And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Luke 18:9-14
Category: Dear Jesus
25 March – Priesthood?
Today (liturgically) is the anniversary of my ordination to the priesthood. (If you have done the math, there is less then a month between being made a deacon and priesthood!) I have not functioned as a priest for over a decade. And I have wondered what priesthood means to me. Maybe I should speak of an “inner priesthood” – a call from God to me to live a life of sacrifice and love? But all of that will unfold in God’s time. SO for now, I am waiting!
BTW: that is the worst fitting chasuble!
And we are in offical lockdown. We should only go outside for urgent business like food or medicine. Lots of uncertainty! This morning I was struck by how all of this is again a period of waiting. And we are no good at waiting. We want action – get things done.
WE beseech thee, O Lord, pour thy grace into our hearts; that, as we have known the incarnation of thy Son Jesus Christ by the message of an angel, so by his cross and passion we may be brought unto the glory of his resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
And today is the festival of the Annunciation. With God all things are possible.
15 March
I have been thinking about preaching and found the above picture. The guy with his head in his hands is me!!!!!
10 March
Today, 18 years ago, I was ordained a deacon. It was Lent 4, hence the “rose” vestments. I remember it was hot and the vestments were really heavy.
9 March
“Knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up.
1 Corinthians 8:1b
2 March
It has been a while. So here is a picture by Christian Olavius Zeuthen of Trinity Church (I think) in Copenhagen where SK preached.
10 December
RIP Thomas Merton! Your journals inspire me. Your life challenges me. Your hermitage is he one place I want to visit!
5 December
No person is ever an object!
Every person should be treated like a person who is loved not an object. No person is ever an object.
