Dear readers,

Today marked a very special day in my religion’s liturgical calendar.

Looking to this day, I am personally reminded that what appears like divisions in human affairs, is many times – a consequence of mankind’s fallible nature. And other times it’s not even division at all – prompting much personal gratitude.

Not saying, that humans are incapable of doing so much good, I look upon (and gaze upon) the most perfect “cooperation” (if you will) of a perfect unity between the 3 perfect and all-mighty parts of God himself.

For all Christians, our collective Church is derivative of its “beginning”, through Christ Jesus on Earth.

What exactly is “The Rock” upon which The Church was built? I believe in a literal sense that “The Rock” is our planet.

I’m quite familiar that it has been said before, and, that it is widely accepted that “The Rock” signifies (and is) Peter – he who stands at Heaven’s Gate, and once stood on Earth listening to Jesus’ command of him to continue building The Church.

Others may believe that “The Rock” is Christ Jesus himself, as He referred to himself as such through direct implication to Peter. Much like, he did so when describing His Body as “Temple” (figurative) which then too became literal [as His existence at that point clearly then transcend “brick and mortar” and always did mere man in its humanity]. Well those personifications (for a lack of better word), certainly cannot be denied by the faithful, as He is the supreme foundation for our entire creed… including salvation; and enables our faith in the ascension of as many people as might come to believe in Him and have hope in Him.

Christ gave we believers his inheritance, and the greatest one to come, rooted in the building up of His Church. This continues in present day.

Without Earth, we would have had no literal nor physical foundation to build on; no way to build physical houses of worship for example.

You see, I think, Christ conferred much of his own authority to Peter; yet referred to the need for man’s literal under-foot, material foundation in the cosmos too, in order to build upon. Not to get too caught up in the heavens yet. This may sound too simple and “unromantic” as compared to the glory of God and His people… as we think about imagery in finest art which often points up to the Heavens first; but, Christ Jesus is very literally “grounded” too in many of His words left to us about our planet, for us, and uttered through us – not only in craft with metaphor and parable to accommodate our comparatively feeble minds. The beautiful Earth would be our home that he came down to, and left us to exist on for much time.

That with which we stand upon and are nourished by (literally harvested), is the spacial and physical means with which to serve one another in many ways. And, how sad if we waste it.

I have not studied this passage very deeply, and, I know that many Bible scholars have an opposing take on this – affirming perhaps that “the rock” is Peter alone. And, I’m sure that if I read closely enough, I might quickly have proven my own theory incorrect had I given it a close examination today. But, without opening my Bible today to check, I want to share with you this post in the days that have followed many – in which regional and executive powers have been put to huge test.

Isn’t it re-assuring that peace seems to have prevailed? It’s always tenuous now my friends. But, after you have accepted Christ Jesus as commander of your life, you will be fine.

Often God’s words to us from “His Letter” (The Bible), speak to us in metaphor and illustrative manner. And also, quite literally I find.

Why do I believe that “The Rock” God speaks of is not referencing Peter directly (solely)? Well first of all, Jesus was directly speaking to Peter and would have been unlikely to refer to him (liken him to), an inanimate object: rock. [However, it should be understood, that God speaks even through objects such as rock. He turns rock to water, or honey, and to life. Minerals for example are life sustaining. He also “moves mountains”. And “rock”, to humankind, suggests a quality of being unbreakable.] So, I preface my analysis understanding that truth. Of course, denying that, would be a lie. Yet, humans are not rock, rather flesh and blood; having the spirit more like a dove – we hope. And, Christ speaks affectionately of His loved ones, never denying the true shape of our fragility. A “rock”, that which is firm and hard – is a poor metaphor for human nature – and Christ Jesus was no “dunce” with metaphor. That is why I doubt Peter as being the “Rock” Jesus spoke of. And that is why I prefer to believe that Christ was referring to planet Earth, upon which Peter was commissioned to continue to build up Christ’s Church.

No flesh body (in the case Peter), could be foundation for an entire Church of God. In fact, it [His Church] began with 12 human members (aside Christ), am I right? Peter was one. And, that is why even the Catholic Pope, must be seen as both human and imperfect too. He is one, not twelve in one body. Rather, he is one in one body – and entirely man too. Undeniably important, but, also undeniably human. Still, it must be said that holy men, and saints who have died have exorbitant powers. And it must also be known that God is present in humans by way of Spirit. So, yes, I admit that some men and women are supercharged as it were. And in strict belief, each Pope has enormous authority rooted in Peter.

Yes, I know, this sounds outrageous to make humanity sound so fallible at a time when we commonly make deities of single human beings… even noblest-appearing ones. Some of us even worship criminals.

But, see, The Church is meant to be a body of many persons working together – as many working parts and functions. Some of us are farther along in our faith, and others are still struggling. We all need to be patient. And, Church leaders go to speak with other faith leaders as members of the Church… serving in distinct ways.

This is not simply my impression of Church mission as I’ve been taught it, this is a doctrine of Catholicism and other monotheistic religions around the globe too. To teach the faith to those who may be receptive to it, is part of daily life. And what a magnificent planet our God created for us upon which to do that.

So, where does authority reside in God’s Church? Who is at the head of it today? Is it Peter? In the religion which I participate in, Christ Jesus never left the head of it! He simply handed over the reins of it (temporarily) to Peter – with instructions. And yes, the Pope is a successor. Authority over the Church, has never left God though. And God is present in the laity as well. From Heaven, as part of the Holy Trinity (3-person-nature of God), He rules over believers (His people) as we practice and await Christ’s second coming.

The “good news” that He wants us to embrace and share (just as He gave it to us on Earth many years ago) is that despite our failures, as long as we believe in Christ and our salvation, we can get there. Not a moment sooner, and not a moment later, than the appointed time. The moment, is known only to the first person of God. It is not known to any man, woman, spirit, angel, Blessed Mary, or legitimate Saint who has died either.

So, again, I ask you – is there a supreme human leader – embodied in one human body only? Never, and whatever power a man or woman harbors, it’s shared by many and is not unceasing. Absolute authority, over all mankind, does not reside in totality in any human person; moreover, good power is not born from man, rather conferred by God himself.

So, again, where does absolute authority over mankind’s affairs reside? Again, with God alone. And, He chooses what to do with those of us who dedicate our lives to Him.

Now, here is a point of contention between Episcopols and “Ultramontanists” that is at times evident in human affairs (so I have read): the issue concerning authority over man’s morality.

A temptation of any human Catholic headship, similar in a secular society headship (or evident in any preacher’s homily), is the lure to present Church doctrine (and to believe itself to be) morally superior – even though the teaching undeniably is morally superior. What am I saying? The good thing about zeal, is its teaching (message) (-) any ego or attachment to personality, or want of power. That is not an accusation toward today’s Pope. Contrary to my generalized truthful statement, our present Pope humbly asks for prayers among the faithful – admitting his own fallibility – very admirably so. But, perhaps it is easier, as he is not under attack from Americans. In general, people remember its sins (Church sins) and commonly dredges those sins as being example of crimes and schisms; and, some brutes wonder how it is that a Christian US president can hold up his Bible at a time of crisis? The Bible is not just about “warm and fuzzy”. The Bible is the comfort and foundation however, for the Church, and for anyone who believes in Christian doctrine of our faith family. At critical times, a President deserves moral defense from a Church, whose laity knows a thing or two about moral accusations. Yet, I must admit, there is evidence that a powerful Church is still susceptible to corruption and evil of its own potential doing. That brings me back to the fallibility of my very own Church (The best thing I’ve got, becoming ever more perfect, though not immune to poisons from within and from out). All the powers under Heaven will collide at times, even if they are well separated. Even honorable powers will at times collide and then make amends. In fact, they did in Heaven too – collide and rebel. And, there, was the rebellion that could not be amended, rather had to be and has to be resolved by the one true King. That is God. And, that is by the mother of God as well.

See, there is no perfect authoritative structure yet on Earth – only man’s best attempts of such. And, those structures designed around a love for God, have the best chance of survival. But, we should not be naive to the reckonings nor to the illusions of premature utopias before the second coming. Mother Mary helps us to understand this as well, once we choose to devote ourselves to her.

Abstaining from power-sharing, within authoritative structures that are our best religious attempts – is what can be troublesome for secular and faithful society to cooperate. But, the structure has long been in place for both to cooperate without degrading moral teachings.

In my country (the USA), we see how worlds collide (clearly this year)… as we experience some mighty challenges – birthing questions as to where authority truly resides. And, without proper moral teaching, hope is lacking. People look for “more leaders”; but we all do best when we listen to those who are leading, rather than looking to toss them like our weekly trash.

We are not ruled by a monarchy, but, our faith leaders are monarchs in a sense here in the USA. And, that also has influence upon national level governing bodies. Is that evil? No. But, its powers must also be appropriately challenged if means to resolutions are wrong themselves.

For example, if a religious leader were to organize expenditures to depose a legitimately elected president, then our laws and the people (“We the People”) will have to prevail – counteracting the influence of that particular person, in order to preserve the election and office.

Also: Does papal decree have dominion and absolute authority over a lawfully, fairly elected, and competent US president? The answer is truly “no”. He may have “sway”, influence, concern, and ability, to excommunicate members of the Church. Also, the US President can also not remove the Pope from power either. Our current US President is not a Catholic anyway. His wife is. But, she is not the leader. And presuming a re-election, after another 4 years, our faithful President will have to step down. So, it does appear that the great powers are respecting one another (as should be).

So, when the US president turns to an Episcopal (Christian) Church for comfort and resolve – he has every right to hold up his Bible for a photo – even if it might be a “counter-protest” of his own. (By the way, any President can do that: it does not in any way desecrate the faith of God loving people). (He is respectful of legitimate faiths; and, he has not been charged with violating the Executive Office with any profanity whatsoever). Not the Bible, nor Words from it, are confined to being held up in our Houses of Worship exclusively. Yours truly, tries to teach my faith.

What about Satanic creed? Can that be expressed freely in the USA? Unfortunately it can. But, that does not mean that it should be. After all, our country is God’s country. Furthermore, our Executive privilege rests upon (at least) one very important oath.

What about Islam? Can Islam be practiced in our country? Yes it can be, and it is.

Are Catholics required to adopt that creed by force? No. Not in a free country; and not anywhere according to God’s laws.

So, who is the leader of our Catholic Church? Well, yes, our Pope – at present also known humbly as “Bishop of Rome”. But, does he have absolute authority over the affairs of the USA? No. Not any more than even the President of a multi-faith, peaceful nation as ours does over the Church.

But, both men (or woman President), have as-close-to “absolute authority” under legitimate provision, that well designed and fair laws will permit and require: in the interest of a functional and prospering nation. Especially, where it would otherwise not exist if left to be “burned down”.

So, what about the power struggles that exist between member-states of a free and federal nation, and its capitol? Just as the Catholic Church within numerous Christian faiths, the structure is such that regional authority (in the case of Catholic Church – the Apostolic Bishops among others have warranted, great, power and influence) is significant. But, the Church does not have legal powers that are more significant than the head of State. So, who checks the power of the Head of State? In the United States, it is not the Bishops. Rather, it is the Congress (House and Senate); and, the Legislature.

The latter two, are basically “We the People”. That is not to say the Bishops are not “We the People”. However, they must abide by rules and structures as well. How about the President? Is he “We the People” too? You bet he is. And “We the People” cannot break laws without consequence.

Rather than being insulted for not reading your Bible, be glad that its words are not empty. The Word is also put onto the Earth, flows through it, and gives root to everything that is good in life.

So who do we worship? The Pope? Our nation’s President? Minor Gods? Ourselves? Some alien somewhere? Our mayor? Our governor? The evil one? No. no. no. no. no. no. no. And most certainly no! We worship God alone – the supreme designer & architect (the adjectives are far too numerous to list here). But, we require a morally upright government, more than some persons would ever wish to admit as being required. And, our nominees should do work; and support laws that defend morality. And, all sitting presidents must always veto laws that violate properly ordered morality.

So, is it wise to criticize a man for holding up his Bible – as a reminder to us of who is most to be revered – namely God? It has been said, that the measure to which we judge others, so also we. So if you criticize that, reconsider.