… to practise the full teaching of the Church as enshrined in the Book of Common Prayer
While I have a “philosophical issue” with language, I dislike how people use the word “unique”. And especially how sometimes people say “very unique”, “extremely unique”, or some other superlative qualifying “unique”.
A word I feel people use too much is “surreal”.
Guggenheim: Can’t Help Myself
I would open a bookshop which also serves various types of tea.
The books would be a range but, maybe, more existentialist. Maybe some Kierkegaard, Kafka, and Camus? The tea would be Russian! Or some Earl Gray. Leafs only. There would be afternoons for people to discuss ideas – any idea! Tea, books, and real conversation.
I am a stickler for references. No reference (which I can check), no quote. But I am breaking my own rules and sharing this quote from Augustine:
This quote summarises “anchorite spirituality”. Affective piety that reflects on the Passion of Jesus.
(So if someone could please give me the reference, I will be eternally thankful.)
Let me preface this by saying I am no philosopher, theologian, or sociologist.
I think “modern society” lives with the belief that “if I can measure it, I can create it”. The problem is that it is somewhat true. Yes, physical things can certainly be measured and then created. But what about things like beauty, community, fellowship, or love? Can I measure these and then create them?
The church is not immune. Sometimes people preach a gospel of “let’s do it”. All of that is fine without any thought to sin. God creates community and fellowship by His presence, as He does beauty, not by our agreeing with each other or being “nice”.
So what would I change: the certainty that it is within human reach to create everything.
Anyway …
I have not answered one of these for some time.
I normally wake at 5ish. Yes, I am a morning person. I have not used an alarm clock in a long time, and I do not use my phone. I simply wake naturally at about the same time. At the moment it is still dark and very cold. Heater on and make a cup of tea.
I either listen to the news or just pray. Sometimes I try to plan my day but it never works out. I try to be ready for my day by 6. I stay in my “bedroom”, which is also my main room, to pray and enjoy a cup of tea. I love watching the sun rise over the water. There is a “no rush” attitude for my mornings.
When do I go to bed? When the sun goes down it is time for bed, as my grandmother used to say. I try to stay in a natural rhythm with the sun. I try to pray a little and then sleep.
Do continue to practice diligently what I then, as if giving birth, instilled in your ear: “Weep before the Lord.” That is, you should ask of God only one thing: that you may desire Christ alone in wounded love, and that you may with full concentration of your heart and with all your soul wish for him alone as your dowry.
Otter, Monika C. Goscelin of St Bertin: The Book of Encouragement and Consolation [Liber Confortatorius]
The anchorite’s role and influence in the community was a byproduct of his spiritual life rather than something envisaged as its purpose. The initial obligations went rather in the other direction: Wulfric sought an encounter with God and counted on the community to provide the necessary conditions.
John of Ford. The Life of Wulfric of Haselbury, Anchorite (Cistercian Fathers Series Book 79)
To be solitary (in Jesus) is to not be productive (in a worldly sense).
