PRAY FOR THE WOUNDED AND DEAD IN ARIZONA

From the New York Times:

Representative Gabrielle Giffords, an Arizona Democrat, and 18 others were shot Saturday morning when a gunman opened fire outside a supermarket where Ms. Giffords was meeting with constituents.

Six of the victims died, among them John M. Roll, the chief judge for the United States District Court for Arizona, and a 9-year-old girl, the Pima County sheriff, Clarence W. Dupnik, said.

A 22-year-old suspect was in custody, law enforcement officials said. But at a Saturday evening news conference, investigators said they were looking for an accomplice, believed to be in his 50s, who may have assisted in the attack.

What a terrible, terrible tragedy.

Let us pray for the family and friends of those who were injured and those who died.

Let us pray for the violence in our country to stop.

Let us pray for the person(s) who did the shooting.

Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

UPDATE: From Penelopepiscopal:

These are the names of the dead in Arizona: Christina Taylor Greene (age 9); Dory Stoddard; Dorothy Morris; Phyllis Scheck; Gabe Zimmerman; and Chief Judge John Roll of the U.S. District Court for Arizona.

Representative Gabrielle Giffords remains unconscious after surgery, in critical condition. Four others are also in critical condition and five others are in serious condidion.

PLEASE PRAY...

From Dora (Rudo):

My father who suffered a stroke just before Christmas died on January 4 and the funeral service took place yesterday, January 7. My brother and I arrived home on December 31st and we thank God that we were able to see and talk to him for 4 days before his final departure. Thanks for the prayers. He did not suffer much pain. He opted for cremation, which is very rare for an African person, because of the struggles in the Anglican Church in Zimbabwe. Since Kunonga has barred the Anglican Diocese of Harare from using the church property, including burial sites, my father could not be buried on the site where my mother is buried. He was cremated today and we will receive his ashes tomorrow. The service was beautiful although it took place in a big tent at our family home in Harare.

Please continue to pray for those left behind, including my three brothers and their wives and children and all his friends who loved him deadly are still struggling to come to terms with such a sudden end to the physical presence of their loved one.

Again thanks for the prayers

Rudo (Dora)

Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant Lawrence. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive him into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen.

May his soul and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Let us also pray for all who mourn, that they may cast their care on God, and know the consolation of God's love.

We asked for prayers for Lawrence here, and we prayed that Dora and her brother would reach his side before he passed away.

PLAN V. REALITY

THE PLAN:

1. Take Grandson and Granddaughter Christmas shopping. The two wanted to pick out their own gifts, and we did not have time to do so before Christmas, as they were at their mom's house.

2. Take Granddaughter to her friends house for the gathering before the Sadie Hawkins dance at her school (her first date!)

3. Bring Grandson to my house to stay until his dad got off work.

Simple.

THE REALITY:

1. Arrived at the home of GD and GS to learn that GD had typical symptoms of a bladder infection, so we had to make a detour to the Urgent Care Clinic. TBTG for the clinic, because we avoided the nightmare of the ER. Indeed, GD had a high infection count.

2. While we waited our turn at the clinic, GS became bored and restless, so I called Grandpère to pick him up and prevailed upon him to take GS to the game store to buy his Christmas present.

3. Dropped off prescriptions at pharmacy.

4. Went to Walmart for items GD had to have.

5. Returned to my house to wait for medications to be ready.

6. Picked up prescriptions.

7. Returned to the home of GS and GD to pick up GD's clothes for the dance and for spending the night at her friend's house and to pick up GS's game player, so he could play his new game at my house.

8. No time for Christmas shopping with GD.

9. Finally ate lunch around 4:00 PM.

10. Took GD to her friend's house.

All for the love of the two pictured above in the pool from a few years ago. Not quite so simple as I planned, but all's well that ends well - I guess.

I know. This post is boring. But I feel better.

NO FAIRNESS HERE

From Brave New Foundation.

We're not all in this together. The pain is not spread around. Some, like the bankers, prosper, as others suffer. The bankers prosper on the taxpayers' nickel. It ain't right. It jes' ain't right.

"WE DON'T HAVE NAZI GROUPS EITHER"

From Xtra!:

With the world’s spotlight on the It Gets Better campaign and gay teen suicides, the urgency for schools to create gay-straight alliance (GSA) groups seems obvious.

But while the Ontario Ministry of Education thinks GSAs are important, the Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB) takes a different view.

The HCDSB feels the groups are harmful and has issued a ban on GSAs altogether.

“We don’t have Nazi groups either,” rationalizes board chair Alice Anne LeMay. “Gay-straight alliances are banned because they are not within the teachings of the Catholic Church.”

“If a gay student requests a gay-straight alliance they would be denied,” she says flatly.

“It’s not in accordance with the teachings of the church. If they wanted to have a club outside of school, fine, just not in school.”

What to say? For a school board member of a so-called Christian school to equate the Gay Straight Alliance with Nazis is not against the teachings of the church? Truly, I'm rendered speechless.

H/T to Rob Tisinai at Box Turtle Bulletin, who says:

Thank you Alice Anne LeMay, thank you. Not everyone can make our opponents look so ridiculous in so few words.

OF CARNIVAL AND KINGS AND CAKES

From History of the King Cake:

(The above link for the quote below went missing and is now dead. I can't find the source in a web search. Sorry.)

When Christianity extended its influence and began overshadowing the religions that came before it, many of the local customs were not outright abolished, but instead were incorporated into Christian tradition and given a new spin. This even happened to the tradition of Mardi Gras, and from what we have researched so far seems to be the case, but that's another story. Catholic priests were not predisposed to human sacrifice, so the King's Cake was converted into a celebration of the Magi, the three Kings who came to visit the Christ Child.

In 12th century France where the cake would be baked on the eve of January 6 to celebrate the visit to the Christ Child by the three Kings. A small token was hidden in the cake as a surprise for the finder.

French settlers brought the custom to Louisiana in the 18th century where it remained associated with the Epiphany until the 19th century when it became a more elaborate Mardi Gras custom. In New Orleans, the first cake of the season is served on January 6. A small ceramic figurine of a baby is hidden inside the cake, by tradition. However now, the tradition is giving way to the baby being supplied and the customer placing the baby were ever they wish in the cake. Whoever finds the baby is allowed to choose a mock court and host the next King Cake party the following week (weekly cake parties were held until Mardi Gras).

In 1870, the Twelfth Night Revelers held their ball, with a large king cake as the main attraction. Instead of choosing a sacred king to be sacrificed, the Twelfth Night Revelers used the bean in the cake to choose the queen of the ball. This tradition has carried on to this day, although the Twelfth Night Revelers now use a wooden replica of a large king cake. The ladies of the court pull open little drawers in the cake's lower layer which contain the silver and gold beans. Silver means you're on the court; gold is for the queen.

Jane R. at Acts of Hope posted a picture of the French version of the cake, la galette des rois, which looks delicious.

The king cake consists of coffeecake dough, which is then shaped into strips and twisted to form an oval or circle. The original king cakes were decorated with only granulated sugar dyed purple, gold, and green, the official colors of the New Orleans Carnival season. Today most king cakes are covered with icing of some sort, like the cake pictured above, with the dyed sugar topping the icing. Other present-day variations on the original include cakes with fillings of all sorts, from cream to fruit-flavored jelly and whatever else the bakers may dream up.

The funniest commentary I've ever read about a king cake is about the baby, which was once baked into the cake, but is now, for fear of litigation, placed somewhere in the package or box for the customer to place in the cake, thus making the customer liable, rather than the bakery or the market. Here's the link to the commentary by blondiusmaximus at Live Journal. I must warn you that the post is x-rated and forbidden to my readers under the age of 14. And no lying about your age!

PLEASE PRAY...

From David@Montreal:

beloved Giants

I've just had news that Paul has brought Mark home from the hospital after early morning surgery on the damaged eye. (retina torn twice since Christmas Eve and immobility of the head since then). Mark as you might remember is one of America's finest poets with what's got to be close to a dozen books published. Paul, his spouse is a excellent writer with two volumes (one novel, the other essays) published, and the two of them are both gifted, generous teachers and beautifully thoughtful men. I'd ask your prayers for both men please. Mark is in quite a bit of pain this evening, and it will be sometime before the outcome of the surgery is known.

Prayers for Frank and Carol as they continue their daily treck to and from the hospital to beat what for Frank is a life-threatening fungus in his lungs.

Prayers or healing, strength and energetic restoration for dear Paul the BB, who underwent serious sinus surgery at the beginning of the week. Thankfully Paul is at home recovering; but here too the outcome of the surgery is still to be determined.

Prayers for the people of Haiti, as they continue to suffer while waiting for their government to 'get real'.

thank-you Beloved Giants

love always-always Love

David@Montreal

And for Paul the BB's continuing recovery:

This morning [yesterday] I shaved for the first time since Saturday. That felt good. I have managed to remove the "nose bag" as blood has mostly stopped draining. I am taking pain pills but I am not hurting. I breathe more easily each day. Kathy and Bill both came by to see me. I watered my back yard (some of the bulbs are sticking up their little noses already). Bill helped me do some January organizing, since I am not allowed to lift or bend over. I got about seven hours of decent sleep last night (interrupted by three hours of wakefulness in the wee hours). This is huge progress and gives me hope for catching up on rest. Michal Anne and Gail sent me a cookie basket (can't eat flowers, ya know) and the palliative and restorative effects of therapeutic cookies is well known. Tonight I will finish up the lovely chicken soup Bruce made.

And pray for healing for Cathy, who was ill again yesterday and had to miss work - again. She said she was going to work today, no matter what.

1ST THEOLOGICAL COUNCIL OF THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF UPPER SOUTH CAROLINA

From Bishop Andrew Waldo of the Episcopal Diocese of Upper South Carolina:

The First Theological Council, April 8-9
Feast of the Epiphany, 2011

May the Lord help us to “preach not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake” (2 Cor. 4.5)

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Grace and peace to you in Christ Jesus.

As I stated at convention and have repeated several times since, how we are in relationship with one another is the canvas upon which our common life is painted. It is utterly fundamental and colors all the claims we make to the world about the loving grace and salvation of Jesus Christ as Lord of the universe. Getting right with each other is at the very heart of our Christian vocation. It is a sign of our relationship with Jesus himself.

Since last March at the Clergy Business Day and continuing with the Fall Clergy Conference and the October Diocesan Convention, we have begun a disciplined process of open dialogue on matters of critical importance to our common life. Through these initial efforts at establishing norms for how we are in relationship with each other as Episcopalians in Upper South Carolina, we have already experienced some measure of new understanding and compassion for one another.

Call for Special Convention:

The 1st Theological Council of the Episcopal Church in Upper South Carolina

In light of our call to continue and deepen our disciplined practice of open dialogue, I am, with the full support of the Diocesan Executive Council, calling a special, non-legislative convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Upper South Carolina. The purpose of this 1st Theological Council of the Episcopal Church in Upper South Carolina is to engage in substantive biblical and theological dialogue on norms for how we are in relationship with one another and to practice these norms in a dialogue on human sexuality.

How will we go about this dialogue?

Our first priority will be to ensure a safe, secure, and open environment that will keep us mindful of our unity in Christ Jesus. The introduction to the proposed Anglican Covenant, as well as The Rule of St. Benedict, provides helpful scriptural guidance for being together in this way. We will ground our dialogue in a rhythm of prayer and worship, flowing from meals, to worship, to spoken meditation, to reflection, to small group discussion, and then to plenary discussion.

How can I prepare for the Council?

We will send to all attendees reference materials that will assist our dialogue on norms and on human sexuality. These materials will include readings from scripture, the Anglican Covenant, The Rule of St. Benedict, and the fall clergy conference norms.

What will the result of this Council be?

Again, the dialogue is the purpose. We will issue no statements from this Council but only a reporting of the event and how it unfolded. We will have no voting. We will have no hidden agendas. The goal is to expand how we understand one another and how deeply we engage one another in Christ. We do know that General Convention will make decisions in 2012 and 2015 that will affect our common life, and I believe strongly that before then, we must make biblically informed, healthy dialogue a norm for all of us, so that we will be able to discuss those decisions with grace and integrity. We must know more fully who we are as a people.

Who will participate?

All clergy who are canonically resident or currently licensed in Upper South Carolina
Certified 2011 lay delegates*
Certified 2011 youth deputies**
Lay members and officers of Diocesan Executive Council
Lay deputies to General Convention
Convocational lay wardens
Postulants, candidates, and seminarians
2011 senior and junior wardens
* Certification forms will be available online
** To be elected at March convocation meetings

When and where will the 1st Theological Council take place?

We will gather on Friday and Saturday, April 8 and 9, 2011, at Christ Church, Greenville. The Council will begin at 4:30 pm on Friday the 8th and conclude by 5:00 pm on the 9th. Registration will open at 2:00 pm on Friday.

How much will it cost?

The cost will be $25 per person, and includes Friday dinner and Saturday lunch. I hope the churches will pay this fee for their delegates. A block of rooms has been reserved at The Phoenix Inn. The cost of $79/night includes a full hot breakfast buffet. Reservations can be made by calling 800-257-3529 or 864-233-4651 and providing the block title “Episcopal Diocese.”

I recognize that, by calling this 1st Theological Council, I am asking churches and delegates to make a special and additional commitment. Because of the overnight schedule, we have decided to shorten the October 2011 business convention to one day. At the time of the Council, we will be in the heart of Lent, our season of repentance, reconciliation, fasting, and preparation for the Feast of the Resurrection. I can imagine no better way to prepare for that feast than by reconciling ourselves to God and to one another through deep and holy dialogue.

Faithfully in Christ Jesus,
The Rt. Rev. W. Andrew Waldo, Bishop
The Episcopal Diocese of Upper South Carolina

Thanks to Lapin for the link.

ANGRY AT GOD?

From CNN Health:

If you're angry at your doctor, your boss, your relative or your spouse, you can probably sit down and have a productive conversation about it. God, on the other hand, is probably not available to chat.

And yet people get angry at God all the time, especially about everyday disappointments, finds a new set of studies in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.

It's not just religious folks, either. People unaffiliated with organized religion, atheists and agnostics also report anger toward God either in the past, or anger focused on a hypothetical image - that is, what they imagined God might be like - said lead study author Julie Exline, Case Western Reserve University psychologist.
....

It seems that more religious people are less likely to feel angry at God and more likely to see his intentions as well-meaning, Exline's research found.

And younger people tend to be angrier at God than older people, Exline said. She says some of the reasons she's seen people the angriest at God include rejection from preferred colleges and sports injuries preventing high schoolers from competing.

I find the results of the study intriguing and a bit amusing, in that agnostics and atheists express anger at a higher power, in whom they don't believe, for the disappointments of life. If a young person believes that God or some transcendent entity out there is responsible for tragedies and disappointments they experience, I'd guess that person is rather less likely to participate in organized religion.

"When people trust that God cares about them and has positive intentions toward them, even if they can’t understand what those intentions or meanings are, it tends to help to resolve anger," she said.

Granted, these studies aren't definitive; they are steps forward in this emerging field of inquiry and not the final word on the subject.
....

"What they need is a safe place to express their anger, to know that their anger has been heard and listened to," he said. (My emphasis)

Amen to the final words.

I don't know about you, but I've shaken my fist at God in anger numerous times. God can take it. I won't say that God and I chat, but I do get what appear to me to be responses from God through a variety of sources, other people, something I read in the Bible or elsewhere, or sometimes from thoughts that pop into my mind. I state emphatically that I don't hear the audible voice of God, except through other people. And sometimes I seem to get no answer at all. As I see it, a healthy relationship with God allows for us to express our anger, and we should not feel guilty about doing so.

The Psalmists express anger quite often.

Psalm 22 (The Psalm Jesus quoted as he hung upon the cross)

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning?
O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer;
and by night, but find no rest.

Psalm 42

I say to God, my rock,
‘Why have you forgotten me?
Why must I walk about mournfully
because the enemy oppresses me?’
As with a deadly wound in my body,
my adversaries taunt me,
while they say to me continually,
‘Where is your God?’

H/T to John Chilton at The Lead.

HAPPY 15TH ORDINATION ANNIVERSARY TO ANN FONTAINE

Ann and her husband, Jim

Read her post at What the Tide Brings In, which includes the wonderfully apropos poem by T. S. Eliot, "Journey of the Magi", and a link to a fine recording of Eliot reading the poem.

Here's a teaser:

"A cold coming we had of it,
Just the worst time of the year
For a journey, and such a long journey:
The was deep and the weather sharp,
The very dead of winter."
And the camels galled, sore-footed, refractory,
Lying down in the melting snow.
There were times we regretted
The summer palaces on slopes, the terraces,
And the silken girls bringing sherbet.
Then the camel men cursing and grumbling
And running away, and wanting their liquor and women,
And the night-fires gong out, and the lack of shelters,
And the cities hostile and the towns unfriendly
And the villages dirty, and charging high prices.:
A hard time we had of it.
At the end we preferred to travel all night,
Sleeping in snatches,
With the voices singing in our ears, saying
That this was all folly.

The rest of the poem is at Ann's blog.

The mysterious hand on Ann's shoulder is that of her husband. It's a lovely photo of the two of them. I cropped Ann's mate out of the picture, but, if she gives me permission, I'll put him back in.

PS: Do read Ann's story at the Daily Episcopalian of how she came to be a priest in the Episcopal Church.

UPDATE: Ann's mate, Jim, is back in the picture with Ann's permission.

FEAST OF EPIPHANY

Readings:

Psalm 72:1-7,10-14; Isaiah 60:1-6;
Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12

Isaiah 60:1-6

Arise, shine; for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
For darkness shall cover the earth,
and thick darkness the peoples;
but the Lord will arise upon you,
and his glory will appear over you.
Nations shall come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your dawn.


Lift up your eyes and look around;
they all gather together, they come to you;
your sons shall come from far away,
and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses’ arms.
Then you shall see and be radiant;
your heart shall thrill and rejoice,
because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you,
the wealth of the nations shall come to you.
A multitude of camels shall cover you,
the young camels of Midian and Ephah;
all those from Sheba shall come.
They shall bring gold and frankincense,
and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord.

Matthew 2:1-12

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.’ When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:

“And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who is to shepherd my people Israel.” ’

Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.’ When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure-chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

PRAYER

O God, who by the leading of a star manifested your only Son to the Peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Pictured above is my complete nativity set, with the wise men and the camels. As you see, the camels are quite large.

Now it's time to take all the Christmas decorations down and launch into Carnival season here in south Louisiana.

LEONARD COHEN - "AIN'T NO CURE FOR LOVE"

My choice was between visuals and sound quality, so I went with sound quality.

I'm in a romantic mood. Can you tell?

WATCH OUT!!!

Thanks to Doug for the smile.

"THE STORY OF THE KING JAMES BIBLE"

The King James, or Authorised, Version of the Bible remains the most widely published text in the English language. It has been called the "noblest monument of English prose" and has been recognised for centuries as both a religious and literary classic.

In the first of three programmes marking the 400th anniversary of its publication, James Naughtie tells the story of how and why King James VI of Scotland and I of England decided on a new translation of the Bible.

The programme is recorded at Hampton Court Palace.

In the beginning of the program, Naughtie says that the ideal way to approach Hampton Court Palace is from the Thames River, and that's exactly what Grandpère and I did during our romantic first visit to England in 1982.

The first episode of the program is excellent. For the next 6 days, you can listen to the program at BBC Radio 4. Don't miss it.

H/T to Suem at Significant Truths via Lapin.

Image from Wikipedia.

UPDATE: Here's the link to access all three parts of the BBC 4 series on the King James Bible.

DEAD BIRDS IN LOUISIANA

From the Baton Rouge Advocate:

LABARRE — Hundreds of dead and dying birds littered a quarter-mile stretch of highway in Pointe Coupee Parish on Monday as motorists drove over and around them.

State biologists are trying to determine what led to the deaths of the estimated 500 red-winged blackbirds and starlings on La. 1 just down the road from Pointe Coupee Central High School.

The discovery of the dead birds — some of which were lying face down, clumped in groups, while others were face up with their wings outstretched and rigid legs pointing upward — comes just three days after more than 3,000 blackbirds rained down from the sky in Beebe, Ark.

Necropsies performed Monday on the birds in Arkansas showed the birds suffered internal injuries that formed blood clots leading to their deaths, The Associated Press reported.

Poor birdies. Tom and I thought it might have been due to the extended cold weather or not enough food, although the deaths were sudden and in large numbers, so we are probably wrong.

The area where the dead birds were found is not far from our little farm, where Tom grew up.

More thoughts and theories on why the birds died at:

The Baton Rouge Advocate

The Huffington Post

Thanks to Ann V. for the link to HP.

UPDATE ON PAUL THE BB

From Paul:

Thanks again for all the prayers. Surgery is completed and I am home. About to take another analgesic. Bill is looking after me. I look awful, with a nosebag that holds the gauze for normal bleeding, but glad to be home. The doctor will remove the packing tomorrow afternoon.

Thanks be to God, the medical staff, and all who cared for Paul, and special thanks and prayers for Bill, his chief care-giver now.

Thanks for letting us know, Paul. Hugs, kisses, and more prayers for a speedy recovery.

PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING FOR RICH

From Wade:

Thank you so much for the prayers, Rich's bypass was a success and he's home and reasonably comfortable. He was greeted very enthusiastically by his 85 pound Golden Lab Emmett, who really missed his Daddy, even though I give better treats!

{HUG}

--Wade

BISHOPS-ELECT IN DIOCESES OF WESTERN KANSAS AND SPRINGFIELD GET CONSENTS

From John Chilton at TheLead:

The Office of Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has notified the Diocese of Western Kansas that Bishop-Elect Michael Pierce Milliken has received the required majority of consents in the canonical consent process. Her office also has notified the Diocese of Springfield that Bishop-Elect Daniel Hayden Martins has received the required majority of consents in the canonical consent process.

Let us pray for Bishops-elect Milliken and Martins and for the Dioceses.

PLEASE PRAY...

From Ann Fontaine:

My friend Tracy died on New Year's Day -- sometime in her sleep between the years. Her services will be Friday in Vernal, UT at the Episcopal Church. She was about 20 years younger than my age. No word on why.

Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant Tracy. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive her into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen.

May her soul and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Let us also pray for all who mourn, that they may cast their care on God, and know the consolation of his love.

(Book of Common Prayer)

JESUS AND MO - DOGMA

Happy New Year, everyone!

Peace and blessings,

J&M

From Jesus and Mo.

OPINION FROM A LURKER

From the comments to my post on Anglicans in England being received into the Roman Catholic Ordinariates:

Dear Grandmere Mimi

I'm usually a lurker, but I think I'll comment on this one.

I was at university in the UK, studying theology, when the whole issue of ordaining women started to become "hot". The truth of the matter is that, historically, the priesthood in the Anglican, Catholic and Orthodox Church has been nothing more than men's club designed to attract and retain an above average percentage of lazy males unwilling to work in the harsh, secular world.

In my time both at university and, much later, when I worked with a man who had left the Anglican Church over the issue and gone on to become ordained in the Orthodox Church, I have heard and read a number of theological arguments for an all-male priesthood, all of which hinge on the essential God-given nature of men and women.

What undermines all of these arguments, as far as I'm concerned, is the one thing that is hardly ever mentioned: the fact that in these churches priests are paid. And, in two of these churches, the Anglican and EO, the priest is also allowed to marry.

The effect of all of this is that a Christian man, but not a Christian woman, can choose to be a paid professional in an institution that is daubed as "Christ's Church".

In any argument and issue, it is always worth asking: who gains, in material terms, from this arrangement? (My emphasis)

As far as going over to Rome is concerned, by no means all stay - even David Virtue has had to admit this.

Jane Smith (Pretoria, South Africa)

Jane's commentary intrigued me so, that I decided to bump up her words to an opinion post.

The men's club label is difficult to dispute. In fact, I won't even try.

While the priesthood (along with the groves of academe) may tend to attract a fair number of lazy men who would have a difficult time making their way in the secular world, I'd estimate a higher percentage than Jane of men who enter the priesthood as idealists who wish to serve God and God's people.

I can't speak with authority about the Church of England or the Orthodox Church, but I've known a good many Roman Catholic priests and Episcopal priests, and I'd say the majority enter as idealists. Sadly, in far too many cases, (but not all!) the institution of the RCC drives good men to ruin or entirely out of the church. Less so in the Episcopal Church, in my experience, but the institution still takes its toll.

I have heard and read a number of theological arguments for an all-male priesthood, all of which hinge on the essential God-given nature of men and women.

Like Jane, I'm not impressed by the theological arguments about the God-given nature of men and women, which conclude that women are, by nature, unsuited to serve as clergy. The essential God-given nature of men and women is to be human. While I do not deny differences between men and women, the differences don't disqualify women to serve as clergy.

In any argument and issue, it is always worth asking: who gains, in material terms, from this arrangement?

The money quote (no pun intended), most certainly! Who benefits from the arrangements? And isn't it the status quo that is most often seen to be in need of protection? Whoever is in power, wants to retain power.

With regard to those who go over to Rome and then decide that they made a mistake, I suggest we leave the door open.

Jane, thanks for your commentary.

UPDATE: From IT in the comments:

I would certainly like to live in the the tidy sinecure of academe that is invoked here. That certainly isn't MY experience, where my research and grant-writing are more than a full time job, which I still have to combine with the other full time job of teaching and institutional administration that pays 9 months of my salary, and of course my national service responsibilities (reviewing, etc) to professional societies, journals, and funding organizations, including grant and paper review, committee service, and far too many plane trips.

I'm sure there are some living cushy lives of privilege, but they aren't in my building.

STRANGE YOUNG COUPLE

Untoward Incident in Lovers' Lane

A Texas DPS Trooper was patrolling late at night off the main highway. He sees a couple in a parked car, with the interior light brightly glowing.

He carefully approaches the car to get a closer look. Then he sees a young man behind the wheel, reading a computer magazine.

He also immediately notices a young woman in the rear seat, filing her fingernails.

Puzzled by this surprising situation, he walks to the car and gently raps on the driver's side window.

The young man lowers his window and mutters, "Uh, yes, Officer?"

The trooper asks: "What are you doing, son?" The young man says, "Well, sir, I'm reading a magazine."

Pointing towards the young woman in the back seat, the trooper says: "And her in the back, what is she doing?"

The young man shrugs. "Sir, I believe she's filing her fingernails."

Now the trooper is totally confused. A young couple, alone in a car at night, in a lover's lane, . . . and nothing improper is happening!

The trooper asks: "What's your age, young man?"

The young man says, "I'm 22, sir."

The trooper continues: "And her . . . what's her age?"

The young man looks at his watch and replies, "She'll be 18 in 11 minutes . . . ."

I know we've encouraged Paul (A.) far too much. Tone your comments down, please.

CHRISTMAS 2010

In the kitchen

That's Grandpère over the stove and my daughter over the sink and two grandsons. Andrew, in the red cap, cooked a tasty noodles and cheese dish. He thinks he may want to be a chef.

Oh, and I forgot little Gino, the Maltese, in front of the refrigerator.

 

The Gang of Five

My 18 year old grandson is not in the photo. And, of course, certain of the gang must be silly when a photograph is being taken.

 

Oyster casserole (for Cathy)

Cathy asked for a picture of my oyster casserole, which is not much to look at but is delicious, if I say so myself. The recipe is for a stuffing for a turkey, but we had prime rib and leg of lamb, instead of turkey, so the dish ended up as a casserole. The dish is tastier when cooked inside a turkey but is still excellent as a casserole. To die for, if I'm honest, and is in great demand in the family, stuffed in the turkey or not.

PLEASE PRAY FOR PAUL THE BB

From Paul:

I have had three root canals in as many months. This Tuesday I will have sinus surgery to drain all the infection and repair a deviated septum at the same time. They will be working in three sinuses on my right side. It is day surgery and Bill will be with me that day and night. The doctor will remove plastic stents when I see him ten days later. So I will be out of commission for the next two weeks. Your prayers are requested and appreciated.

Between this and holidays and too many doctor appointments paychecks have been slim and medical expenses high. I give thanks that I am insured and still employed and think of those who lack work and seek it, those without insurance, those who are homeless. Let us hold them in our hearts also and seek to make our social systems better.

O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers: Mercifully accept our prayers, and grant to your servant Paul the help of your power, that his sickness may be turned into health, and our sorrow into joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Three root canal surgeries for tooth problems, even as he suffered from sinus problems. Poor baby. Better times await him!

Still Paul doesn't forget those who are less fortunate, so let us join with him to remember them in our prayers.

As a bonus, if you click on the link above to Paul's blog, you will find a delightful picture of his large family of children.

UPDATE: JCF said...

I also have a Problem Tooth, about which "Something Will Sooner-or-Later Have to Be Done": if you can spare any, I'd love some prayers as I discern this...

Of course, we will include you and your Problem Tooth in our prayers, JCF.

A STUTTERER REVIEWS "THE KING'S SPEECH"

Torey Lightcap at The Lead links to the review of "A King's Speech" by the L.A. Times movie critic, Charles McNulty, who also happens to stutter.

Public speaking consistently ranks as one of life's most stressful events, up there with divorce, bereavement and home foreclosure. But there's a look of paralytic terror on the face of the protagonist of "The King's Speech" that goes beyond any working definition of stage fright. As the man who will one day become King George VI prepares to deliver a few ceremonial remarks, his doomed countenance suggests not so much a judgmental audience as a firing squad.

Colin Firth, who portrays "Bertie," the second-born, stammering son of Great Britain's King George V, captures the adrenaline-racing horror of a person obliged to speak when speech itself is an uncertain thing. As someone who has stuttered since childhood, I recognize his symptoms only too well — the blood-drained complexion, the collapsing gait, the passive acceptance of death in the eyes.

Since I have terrible stage fright without a stutter, I can't even imagine what it would be like to face a group of people focused on my words in fear that the words would not come out.

But "The King's Speech" is more than just a movie about stuttering. It dramatizes the difficulty of self-acceptance, the painful ownership of the life you have rather than the one you assumed you'd get. The film is also about finding one's voice, which I like to think of as a style of being that embraces the unique history you've been handed. Finally, it's about the possibility of incremental change, or, as a wise speech therapist once put it to me, "learning to stutter more easily," an approach that has had far more widespread application than I could have ever realized at the time.

Ah yes. The movie is profound in ways that had not yet surfaced in my conscious mind. What a splendid review of a splendid movie! Please read it all.

Thanks to Torey also for the link to the video of the actual speech by King George VI, which you may hear in the video below.




H.M. King George VI, broadcast speech to the British Empire from Buckingham Palace on September 3rd, 1939...at the outbreak of WW2.

DOUG'S NEW YEAR MESSAGE TO US ALL

OH DEAR!