From: richarra@gmail.com   
      
   A new "creation" in Christ   
      
      If we want to receive the abundant new life and the fruit of the   
   Spirit which the Lord Jesus freely offers us, then the "outer shell"   
   of our fallen sinful nature must first be broken and be put to death.   
   In baptism our "old nature" which was enslaved by sin is buried with   
   Christ so we may rise to new life with Christ through the cleansing   
   waters of baptism. Paul the Apostle describes this death and rebirth   
   in Christ as a “new creation” which Christ accomplishes in us through   
   the power of his saving death and resurrection (2 Corinthians 5:17).   
      This process of death to the “old fallen self” is both a one-time   
   event which occurs in our baptism, and it is also a daily, on-going   
   cycle of growth in which the Holy Spirit buries us more deeply into   
   Jesus' death to sin so we might rise anew in the power of God's love,   
   righteousness (moral goodness), and holiness. There is a great paradox   
   here. Death leads to life. When we "die" to our selves--to our   
   rebellious sinful nature and willful rejection of God's   
   commandments--we receive God's forgiveness and the life-changing power   
   of the Holy Spirit which frees us to love and serve others, and follow   
   God faithfully. It is God's free gift of grace (his blessing and favor   
   towards us) and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit that enables   
   us to live and serve joyfully as sons and daughters of God.   
      
   ==============   
   February 22nd – St. Maximianus of Ravenna B (RM)   
      
   Born in Pola, Italy, 499; died February 22, 556; feast day formerly   
   February 21. Maximianus was consecrated bishop of Ravenna in 546 by   
   Pope Vigilius. His flock refused his leadership for a long time   
   because he was too humble. He completed the basilica of San Vitale in   
   Ravenna, the dedication of which was attended by Emperor Justinian and   
   his wife Theodora. He also built San Apollinare in Classe and several   
   other churches.   
      
   Maximianus devoted himself to the revision of liturgical books and to   
   the emendation of the Latin text of the Bible, and commissioned a   
   large number of illuminated manuscripts. For the high altar in Ravenna   
   he had a hanging made of the most costly cloth, which was embroidered   
   with a portrayal of the entire life of Jesus. In another hanging he   
   had portraits of all his predecessors embroidered on gold ground   
   (Benedictines, Encyclopedia, Schamoni).   
      
   Maximian's most remarkable episcopal furnishing is the Throne of   
   Maximianus, the "cathedra" of the bishop which was constructed   
   entirely of ivory panels. It was probably carved in Constantinople and   
   shipped to Ravenna. It consists of decorative floral panels framing   
   various figured panels, including one with the complex monogram of the   
   bishop.   
      
   In a 6th century mosaic at Ravenna, Saint Maximianus is in attendance   
   upon Emperor Justinian. The saint holds a cross and wears a chasuble   
   and stole. His name is over his head (Roeder).   
      
      
   Saint Quote:   
   "When you think of going to mass on working days, it is an impulse of   
   the grace that God willed to grant you. FOLLOW IT." He did not say   
   ignore it! He also said: "A saint has told us that one day at Mass he   
   saw Jesus Christ with His hands full of gifts, looking for souls to   
   whom He might give them." But no one was there.   
   --St. John Vianney   
      
   Bible Quote:   
   Sow for yourselves justice, reap the fruit of piety; break up for   
   yourselves a new field, for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come   
   and rain down justice upon you."  (Hos 10:1-3, 7-8, 12)   
      
      
   <><><><>   
   Canticle Philippians 2   
      
   Christ, God's servant   
      
   Jesus Christ, although he shared God’s nature,   
   did not try to seize equality with God for himself;   
   but emptied himself, took on the form of a slave,   
   and became like a man – not in appearance only,   
   for he humbled himself by accepting death – even death on a cross.   
   For this, God has raised him high,   
   and given him the name that is above every name,   
   so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bend,   
   in heaven, on earth, and under the earth,   
   and every tongue will proclaim “Jesus Christ is Lord”,   
    to the glory of God the Father.   
      
   Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,   
    as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,   
    world without end.   
   Amen.    
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)