Today is the day (September 30) on which, if were not a Sunday, we would commemorate Jerome. He’s probably best known for his translation of the Bible (then largely available in Hebrew and Greek) into Latin. This was really controversial at the time: translating something holy from its original form into the vulgar language spoken by the people. Hence it became known as the Vulgate. Now it’s a classic translation, foundational in the Roman Catholic Church even today when they make new translations (i.e. they always seem to look at the Vulgate as well as the original Greek and Hebrew). And I believe there are those who want to go back to (what they see as) the original vulgate version of the Bible.
I don’t think I’m exaggerating much.
Something similar has happened to us in the Episcopal Church (more…)
My friend Scott gave a very good children’s sermon today, walking kids around the church to meet people who were their neighbor — everyone they meet is their neighbor. And I found myself thinking, “stranger danger!” He’s the father of small children himself, but I found myself wanting to qualify his message (and thinking children that age don’t understand qualifications). Maybe something like when you are with your family, then whenever you meet someone new you want to smile at them — but not with strangers you have never met when you are alone. Even adults may need this qualification (but they should be able to deal with it). People we don’t know are not necessarily safe! But adults can deal with this. And we are called (by Jesus) to see all people as our neighbor. And we are called to love our neighbor.
So what are you thinking as you read this?
It’s been too long since I posted!
Anyway, today (in my supplemental office readings) I read a poem (couldn’t figure out the author, but it’s from Celtic Daily Prayer) part of which goes like this:
Help me to find my happiness
in my acceptance
of what is Your purpose for me …
in the awareness
of Your presence in my spirit.
Then I came across this (from the Tao Te Ching as quoted in Chittister’s The Rule of Benedict):
Be content with what you have;
rejoice in the way things are,
When you realize there is nothing lacking
the whole world belongs to you.
I’m still wrestling with retirement.
I’m doing a lot of (more…)
The Sunset Juggler (formerly The Dragon's Mouth) 