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About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 1, 2021)
Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, December 1, 2021 -- THREE Spiritually Speaking Second Sunday of Advent: Prepare the way By Fr. Thankachan Joseph The readings of this second Sunday of Advent recall God’s saving deeds in the history of Israel, culminating in the coming of the promised Messiah. The prophet Baruch (5:1-9) depicts the situation of Israel: The enemies practically destroyed Jerusalem in 587 BC and deported many Jews to Baby- lon. Almost fifty years later, Cyrus, the Persian emperor, defeated Babylon and decreed that the exiles could return to Fr. Thankachan their homelands. Many Jews returned to Joseph Judah and Jerusalem, but some stayed among the pagans. They became known as the Diaspora (“dispersion”) Jews. Although they were cut off from the temple and the sacrifices of the community, most of them remained faithful to their ancestral religion. They nourished their faith with the teaching of God’s word by prophets, scribes and priests, primarily in their synagogue gatherings. They continued to feel their kin- ship with Judah’s Jews and to write of their longing for Jerusalem and its temple. The Prophet Baruch voices a hope for release from exile and oppression by portraying Lady Jerusalem, who, like a priest, takes off the robes of mourning and puts on the cloak of God’s justice and the mitre that displays the glory of God’s name. And by the prophet Isaiah, the people exiled in Babylon were told that their God would lead them home, just as He had led their ancestors through the wilderness to the Promised Land, assured that all obstacles would be removed so that this could be accomplished. Isaiah’s version is familiar to us, quoted by John the Baptist in today’s Gospel. Paul, in the Letter to the Philippians (1:4-6, 8-11), prays that they be filled with joy as they await the day of Christ. Paul reminds us that our remembrance of God’s saving deeds during the Advent season is meant to stir our faith and to fill us with confidence so that “the One who began a good work in us will continue to complete it” until He comes again in glory. This Pauline Letter warns early Christians of the second coming of Jesus, referring to it as “the day of Christ” and “the day of Christ Jesus.” The passage stresses everyone’s need for that perpetual readiness found in a righteous life. The Gospel reading from St. Luke (3:1-6) communi- cates John the Baptist’s preaching in the wilderness. He preached about the baptism of repentance, not a prose- lyte baptism converting Gentiles into Jews, but instead, a baptism for the forgiveness of sins, and it required repentance (metenoeo, a change of being), implying a turning to proceed in a new direction. Baptism itself is a purification ritual and John was inviting people to be purified of the unholy elements in their lives. Today’s Gospel offers the powerful message of John the Baptist, a message for all ages: 1) John preached condemnation. He preached the truth of what men were and what they had become: “vipers,” poisonous. They had allowed themselves to be poisoned and were poisonous to others. 2) John preached repentance. Man must first repent and then produce fruit, fruit that is worthy, consistent with repentance – showing a changed heart and a turning away from sin. 3) John preached against pride. The people of John’s time wrongly believed that they were acceptable to God simply because they were Jews, children of Abraham and godly forefathers whose righteousness saved them. How they lived mattered little. Similarly, we can wrongly think, “I have godly parents, I have been baptized, I am better than so many, I belong to the church choir…” and many other pious associations. 4) John preached judgement. God is the divine wood- cutter who cuts down the trees. The axe already lies at the roots of the trees. The trees are not yet cut down, but all human beings are warned. There are many trees, some lofty, some stately, some diseased, some bearing good fruit, some bearing bad fruit, some bearing no fruit at all. All trees that do not bear fruit will be cut down and cast into the fire. 5) John preached social justice. The people responded positively and wanted to know how repentance would affect their lives. What kind of fruit should they bear? John answered in practical terms. To the average person he said to share surplus food and clothes with the starving and the naked. To tax collectors he said, “Do not rob the people, just collect what is authorized.” To soldiers he said, “Do not abuse your power. Do not scare people or use violence against them.” High quality ceramics and glassware imported from Deruta and Montelupo Fiorentino, Italy. Each piece is handmade and hand painted, continuing the timeless craftsmanship of the Renaissance. Christmas glassware now available at Murray’s for a very limited time. Carmelo Di Salvo, President 757.285.5790 www.mozzafiatoitalianimports.com Obituaries ~ Letters to the Editor ~ Henrietta “Luella” Taylor Henrietta “Luella” Tay- required quite a lot of trav- lor, 90, of Hermiston, died eling, her husband was her Saturday, November 27, chauffer. They lived in Lexington 2021, at Regency Nursing Home in Hermiston, OR. for a time when they both A graveside service will be retired, and later moved held at 11 a.m. on Monday, to Sun Terrace in Hermis- ton in July 2010, December 6, 2021, at Robert passed the Mayville Cemetery away in 2015. at Mayville, OR. Luella remained She was born De- there, where she cember 21, 1930, at kept busy sew- Spearfish, SD, the ing aprons for the daughter of Edwin and staff, collecting Leslie Knust Schmidt. Henrietta bobbleheads and On February 26, 1949, “Luella” pandas, working she married Robert R. Taylor puzzles and play- Taylor of Fossil, OR, at Goldendale, WA. The cou- ing pinochle. She was preceded in ple had two sons and cared death by her husband of for two nephews. Luella attended Mult- 66 years, her parents, three nomah College School of stepsisters, Shirley Eddy, Nursing and University of Arvilla Jones and Glaves Oregon School of Nursing Hite and her brother, Nor- with reentry at BMCC af- man Newton of Oregon ter her boys were grown. City. Survivors include her During her nursing career she was employed locally two sons, Robert R. Tay- at Good Shepherd Hospital, lor Jr. (Darla) of Othello, Hermiston Good Samaritan WA and William J. Taylor Nursing Home, Pioneer (Colleen) of Baker City; Memorial Hospital in Hep- four grandchildren, Traci pner, the Condon Nursing Davis, Thad Taylor, Heidi Home and the medical clin- Lagao and Casey Taylor, 11 ics in Fossil and Condon. great-grandchildren, three Early in her nursing career great-great grandchildren 1949- 1950, she recalled and two nephews Steve working at the old Morn- Conley and Larry Conley. Any memorials may be ingside Hospital and An- spaugh Nursing Home in sent to the Good Shepherd Medical Scholarship Fund, Portland. Following her retire- Wounded Warriors or the ment from Good Shep- charity of your choice. Sweeney Mortuary of herd, she contracted with the Department of Human Condon is in care of ar- Resources as a private PAS- rangements. The online SAR screener for Umatil- condolence book is avail- la, Gilliam, Wheeler and able at www.sweeneymor- Morrow counties. As this tuary.com. Gary Warren Jones Gary Warren Jones, restore classic cars and was 83, of Heppner, OR, died a member of the Hermiston Wednesday, November 24, Cool Rides Classic Car 2021, at Pioneer Memorial Club. He was preceded in Hospital in Heppner. A private family graveside death by his parents, young- est sibling, Ray Jones and service will be held. a grandson, Jake Rol- He was born in lins. Heppner on Sep- Survivors include tember 18, 1938, his wife, Doris of 46 the son of Paul W. years; daughter, Hol- and Gladys A. John- ly Stickney (Phil) son Jones. He was of Lyle, WA; son, raised and attend- Warren Guy Jones (Shelly) ed school in Hep- Gary Jones of Hood River, Tere- pner, graduating sa Butler (Frank) of from Heppner High McMinnville, OR, Tracey School. After high school Gary Klink (John) of Millis, MA; went to trade school in a sister, Sandra Blake of Portland, OR for auto body Heppner; seven grandchil- paint and repair. He went dren; 10 great-grandchil- on to work for Jack’s body dren and numerous nieces shop in The Dalles and and nephews. The family expresses Hood River. He lived in Hood River for 30 years gratitude to nephew, Nick, before returning to Heppner for all his help and chauf- feuring the last few years. in 2003. Gary was a member of “Your gentle soul and com- the Hood River Jaycees, passionate care have been a Heppner Elks and IOOF. blessing to all of us,” stated He was a founding member a family member. Memorial contributions of the “Over the Hill Gang” 4x4 club in Hood River may be made to Pioneer and a longtime member Memorial Hospice, PO Box of the Pacific Northwest 9, Heppner, OR 97836. Sweeney Mortuary of Four Wheel Drive Associ- ation. He enjoyed hunting Heppner is in care of ar- in eastern Oregon, 4x4 rangements. The online racing, riding quads at the condolence book is avail- dunes and while wintering able at www.sweeneymor- in Yuma, AZ. He loved to tury.com. COVID Boosters Available Now Fast. Easy. Convenient. Walk-ins welcome. Impulsores de COVID Disponibles Ahora Rápido. Fácil. Conveniente. Se aceptan visitas sin cita previa. The Heppner Gazette Times will print all letters to the Editor with the following criteria met: letters submitted to the newspaper will need to have the name of the sender along with a legible signature. We are also requesting that you provide your address and a phone number where you can be reached. The address and phone number will only be used for verification and will not be printed in the newspaper. Letters may not be libelous. The GT reserves the right to edit. The GT is not responsible for accuracy of statements made in letters. Any letters expressing thanks will be placed in the classifieds under “Card of Thanks” at a cost of $10. Email to editor@rapidserve.net or upload to Heppner.net. Omnicron is coming To the editor: OMNICRON is com- ing. Close the schools; close the borders; man the checkpoints to avoid all without vaccine papers. Tighten the lockdowns. Like Covid 19, a Fauci/ Chinese bioweapon as ex- posed in the House Foreign Affairs report titled “The origins of COVID-19: An Investigation of the Wuhan Institute of Virology” we do understand Omnicron is coming. But are we to trust the science induced lockdowns and forced vac- cinations thanks to the om- niscient, unchallengeable counsel of Dr. Fauci? Did not Omnicron come via vaccinated masked passen- gers from South Africa and now the rest of masked and mostly vaccinated airline passengers throughout the world? Science, according to Dr. Fauci, will require the Global World govern- ments, to never relent until they have mandated forced vaccinations and stricter lockdowns on every nation in the world. In Australia, where our family lives, you cannot participate in society and soon you will not survive without the jab. Thomas Paine said it best in 1776, “These are the times that try men souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in crisis shrink from service… but he that stands now de- serves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyran- ny, like hell, is not easily conquered, yet we have the consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.” How are we to stand against this tyranny? We must heed the courage of those before us that faced similar tyranny. In 1941, when all Europe had yield- ed to the tyranny of Hitler, one brave man of integrity and courage rallied his countrymen to resist the evil of the hour. “Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never- in noth- ing, great or small, large or petty- never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.” (Sir Winston Churchill) How are we to know this latest Omnicron vi- rus is just the next step in the biblical ‘Beast’ system that will bring the whole world under the control of ‘antichrist.’ Follow the money. Fauci, Gates, the world pharmacology cartel, Communist and Socialist dictators, and the world’s billionaires have become obscenely wealthy and powerful during this pan- demic. “The world’s 2,365 billionaires enjoyed a $4 trillion boost to their wealth during the pandemic.” (The Philadelphia Trumpet, An- drew Miller, p. 16, Nov. Dec. 21) Capitalism is be- ing destroyed, the middle class is disappearing and 320 million citizens on planet earth have been driv- en into poverty and malnu- trition. (Op. Cit. p. 16) The new science of Fauci’s world lockdowns will cause a devastating shortage of everything from food to services, to supply lines of all commodities. In Matthew chapter 24 Jesus foretells this hour of great tribulation with manifesta- tions of pestilence, famine, and warfare. “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” (Matt. 24:12) Jesus is speaking about believ- ers (Christians) that turn away from God because they were not prepared or forewarned to endure this time of great tribulation. Je- sus exhorted his followers “to endure to the end, the same shall be saved.” (Matt. 24:13) Jesus is the only answer to the present hour of iniquity. He is no longer the sacrificed lamb on the cross. He is now a man of war coming soon to end this wickedness. He will return just like he promised on a white horse. “And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood, and his name is called the Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses.” (Rev. 20: 13,14a). Do not yield to this tyr- anny my brethren. Samuel Adam’s said it best in the grim early days of the war that birthed our liberty. “If you love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude than the animat- ed contest of freedom- go from us in peace. We ask not your counsel or arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains set lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen.” Stuart Dick, Irrigon Death Notices Phyllis M. Piper – Phyllis M. Piper, 81, of Lexing- ton, died Friday, November 26, 2021, at Hermiston, OR. She was born April 8, 1940, at Heppner. A full obituary will follow in next week’s edition of the Heppner Ga- zette-Times. Arrangements are pending at Sweeney Mortuary of Heppner. C h r i s t m a s a t I o ne C o m m u n i t y C h u r c h 4 7 0 E M a i n S t r e e t , I o n e , O r e g o n Church School & Adult Study at 10:00 am Pastors Invited to Submit Christmas Messages The Heppner Gazette-Times will publish Christmas messages from area pastors on Wednesday, December 22nd The deadline to submit messages is Monday, December 20th at 5 p.m. Off-site vaccinations available for businesses and home-bound patients. Call for details. Vacunas fuera del sitio disponibles para empresas y pacientes confinados en el hogar. Llame para obtener más detalles. Llame para obtener más detalles. New Rx Local App Available Now Nueva Aplicación Rx Local Daisponible Ahora Heppner Condon Boardman (541) 676-9158 (541) 256-1200 (541) 481-9474 www.MurraysDrug.com ALL NEWS AND ADVERTISEMENT DEADLINE: MONDAYS AT 5:00 P.M. Advent Worship at 11:00 AM with Lighting of the Advent Candles each Sunday until Christmas. Children’s Christmas Program Dec. 12th as a part of morning worship –with potluck following. Christmas Candlelight Worship Christmas Eve – Dec. 24th at 7:00 pm.
