Feb 28

 

1 Chronicles 16:11

11 Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.

End of Month Closing Thought

 The world is dividing itself between those who care and those who couldn't care less. It's the inner conflict between the selfish and the selfless in all of us. Those who care quite often care too much, which gets them into trouble. Those who could care less lack compassion, which leads to cruelty, whether intended or not. Those who care have very little power and are hopelessly outgunned against cold, calculating planning that ultimately leads to heartless actions. It's like bringing a super soaker to a machine gun fight. The only true weapon that they have is the rule of law and holding those who break it accountable. If that fails, then nothing will stop the lawlessness. In this mad rush to become a great country, they are destroying those things that make us a good country. The reality is that it's not God bless America, like it is a demand, but much more like May we continue to deserve God's blessings.  It is not a guarantee. The only way to fix this is for some of the people who could care less to start to care. It is always a choice.

Feb 27

 

Galatians 5:22

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Feb 23

 

2 Timothy 4:7

7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Feb 23

 Luke 37-38 (ESV)

37 “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; 38 give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

Feb 20

 1 John 3:1 (NIV)

1 See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

Feb 19

 

Ephesians 4:2

2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Feb 18

 

Psalms 22:19 19 But you, LORD, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me.

Feb 17

 

Zephaniah 3:17

17 The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”

Feb 15

 

Luke 6:37

 

Judging Others

37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

Feb 15

 

Isaiah 54:10

10 Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.

 OFFICE OF THE PRESIDING BISHOP

Reformed Catholic Church

www.reformedcatholic.org

19 E. Eldridge Street

Manchester, CT 06040

562-708-7198

January 29th, 2025

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In the spirit of our shared faith and the call to compassion that binds us as a Christian community, we

write to address the increased need for just and humane policies toward persons who have immigrated

to the United States. This issue, deeply embedded in our history and progress both as a nation and as a

Christian community, requires our earnest attention and thoughtful reflection based on scriptural

principles.

As followers of Christ, we are compelled to view every person with divine love, worthy of just and

compassionate treatment. Jesus himself was a refugee, born in a manger and later fleeing to Egypt to

escape persecution (Matthew 2:13-15). His teachings and actions consistently reinforced our

obligation to welcome the stranger and to offer solace and support to those in need. Our faith

commands us to embrace the vulnerable and to advocate for justice and dignity for all, regardless of

their status, origin, or skin color.

The United States of America is a nation of immigrants. Our growth as a strong nation has been made

possible because of the immeasurable talents and contributions of immigrants up to this very day. By

and large, today's immigrants are forced from their homelands because of economic disparities,

political instability, and/or environmental changes. Each migrant's story is unique, filled with both

hope and hardship.

Immigration policies and enforcement must first recognize the human faces behind the statistics. It is

essential for political leaders to weigh legitimate concerns about national security with the moral-

ethical imperative to provide refuge and support to those fleeing dire circumstances, creating equitable

policies and practices free from any racial, ethnic, or gender-based discrimination. Balancing these

imperatives requires courage and compassion, if leaders are to legitimately claim that their actions are

guided by Christian values.

Just treatment of migrant populations must be characterized by policies and practices that:

1. Protect the Vulnerable: Ensure that refugees and asylum seekers are provided with safe haven

and support as they seek to rebuild their lives.

2. Promote Family Unity: Advocate for policies that keep families together, recognizing that

family is a fundamental unit of society and a core element of human dignity.

3. Support Integration: Facilitate the integration of immigrants into society through access to

education, employment, and community resources, enabling them to contribute fully and thrive.

4. Address Root Causes: Work collaboratively to address the underlying causes of migration, such

as poverty, conflict, and environmental degradation, in order to create conditions where people

can build secure and prosperous lives in their own countries.

5. Keep and Protect DACA Participants: Those young immigrants who have been granted

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

As members of the Reformed Catholic Church, we are called to embody Christ's love through our

actions and advocacy. We can contribute to the creation of just and compassionate immigration

policies by:

1. Education and Awareness: Engage in education and dialogue about immigration issues within

our local communities to foster a deeper understanding and empathy.

2. Direct Support: Offer practical assistance to immigrants and refugees through local outreach

programs, shelters, and support networks.

3. Advocacy: Advocate for just and compassionate immigration policies at local, national, and

international levels, working alongside organizations that promote human rights and social

justice through participation in direct actions and by making our concerns known to our elected

representatives.

4. Prayer and Reflection: Pray for all those affected by immigration—migrants, refugees, their

loved ones who remain behind in their countries of origin, and those in positions of power—and

reflect on how we can be instruments of peace and justice in this vital area of concern.

Our faith compels us to see the face of Christ in every person, including those who come to our shores

seeking a better life. Let us respond with hearts full of grace and hands ready to work for justice. May

our actions be a testament to the transformative power of love and the enduring promise of God’s reign.

In Christ’s Peace and Love,

The Bishops and Board of Directors of the Reformed Catholic Church

Feb 13

 John 13:34

34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

Kinda seems to be an important one at this time.

Feb 12

 

1 John 4:7

7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

Feb 10

 

Mark 12:30

30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’

Feb 8

 

James 1:5

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

Feb 7

 

Psalms 37:37

37 Consider the blameless, observe the upright; a future awaits those who seek peace.

Feb 6

 

Matthew 11:28

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Feb 4

 

Psalms 34:14

14 Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

Feb 3

 

Ecclesiastes 7:9

9 Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.

Feb 1

 

Romans 8:31

31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?