#Episcopal priest “Parson Carson” | Professional Conductor & Soprano | Humorist | NASA SS Ambassador | Photographer | Coffee addict! #Anglican #BeachPriest
Canton, NY
Joined May 2009
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2 of 2 - Today, November 9, the Episcopal Church offers a commemoration of Richard Rolle, 1349, Walter Hilton, 1396, and Margery Kempe c. 1440, Mystics.
A Collect (prayer) for today: Direct our hearts, O Gracious God, and inspire our minds, that like your servants Richard Rolle, Walter Hilton, and Margery Kempe, we might pass through the cloud of unknowing until we behold your glory face to face. In the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
According to “Great Cloud of Witnesses”
Richard Rolle (1290–1349)
was an English religious writer, Bible translator, and hermit. He is known as Richard Rolle of Hampole or de Hampole, since after years of wandering he settled in his final years at Hampole, near the Cistercian nunnery.
He wrote in both Latin and English (his first work, Melum, was of alliterative Latin); many works are attributed to him, but it has been questioned how many are genuinely from his hand.
In one of his best-known works, The Fire of Love, Rolle provides an account of his mystical experiences, which he describes as being of three kinds: a physical warmth in his body, a sense of wonderful sweetness, and a heavenly music that accompanied him as he chanted the Psalms.
Walter Hilton (1340 – 24 March 1396)
was an English Augustinian mystic.
Little is known of his life. He was the head of a house of Augustinian Canons at Thurgarton Priory, near Newark, in Nottinghamshire. He was closely in touch with the Carthusians, though not a member of that order.
His spiritual writings were widely influential during the fifteenth century in England. The most famous of these is the Scala Perfectionis, or Ladder of Perfection, in two books, first printed by Wynkyn de Worde in 1494. This work may be described as a guide-book for the journey to the spiritual Jerusalem, which is "contemplation in perfect love of God". The soul is reformed to the image and likeness of God, first in faith only, and then in faith and in feeling. Speeded by humility and love, it passes through the mystical dark night, which "is nought else but a forbearing and a withdrawing of the thought and of the soul from earthly things by great desire and yearning for to love and see and feel Jesus and spiritual things". By the gift of love all the vices are destroyed, and the soul at length becomes a perfect lover of Jesus, "fully united to Him with softness of love". His presence is the life of the soul, even as the soul is the life of the body. Purified to know His secret voice, its spiritual eyes are opened to see His workings in all things and to behold His blessed nature.
Margery Kempe (c. 1373 – after 1438)
is known for writing The Book of Margery Kempe, a work considered by some to be the first autobiography in the English language. This book chronicles, to some extent, her extensive pilgrimages to various holy sites in Europe and Asia.
Part of Margery Kempe's significance lies in the autobiographical nature of her book: it is the best insight available that points to a female, middle class experience in the Middle Ages. Kempe is admittedly unusual among the more traditional holy exemplars of her time, such as Julian of Norwich. Margery, in fact, described her visit to Julian in her anchorhold in Norwich, and describes how they together discussed Margery's visions as to their orthodoxy, deciding that because they lead to charity they were of the Holy Spirit.
Though Kempe is often depicted as an "oddity" or even a "madwoman," recent scholarship on vernacular theologies and popular practices of piety suggest she was not, perhaps, as odd as she appears. Rather than being the ramblings of a madwoman, her Book is revealed as a carefully constructed spiritual and social commentary. ...
Her autobiography begins with "the onset of her spiritual quest, her recovery from the ghostly aftermath of her first child-bearing"., repeatedly, the "Revelationes" of Birgitta of Sweden
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1 of 2 - Today, November 9, is the feast day of Saint Ammonius, Hermit, c. 403.
A Collect (prayer) for today: Drive far from your church, O God, every vain spirit of clerical ambition, that, like your servant Ammonius, we may refuse to conflate ordination and leadership, and may never confuse rank with holiness; in the name of your son Jesus Christ our Lord, who alone is our great High Priest. Amen.
According to “Great Cloud of Witnesses”
The most popular story that is related about Ammonius would seem quite unbelievable if it were not recorded in such a large number of historical sources, including many that were contemporary with his life.
Although praised for his learning and his asceticism, he is most vividly remembered for the vehemence with which he resisted ordination.
Ammonius was one of four brothers who became monastic hermits in Scete in northern Egypt, disciples of the great ascetic Pambo. Although most of the monks in that settlement were illiterate, Ammonius had been exceptionally well educated. He is said to have had the entire Old and New Testament memorized, as well as the works of many early Christian theologians. Although he left no writings, many of his students and colleagues did, perhaps the most famous of whom is Evagrius of Pontus.
In addition to his great knowledge, Ammonius was also very strict in his spiritual practice and was well loved as a spiritual director and guide. Because of all of this, the inhabitants of a nearby village wanted him to be their bishop. Forcible ordination was not unusual in the early church, and so Bishop Timothy of Alexandria told the people that if they were able to bring this holy man to him, he would absolutely ordain him.
Ammonius pleaded with them not to do this thing, but they would not hear it, and a large crowd of them gathered to drag him back to Alexandria by force. Seeing that they were too numerous for him to resist or to flee, Ammonius seized a sword and chopped off his ear in front of the shocked observers. He then calmly replied that he was now utterly disqualified for ecclesiastical office since the law forbids a man who is mutilated to become a priest (Leviticus 21:16-24). Deeply shaken, the people returned to Bishop Timothy, who told them: "This law is only observed by the Jews. If you bring him to me, I will ordain him even if he chops off his nose too!"
Therefore, they returned, but when they attempted to drag Ammonius off again, this time he said to them, "I swear to you that if you do such a thing to me, I shall cut out my tongue as well!" Alarmed by the prospect of losing his preaching and exhortation, they finally left him in peace. This story was as striking in antiquity as it is today, and is recounted by a number of writers (including his disapproving bishop).
Most sources refer to him as "Ammonius the Earless" from that time forth.
Despite his strident refusal of the episcopate, Ammonius was by no means anti-clerical. His own brother Dioscorus had become a bishop, his other two brothers were both priests, and when he left Egypt toward the end of his life during the theological controversies that had embroiled Scete, he sought out the company of his close friend John Chrysostom. He was also a close companion and associate of Melania the Elder, welcoming her as a guest to his monastic settlement, visiting her in Jerusalem at hers, and welcoming her protege Evagrius to his community. He died while visiting John Chrysostom sometime around the year 403.
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RAPID FOCACCIA - not supposed to need kneading or stretch-and-folds 😁🍞
Day #8 (Nov. 8 ) of the #gratitudechallenge and today’s subject is BREAD! Over the ages and in most civilizations (it seems to me!), bread has functioned as more than basic sustenance. Its cultivation, production, and distribution have shaped agriculture, social hierarchies, and our collective understandings of labor snd hospitality. Psychologically, I think bread evokes feelings of security, belonging, and the elemental human need for nourishment….plus it smells amazing!! Theologically, particularly within Jewish and Christian traditions, it can signify divine providence, communal dependence, and, in the Christian Holy Eucharist, participation in the life of Christ. The sharing or withholding of #bread also seems to have served as an expression of social solidarity or exclusion, revealing how something that seems kind of ordinary can embody profound questions of human dignity, economic inequality, and the common good. For YEARS, I didn’t eat bread (or have sugar or butter or olive oil in the apartment!) because of my weight and the fear and anxiety around enjoying eating decadent calories, and only in the last two years have I ever even made bread! Now I make several different kinds of bread and enjoy trying my best with each recipe. Today’s focaccia is mainly for sandwiches.
#bake #eat #grateful #breadmaking #focaccia #yum #focacciabread
#quickbread #parsoncarson
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Yay! Received my #theconquerorchallenges “Data vs. Lore” medal today. This challenge was 100 miles and one of three Star Trek: The Next Generation challenges. I’m now on “The Klingon Code.” (Previously, I finished 5 Lord of the Rings challenges totaling 628 miles.)
#StarTrek #startrekthenextgeneration #walking #steps #miles #cool #health #hiking #parsoncarson #app #AppStore
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3 of 3 Today is #4 of my #GratitudeChallenge and I’m profoundly grateful for the changing of the seasons, for the exquisite rhythms of creation that remind us of the beauty, impermanence, and the perpetual and vibrant renewal of life!! Having grown up on Kiawah, a barrier island off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina, and having spent much of my life in the Deep South, particularly in places in Georgia and the in New Orleans, I’d always experienced and appreciated the subtle transitions of the seasons. Yet the dramatic seasonal transformations I’ve encountered up here in both New Jersey and now in the North Country of New York speak to my soul on an extraordinarily deep level. The awakening of Spring, the verdant abundance of Summer, the insanely gorgeous and resplendent colors of Fall, and the contemplative (and from what I’ve seen last Jan/Feb/March) snowy stillness of Winter reveal the magnificent cycles of Earth with intensity. Each season possesses its own distinctive character, and beauty, reminding us that change isn’t just inevitable, but *essential* to the flourishing of life. In their ceaseless succession, I’ve discover both spiritual renewal and a profound reverence for the natural world, whose intricate rhythms reflect the sacred mystery of existence. The seasons teach us to embrace abundance and austerity, growth and dormancy, beginnings and endings, and to recognize grace in every transformation. Above all, I’m grateful to not only observe, but deeply feel the changes of time, where the very landscape becomes a testament to the wonder, resilience, and perpetual renewal of life itself.
* These few photos are from my brief sunset walk earlier today at Lower Lake Management and Bird Conservation Area!
#gratitude #thankful #life #seasons #upstateny #NY #nature #seasons
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2 of 3 Today is #4 of my #GratitudeChallenge and I’m profoundly grateful for the changing of the seasons, for the exquisite rhythms of creation that remind us of the beauty, impermanence, and the perpetual and vibrant renewal of life!! Having grown up on Kiawah, a barrier island off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina, and having spent much of my life in the Deep South, particularly in places in Georgia and the in New Orleans, I’d always experienced and appreciated the subtle transitions of the seasons. Yet the dramatic seasonal transformations I’ve encountered up here in both New Jersey and now in the North Country of New York speak to my soul on an extraordinarily deep level. The awakening of Spring, the verdant abundance of Summer, the insanely gorgeous and resplendent colors of Fall, and the contemplative (and from what I’ve seen last Jan/Feb/March) snowy stillness of Winter reveal the magnificent cycles of Earth with intensity. Each season possesses its own distinctive character, and beauty, reminding us that change isn’t just inevitable, but *essential* to the flourishing of life. In their ceaseless succession, I’ve discover both spiritual renewal and a profound reverence for the natural world, whose intricate rhythms reflect the sacred mystery of existence. The seasons teach us to embrace abundance and austerity, growth and dormancy, beginnings and endings, and to recognize grace in every transformation. Above all, I’m grateful to not only observe, but deeply feel the changes of time, where the very landscape becomes a testament to the wonder, resilience, and perpetual renewal of life itself.
* These few photos are from my brief sunset walk earlier today at Lower Lake Management and Bird Conservation Area!
#gratitude #thankful #life #seasons #upstateny #NY #nature #seasons
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1 of 3 Today is #4 of my #GratitudeChallenge and I’m profoundly grateful for the changing of the seasons, for the exquisite rhythms of creation that remind us of the beauty, impermanence, and the perpetual and vibrant renewal of life!! Having grown up on Kiawah, a barrier island off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina, and having spent much of my life in the Deep South, particularly in places in Georgia and the in New Orleans, I’d always experienced and appreciated the subtle transitions of the seasons. Yet the dramatic seasonal transformations I’ve encountered up here in both New Jersey and now in the North Country of New York speak to my soul on an extraordinarily deep level. The awakening of Spring, the verdant abundance of Summer, the insanely gorgeous and resplendent colors of Fall, and the contemplative (and from what I’ve seen last Jan/Feb/March) snowy stillness of Winter reveal the magnificent cycles of Earth with intensity. Each season possesses its own distinctive character, and beauty, reminding us that change isn’t just inevitable, but *essential* to the flourishing of life. In their ceaseless succession, I’ve discover both spiritual renewal and a profound reverence for the natural world, whose intricate rhythms reflect the sacred mystery of existence. The seasons teach us to embrace abundance and austerity, growth and dormancy, beginnings and endings, and to recognize grace in every transformation. Above all, I’m grateful to not only observe, but deeply feel the changes of time, where the very landscape becomes a testament to the wonder, resilience, and perpetual renewal of life itself.
* These few photos are from my brief sunset walk earlier today at Lower Lake Management and Bird Conservation Area!
#gratitude #thankful #life #seasons #upstateny #NY #nature #seasons
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Gratitude Challenge day #3 - PLUS…enjoy these gorgeous #Fall leaves!
🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
#voting #voice #vote #gratitude #gratitudechallenge
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