tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48492022298231463602024-03-09T11:39:35.333+00:00ReflectionsExploring Christian Spirituality Kath Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08562094727325128886noreply@blogger.comBlogger139125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849202229823146360.post-35794054614071756182019-01-31T16:35:00.002+00:002019-01-31T16:39:18.873+00:00Being Patient<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "corbel" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "corbel" , sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">patience</span></b><span style="font-family: "corbel" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control</span><span style="font-family: "viner hand itc"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />
</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "corbel" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Galatians
5:22</span></i><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJnpGusTocBrVR0BGzTvtTAfsnPuVTI2c55YXhsugUkdJWZMnby9H7ZktIFkLfyG9HpWZDLcr0XS0cpjcQV0y1Y0-JpLAzt-Xk5swW7vIf_2pkGT_Q6KdoT7bhx1-7Q4o7b0_7QM3ck30/s1600/fishing-453296_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJnpGusTocBrVR0BGzTvtTAfsnPuVTI2c55YXhsugUkdJWZMnby9H7ZktIFkLfyG9HpWZDLcr0XS0cpjcQV0y1Y0-JpLAzt-Xk5swW7vIf_2pkGT_Q6KdoT7bhx1-7Q4o7b0_7QM3ck30/s320/fishing-453296_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "corbel" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">A Short Reflection</span></span></b></div>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "corbel" , sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></span>
<br />
Can you remember a time when you were impatient?<br />
Bring the moment to mind for a few minutes and recall what was happening, what you thought, how you felt and what you did...<br />
<br />
<br />
How do you feel now about the event?<br />
Do you regret anything. Are you comfortable with the memory?<br />
<br />
<br />
Now, imagine the event/situation again. But this time, imagine that you can see Jesus standing beside you. Spend a few minutes running through the situation again from beginning to end with Jesus there at your side.<br />
Will the situation be different in this scenario? How will you react?...<br />
<br />
<br />
Finish by spending a little time talking with God. Share your feelings and innermost thoughts with God.<br />
<br />
May God's blessing go with you.Kath Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08562094727325128886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849202229823146360.post-837516629405456172018-10-28T14:08:00.002+00:002018-10-28T17:36:41.725+00:00Recommended book - Phoebe by Paula Gooder<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you wish to switch some of your time from television or Facebook, you might try reading the story <b><i>Phoebe</i></b> by Paula Gooder. <i><b>Phoebe </b></i>is based on the New Testament woman of the same name, mentioned by <span class="ILfuVd">Paul in his letter to the Romans.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"></span><br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7C61_fTsQf0YMXUVjVrxBmm1dRuBtKOPF6Xv5-CVSbufE4Uyc5LnhYp_S9QIIZzUXUBIXr5Z7TsUep2XIFgVyuWT46fKMgi9b7O35d_-E9QG_PNUgAlgM0cUi2iG-hpmtZGWDNWfqJ4w/s1600/Phoebe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="327" data-original-width="271" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7C61_fTsQf0YMXUVjVrxBmm1dRuBtKOPF6Xv5-CVSbufE4Uyc5LnhYp_S9QIIZzUXUBIXr5Z7TsUep2XIFgVyuWT46fKMgi9b7O35d_-E9QG_PNUgAlgM0cUi2iG-hpmtZGWDNWfqJ4w/s200/Phoebe.jpg" width="165" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="ILfuVd">Romans 16:1-2</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="ILfuVd"> </span><br /><span class="ILfuVd">I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church at Cenchreae,
so that you may welcome her in the Lord as is fitting for the saints,
and help her in whatever she may require from you, for she has been a
benefactor of many and of myself as well.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="ILfuVd"><span class="ILfuVd"><span class="ILfuVd">The book is </span><span class="ILfuVd"><span class="ILfuVd">a relaxing and easy read</span>, mixing fiction with </span></span></span><span class="ILfuVd"><span class="ILfuVd"><span class="ILfuVd"><span class="ILfuVd"><span class="ILfuVd"><span class="ILfuVd"><span class="ILfuVd"><span class="ILfuVd">Gooder's </span></span></span></span>New Testament knowledge and learning.</span> The story involves many interesting characters, some of whom are based on people mentioned by Paul in his letters. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="ILfuVd"><span class="ILfuVd"><br />Cenchreae, where Phoebe lived and now known as </span><span class="ILfuVd">Kechries<b>,</b>
was a small port close to the inland city of Corinth in Greece and
served Corinthian trade coming from the East. As a deacon, Phoebe would have had
organisational duties for her congregation and, </span></span><span class="ILfuVd"><span class="ILfuVd"><span class="ILfuVd"><span class="ILfuVd">in
also calling Phoebe a 'benefactor', Paul shows how highly she was regarded.
In New Testament times most people who were classed as benefactors were
male, offering support and financial help, so for Phoebe to be assigned
these titles suggests she was a woman of substance.</span></span> It appears also, from Paul's
commendation, that he entrusted here as the carrier of his letter to the Romans. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="ILfuVd">At the end of <i><b>Phoebe </b></i>Gooder spends a considerable amount of (useful) time explaining, in layman's language, current knowledge about the world in which Paul and Phoebe lived. </span><br />
<span class="ILfuVd"><br /></span>
<span class="ILfuVd">This would make an excellent Christmas or birthday gift for a church-goer or, of course, you could always treat yourself.</span><br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
Kath Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08562094727325128886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849202229823146360.post-5432949903369787642018-09-30T17:19:00.000+01:002018-10-28T15:27:25.254+00:00Famous Prayers - St Benedict of NursiaBenedict of Nursia (480 – 543 or 547 AD) founded twelve monasteries and penned what is now known as 'The Rule of St Benedict'. Benedict wrote this as a way of life for the twelve communities he founded and is predicated on the principles of balance and moderation in all things. He appears to have been a gentle and kind abbot and his rule rapidly became a basis for the majority of religious communities in Western Christendom and, in particular, all Benedictine communities.<br />
<br />
Below is a prayer that St Benedict wrote. May we make this our prayer today.
<br /><br />
<blockquote>
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">A Prayer of St. Benedict</span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_kvZ3aQcDanes1gYZwskh3EFNQ9mi1B_O10pf7kUeBrQspRXPtPQQG1OCIKHWJAtty8OtKUY8lN8UPGrF6wCxsf8VTQgy3yjDt_WENipg7BNG2R_KynFsDJPdQKmX2IRJQXK_l8TSqzE/s1600/StBenedictVadeRetroSatana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_kvZ3aQcDanes1gYZwskh3EFNQ9mi1B_O10pf7kUeBrQspRXPtPQQG1OCIKHWJAtty8OtKUY8lN8UPGrF6wCxsf8VTQgy3yjDt_WENipg7BNG2R_KynFsDJPdQKmX2IRJQXK_l8TSqzE/s200/StBenedictVadeRetroSatana.jpg" width="140" height="230" data-original-width="219" data-original-height="365" /></a><br /><br />
O gracious and Holy Father,<br />
give us
wisdom to perceive you,<br />
intellect to understand you,<br />
diligence to seek
you,<br />
patience to wait for you,<br />
eyes to behold you,<br />
a heart to meditate
upon you,<br />
and a life to proclaim you;<br />
through the power of the Spirit <br />of
Jesus Christ our Lord.<br />
<br /><br /><br />
</blockquote>
<br />
<i>Image from Wikipedia</i>
Kath Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08562094727325128886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849202229823146360.post-87109691171033262262014-07-06T00:53:00.000+01:002018-10-28T15:27:26.618+00:00Quotable Quote - The Bible and InterpretationWith the world-wide controversy about gay marriage and whether gay people can legitimately be ordained, it is good to hear some steady voices through the discussion. The following quote from an article by Rev Dr. Brian Peterson, Professor of New Testament, Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary displays one of those steadying points of view.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br />
We need to avoid, as much as possible, confusing the authority of the Bible with the authority of poor translations, incorrect assumptions, partial knowledge, or contested interpretations... I do not believe that doing so constitutes the abandoning of the Bible’s authority. Honesty and the commandment not to bear false witness against others requires that we not confuse our disagreements about the meaning of these texts with faithlessness, heresy, or the denial of Scripture’s authority.<br />
<br /></blockquote>
<br />
It is easy for us the forget the gulf of time that separates us today from the ancient Hebrew of the Old Testament and the Greek of the New Testament. Not only does language change in syntax and grammar, but the actual meaning of words may change over periods of time - the word 'gay' being an example of this. So our translations are our best shot at getting to grips with language that is now superceded. Our cultural bias and our inevitable lack of understanding of life in a previous age also impact on our interpretation of our scriptures.<br /><br />
So in all our discussions, let us try to remember these things and work to speak and think with grace and consideration and work to avoid the slide into arrogance that can so easily happen.Kath Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08562094727325128886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849202229823146360.post-61548604167550936872014-06-28T20:54:00.003+01:002021-01-20T17:36:21.630+00:00Dealing with Death<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Do not go gentle</b></span><br />
Dylan Thomas<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Do not go gentle into that good night,</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMl_JDDRfkowfiE2ec0iTKU9VkZXJVP1cVhSE8zRNQLQ2XIkvP1IacQJgbHiR_TDcckwYz6aW1Nt8r0vAv63D0ZtMj44kaHpwnlUTHaKH-DmkopBO5A30sYi4wFjtBCx-br4CmwnwuOkI/s1600/Dylan_Thomas_photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="364" data-original-width="274" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMl_JDDRfkowfiE2ec0iTKU9VkZXJVP1cVhSE8zRNQLQ2XIkvP1IacQJgbHiR_TDcckwYz6aW1Nt8r0vAv63D0ZtMj44kaHpwnlUTHaKH-DmkopBO5A30sYi4wFjtBCx-br4CmwnwuOkI/s200/Dylan_Thomas_photo.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">Old age should burn and rave at close of day;</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Rage, rage against the dying of the light.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Though wise men at their end know dark is right,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Because there words had forked no lightning they</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Do not go gentle into that good night.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Rage, rage against the dying of the light.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Do not go gentle into that good night.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Rage, rage against the dying of the light.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">And you, my father, there on the sad height,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Do not go gentle into that good night.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Rage, rage against the dying of the light.</span><br />
<br />
I do like Dylan Thomas's honesty. <br />
<br />
My mother was not one to rage - just stoically and determinedly stick with it till the end. And for that I admire her. To her last moments, she had a smile (albeit weak) for the carers who attended her and she wrinkled her nose affectionately at us, her relatives, even though she was unable to speak.<br />
<br />
The determined attempts to keep alive someone who is imminently near to the end of their time on this earth does puzzle me. Well, not perhaps for those with little or no belief - for them Dylan Thomas's words may well be a balm. But for those who profess a Christian faith and a belief that there is something more wonderful after this earthly life, it does puzzle me. What are we <i>so</i> scared of? What am <i>I</i> so scared of? And does that fear say something about my faith - or lack of it?<br />
<br />
These are all quite unnerving questions for a person of faith. And I have to go back to those words of Paul to quieten the stormy waves in my head. <br />
<h4 style="margin-left: 0cm;">
Verses from Romans Chapter 8</h4>
<blockquote>
<br />
Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or
distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? No, in
all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. <br />
For I am
convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things
present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything
else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in
Christ Jesus our Lord.<br />
<br /></blockquote>
<br />
So, I take time to pause, to be silent, to allow these words to swirl around my whole being. And, as I do, a sense of peace - almost serenity - seeps in slowly.<br />
<br />
And that, I guess, is faith.<br />
<br />Kath Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08562094727325128886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849202229823146360.post-34125854250353665922013-03-17T23:35:00.001+00:002018-10-28T15:27:24.497+00:00Stations of the Cross - Malcolm GuiteI was given a lovely book as a Christmas present last year. It is called <a href="http://www.canterburypress.co.uk/books/9781848252745/Sounding-the-Seasons">Sounding the Seasons</a>
by Malcolm Guite. Malcolm writes very moving poetry and his words always touch me deeply.
He has written a set of sonnets on the Stations of the Cross and, with his permission, I am posting the first of these sonnets here. A link to the full set is at the bottom of the post.
<br /><br>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyI83tQGYr0DNhSB5bt1ZgSIvC1o8N_eIgtTLYMUUqlC8Gc0kGLRDu0TSVAyoPGy8WPB78F3JgQL7a6VrroFZfpfbR9MPIFJHBNLAEkkDb-GkSC3e1Cq7tzWAK437g9DNnwLFUvhupkGw/s1600/sos-cover.png" imageanchor="1"><img 0="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyI83tQGYr0DNhSB5bt1ZgSIvC1o8N_eIgtTLYMUUqlC8Gc0kGLRDu0TSVAyoPGy8WPB78F3JgQL7a6VrroFZfpfbR9MPIFJHBNLAEkkDb-GkSC3e1Cq7tzWAK437g9DNnwLFUvhupkGw/s320/sos-cover.png" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #351c75;">1. Jesus is condemned to death</span></strong>
<br />
<br />
The very air that Pilate breathes, the voice
<br />
With which he speaks in judgement, all his powers
<br />
Of perception and discrimination, choice,
<br />
Decision, all his years, his days and hours,
<br />
His consciousness of self, his every sense,<br />
Are given by this prisoner, freely given.<br />
The man who stands there making no defence,<br />
Is God. His hands are tied, His heart is open.<br />
And he bears Pilate’s heart in his and feels<br />
That crushing weight of wasted life. He lifts<br />
It up in silent love. He lifts and heals.<br />
He gives himself again with all his gifts<br />
Into our hands. As Pilate turns away<br />
A door swings open. This is judgment day.
<br />
<br />
The complete set of sonnets for all fourteen stations of the cross can be found here:<br />
<a href="http://malcolmguite.wordpress.com/2013/03/16/passion-sunday-the-stations-of-the-cross/" target="_blank">The Stations of the Cross by Malcolm Guite</a>Kath Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08562094727325128886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849202229823146360.post-58037371006111518642011-01-22T22:23:00.000+00:002018-10-28T16:23:29.850+00:00Famous Prayers - CranmerA prayer of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Cranmer">Thomas Cranmer</a><br />
<br />
<blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguGzZ4W66DtoIBeYBwTUrEPSXuo-jXoDK1iYCO4pnpcIY8lnud2RUghvvVrIGb0MBoxNJEJECae8zP7vQL4hyphenhyphenElV-rilkrtbEqysrSHTU2sXvL3wYqXo-3V2jrHeYz8lQLZXl6EHeIdNg/s1600/Cranmer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1043" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguGzZ4W66DtoIBeYBwTUrEPSXuo-jXoDK1iYCO4pnpcIY8lnud2RUghvvVrIGb0MBoxNJEJECae8zP7vQL4hyphenhyphenElV-rilkrtbEqysrSHTU2sXvL3wYqXo-3V2jrHeYz8lQLZXl6EHeIdNg/s320/Cranmer.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>
<br />
Lord God,<br />
you have taught us<br />
that anything we do without love is worth nothing,<br />
for whoever lives without love<br />
is counted dead before you;<br />
send your Holy Spirit,<br />
and pour into our hearts<br />
that most excellent gift of love,<br />
the true bond of peace and of all virtues;<br />
<br />
grant this for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ<br />
who is alive with with you and the Holy Spirit,<br />
one God now and for ever.<br />
Amen.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">From the New Zealand Prayer Book<br /><br /> </span></blockquote>
<br />
This collect was written by Thomas Cranmer and is based on that beautiful Biblical passage on love - 1 Corinthians 13. Cranmer was Archbishop of Canterbury during the reign of Henry VIII and was finally executed during the reign of Henry's daughter Mary.<br />
<br />
During his time as Archbishop of Canterbury he compiled the first two editions of The Book of Common Prayer and he led the newly established Church of England through liturgical changes and laid down the doctrinal basis of that church.<br />
<br />
Unlike her father, Mary I was a Roman Catholic and, after a lengthy imprisonment, Cranmer was finally executed as a heretic. As the flames grew around him, his final words were, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit... I see the heavens open and Jesus standing at the right hand of God."Kath Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08562094727325128886noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849202229823146360.post-70631535414148708462010-12-23T19:45:00.005+00:002018-10-28T15:27:26.065+00:00The Last O Antiphon - 23rd DecemberThe 'O Antiphons' (an antiphon is a spoken response in a church service) have been used in liturgical Christian traditions since as far back as the sixth century. They are spoken before reading the Magnificat at Evening Prayer during the last seven days of Advent.<br />
<br />
My thanks to <a href="http://malcolmguite.wordpress.com/">Malcolm Guite</a> for these poetic reflections. Here is the last one of the seven - for 23rd December: O Emmanuel – O Emmanuel (God with us)<br />
<blockquote>
<br />
<b>O Emmanuel</b> <br />
<i>O Emmanuel, Rex et legifer noster,<br />exspectatio Gentium, et Salvator earum:<br />veni ad salvandum nos, Domine, Deus noster.</i>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<!--ROW 1_1-->O Emmanuel, our king and our lawgiver,<br />
the hope of the nations and their Saviour:<br />
Come and save us, O Lord our God.<br />
<br />
O come, O come, and be our God-with-us<br />
O long-sought With-ness for a world without,<br />
O secret seed, O hidden spring of light. <br />
Come to us Wisdom, come unspoken Name,<br />
Come Root, and Key, and King, and holy Flame.<br />
O quickened little wick so tightly curled,<br />
Be folded with us into time and place, <br />
Unfold for us the mystery of grace<br />
And make a womb of all this wounded world.<br />
O heart of heaven beating in the earth,<br />
O tiny hope within our hopelessness<br />
Come to be born, to bear us to our birth,<br />
To touch a dying world with new-made hands<br />
And make these rags of time our swaddling bands.<br /><br /></blockquote>
<br /> Kath Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08562094727325128886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849202229823146360.post-6375519222620839792010-12-23T19:32:00.004+00:002018-10-28T15:27:25.715+00:00O Antiphons - 22nd DecemberThe 'O Antiphons' (an antiphon is a spoken response in a church service) have been used in liturgical Christian traditions since as far back as the sixth century. They are spoken before reading the Magnificat at Evening Prayer during the last seven days of Advent.<br /><br />My thanks to <a href="http://malcolmguite.wordpress.com/">Malcolm Guite</a> for these poetic reflections. Here is the one for 22nd December: O Rex Gentium – O Sovereign of the nations <blockquote><br /><p><strong>O Rex Gentium</strong> </p> <p><em>O Rex Gentium, et desideratus earum,<br />lapisque angularis, qui facis utraque unum:<br />veni, et salva hominem,<br />quem de limo formasti.<br />O King of the nations, and their desire,<br />the cornerstone making both one:</em> </p></td></tr></tbody><br /><!--ROW 1_2_1_2--><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="539"><tbody><tr valign="TOP"><td class="colnomargin" width="267"><img src="http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/uploads/images/antiphon_rex1%231%23.jpg" alt="Christ in majesty, 13-14th-century mosaic, baptistery, Florence © not advert" longdesc="Christ in majesty, 13-14th-century mosaic, baptistery, Florence © not advert" border="0" height="244.171003717472" width="267"><br /><div class="Caption">Christ in majesty, 13-14th-century mosaic, baptistery, Florence</div></td><td width="5"><br /></td><td><br /></td><td class="colmargin" width="267"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><!--ROW 1_1--><tbody><tr valign="TOP"><td class="colmargin" width="544"> Come and save the human race,<br />which you fashioned from clay<br />O King of our desire whom we despise,<br />King of the nations never on the throne, <br />Unfound foundation, cast-off cornerstone,<br />Rejected joiner, making many one,<br />You have no form or beauty for our eyes, <br />A King who comes to give away his crown,<br />A King within our rags of flesh and bone.<br />We pierce the flesh that pierces our disguise,<br />For we ourselves are found in you alone.<br />Come to us now and find in us your throne,<br />O King within the child within the clay,<br />O hidden King who shapes us in the play<br />Of all creation. Shape us for the day <br />Your coming Kingdom comes into its own.<br /><br /></blockquote>Kath Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08562094727325128886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849202229823146360.post-64600329200621002642010-12-21T10:41:00.000+00:002018-10-28T15:27:25.773+00:00O Antiphons - 21st DecemberThe 'O Antiphons' (an antiphon is a spoken response in a church service) have been used in liturgical Christian traditions since as far back as the sixth century. They are spoken before reading the Magnificat at Evening Prayer during the last seven days of Advent.<br /><br />My thanks to <a href="http://malcolmguite.wordpress.com/">Malcolm Guite</a> for these poetic reflections. Here is the one for 21st December: O Oriens – O Sunrise <br /><br /><blockquote><br /><p><strong>O Oriens </strong></p> <p><em>O Oriens, splendor lucis aeternae,<br />et sol justitiae: veni, et illumina sedentes<br />in tenebris, et umbra mortis.</em> </p></td></tr></tbody><br /><!--ROW 1_2_1_2--><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="539"><tbody><tr valign="TOP"><td class="colnomargin" width="267"><img src="http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/uploads/images/antiphon_Oriens%231%23.jpg" alt="The minute dial added in 1759 to a 15th-Century astronomical clock in Exeter Cathedral © not advert" longdesc="The minute dial added in 1759 to a 15th-Century astronomical clock in Exeter Cathedral © not advert" border="0" height="267.789940828402" width="267"><br /><div class="Caption">The minute dial added in 1759 to a 15th-Century astronomical clock in Exeter Cathedral</div></td><td width="5"><br /></td><td><br /></td><td class="colmargin" width="267"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><!--ROW 1_1--><tbody><tr valign="TOP"><td class="colmargin" width="544"> O Morning Star,<br />splendour of light eternal and sun of righteousness:<br />Come and enlighten those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.<br /><br />O Oriens<br /><em>E vidi lume in forme de riviera Paradiso XXX.61</em><br />First light and then first lines along the east<br />To touch and brush a sheen of light on water<br />As though behind the sky itself they traced<br />The shift and shimmer of another river <br />Flowing unbidden from its hidden source;<br />The Day-Spring, the eternal Prima Vera.<br />Blake saw it too. Dante and Beatrice<br />Are bathing in it now, away upstream. . . <br />o every trace of light begins a grace<br />In me, a beckoning. The smallest gleam<br />Is somehow a beginning and a calling:<br />“Sleeper awake, the darkness was a dream <br />For you will see the Dayspring at your waking,<br />Beyond your long last line the dawn is breaking.” <br /><br /></blockquote>Kath Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08562094727325128886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849202229823146360.post-53444717103154596412010-12-20T20:33:00.004+00:002018-10-28T15:27:25.225+00:00O Antiphons - 20th DecemberThe 'O Antiphons' (an antiphon is a spoken response in a church service) have been used in liturgical Christian traditions since as far back as the sixth century. They are spoken before reading the Magnificat at Evening Prayer during the last seven days of Advent.<br /><br />My thanks to <a href="http://malcolmguite.wordpress.com/">Malcolm Guite</a> for these poetic reflections. Here is the one for 20th December: O Clavis David – O Key of David<br /><br /><blockquote><br /><p><strong>O Clavis</strong> </p> <p><em>O Clavis David, et sceptrum domus Israel;<br />qui aperis, et nemo claudit;<br />claudis, et nemo aperit:<br />veni, et educ vinctum de domo carceris,<br />sedentem in tenebris, et umbra mortis.</em> </p></td></tr></tbody><br /><!--ROW 1_2_1_2--><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="539"><tbody><tr valign="TOP"><td class="colnomargin" width="267"><img src="http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/uploads/images/antiphon_Clavis%231%23.jpg" alt="Detail from an earthenware Passover plate, Spain, c.1480 © not advert" longdesc="Detail from an earthenware Passover plate, Spain, c.1480 © not advert" border="0" height="267" width="267"><br /><div class="Caption">Detail from an earthenware Passover plate, Spain, c.1480 ISRAEL MUSEUM/NAHUM SLAPAK</div></td><td width="5"><br /></td><td><br /></td><td class="colmargin" width="267"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><!--ROW 1_1--><tbody><tr valign="TOP"><td class="colmargin" width="544"> O Key of David and sceptre of the House of Israel;<br />you open and no one can shut;<br />you shut and no one can open:<br />Come and lead the prisoners from the prison house,<br />those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death<br /> <br />Even in the darkness where I sit<br />And huddle in the midst of misery<br />I can remember freedom, but forget<br />That every lock must answer to a key, <br />That each dark clasp, sharp and intricate,<br />Must find a counter-clasp to meet its guard,<br />Particular, exact and intimate,<br />The clutch and catch that meshes with its ward. <br />I cry out for the key I threw away<br />That turned and over turned with certain touch<br />And with the lovely lifting of a latch <br />Opened my darkness to the light of day.<br />O come again, come quickly, set me free<br />Cut to the quick to fit, the master key. <br /><br /></blockquote>Kath Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08562094727325128886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849202229823146360.post-1842538639617831632010-12-19T10:31:00.001+00:002018-10-28T15:27:23.692+00:00O Antiphons - 19th DecemberThe 'O Antiphons' (an antiphon is a spoken response in a church service) have been used in liturgical Christian traditions since as far back as the sixth century. They are spoken before reading the Magnificat at Evening Prayer during the last seven days of Advent.<br /><br />My thanks to <a href="http://malcolmguite.wordpress.com/">Malcolm Guite</a> for these poetic reflections. Here is the one for 19th December: O Radix Jesse – O Root of Jesse<br /><br /><blockquote><p><strong>O Radix</strong> </p> <p><em>O Radix Jesse, qui stas in signum populorum,<br />super quem continebunt reges os suum,<br />quem Gentes deprecabuntur:<br />veni ad liberandum nos, jam noli tardare.</em> </p></td></tr></tbody><br /><!--ROW 1_2_1_2--><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="539"><tbody><tr valign="TOP"><td class="colnomargin" width="267"><img src="http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/uploads/images/antiphon_Radix%231%23.jpg" alt="Detail from the Tree of Jesse in the Lambeth Bible © not advert" longdesc="Detail from the Tree of Jesse in the Lambeth Bible © not advert" border="0" height="267" width="267"><br /><div class="Caption">Detail from the Tree of Jesse in the Lambeth Bible, c.1140-50</div></td><td width="5"><br /></td><td><br /></td><td class="colmargin" width="267"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><!--ROW 1_1--><tbody><tr valign="TOP"><td class="colmargin" width="544"> <p>O Root of Jesse, standing<br />as a sign among the peoples;<br />before you kings will shut their mouths,<br />to you the nations will make their prayer:<br />Come and deliver us, and delay no longer<br /></p> <p>All of us sprung from one deep-hidden seed,<br />Rose from a root invisible to all. </p> We knew the virtues once of every weed,<br />But, severed from the roots of ritual,<br />We surf the surface of a wide-screen world<br />And find no virtue in the virtual. <br />We shrivel on the edges of a wood<br />Whose heart we once inhabited in love,<br />Now we have need of you, forgotten Root,<br />The stock and stem of every living thing <br />Whom once we worshiped in the sacred grove,<br />For now is winter, now is withering<br />Unless we let you root us deep within, <br />Under the ground of being, graft us in.</blockquote>Kath Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08562094727325128886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849202229823146360.post-55234408505347336412010-12-18T22:22:00.005+00:002018-10-28T15:27:25.283+00:00O Antiphons - 18th DecemberThe 'O Antiphons' (an antiphon is a spoken response in a church service) have been used in liturgical Christian traditions since as far back as the sixth century. They are spoken before reading the Magnificat at Evening Prayer during the last seven days of Advent.<br /><br />My thanks to <a href="http://malcolmguite.wordpress.com/">Malcolm Guite</a> for these poetic reflections. Here is the one for 18th December: O Adonai – O Lord<br /><br /><blockquote></p> <p><strong>O Adonai</strong> </p> <p><em>O Adonai, et Dux domus Israel, qui Moysi in igne flammae rubi apparuisti,<br />et ei in Sina legem dedisti:<br />veni ad redimendum nos in brachio extento. </em></p></td></tr></tbody><br /><!--ROW 1_2_1_2--><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="539"><tbody><tr valign="TOP"><td class="colnomargin" width="267"><img src="http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/uploads/images/antiphon_Adonai%231%23.jpg" alt="Detail of a Levite City in Galilee mapped by the English cartographer Thomas Fuller © not advert" longdesc="Detail of a Levite City in Galilee mapped by the English cartographer Thomas Fuller © not advert" border="0" height="259.273311897106" width="267"><br /><div class="Caption">Detail of a Levite City in Galilee mapped by the English cartographer Thomas Fuller, from <i>A Pisgah Sight of Palestine</i>, 1650 ISRAEL MUSEUM, IIAN STZULMAN</div></td><td width="5"><br /></td><td><br /></td><td class="colmargin" width="267"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><!--ROW 1_1--><tbody><tr valign="TOP"><td class="colmargin" width="544">O Adonai, and leader of the House of Israel,<br />who appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush<br />and gave him the law on Sinai:<br />Come and redeem us with an outstretched arm<br />Unsayable, you chose to speak one tongue,<br />Unseeable, you gave yourself away, <br />The Adonai, the Tetragramaton<br />Grew by a wayside in the light of day.<br />O you who dared to be a tribal God,<br />To own a language, people and a place,<br />Who chose to be exploited and betrayed,<br />If so you might be met with face to face,<br />Come to us here, who would not find you there,<br />Who chose to know the skin and not the pith,<br />Who heard no more than thunder in the air,<br />Who marked the mere events and not the myth.<br />Touch the bare branches of our unbelief<br />And blaze again like fire in every leaf.<br /><br /></blockquote>Kath Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08562094727325128886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849202229823146360.post-31960229390370965362010-12-17T21:15:00.009+00:002018-10-28T15:27:24.411+00:00O Antiphons - 17th DecemberThe <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O_antiphon">'O Antiphons'</a> (an antiphon is a spoken response in a church service) have been used in liturgical Christian traditions since as far back as the sixth century. They are spoken before reading the Magnificat at Evening Prayer during the last seven days of Advent.<br /><br />Here is a list of them - you can see that they comprise different ways of addressing Jesus.<br /><br />O Sapientia – O Wisdom – 17th December<br />O Adonai – O Lord – 18th December (Adonai is actually plural - O Lords)<br />O Radix Jesse – O Root of Jesse – 19th December<br />O Clavis David – O Key of David – 20th December<br />O Oriens – O Sunrise – 21st December<br />O Rex Gentium – O Sovereign of the nations – 22nd December<br />O Emmanuel – O Emmanuel - 23rd December (where Emmanuel means 'God with us')<br /><br />During these seven days I will be posting a poetic reflection each day courtesy of <strong><a href="http://malcolmguite.wordpress.com">Malcolm Guite</a>.</strong><br /><br />Here is his contribution for 17th December.<br /><blockquote><p><strong>O Sapientia</strong> </p><p><em>O Sapientia, quae ex ore Altissimi prodiisti, attingens a fine usque ad finem, fortiter suaviterque disponens omnia:<br />veni ad docendum nos viam prudentiae. </em></p><br /><!--ROW 1_2_1_2--><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="539"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="colnomargin" width="267"><img border="0" alt="image from Cochem Castle, Germany © not advert" src="http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/uploads/images/antiphon_Sapientia%231%23.jpg" width="267" longdesc="image from Cochem Castle, Germany © not advert" height="267" /><br /><div class="Caption"><i>O Sapientia</i>: image from Cochem Castle, Germany MATTHIAS BUEHLER</div></td><td width="5"><br /></td><td><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><td class="colmargin" width="267"><br /></td></tr></tbody><br /><!--ROW 1_1--><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="544"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="colmargin" width="544">O Wisdom, coming forth from the mouth of the Most High,<br />reaching from one end to the other mightily,<br />and sweetly ordering all things:<br />Come and teach us the way of prudence.<br /><p>I cannot think unless I have been thought,<br />Nor can I speak unless I have been spoken.<br />I cannot teach except as I am taught,<br />Or break the bread except as I am broken.<br />O Mind behind the mind through which I seek,<br />O Light within the light by which I see, </p>O Word beneath the words with which I speak,<br />O founding, unfound Wisdom, finding me,<br />O sounding Song whose depth is sounding me,<br />O Memory of time, reminding me,<br />My Ground of Being, always grounding me, <p>My Maker’s Bounding Line, defining me,<br />Come, hidden Wisdom, come with all you bring,<br />Come to me now, disguised as everything.<br /></p><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></blockquote><br /><br />Thank you, Malcolm, for allowing me to use your work.Kath Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08562094727325128886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849202229823146360.post-27024993538632976812010-11-21T22:35:00.000+00:002018-10-28T15:37:29.727+00:00Famous Prayers - Elvis Presley!<a href="http://www.allposters.com/gallery.asp?startat=/getposter.asp&APNum=4968706&CID=9981D6B1112B443B914590EE1AFA55EE&PPID=1&Search=&f=t&FindID=0&P=1&PP=8&sortby=PD&c=c&page=1"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0US3TKYYzmzTo1YgML-aMFPq66hKw_4On73XJShnLfi1uzhknzK1v_V1Ee9fg5WzAnW-UOXKPTca2PyzwYVvQdBQZYw_sGZyNBLunhTjaRQ9DC9qx4vBjAaVZkIH7f0vCsm3N_5C08g/s320/elvis.jpg" border="0" alt="Picture from Allposters"id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530253825450379986" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.elvis.com/">Elvis Presley</a> was deeply affected by the gospel songs he had learned and sung in church as a boy. His faith led him to ask for God’s help throughout his career. Before performances, he was known to find a quiet spot off stage and say this simple prayer: <br /><blockquote><br />Send me some light - I need it.<br /><br /></blockquote><br />Don't we all!Kath Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08562094727325128886noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849202229823146360.post-92169233229415541202010-10-31T17:57:00.005+00:002018-10-28T16:35:44.540+00:00Silence - the Doorway to the SoulI have just read an interesting article on the BBC News website about the disconnect between us as human beings and the natural world. It’s an interesting read and you can find it here:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-11546289">Biodiversity - a kind of washing powder?</a><br />
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It brought to mind another disconnect that I was considering earlier in the week – the disconnect between humankind and the spiritual world – or to phrase it differently our disconnect with our own souls. If you doubt this disconnect, then go out into a busy town centre on a Saturday night – or preferably, watch one of the police television programmes where you can be a fly on the wall. Safer that way!<br />
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So, is there any way of addressing this disconnect? Well, one of the exciting programmes on British television at the moment is <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/search?q=the%20big%20silence">The Big Silence</a>, which is the story behind a group of ordinary people being introduced to silence and, in particular, to an eight day silent retreat. The retreat is based at the delightful North Wales Retreat Centre of <a href="http://www.beunos.com/">St Beuno’s</a>. I know it’s delightful because I have spent time there myself – and will no doubt do so again – seeking the stillness and ‘God-centredness’ of this special place. <br />
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You can catch the episodes you may have missed on the BBC iplayer and the final episode occurs on November 5th 2010. <br />
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Silence is tha main way in which we can do something about our disconnect with our own souls and I love the description of silence as the ‘doorway to our soul’ and the soul as the ‘doorway to God’. <br />
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One way you might give silence a try is to do the following short exercise.<br />
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<blockquote>
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Put aside five minutes and turn off your phones, computers, and other things that might disturb you.<br />
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Find a comfortable place to sit, stand or lie, depending on your inclination (but remember the purpose of this is not actually to sleep!)<br />
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Spend a minute making yourself comfortable, closing your eyes and concentrating on your in-breaths and out-breaths.<br />
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Relax your body.<br />
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Now remember this fact – God is in every part of our world, so God is there with you, whether you can sense that or not.<br />
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And now for a few minutes imagine this God who is with you actually looking at you – simply looking at you. <br />
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And you simply look at God, who is looking at you.<br />
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<br />
… Looking at God, looking at you…<br />
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Finish by speaking to God what is there in your heart.<br />
<br /></blockquote>
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In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.Kath Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08562094727325128886noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849202229823146360.post-23810956688548896452010-10-20T21:57:00.006+01:002018-10-29T18:25:40.457+00:00Weavings - Finding SabbathOne of the blogs I enjoy reading is from the Weavings journal - a quarterly periodical from <a href="http://upperroom.org/75/index.php/about/">The Upper Room</a>. It has some beautiful images and reflections to make you ponder. Here is one that I have particularly enjoyed and benefited from.<br /><br />Do enjoy it too! <br /><br /><a href="http://weavings.upperroom.org/2010/10/finding-sabbath/"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 221px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjozmcgsPzLi_CdRCg_sa8fyKuagUB7d7ulWGdYFZNW7Sm8KE156JSCLwyg1P_uGAzO2Z8I73Os23hBZDfTEUDfZWg1r8WWAPY1baME5ewumR1kHXRHvyGckTHsmOzCw5hbidV9xt3RtGo/s320/weavings.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="Weavings - Finding Sabbath" /></a>Kath Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08562094727325128886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849202229823146360.post-46759179397014947192010-09-14T23:09:00.016+01:002018-10-28T15:52:45.823+00:00Famous Prayers - Celtic Prayer on JoyI have recently attended my church's parish weekend in North Wales, which was on the theme of Celtic Christianity, so when I read this, it made me smile as I remembered the fun and laughter we had on the weekend.<br /><br />Not everyone on the weekend was in the best health or in a 'good place' but, even in such times and circumstances, if we open our hearts to God, we can experience the joy of the Holy Spirit moving within us. This isn't the fleeting, frothy emotion that we sometimes call 'happiness' but a deep sense of God's abiding presence in all we are, all we see and all we do.<br /><br />Enjoy the prayer!<br /><br /><blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">A Celtic Prayer on Joy</span><br /><a href="http://www.allposters.com/gallery.asp?startat=/getposter.asp&APNum=5186620&CID=43206AE6A92F4D1DBF8800C4380E7DFA&PPID=1&Search=celtic%20knot&f=t&FindID=0&P=1&PP=1&sortby=PD&c=c&page=1"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 220px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGld4Gvbo7mMh7ivZFrgsyIby3Fgjm94UEakibhlA63Z96ShpEzqhGKxoUz2oQDs5NhC9HWZMlW7aJJV0a60xsDK7MEl9IOrPoQ1qHogdsZ935g17quCwLm2q6X-BAkXHlgW2AcJiXhzY/s320/celticart.jpg" border="0" alt="Celtic Knot"id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517631510878839138" /></a><br />As the hand is made for holding and the eye for seeing,<br />You have fashioned me for joy.<br />Share with me the vision that finds that joy everywhere.<br />In the wild violet’s beauty;<br />In the lark’s melody;<br />In the face of a steadfast man;<br />In a child’s smile;<br />In a mother’s love;<br />In the purity of Jesus.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">A Maclean, Hebridean Altars, Moray Press, Edinburgh, 1937<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Modified</span></span><br /></blockquote>Kath Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08562094727325128886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849202229823146360.post-24723867852235565292010-08-15T18:35:00.012+01:002018-10-28T15:33:54.951+00:00Discerning the Way Forward<p>Do you have any Christian acquaintances who, when telling you something about themselves, have started with the words, 'The Lord told me...'? I don't know about you, but there is something in my heart that sinks a little when I hear those words. And I have to admit that, in my younger days, I have used exactly that phrase on occasion. Ah, the impetuousness of youth!!<br /><br />With a few more years (well, decades) under my belt, I have a more moderated and informed view of discerning God's will. And the first thing I would say is that, more often than not, it is not easy! In discussing this, I want to introduce the concepts of 'consolation' and 'desolation'. These are terms used particularly in Ignatian spirituality and within that context have a specific definition which it is useful to understand.<br /><br />In Ignatian spirituality 'consolation' can be thought of as a sense of being at peace with God and with oneself. Have you heard someone speaking - perhaps in a meeting or on television - and you see that this person is at peace with themself and with their life at that moment? Things may not even be going particularly well for them, but you recognise instinctively an inner serenity and yes, even joy, despite what might be happening. This is what Ignatius of Loyola would call a state of 'consolation'.<br /><br />Equally, you may know someone - or may be yourself - in a situation where you (or they) feel restless, unsure, even perhaps (but not necessarily) despondent. You know that at some deep level, things aren't 'quite right.' At these moments it is likely that your spiritual life is taking a bit of nose-dive, or you are disinterested in the things of the Spirit. This, Ignatius would refer to as a state of 'desolation'.<br /><br />It is important if you use these terms in a spiritual sense - and particularly relating to discernment - that you realise that the everyday meaning of these words can be somewhat different to the Ignatian definition.<br /><br />Now, having defined some terms, how do we interpret these two states and how do we use them in a process of discernment. Well, let me talk a little here about my current situation to try to shed some light on this.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.allposters.com/gallery.asp?startat=/getposter.asp&APNum=6278569&CID=A70BC56FCFF24196922C9A3EC8CFFD93&PPID=1&Search=signposts&f=t&FindID=0&P=1&PP=3&sortby=PD&c=c&page=1""><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvPDDyrLA6xSyPACiE1Dojnn2pity_8zQccv38ZjGUH3G8lUEQCpkWNtbh9ruRjkn3Ib_eAFrbY3eNieCjSECVah8zRsrKSayChVGbFwJstsbfbA8VaFixCFt1JlVrTIiKu6ifbeG60c4/s320/sign.jpg" border="0" alt="Picture from www.allposters.co.uk"id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505755399990656706" /></a>The year 2010 has been an eventful one for me. Some of those events have involved loss - of people, work and mobility - and most of the events have involved change and transition. I have a sense of being on the threshold of a new phase of life. In that situation, I have started to re-evaluate some things and consider where I would like to be in five or ten years time - and knowing that it will be very different from where I am today. In this situation, I need to be able to discern what is right for me, hopefully to discern what God may me moving me towards, and to make decisions which relate to my future.<br /><br />So how do I go about doing this?<br /><br />Well, I have acquired a set of principles through the years which I use as my base. Let me share them with you.<br /><ul><br /><li>If its not blindingly obvious, don't rush!</li><br /><li>Talk, talk talk - particularly with those whose opinions I respect</li><br /><li>Stay soaked in the scriptures and in prayer (consider a retreat)</li><br /><li>Try not to demand 'bolts of lightning' from God</li><br /></UL><br />You notice that on the last point, I say 'try not to...' I am a realist, and I know that I, just as much as other people, have a tendency to say to God, 'Please give me a sign!'<br /><br />Now having followed my basic principles, I have to then come to a decision/decisions on the way forward. And it is then that the concepts of consolation and desolation come into their own. What course gives me a sense of peace, of right-ness? Which decision enhances my relationship with God and deepens my prayer life?<br /><br />Even then, it is sometimes hard to answer these questions, so then what I tend to do is ask myself, 'Now, if I made this decision, how would I feel one year down the line? And how would I feel if it turned out badly?'<br /><br />There will be some Christians out there who, if they read this, will be saying - too much about feelings in all this. All I would reply is that God made me in God's image - with feeling, intuition and imagination. These are God-given attributes, and provided we use them embedded in scripture, reason and the opinion of others in the church, then I believe that we are on safe territory.<br /><br />Any thoughts to share?<br /><br />With blessings.<br /></p>Kath Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08562094727325128886noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849202229823146360.post-19913940127277928032010-07-30T23:21:00.008+01:002018-10-28T15:36:42.673+00:00A Fair Trade PoemWe hear much these days of the global recession, job losses, cuts and welfare reform. In the midst of our own problems and worries, we can lose sight of those even worse off than ourselves. It's good when we find ourselves doing this to remember Jesus' story of the widow's mite. If you need a reminder, here it is.<br /><br /><blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Mark 12:41-44</span><br /><br />He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.’<br /> <br /><br /></blockquote> <br />In the current climate, our charitable giving may be one of the first casualties of our new frugal ways, but there is one way that we can continue to support those people poorer than ourselves - even when we are counting the pennies. <br /><br />Buy <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fair_trade">Fair Trade!</a> <br /><br />Yes, it is more expensive, but because the extra cost is spread over days, weeks and months, it is less noticeable and less painful. <br /><br />Here is a poem to challenge you by <a href="http://freespace.virgin.net/sound.houses/">Andrew Rudd</a>. I have <a href="http://kathwilliamson.blogspot.com/search/label/Rudd">mentioned him before</a> on this blog. Andrew is a Cheshire poet who, during 2006, was the fourth Cheshire Poet Laureate. 'This is a Fair Trade Poem' can be found in his book <a href="http://freespace.virgin.net/sound.houses/book%20details.htm">One Cloud Away from the Sky</a>.<br /><br /><blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">This is a Fair Trade Poem</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/1b/Fairtrade.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 170px; height: 200px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/1b/Fairtrade.png" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />This poem is made from<br />one hundred per cent recycled<br />words. It has not been tested<br />on animals. It has no additives<br />no artificial colouring.<br /><br />Juanita’s poem is a sweet banana<br />fragrant, glowing. But the price<br />has fallen. ‘Dear teacher’ she says,<br />‘My children can no longer come<br />to school.’ This poem is made<br />from recycled words, but who<br />is listening?<br /><br />Maria’s poem is a handful<br />of glinting coffee beans. She lets them<br />slide through her fingers. The price<br />has fallen. No clothes, no shoes<br />no medicine for the children.<br />This poem is made from recycled<br />words, but who is listening?<br /><br />The supermarket poem is all noise<br />and colour. A price goes up<br />so we cross the aisle and choose<br />another brand, another packet.<br /><br />Our lives are linked to their lives.<br />Their lives are linked to our lives.<br />This poem is made from recycled words.<br />Listen.<br /><br /></blockquote><br />Many blessings as you enjoy your <a href="http://www.oxfam.org.uk/coolplanet/kidsweb/banana/farmers.htm">Fair Trade bananas</a> and coffee!Kath Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08562094727325128886noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849202229823146360.post-60027918442445841052010-06-10T00:38:00.005+01:002018-10-28T15:27:25.542+00:00Quotable Quote - Oscar Romero - the ChurchHere are some words of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%93scar_Romero">Archbishop Oscar Romero</a> about the nature of the church. Very challenging! I would have loved to have met him.<br /><br /><blockquote><br />From <span style="font-weight:bold;">The Violence of Love</span><br /><br />A church that doesn’t provoke any crises, a gospel that doesn’t unsettle, a word of God that doesn’t get under anyone’s skin, a word of God that doesn’t touch the real sin of the society in which it is being proclaimed - what gospel is that? Very nice, pious considerations that don’t bother anyone, that’s the way many would like preaching to be. Those preachers who avoid every thorny matter so as not to be harassed, so as not to have conflicts and difficulties, do not light up the world they live in.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Oscar Romero </span> <br /><br /></blockquote><br /><br />Archbishop Romero was outspoken about violations of human rights and social injustice in El Salvador and he became an advocate of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberation_theology">liberation theology</a> - which emphasises social justice and political activism. He was martyred in March 1980 whist taking a communion service in a hospital chapel.<br /><br />A prayer of Archbishop Romero's <a href="http://kathwilliamson.blogspot.com/2009/09/famous-prayers-oscar-romero.html">can be found here</a>.Kath Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08562094727325128886noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849202229823146360.post-3601625288665186122010-05-21T21:36:00.000+01:002018-10-28T16:38:35.599+00:00Famous Prayers - Act of Hope - Augustine<blockquote>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Act of Hope</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%; font-style: italic;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Augustine_of_Hippo">St Augustine of Hippo</a></span><br />
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For Your mercies' sake, O Lord my God,<br />
tell me what You are to me.<br />
Say to my soul: "I am your salvation."<br />
So speak that I may hear, O Lord;<br />
my heart is listening;<br />
open it that it may hear You,<br />
and say to my soul: "I am your salvation."<br />
After hearing this word,<br />
may I come in haste to take hold of you.<br />
Hide not Your face from me.<br />
Let me see Your face even if I die,<br />
lest I die with longing to see it.<br />
The house of my soul is too small to receive You;<br />
let it be enlarged by You.<br />
It is all in ruins;<br />
do You repair it.<br />
There are thing in it,<br />
I confess and I know,<br />
that must offend Your sight.<br />
But who shall cleanse it?<br />
Or to what others besides You shall I cry out?<br />
From my secret sins cleanse me, O Lord,<br />
and from those of others spare your servant.<br />
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Amen.<br />
<br /></blockquote>
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See also <a href="http://kathwilliamson.blogspot.com/2009/04/famous-prayers-late-have-i-loved-you.html">Late Have I Loved You</a> by St AugustineKath Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08562094727325128886noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849202229823146360.post-42176272650819120932010-05-12T23:56:00.008+01:002018-10-28T16:38:59.010+00:00Psalm 23 Revisited - David KossoffFirstly, my apologies for the recent lack of posts - a family bereavement has taken me out of circulation for a while.<br />
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Next, let's get down to business!<br />
Tonight I attended a Bible Study about Psalms. It was a fascinating evening, and one of the highlights was to read a paraphrase of Psalm 23 written by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Kossoff">David Kossoff</a>. I'm sure I would be breaching some copyright if I were to add the whole psalm here. So here is a taster - the first few verses... followed by the last. Enjoy it!<br />
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<blockquote>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">The Old Twenty-Third</span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">by David Kossoff</span><br />
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Lord, you are my shepherd,<br />
And I'm very pleased, for I'm a bit of a sheep.<br />
You taught me how to stop rushing about,<br />
How to lie down and doze in a green field.<br />
To stand by still water, by a calm lake.<br />
And it's so restful. I'm grateful.<br />
I think you show me the right paths, <span style="font-style: italic;">your </span>ways.<br />
I ought to use them more, in your name.<br />
Otherwise it's sort of wasting your time.<br />
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...<br />
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Your goodness and mercy will follow me.<br />
&nbsp &nbsp Every day of my life. I'm sure of it.<br />
And on the last day, when I go from my house,<br />
&nbsp &nbsp I'll go to yours. And live there. For ever.<br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">From </span><span style="font-size: 85%; font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Psalm-23-Anthology-K-H-Strange/dp/0715203746/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1273706184&sr=1-1">Psalm 23 An Anthology</a></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"> by KH Strange & RGE Sandbach: The Saint Andrew Press, Edinburgh.</span></blockquote>
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One of the phrases that David Kossoff repeated throughout the psalm was 'I'm grateful.'<br />
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And are we? Grateful?<br />
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When was the last time you counted your blessings? From simply being alive, to having possessions - such as the computer or phone on which you are reading this! It's very easy to get hung up on the things we don't have, the talents that we would have liked to possess, the attention that seems to have passed us by.<br />
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But, if you are reading this, you are very blessed. For a start, you can read. Or you have someone to read to you.<br />
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It is an excellent exercise to lie in bed at night and think of five blessings that have been yours during the last day. Try it tonight!<br />
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I have written before about Psalm 23 - you can <a href="http://kathwilliamson.blogspot.com/2009/02/giving-it-another-twirl.html">read it here</a>.Kath Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08562094727325128886noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849202229823146360.post-64783659825198347532010-04-21T00:25:00.000+01:002018-10-28T15:27:25.802+00:00In Praise of Wisdom!The apocryphal books of the Bible are frequently overlooked, particularly by those of us who come from non-Roman or non-Orthodox backgrounds. The canonicity of these books is disputed, but even Luther included them in his translation of the Bible - albeit in a separate section which he placed between the Old and New Testaments. It is interesting to note that Luther also appeared to have doubts about the canonicity of Revelation!<br /><br />Yet there is some amazing stuff in what has become known as 'the Apocrypha'. This passage on wisdom is worth spending some time with.<br /><blockquote><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wisdom 7:25-30</span><br /><br />Wisdom is a breath of the power of God,<br />and a pure emanation of the glory of the Almighty;<br />therefore nothing defiled gains entrance into her.<br />For she is a reflection of eternal light,<br />a spotless mirror of the working of God,<br />and an image of his goodness.<br />Although she is but one, she can do all things,<br />and while remaining in herself, she renews all things;<br />in every generation she passes into holy souls<br />and makes them friends of God, and prophets;<br />for God loves nothing so much as the person who lives with wisdom.<br />She is more beautiful than the sun,<br />and excels every constellation of the stars.<br />Compared with the light she is found to be superior,<br />for it is succeeded by the night,<br />but against wisdom evil does not prevail.<br /><br /></blockquote><br />Very poetic! In particular, I find this phrase fascinating:<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Although she is but one, she can do all things,<br />and while remaining in herself, she renews all things;</span><br /><br />...particularly the second line. I have a mental picture of Wisdom as a dark-haired woman/spirit which, whilst being intrinsically the personification of the Wisdom of God, can pass dancing into our beings and merge with us there.<br /><br />Do you find that too fanciful?Kath Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08562094727325128886noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4849202229823146360.post-89645851674917872262010-04-10T00:01:00.000+01:002018-10-28T17:21:22.045+00:00Famous Prayers - Ignatius of LoyolaIgnatius of Loyola is the founding father of the Jesuit order in the Roman Catholic Church. As a young man, he was, in his own words, "a man given over to the vanities of the world, and took a special delight in the exercise of arms, with a great and vain desire of winning glory."<br />
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After serious injury, sustained during a battle, he was forced to convalesce for months. During this time he daydreamed of romance and glory - but strangely was left somewhat restless by these daydreams. He then began to imagine he was like one of the early saints of the church - and discovered that these types of daydreams didn't leave him restless - but calmer and more peaceful.<br />
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That was the start of his explorations into Christian spirituality - and into himself. If you want to read more about his life, it's told very readably at <a href="http://www.jesuit.org.uk/whoweare/ignatius.htm">www.jesuit.org.uk</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.jesuit.org.uk/spirituality/ignatianspirituality.htm">Jesuit spirituality</a> continues to have a profound effect on many Christians - lay and religious, Catholic and non-Catholic, old and young.<br />
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Here is one of Ignatius' prayers. <br />
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<blockquote>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Prayer for the Disturbed</span><br />
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O Christ Jesus,<br />
when all is darkness<br />
and we feel our weakness and helplessness,<br />
give us the sense of Your presence,<br />
Your love, and Your strength.<br />
Help us to have perfect trust<br />
in Your protecting love<br />
and strengthening power,<br />
so that nothing may frighten or worry us,<br />
for, living close to You,<br />
we shall see Your hand,<br />
Your purpose, Your will through all things.<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><span style="font-size: 85%;">St. Ignatius of Loyola </span></span><br />
<br /></blockquote>
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The words, '...when all is darkness and we feel our weakness and helplessness...', echo in my heart at the moment, as an immediate family member faces imminent death. When in a position of loss and helplessness, God can be our protector and strength - even when our own strength seems to be giving up. We have only to turn our face to God, open our heart and surrender our will - or, as Ignatius says, 'live close to You'.<br />
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I pray that you too will be blessed by this prayer. Grace and peace to you all.<br />
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You can read other prayers by Ignatius here:<br />
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<a href="http://kathwilliamson.blogspot.com/2009/04/famous-prayers-ignatius-of-loyola.html">Prayer for Generosity</a><br />
<a href="http://kathwilliamson.blogspot.com/2009/03/famous-prayers-ignatius-of-loyola-and.html">Prayer of Surrender</a>Kath Williamsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08562094727325128886noreply@blogger.com1