Even as I type this, preparations are underway for the consecration of two new bishops within the International Old Catholic Churches. As one of those who is to be consecrated, I have had much to think about and ponder over during the past several months. A few of my closest friends are bishops, and I…
In the New Testament we see two levels of contextualization. The level at which Jesus functioned and the level at which the Apostles functioned. We will first take a look at Jesus. From the human perspective, Jesus lived his life as a righteous Jew and experienced everything that his fellow Jews did, including exile to…
Upon the blue stillness lies the immensity of all seen and unseen, all wished and non-wished, all glorified and all condemned. Somewhere in the distance a wind chime softens the silence, calling upon a new soliloquy of transcendence. The sheet torn in the temple has settled on dirt floors – created and creating still; pondering…
This empty shell sits alone in silence wondering, “Who Am I,” but discovers only silence enveloping a once symphonic presence. “Who Am I” again surfaces from time to time, balancing the moments of deep inner thought with moments of complete emptiness. Does the blade of grass wonder to itself, “Who Am I” as it grows?…
I’ve been feeling a bit unsettled lately and can always count on receiving some sort of inspiration from the least expected places, so today I was paying more attention than usual – the key, it seems, is to remain open enough to hear the message when it comes through. Lately I’ve been feeling down due…
I am Bishop Michael Anthony Gifford, FESC and I am the acting Minister General for the Franciscans of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (FESC). Archbishop Edmund Cass, the founder of our order, has asked me to jot down a few words regarding our order. First of all we are a unique Franciscan community within…
God has blessed me with a ministry that tends to minister to those who are terminally ill. It is not a ministry I chose, nor would I have if I had been given the choice. However, it is a calling that I embrace. I have had the honor of standing by a holy man of…
I’m asked from time to time, “Father, why do we pray to the Saints, why can’t we pray to Jesus?” They follow up with “I just go to Jesus”, sounding almost arrogant as if, those who seek the assistance of a saint or the very Mother of Christ, Mary, were somehow less spiritually evolved or…
Sacred Space ministry is a community of un-housed and housed people called by God into Christian community and ministry for the purpose of transforming all our lives. During our weekly outdoor worship service in Oakland and Hayward, California, we offer opportunities for private conversation, prayer, blessing or encouragement, and lunch. We draw from the resources…
Creator and Created, Fine silvery threads dance confidently on Open waters, drawing up the life which Floats along vast currents. Behind the mirror existence shines back From ages past and teams of creation, Yet unseen they wait for their moment. Through dry mists glowing embers explode Casting their presence across unwatched Empty highways – waiting.…
