#persecution
Heavenly Father,
Your Word tells us to love our enemies, to pray for those who spite or persecute us. That’s quite a “tall order” for a human, but through the enabling of your Holy Spirit, I can do it. Please remind me to pray instead of complain, to pray instead of get angry, to pray instead of feel sorry for myself.
I pray for all the people I have relationships with in my family, neighborhood, workplace, church, school…wherever I live, work, and play, that you would help them to focus on you. If they do not know you, draw them to you. If they do know you, remind them to think “What would Jesus do?” before they act. Remind me too.
Thank you for your love and patience with us.
In Jesus’ name I pray
. Amen.
Returningonce again to our regularly scheduled broadcast, let us once againrememberEgypt during what must be a terrifying Holy Week. Saint Mary of Egypt is the patroness of penitents, which should be all of us this week. Let us ask her intercession for Egypt and for ourselves.
O Lady, Mother of God, who gave birth in the flesh to God the Word, I know, O how well I know, that it is no honour or praise to thee when one so impure and depraved as I look up to thy icon, O ever-virgin, who didst keep thy body and soul in purity. Rightly do I inspire hatred and disgust before thy virginal purity. But I have heard that God Who was born of thee became man on purpose to call sinners to repentance. Then help me, for I have no other help. Order the entrance of the church to be opened to me. Allow me to see the venerable Tree on which He Who was born of thee suffered in the flesh and on which He shed His holy Blood for the redemption of sinners an for me, unworthy as I am. Be my faithful witness before thy son that I will never again defile my body by the impurity of fornication, but as soon as I have seen the Tree of the Cross I will renounce the world and its temptations and will go wherever thou wilt lead me.
Saint Mary of Egypt, pray for your homeland, pray for us, and pray for all penitents during this Holy Week.
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And now back to our regularly scheduled programming…
All jokes aside, let us remember Egypt, where ISIS bombings killed dozens of Christians worshiping on Palm Sunday. We pray for the living, that God may grant them strength and courage. We pray for the dead, that their souls will receive mercy and rest in peace.
Prayer in Honor of St. Anthony of Egypt
God our Father,
You gave St Anthony of Egypt
the courage and belief of an apostle
to give up his wealth,
living a life of poverty and solitude,
and to found monasteries.
Help us to be zealous in imitating his virtues
and to follow in the footsteps of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Grant this through the same Christ Our Lord
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Saint Anthony of Egypt, pray for your homeland.
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[Saint] Paul was denounced to the [Roman] authorities by owners of a slave-girl who had the power of predicting the future [due to the influence of a demon. Such soothsaying was not uncommon;] in the uncertainties of a pre-scientific age, any high-ranking official would have a staff of seers to predict the future for a price. Today we [effectively] still have them and they call themselves scientists, whether their predictions have a sound scientific basis or not. [Although legitimate science is praiseworthy and practically useful, we see the modern “demonic” aspect inevitably emerge when the knowledge gained by science is separated from God, being instead hailed as the result of human power alone, and used for trivial, selfish ends. Like in the pagan days of Rome, today individuals of popular esteem or rank will, almost religiously, consult the (often unprofessional) predictions of ‘science’ to guide and govern their choices. This superstitious obsession, and the power it brings, has become so integral to the lifestyles of so many that, when it is questioned– or removed, as Saint Paul did with the demon of divination– the result is striking. Idols do not fall quietly, especially not before Christ. Likewise,] when Paul silences this girl– and deprives her owners of their income– [in their fury,] they easily accuse him of other 'crimes’. These might be refusal to attribute divine status to the Emperor– [the next step up in idolatry. Whereas a pagan had no trouble promoting mortals to 'godhood’ and consulting spirits for hidden knowledge, the early Christians– still seen only as a Jewish sect– openly refused and rebuked such practices. Their faithful devotion to the One God, and declaration of His Sovereignty, was an automatic criminal sentence in the eyes of a vengeful nonbeliever– or even a misguided man of their natal faith, once the Christian declared Christ as God Himself! Thus] in his proclamation of the Gospel, Paul was caught between two [unavoidable and painful outcomes]: either he was beaten by the lictors for refusing divine honour to the emperor, or he was beaten by the Jews for granting divine honour to Christ. [Nevertheless, he– and all the faithful– stood undaunted.] Half-a-century [after Paul was so accused,] Pliny, as a provincial governor, challenges Christians to say ‘The Emperor is Lord’; they reply, ‘Damn the Emperor, Jesus is Lord!’
Dom Henry Wansbrough; Expounded Commentary on Acts 16:16-22
From the very beginning of Christianity the followers of Christ lived under threat [from both religious and secular powers], as the Acts of the Apostles makes clear. The martyrdom of Stephen and the floggings of Paul show the danger from the [misguidedly zealous] Jews. The refusal of Christians to proclaim that ‘Caesar is Lord’, [yet] their obstinacy at proclaiming, ‘Christ is Lord’ soon brought whippings to Paul and martyrdom to the Apostles [at the hands of the Roman Empire]. In many lands [even today,] Christianophobia– the hatred of Christians– is rife to the point of death or flight. In more sophisticated lands, [where blatant violence is largely disdained], there is a muted derision for those ‘soft enough in the head’ to believe the story of Christianity, building on a deserved contempt for the real failures of Christians to live out our ideals. [We tragically fail to truly imitate our Master, Who meekly endured far more persecution than we ever will, and Who was completely innocent of their charges. Nevertheless,] yes, 'they will persecute you too;’ [and so we should humbly accept our rightful crosses in return. This has been, and shall remain, our paradoxically blessed lot from the beginning].
Dom Henry Wansbrough; Commentary on John 15:20
Walking the Path of Faith
Walking the Path of Faith
Album Notes: Paths of Faith Christian Prayersongs Inspired by the Holy Spirit
It is with a humble, grateful heart that I announce the publication of my 29th musical album to God’s precious children, inspired by His Holy Spirit, who enabled me to create it through the risen Lord Jesus Christ within me, to the glory of our Heavenly Father, in Jesus’ name.
Paths of Faith is an appropriate title…
“Last Memoir”
www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9xkdQhbTvU
Music by Skyforest
(This song is called Reminiscence taken from their second album called Unity which was released by Depressive Illusions Records on the 20th of April in 2016.
Skyforest is an atmospheric/post-black metal with an influences of epic black metal, ambient music, and melancholy. The band is coming from Podolsk, Russia. It was found in 2013 by B. M. [everything | see also: ex-Autumn’s Kingdom, ex-Annorkoth etc.].)
Artwork has been taken from http://artforyourwallpaper.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/illustration-digital-art-sandara.html.
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“Spectral evidence” is a form of evidence based upon dreams and visions. It was admitted into court during the Salem Witch Trials by the appointed chief justice, William Stoughton. The booklet A Tryal of Witches, taken from a contemporary report of the proceedings of the Bury St. Edmunds witch trial of 1662, became a model for and was referenced in the Trials when the magistrates were looking for proof that such evidence could be used in a court of law.
Spectral evidence was testimony that the accused witch’s spirit, called a spectre, appeared to the witness in a dream or vision, sometimes as they would appear normally, other times as a foul hag, a swarm of insects, or a black cat or wolf. Thus, witnesses and accusers would testify that “Goody Proctor bit, pinched, and almost choked me,” and it would be taken as evidence that the accused were responsible for the biting, pinching and choking; even though they were elsewhere at the time.
Thomas Brattle, a merchant of Salem, made note that “when the afflicted do mean and intend only the appearance and shape of such an one, say G. Proctor, yet they positively swear that G. Proctor did afflict them; and they were allowed to do so; as though there was no real difference between G. Proctor and the shape of G. Proctor.”
Reverend Cotton Mather argued that it was appropriate to admit spectral evidence into legal proceedings, but cautioned that convictions should not be based on spectral evidence alone, as it was possible for the Devil to take the shape of an innocent person.
Witch Trial -1692
A young woman accused of witchcraft by Puritan ministers appeals to Satan to save her.
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Witchcraft at Salem Village: With an Account of Salem Village, and a History of Opinions on Witchcraft and Kindred Subjects, Volumes I and II, by Charles Wentworth Upham, c.1856.
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I’ve had multiple reasons recently to think about how there are many kinds of oppression, and they’re all terrible, but people will claim that one is worse than the others – with the strong implication that the Worst Oppression is the only one we should talk about or try to fix.
One kind of oppression involves people immediately looking at you and hating you and seeing you as less than human.
Another kind of oppression involves knowing that anyone around you, any person who has treated you humanely so far, might one day reveal that they hate you and see you as less than human.
Both kinds of oppression cause harm. Both result in trauma and misery. Both have led to segregation, dehumanization, systemic persecution, and genocide.
I’ve had enough of people trying to tell me that one is worse than the other. They both need to be acknowledged, talked about, and stopped.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: claiming that someone else does not experience oppression is not useful. Claiming that one kind of oppression is uniquely terrible or uniquely ignored is not useful. The goal should be ending all oppression, together, forever.
South Africa: Lesbian Stabbed to Death for Rejecting Man’s Advances
South Africa: Lesbian Stabbed to Death for Rejecting Man’s Advances
Lesbian Pinky Shongwe, 32, from Umlazi [South Africa] was stabbed to death by a man who was making romantic advances which she rejected.
Shongwe’s body was discovered this week.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nqobile Gwala said a case of murder was opened by Umlazi police for investigation after a 32-year-old female was allegedly stabbed. She said the victim left home to go to a local…
Grave fears for lesbian basketballer Brittney Griner detained in Russia
Grave fears for lesbian basketballer Brittney Griner detained in Russia
Experts and politicians have grave fears for the safety of American lesbian basketballer Brittney Griner, after her arrest in Russia a month ago.
Custom officials arrested the American WNBA star at an airport near Moscow on or around February 17, according to the US government.
Russian authorities accused the two-time Olympic gold medalist of having a vape cartridge containing cannabis oil in…
U.K: Lesbian couple forced to move home after being hounded by neighbour
U.K: Lesbian couple forced to move home after being hounded by neighbour
A lesbian couple were forced to quit their home after they were hounded by a neighbour who spotted them kissing through their living room window, a court heard
Nurse Faye Mallon and counsellor Lydia Henshall were subjected to foul mouthed homophobic abuse by former gym owner Kim Armstrong who called them ‘naughty disrespectful girls.’
During a hate campaign father-of-two Armstrong would…
Australia: Lesbian forced out of army will address Royal Commission
Australia: Lesbian forced out of army will address Royal Commission
Decorated army veteran Yvonne Sillett will appear at the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide on Monday. Yvonne was driven out of the Australian Army over her sexuality three years before the government changed policy and allowed gays and lesbians to serve.
Yvonne says on the Discharged LGBTI Veterans’ Association website (DLVA) that she joined the Army at 18. After then qualifying…
Mexico: Lesbian couple found murdered
Mexico: Lesbian couple found murdered
Nohemí Medina Martínez and Yulizsa Ramírez were found roughly 17 miles apart from each other on a stretch of Juárez-El Porvenir Road.
The women, who were both 28-years-old and of El Paso, Texas, were discovered on 16 January the day after seeing family whom they had travelled to visit in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, El Diario reported.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Chihuahua Committee for Sexual…
Lesbian flees Afghanistan to escape forced marriage to Taliban member
Lesbian flees Afghanistan to escape forced marriage to Taliban member
Image copyright of Lonely planet
Rabia was just 15-years-old when she became engaged to a Taliban officer against her will in a small village in Afghanistan.
Now 22-years-old, Rabia has fled Afghanistan and has managed to get away from the man who made her adolescence hell. She is temporarily living in Pakistan, but she’s hopeful she will ultimately be able to claim asylum in either Canada or…
Iran: Lesbian Activist Arrested in Iran, Faces Death Penalty
Iran: Lesbian Activist Arrested in Iran, Faces Death Penalty
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have arrested lesbian activist Sareh in the West Azerbaijan Province of Iran.
Twenty-eight-year-old Sareh, was detained for 21 days by the Iraqi Kurdistan police after her interview with BBC Persian about the situation of the LGBTQI community in Iraqi Kurdistan.
After release, she made an attempt to cross the Iranian border to seek asylum in…
Cameroon: Leaked sex tape puts lesbian soccer star at risk
Cameroon: Leaked sex tape puts lesbian soccer star at risk
Sexually explicit lesbian videos showing a former star of the national women’s soccer team and her partner spread widely in Cameroon last week. In response, social media sites were ablaze with people claiming to be outraged. Online and off, discrimination and insults against LGBTI people in Cameroon intensified, and police made arbitrary arrests of several gay and trans Cameroonians.
The videos…
Ghana: Teenager Raped as Punishment for Lesbianism
Ghana: Teenager Raped as Punishment for Lesbianism
A fifteen year old girl has been raped by two men as punishment for suspected lesbianism in the town of Yilo Krobo in Eastern Ghana.
It was reported on Africa Feeds, that the suspects, who shared housing with the victim and her friend, confronted the girls with an allegation of lesbianism and tried to offer them money for sex. When the girls refused, the men attempted to sexually assault them.…
Lesbian gamers say Twitch is failing them
Lesbian gamers say Twitch is failing them
Back in May, when the streaming platform Twitch announced the release of more than 350 new “identity tags” that could be used to sort streams into distinctive categories, Jess Bolden was excited.
The 25-year-old FACEIT Games Esports analyst, who lives between France and Italy with her female partner, streams the game Rainbow Six Siege, a largely male-dominated pursuit. Bolden was once Samsung…
France: Man rapes lesbian sister, cuts ‘permanent smile’ in her girlfriend’s face with razor
France: Man rapes lesbian sister, cuts ‘permanent smile’ in her girlfriend’s face with razor
A man in France is on trial for allegedly raping and torturing his lesbian sister and her girlfriends. Samy M reportedly lured his sister and her friends to the river Drôme, where he sexually abused and tortured the women. He is said to have used a razor to cut a ‘permanent smile’ on his sister’s girlfriend’s face. Her scars are still evident and will likely disfigure the victim for life.
Samy M…
