Normally I don't feel the need to introduce things, especially art/poetry/etc, but I thought that I'd preface this with one sentence.
This is the first single piece of poetry that I've written in over 7 years...
The Phoenix has fled. Her wings a flame with the prayers of the martyrs. Let the ash rain down upon my head. My sackcloth collar chokes me as I beg for mercy. Beautiful wisdom where are you? Brightstar hear me! Have mercy upon me. She has returned and her eyes are set on the triumph of the wicked. Cast me not away from thy sight. Her wings beat with disciplined determination and I can feel her breath. Burn me from the inside out. Purify my wretched soul and teach me to do thy will. Spread your wings and through the prayers of all the saints have mercy upon me and save me. +
Showing posts with label Ramblings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ramblings. Show all posts
Friday, January 28, 2011
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Reflections - On being a father
Forgive me a sinner...
A young man and his family stood praying in the back of a church awaiting the glorious Great Entrance. The man, full of zeal for his new found faith, attempting to church his children, signs himself with the sign of The Cross in an effort to stay with the Liturgy. His wife obviously uncomfortable and unsure of this new experience, stares on trying to make sence of it all.
"May the Lord God remember all of you in His Kingdom, now and ever and unto ages of ages.", the deacon calls. As the procession nears the young man struggles with his children, "get up!" he says with a forced whisper, "stand up!" gritting his teeth. One last effort to force his children to stand aright, he yanks on their arms. The procession passes as it has done for the last 2000+ years. The clergy and people praying for the salvation of the world.
The family is the Domestic Church and all that we do should mirror Christ to the world. It starts in our homes, behind closed doors long before we arrive to participate in the Liturgy.
I recall fighting with my wife, because we were late for church. Angry with one another the entire 20 minute drive and leaving her in the car as I marched in all my "righteous" anger to go stand before the Creator of the universe, the I AM.
Jesus Christ has never forced anyone to follow Him, nor has he "yanked" them by the arm to stand them up in reverance as He passes by. The example of our Lord and Saviour should show us that churching our children is a marathon of peaceful continual correction, not a sprint to turn our kids into monks/nuns, or to appear pious before others.
There was a statement told to me quite frequently when I was first introduced to Christ. "You may be the only bible people ever read." I thought this statement to be somewhat silly at first, but after having children I understand it's meaning more than ever. I am the "Priest" of my household. I "read" the gospel around the clock to my family, not verbally, but by living it out, not by forcing them to stand and pray. I like a deacon, direct my family's attention to help keep them on track. This is my calling as a Christian, as a husband, and as a father.
May God grant me humility, love and patience to fulfill that which he has entrusted to me.
A young man and his family stood praying in the back of a church awaiting the glorious Great Entrance. The man, full of zeal for his new found faith, attempting to church his children, signs himself with the sign of The Cross in an effort to stay with the Liturgy. His wife obviously uncomfortable and unsure of this new experience, stares on trying to make sence of it all.
"May the Lord God remember all of you in His Kingdom, now and ever and unto ages of ages.", the deacon calls. As the procession nears the young man struggles with his children, "get up!" he says with a forced whisper, "stand up!" gritting his teeth. One last effort to force his children to stand aright, he yanks on their arms. The procession passes as it has done for the last 2000+ years. The clergy and people praying for the salvation of the world.
The family is the Domestic Church and all that we do should mirror Christ to the world. It starts in our homes, behind closed doors long before we arrive to participate in the Liturgy.
I recall fighting with my wife, because we were late for church. Angry with one another the entire 20 minute drive and leaving her in the car as I marched in all my "righteous" anger to go stand before the Creator of the universe, the I AM.
Jesus Christ has never forced anyone to follow Him, nor has he "yanked" them by the arm to stand them up in reverance as He passes by. The example of our Lord and Saviour should show us that churching our children is a marathon of peaceful continual correction, not a sprint to turn our kids into monks/nuns, or to appear pious before others.
There was a statement told to me quite frequently when I was first introduced to Christ. "You may be the only bible people ever read." I thought this statement to be somewhat silly at first, but after having children I understand it's meaning more than ever. I am the "Priest" of my household. I "read" the gospel around the clock to my family, not verbally, but by living it out, not by forcing them to stand and pray. I like a deacon, direct my family's attention to help keep them on track. This is my calling as a Christian, as a husband, and as a father.
May God grant me humility, love and patience to fulfill that which he has entrusted to me.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
So, Here Goes
The Setup
A dear friend of mine and I were talking today while at a birthday party for my God-sons twin sons. During the course of our conversation he mentions to me that I should journal. I laugh of course because I know the flow of this endeavor. Usually starts with me getting inspired to write about something. Followed by me running out and spending $10/$2o on a new journal. After getting it home I enter the first entry, which is followed up by days of... well... intention. Intention to write, but with very little progress.
So, with that being said. I'm saving money this time and going "virtual" journal.
Lent
With today being the beginning of lent, I figured it a great time to start this journal. I can't say that I'll have a lot to say, but I'll sure try to capture what I can.
What is lent? Well, lent is actually this beautiful time in which we as followers of Christ prepare and journey with our Lord and Savior. This is only my third journey through lent (God willing not my last) and I can tell you that I am always surprised at how I am affected. I remember before our baptism and chrismation, my same dear friend gave me a bit of advice. We were discussing the difficulty of fasting, not only from certain foods, but with our whole being. Fasting with our eyes, our minds, our mouths... He said to me, "If you can't say no to a cheese-burger, what can you say no to?" So true.
Forgiveness
We attended forgiveness vespers tonight and it is the one time during the year when I actually get to see everyone in the parish face to face. There were so many new faces, some joyous, some scared, and some even smiling. Beautiful people beaming with intent. Intention like that in the face of a runner at the beginning of a race set on winning. Mind made up, no changing direction.
Humility
There is one man that I fully enjoy seeing every service. He's and older gentlemen who sometimes walks with a cane. He is humble in stature and joyous in his smiles. The light of Christ shines forth from this man like I've read only in the writings about saints. Thank God for you, servant of God.
Gratefulness
I am so very grateful for my best-friend and wife. She is patient and kind with me when I am not so patient and kind. My children who force me to be better. Last but not least, my spiritual father.
Glory to God in all things!
A dear friend of mine and I were talking today while at a birthday party for my God-sons twin sons. During the course of our conversation he mentions to me that I should journal. I laugh of course because I know the flow of this endeavor. Usually starts with me getting inspired to write about something. Followed by me running out and spending $10/$2o on a new journal. After getting it home I enter the first entry, which is followed up by days of... well... intention. Intention to write, but with very little progress.
So, with that being said. I'm saving money this time and going "virtual" journal.
LentWith today being the beginning of lent, I figured it a great time to start this journal. I can't say that I'll have a lot to say, but I'll sure try to capture what I can.
What is lent? Well, lent is actually this beautiful time in which we as followers of Christ prepare and journey with our Lord and Savior. This is only my third journey through lent (God willing not my last) and I can tell you that I am always surprised at how I am affected. I remember before our baptism and chrismation, my same dear friend gave me a bit of advice. We were discussing the difficulty of fasting, not only from certain foods, but with our whole being. Fasting with our eyes, our minds, our mouths... He said to me, "If you can't say no to a cheese-burger, what can you say no to?" So true.
Forgiveness
We attended forgiveness vespers tonight and it is the one time during the year when I actually get to see everyone in the parish face to face. There were so many new faces, some joyous, some scared, and some even smiling. Beautiful people beaming with intent. Intention like that in the face of a runner at the beginning of a race set on winning. Mind made up, no changing direction.
Humility
There is one man that I fully enjoy seeing every service. He's and older gentlemen who sometimes walks with a cane. He is humble in stature and joyous in his smiles. The light of Christ shines forth from this man like I've read only in the writings about saints. Thank God for you, servant of God.
Gratefulness
I am so very grateful for my best-friend and wife. She is patient and kind with me when I am not so patient and kind. My children who force me to be better. Last but not least, my spiritual father.
Glory to God in all things!
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