herself, and her ill manners begin to soften as a result. Soon, she comes to enjoy the company of Martha, the gardener Ben Weatherstaff and a friendly robin redbreast. Her health and attitude improve with the bracing Yorkshire air, and she grows stronger as she explores the estate gardens. Mary wonders about the secret garden and about mysterious cries that echo through the house at night.

Mary over time meets a range of characters that each add to her slowly growing confidence and curiosity with the world around her. In some ways we may consider there is a link or relationship between Mary's early life of neglect and the secret garden that also had been neglected. We can see how helping the garden was also instrumental in helping heal Mary herself. This is a poignant and wonderful story. With characters that are relatable and full of hope and aspirations. Time has not diminished the wonder and appeal the book has with readers of all ages.

MJ Flack

Easy Jam Cordial

Ingredients:

1 Jar Jam
2 Jars Water
1 Jar White Sugar
1 tsp Citric Acid

Instructions:

Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan.
Place over moderate heat and bring to a boil stirring constantly.
Make sure jam & sugar has dissolved into the water creating a syrup.
Simmer till liquid becomes thicker and the sugar has dissolved.
Strain through a fine mesh strainer to remover excess flesh and pulp.
Pour into a clean sealable bottle.
Seal and lay on side to help sterilise the top.
Refrigerate once cooled.

Photo by

frank mckenna