No, it's not one of the Blues Brothers, but Father Wells Warren, just back from South Africa. He went there to do a wedding. He was away for two weeks, returned Friday, and had another wedding yesterday. I believe he is going for a record! An Episcopal priest who can recite Shakespeare's sonnets with such perfect timing and grace that they seem to be part of the Prayer Book's wedding sacrament is bound to be in high demand!While I should have been at St. Dunstan's this evening at six, I was learning how to use all of the online resources, webinars, and interactive programs for students that is just one more task in getting acquainted with my school's newly adopted literature books. Of course, I had to register: create yet another USER NAME and password for each of my two books! There are some positive aspects, yet it is just one more way to make sure we teachers are never idle!! Just when I was ready to throw the laptop off the table, thinking all I had wanted to do today was make a new post on my blog, and end the day with some inspiration and solace at my church, I thought...at least check Facebook--check on your nieces and far away friends....and Father Wells.
And so I found that it is true for other professions: We are all living our lives with the internet ...and tonight... I have to say for the better. Let's hear it for Father Wells who has begun posting his sermons online. This one is well worth your time...and I am especially grateful that I had a chance to read it. Now I can go to school tomorrow - clean and bright in spirit - polished by these words (click to read tonight's sermon).
What is your mission this week?
9 comments:
Father Wells reminds me a bit of Mr. Beebe in A Room with a View. (since I'm in that E. M. Forster kinda mood) Is there a link where we can access his sermon? I'm intrigued by a pastor who can recite Shakespeare!
Best wishes on your first day tomorrow! xx
Yes, Willow! Click on "these words" in the post...it takes you straight to it! Peace be with you. I miss everybody!
Hello FireLight,
Unfortunately, it's so much easier to feel tired or angry sometimes than to keep on track, which of course is the mission. Maybe the girl Fr. W was talking about thought she was living the 'wild' side of her life for a while! A minister's own path must be continually challenging, forever trying to reach those who don't fill the pews.
Thanks for the link....heading over.... :)
Beautiful words by Father Wells. They tie in so well with my mantra, which I have scotch taped to my keyboard, "dominus fortissima turris" (my God is a strong tower).
Derrick, you are right: continuously challenging. A few years ago, due to some very liberal changes in our laws regarding serving alcohol, our little chapel now has a bar next door: 17-16 is a famous score from the 70's against our arch rival football team. There was once a law stating that no alcohol could be served within a mile of campus. We are right next to campus. The kind of scene that Father Wells, described has been the prelude to several incidents in which a student has been struck and killed by a car since the law was changed. Now, what was a lovely, hidden oasis in town has become a favorite parking place--so now we have tow away zone signs. God, did you hear that? Bring your tow truck!
Willow, I think I will make that my scrolling screen saver! Thank you for my Latin lesson today.
Are you a fan of the film Goodbye, Mr. Chips? He teaches Latin.
What a fun post! I think the internet has changed all of us...and for the better (as long as we remember to pull away from our computers to look at nature and breathe fresh air every so ofter! LOL!) Our lives are riches, we meet more people and are inspired by so many things. And multitasking is at an all time high, right? Sermons and school work all together. I love it.
Hope your school year is off to a lovely start! xo
I love it when the devine visits us online! It's funny, but I've had the same thing happen, feeling that I am done with technology and being totally connected to the internet, then a poem, a prayer, Father Wells appears, and I feel like there is a spirit at work, even online.
Need to read the complete sermon, but feel a NEW mission is developing for me, because of these words.
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