by Greg | Jul 9, 2013 | Blog Posts
As in years past, deer have found my roses, peppers, tomatoes and black-eyed susans. They are not that fond of my herbs, but really enjoy the Gerber daisies, apparently as a garnish to the potted geraniums nearby. Last weekend I saw a doe – fat and slick – languidly walking through my backyard nibbling here and there with not a worry in the world. I believe in doing my part in taking care of God’s creation, but this is starting to get ridiculous. Amy reminds me that this happens every year so why should I act so surprised. “They are just doing what deer do – eating what is available.” Well a deer is an herbivore but I am an omnivore. Apparently they seem to know I am not a hunter, because they do not seem to be threatened. Years ago I remember hearing story about a monk rescuing a scorpion from a spider web. The monk would reach to disentangle the scorpion but would get stung in the process. Still the monk continued until finally the scorpion was set free. One of the novices asked the monk, “Why did you try to save the scorpion, when you knew it was going to sting you?” The monk replied, “It is the scorpions nature to kill; it is my nature to save.” What is your basic nature? Deep within us all, I believe, is the need to worship. We desire transcendence in our ordinary lives and to engage in a holy “otherness.” On Sunday when we gather to worship it is not because of a service designed to meet our...
by Greg | Mar 30, 2013 | Blog Posts
Cross of Glory This cross is fittingly used for Easter. It is a simple Latin Cross with a rising sun placed behind it. Like most every cross examined, this one too has many variations. In many traditions, as the sun rises, Gloria, an ancient Latin doxology, is sung (or spoken). It is perhaps one of the earliest Christian hymns. Sung at daybreak, when light replaces darkness, the rising sun is a reminder of the resurrection of Christ and the anticipation of Christ’s return. “The one who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen.” (Revelation 22:20-21) Prayer: “We adore you O Christ and we praise You, for it is by Your holy cross that You have redeemed the world.” (Stations of the...
by Greg | Mar 29, 2013 | Blog Posts
The Arrow Cross This is also called a Cross Barby or Barbee in heraldry. In Christian use, the ends of this cross resemble the barbs of fish hooks, or fish spears. This alludes to the Ichthys symbol of Christ, and is suggestive of the “fishers of people” theme in the Gospel. Like many other cross images, the arrows can also be understood as the call to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Disappointingly, in modern use the Arrow Cross is associated with extremist groups in Europe and the United States. “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” (Matthew 4:19) Prayer: Merciful God, forgive us when we take images of love and sacrifice and twist them for our own selfish gain. Teach us again what it means to pick up the cross and bear it each day out of love for You and our neighbor. Strengthen us that we may not grow weary in doing good to the very ends of the earth....
by Greg | Mar 28, 2013 | Blog Posts
Cross of St. James The Cross of St. James is adapted from the Cross Fitchy by adding a cross fleury (the arms end in fleurs-de-lys) or a cross moline (the ends of the arms are forked and rounded). In heraldry, it is also called the Santiago Cross or the cruz espada. James was one of the son’s of Zebedee and a disciple of Jesus. “… whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave (Matthew 20:26-27) Prayer: Savior, Servant and Sustainer, lead us to serve in this world and not conquer; lead us to live by faith and not fixed opinions; lead us that we may follow and not demand. Lead us Lord, for there is none like You....
by Greg | Mar 27, 2013 | Blog Posts
The Cross Fitchy The name fitchy comes from the French for “fixed” referring to the distinctive pointed lower limb. It is thought that this design was for use by travelling Crusaders who would drive the cross in the ground. Its shape resembles a sword, symbolic of the Crusaders willingness to use force in their cause. “Then Jesus said to him, ‘Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.’” (Matthew 26:52) Prayer: May our hearts be set on You: to follow, to serve, to sacrifice. But let not our hearts stray that we see other means and other ways, thereby using the cross instead of serving the cross. Fix our eyes that we may see You in the last, the least and the lost. Fix our hearts that we may love You and love our neighbor....
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