A miracle...

A little over a week ago I was blessed to preside at the wedding of two friends of ours, Jake and Barb Wiard. As we went through the 4-5 months of pre-marital counseling, the rehearsal, and, ultimately, the wedding itself, I was amazed at miracle that takes place when two people from different backgrounds unite themselves in Christ.

Even more special for me was my friend and brother, Deacon Griz (us in the photo), came to help me pray over and dedicate the gazebo and altar area we were to use for the wedding (outdoors). After we finished, we were talking and I asked if he would help me serve Eucharist to the bride and groom. He agreed and we went over (at the eleventh hour) to introduce him to the happy couple. They were very happy to have Griz participate in the service, and so it was.

I was touch by many things that day, most of all it was the love of Christ covering us all as we, with unified hearts and minds, celebrated this day for Jake and Barb.

Many years, Wiards! Thanks, Griz!

Thomas Merton quote

"Take more time; cover less ground."
(from The Book of Hours)

Two days in week...

The past two Sundays have been glorious!

31 May was the feast of Pentecost in the western Church. It was a wonderful day for our diocese: all the Kansas congregations gathered at the Hutch congregation/cathedral for worship that morning. It was joyous! We had the long-standing pastors of the diocese (Bp. Q, Fr. Tim) through the newest member (Pastor Mike [soon to be senior pastor at Larned]) - It was wonderful to have all the congregations, worship teams, and pastors worshipping, serving, and ministering together. Next year I hope NC and SC are there too!

That afternoon we ordained five people (Gary & Jackie B., Tim C., Cheryl H., Dale L.) from the Hutch congregation to the Holy Diaconate, and Dn. Derek of Wichita was elevated to the order of the priesthood. Axios to all!

Yesterday was Trinity Sunday. I've heard many pastor don't know what to preach on Trinity Sunday. Some even "dread" it. I chock this up to many people's lack of a proper theology of the Trinity. Oddly enough I think many don't know what to make of the Holy Spirit (Interesting that Trinity Sunday follows the Feast of Pentecost...). Jesus is rather easily accessed through the Gospels, God the Father is present throughout the Old Testament and the Gospels, yet what about the Holy Spirit? Did He just stir the face of the deep in Genesis and cause the "tongues" on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2)? What is our pneumatology (study of the Spirit)? And what does it say about us and how we view God?

As we enter Ordinal time, let us pray for an illumination about the ministry of the Holy Spirit, His place in the Trinity, and His place in the life of the Church today.

"What's in a Name?"

I figured I might get some questions as to the title of my blog, "The Synaxis of All Saints," so I figured I should offer an explanation.

First, to define "synaxis." The Catholic Encyclopedia defines synaxis as, "gathering, assembly, reunion." (http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14383a.htm) Wikipedia states it "is an assembly for liturgical purposes." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synaxis)

The second part of the title, "all saints," should be fairly obvious. All who have believed upon Jesus Christ are saints, those who have been sanctified.

Therefore, I feel called to assist in the "gathering of all the sanctified," and even the non-sanctified!

I have taken great strength in the icon "The Synaxis of All Saints." In it Christians from all walks are shown surrounding the throne of Christ. My prayer is that we will all gather around the throne of Christ and together worship Him, along with the Father and Holy Spirit, in Spirit and in Truth (Jn. 4:23-24).

(An explanation of the icon can be found at http://ocafs.oca.org/FeastSaintsViewer.asp?SID=4&ID=1&FSID=48.)

Hello and Welcome!

My name is Fr. Ryan Mackey. I work as a college professor and priest in Central KS. I have established this blog to journal and discuss one of my favorite topics: ecumenical dialogue. I pray it will edify, educate, and encourage all who read it.

Many blessings! See you on the journey...

R+