The Fourth Ecumenical Council – The Council of Chalcedon by Father Glenn Baaten

Dear friends in Christ,

We are now halfway through our consideration of the great Councils of the undivided Church during the first millennium. In our very first article, we were introduced to what are commonly referred to as the Seven Ecumenical Councils, and in subsequent articles, we reflected upon the Councils of Nicaea, Constantinople, and Ephesus. In this article, we will delve into the fourth of these gatherings: the Council of Chalcedon (pronounced kal-SEE-don). The Council was held in 451 AD, which today is located in the district of Kaldikoy, in Istanbul, Turkey.

TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (A): GOD’S VINEYARD WAS CREATED FOR HIS CHOSEN PEOPLE! WE ARE CALLED TO EMULATE IT BY FOLLOWING IN HIS WAYS! by Deacon Jim Merle

During formation as a deacon, we were taught to balance our commitments by not taking on more than we can manage. A handy hint we were given was to use one calendar to balance church and personal matters to avoid duplications and/or overbookings. It works most of the time except for unexpected items such as injuries, illnesses and deaths which need immediate attention.

TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (A): Say What You Will Do and What You Will Say? God Will Bless Us If We Follow His Ways With Humility and Obedience! by Deacon Jim Merle

My parents taught me to be honest even if doing so could cause me hardship. They believed that one is responsible for his or her actions and must be held accountable, especially if it causes a negative result, whether it hurt someone or did not.

TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (A): Following God’s Ways Brings us to the Path of Everlasting Life! Asking God to Follow Ours May Lead to a Place Without Peace! by Deacon Jim Merle

God, out of His love, created us for a purpose. We are called throughout our life to discover what that is. As disciples God gives us multiple gifts to understand the ways of the Lord. It is from this aspect that we practice our faith as true and faithful servants of the Blessed Trinity in thought, word and deed, as well as faith, hope and love.

TWENTY-FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (A): JESUS’ FORGIVENESS KNOWS NO BOUNDS! AS DISCIPLES, LET US ALSO OFFER LOVE, MERCY AND FORGIVENESS! by Deacon Jim Merle

Anger is common to all humans, whether we harbor it or someone else does against us. What is important is how we define and handle anger. Is it justifiable or not? And, in a biblical sense, is it sinful? It is this last aspect that will cost us to lose our soul if we do not address the cause!

TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (A): AS A COMMUNITY OF FAITH TOGETHER WE GROW AS DISCIPLES IN LOVE, MERCY AND FORGIVENESS! by Deacon Jim Merle

In conversations with people, I have discovered over the years that everyone has been involved in dysfunctional behavior in their family either directly or indirectly. A few are just a matter of talking it out, working to improve one’s behavior over time. Others may take an intervention to see the problems. Some are serious and require professional assistance.

TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (A): DUPED OR LOVED? A DISCPLE’S DECISION FOR FOLLOWING GOD. by Deacon Jim Merle

Based upon numerous studies by sociologists and psychologists throughout the years, their results have told us for the most part that our perceptions about life are based on expectations we encounter whether based on what we are told, see, hear, experience or believe. And, from that conclusion, many people decide what reality is in their lives.

The Third Ecumenical Council: The Council of Ephesus by Rev. Glenn Baaten

Convened in 431 AD, the Third Ecumenical Council – the Council of Ephesus – addressed fundamental theological questions concerning the person of Jesus Christ and the role of His Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Council condemned the teachings of Nestorius, Patriarch of Constantinople, and affirmed the Church’s traditional confession that Jesus Christ is one Person, the eternal Son of God, who is truly God and truly man. Its decisions played a significant role in defending the doctrine of the Incarnation and preserving the unity of the early Church.

TWENTY FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (A): IF WE ASK GOD, WHO DOES HE THINK WE ARE, HOPEFULLY, HIS ANSWER WILL BE ONE THAT TELLS US WE ARE A GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT! by Deacon Jim Merle

 “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

We know that St. Peter’s response to Jesus about who do you say that I am in St. Matthew’s Gospel, was revealed to him by God the Father. If we asked Jesus the same question about us, what response do you believe you would receive from Him? It is the most profound and intimate question any person can address to another.

TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (A): FAITH IN GOD FOR ALL OUR NEEDS IS THE ULTIMATE RELATIONSHIP THAT LEADS TO OUR SALVATION! CONTINUE TO STAY CLOSE TO GOD! by Deacon Jim Merle

If we are honest with ourselves, life is about relationships: Acceptance and rejection. We make decisions based upon our perception of a multitude of criteria that fall into our comfort zone. If we believe it is good for us, we accept. If not, we reject it and move on.