Category: Asceticism

an absurd hermit

Just as Camus advocated “revolt” in the face of metaphysical absurdity, contemporary thinkers and activists often call for micro-resistance:

  • Acting ethically even when systems seem rigged.
  • Organizing locally rather than waiting for top-down change.
  • Telling the truth even when it appears futile.

Absurdism thus informs a tragic ethics: not heroism with guarantees, but action without illusions. It’s the courage to do what’s right even when success is unlikely. … The absurd hero does not find meaning in the outcome but in the act itself—whether it’s fighting for justice, creating art, or simply getting out of bed each day.

Smith, KJ. A Brief History of Absurdism

Acts 18

And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.

Acts 18:18

Hair cut and vow? What does this mean?

John 12

He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

John 12:25, 26

… by me

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

John 14:6

I often meditate on the first half but this morning I am drawn to “no man cometh … but by me”. Jesus is the only way! (And the full revelation of God.)

oratory of the transfiguration

And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, and was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.

Matthew 17:1-8

“Jesus only” – that is my desire!

Follow on Facebook: Oratory of the Transfiguration

BCP and fasting?

I asked this on FB so …

For those in the know (you know who you are): with the revision of the Prayer Book, what is the canonical standing of the “Tables and Rules for the Feasts and Fasts through the whole Year”?

Is an Anglican to keep these fasts?

There is an ascetic system enshrined in BCP (1662) – a discipleship way. But I have never heard anyone speak of it?

The Religious Societies of the seventeenth century offer most practical and important witness. Associated with Anthony Horneck’s ministry at the Savoy Chapel, London, and later with William Beveridge and Robert Nelson, these societies arose as an attempt – and a successful one – to practise the full teaching of the Church as enshrined in the Book of Common Prayer. The initial influence of these societies, these “Faithful Remnants”, was enormous, and history supports their sanity and zeal. The recitation of the daily Office was central to their activity, a priest-director was an essential part of the system, while works of charity towards the poor were a natural outcome. It is significant that their demise came when extraneous interests in politics and sociology overbalance the original Godward intention. For most of our modern parochial organizations, the writing on the wall could hardly be plainer.

English Spirituality

what has happened …

William Ewart Gladstone and his wife, at Mass, Anglican vicar, Hawarden Church, Vintage illustration 1890s, 19th Century

What happened to Mattins and Evensong? I am meeting Anglicans who have never attended either service. Or, who have only attended the modern version (euphemistically called Morning Prayer with little connection to the traditional shape). The modern church (oh, how I hate that term) is so quick to jump to “saying Mass” with traditional prayer services being an afterthought.

And what happened to “priest and people” together praying? Active participation means we have laypeople doing clergy jobs, and clergy dominating laypeople in their vocation.

And what has happened to fasting?

Companion of New Skete

I am not a joiner! I did not join the “normal Anglo-Catholic” societies when I was a priest, nor any religious order as an oblate etc. But ….

It is intrinsic to ascetical theology to adapt itself to the contemporary situation, yet it can only evolve out of a living tradition with roots in the past.

English Spirituality, 13

I have been accepted as a Companion of the New Skete. And I am super excited. A connection to a living tradition while I remain within my own tradition. The beginning of a Prayer Book Ascetic.