So, as we can see I'm off to a late start today. It was so chilly in here last night that Mr. Mistofellees decided to use my feet for warmth.
Annnd that's what happpens to one's sugar after consuming a pint of Ben and Jerries before bed. It's not really funny and I should respect my health more than I do.
I was going to treck on down to Denny's in Lake Jackson by myself for breakfast but changed my mind. Ronnie has a doctor appointment and I don't much feel like driving that far to eat by myself.
Catching my eye in Email this morning, The Episcopal News Service is reporting; Virginia priest could be removed from priesthood over ongoing Eucharistic ‘fast’ against racism A snippet follows; "Much of the case against Ramey can be summarized from a 316-page document that collects a series of exhibits submitted to the hearing panel. It includes an eight-page statement in which Ramey responds to the allegations. He dates his path to ordination to September 2003, when he was deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, as a U.S. Marine Corps communications officer. One day, his unit’s chaplain, an Episcopal priest, gave him an impromptu “battlefield promotion” as a lay Eucharistic minister. “The gift and grace of Jesus’ incarnate life, death and resurrection embodied in Holy Eucharist were never more real to me than in that moment,” Ramey wrote. After he returned from deployment, he began the process of discerning a call to ordination and eventually enrolled at Virginia Theological Seminary, which required seminarians to take at least one class at an outside, partner institution. He chose “The History of the Black Church” at Howard University School of Divinity in Washington, D.C. Later, he interned at a historically Black congregation, Church of the Holy Comforter, also in Washington. He was ordained in 2012, and in 2014, he was called as rector at All Saints, also known as Sharon Chapel."
I'm acquainted with another ex marine chaplain, turned Episcopal priest. He's dropped off the face of the earth since his YouTube channel went dark. As a veteran, and Episcopalian, myself, I can identify with the bewilderment concerning the lack of vigorous change in the church compared to the rapid reassessment necessary in a battlefield situation. Frustration can, and often, leads to rebellion against the established doctrines and protocals of the church. There're (IMHO) two ways of addressing one's personal or institutional past (especially where PTSD is a factor and I belive there is a phenomenom such as institutional PTSD). The first, and most practical way for me, is an analytical assessment of the facts as I can recall them. the second,and most destructive for me, is to escape into an emotional reaction becoming my preferred dwelling place as a means of avoiding growth into an unknown, and frightening, existense. The preceding is in relation to the church's "social action" and "community presence"
Speaking in terms of my spirituality, in this world the word sanctuary has a meaning to me that means rescue, safety, a divine space separate from the world that prepares me for returning to "this world." I prefer the mystical experience of high church Eucharistic transformation of my inner conscientious. The compartmentalization of the two worlds in which I live, though not always understood, is probably a comfortable avoidance of challenges in my life. But, at my age I find it most healthful to avoid the drama younger folks seem to believe gives their lives some weird kind of importance. I tend to agree with those who say that the Eucharist should not be held hostage for social change. I beleive that when approached and received "correctly" (I can't think of a different word) one will be an actor in one's sphere of influence whether or not one chooses. Once received, the Holy Spirit will become so present within that sphere change will happen despite what one feels are one's own best intentions.
At 1917hrs - Earlier this week I changed the contents of Mr. Mistofellees litter box, emptied all the wastebaskets and the kitchen trash. Today was trash day and I didn't remember to put the trash bin to the curb until I heard the pick-up truck. As I was just getting out of the shower were I to live in a clothing optional community I could have run out doors and put the bin to the curb as the truck stopped next door. But even then it was too cold to be running around sans clothing anyway. The bin is large enough to contain two weeks of refuse so it can wait until Monday.
For those so inclined; The Daily Office Evening Prayer
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