Category: Dear Jesus

19 November

I have not written in a while which is completely my fault. Not that I have nothing to say – some may suggest I have too much to say – but I have not had the energy.

I have been having the most interesting and “edifying” conversation with a person on Instagram. It has centred on a book, The End of Apologetics: Christian Witness in a Postmodern Context, by Myron Penner. It might be described as an attempt to give a Kiergaardian interpretation of modern apologetics. Of course, the book is about much more – the modern epistemological paradigm among others.

I am not the person to give a “book review” so I will not. The book has struck me as simply using SK’s categories to show the flaws of the modern Christian approach to life. It was an interesting read; but the book is not for everyone. Yet I am always edified by a person’s serious wrestling and this book is that.

Anyway …

On By MarcoIn Dear Jesus

4 November

I have been reading and thinking about SK’s (in)famous journal entry for 1 August 1835. Especially this image:

What use would it be if truth were to stand there before me, cold and naked, not caring whether I acknowledged it or not, inducing an anxious shiver rather than trusting devotion?

Journals 1835 (1:19)

Truth calls for personal involvement, not detached reflection. But …

The Truth is a trap: you cannot get hold of it without getting caught; you cannot get hold of the truth in such a way that you catch it, but only in such a way that it catches you.

Journals 1854 (10:17)

Truth calls for passivity in a world of activity. Truth confronts with possibility.

Truth/Jesus does not play our games. He is not limited by us or our thinking. And that is why God needed to become a person – Jesus is so much more than we can imagine, Jesus does not fit neatly into a box.

On By MarcoIn christianity, Dear Jesus

31 October

This crucifix has been with me for a long time. The story is that my maternal grandmother, with whom I spent the first 6 years of my life, found the crucifix while escaping from Poland at the beginning of the World War 2. It hung next to her bed until I inherited it.

I assume it was part of a monastic habit – or I hope it was. It was on the altar when I said Mass as a priest. And is now on my desk where I write. I sometimes wonder about its origin. Yet above all it is the emotional attachment that makes it special.

On By MarcoIn Dear Jesus, Personal

31 October 2019

This is the traditional hymn for Compline. I was thinking about it before. I have always liked the melody.

I was think, in fact, that I should start praying the Office again. Maybe start with Compline?! The 1928 Prayer Book has a nice version. Maybe tonight!?

On By MarcoIn Dear Jesus, liturgy, Music