Lectio Divina
... rouse one another to love and good works.
Hebrews 10:24
Library
Continuing to read what my theology buddies are reading. Also took a look at the winter issue of The Capuchin Journey, published by the development office for the Province of Saint Mary. It features the Superstorm Sandy relief efforts led by our friars and lay secular volunteers who have served hot meals and repaired homes. I am very proud of what they have done with their limited means.
Log
Morning prayer and Mass combined in the back chapel. Then, after breakfast, off to the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History to see the blue whale and mammoth skeletons and exhibits on the local biology and geology, including halls for insects, mammal and marine life. There was a special photo exhibit of regional owls and woodpeckers. I also saw an exhibit on the Chumash tribes who inhabited the coast, islands, and inland areas of the Central Coast of California. Later, I talked to members of the Santa Barbara chapter of the National Audubon Society, who maintain an aviary on site for disabled birds. I saw up close a barn owl, red-tailed hawk, kestrel, and peregrine falcon. Such beautiful creatures!
It's not a large museum, and some of the exhibits appeared dated, but some basic knowledge never changes. A couple of grade schoolers came and went during the afternoon. It all reminded me of my own elementary school field trips to local science museums, with the always-much-anticipated stop at the gift store with the cool-looking rocks, seashells, or kaleidoscopes.
Coming away from the visit, feeling grateful for creation and wishing I had another lifetime, or at least a do-over of the last thirty years, in which to study God's handiwork more attentively. Natural history is a part of divine history.
Now, to evening prayer, then celebrating a friar's birthday, the fifth birthday we are celebrating in our community this month.
Weather
Warm with sunny skies. A good day to be out.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
A Body to Offer
Lectio Divina
A body you prepared for me.
Hebrews 10:5 (see also Psalm 40:6-7)
Library
Finished reading selected chapters of Cone, The Cross and the Lynching Tree, and much invigorated by his prophetic fire. How Cone, a black liberation theologian from the African Methodist Episcopal tradition, loves the cross and the crucified Christ! How his faith is strengthened and challenged by the cross and crucified Savior! But how different from the way a Catholic, especially a Franciscan, loves the Crucified and his cross. I need to ponder this some more.
Now to Basil, John Chrysostom, and Gregory of Nyssa, and hoping to correspond soon with my reading buddies about what I have read. Thinking about the holiness of bodies. Also thinking a lot about the nature of sacrifice -- of making things holy -- and how sacrifice effects redemption. Looking also to distinguish sacrifice from the suffering that so often accompanies sacrifice.
Log
Had our day of recollection with Bill Wicks of the Secular Franciscans. Now praying that with the help of groups like the Secular Franciscans, the Church may fully promote the dignity -- and fulfillment -- of secular vocations. After all, most of the children of God in the body of Christ are called to holiness in the world.
Now, a gentle evening with the brothers. Planning to watch a couple of religious documentaries with them. Tomorrow, off to the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.
Weather
Warm and pleasant. Dare I say it is getting warmer? Dare I be a groundhog and say spring is around the corner?
A body you prepared for me.
Hebrews 10:5 (see also Psalm 40:6-7)
Library
Finished reading selected chapters of Cone, The Cross and the Lynching Tree, and much invigorated by his prophetic fire. How Cone, a black liberation theologian from the African Methodist Episcopal tradition, loves the cross and the crucified Christ! How his faith is strengthened and challenged by the cross and crucified Savior! But how different from the way a Catholic, especially a Franciscan, loves the Crucified and his cross. I need to ponder this some more.
Now to Basil, John Chrysostom, and Gregory of Nyssa, and hoping to correspond soon with my reading buddies about what I have read. Thinking about the holiness of bodies. Also thinking a lot about the nature of sacrifice -- of making things holy -- and how sacrifice effects redemption. Looking also to distinguish sacrifice from the suffering that so often accompanies sacrifice.
Log
Had our day of recollection with Bill Wicks of the Secular Franciscans. Now praying that with the help of groups like the Secular Franciscans, the Church may fully promote the dignity -- and fulfillment -- of secular vocations. After all, most of the children of God in the body of Christ are called to holiness in the world.
Now, a gentle evening with the brothers. Planning to watch a couple of religious documentaries with them. Tomorrow, off to the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.
Weather
Warm and pleasant. Dare I say it is getting warmer? Dare I be a groundhog and say spring is around the corner?
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Do God's Will
Lectio Divina
I come to do your will.
Hebrews 10:7
Library
Continuing to read Cone, The Cross and the Lynching Tree, and patristic sources on theological anthropology.
Log
Continuing our class sessions on the Secular Franciscans. For basic information about the Third Order, go to their national website.
This afternoon, house chores, which now means watering the grounds, raking, and occasionally re-painting any of the 28 benches on the grounds, among many other things.
This evening, beginning our day of recollection, with Bill Wicks of the Secular Franciscans as our presenter.
Weather
Cool, sometimes cold, but comfortable.
I come to do your will.
Hebrews 10:7
Library
Continuing to read Cone, The Cross and the Lynching Tree, and patristic sources on theological anthropology.
Log
Continuing our class sessions on the Secular Franciscans. For basic information about the Third Order, go to their national website.
This afternoon, house chores, which now means watering the grounds, raking, and occasionally re-painting any of the 28 benches on the grounds, among many other things.
This evening, beginning our day of recollection, with Bill Wicks of the Secular Franciscans as our presenter.
Weather
Cool, sometimes cold, but comfortable.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Secular Franciscans
Lectio Divina
He entered into heaven itself.
Hebrews 9:24 (New Living Translation)
Library
Continuing Cone, The Cross and the Lynching Tree, and the other theological readings from my reading buddies.
Log
At the evening meal on Sunday I met a man named Bill Wicks, a member of the Secular Franciscan Order, also known as the Third Order in the Franciscan family. Francis of Assisi is known most of all for establishing radically new communities of men and women religious (First Order and Second Order, respectively) whose way of life was grounded in the Gospel. But he also established an order for men and women who strove also to live according to the Gospel yet would not be taking the vows of consecrated life -- an order for people who chose to remain in the world in their state of life as spouses, parents, and working people. It is this family of sisters and brothers in Christ, sons and daughters of Francis, that Bill Wicks has come to speak to us about this week during class sessions and a day of recollection on Wednesday.
There are an estimated 13,000 members of the Secular Franciscans in the United States today -- there are many more Third Order Franciscans than Franciscan women and men religious -- but strangely enough, I never met any of them until I shared the evening meal with Bill last night. We religious Franciscans need to reconnect with our numerous secular cousins. And I think we need to do much more to share Franciscan spirituality and practices of discipleship on an ecumenical basis, and with young people, with a sensitivity to their existential realities, which preclude for them the more traditional forms of commitment that participation in the Secular Franciscans requires.
This afternoon, spiritual direction at Old Mission Santa Barbara, and schola rehearsal this evening.
Weather
Continuing to be temperate even as the rest of the world freezes over.
He entered into heaven itself.
Hebrews 9:24 (New Living Translation)
Library
Continuing Cone, The Cross and the Lynching Tree, and the other theological readings from my reading buddies.
Log
At the evening meal on Sunday I met a man named Bill Wicks, a member of the Secular Franciscan Order, also known as the Third Order in the Franciscan family. Francis of Assisi is known most of all for establishing radically new communities of men and women religious (First Order and Second Order, respectively) whose way of life was grounded in the Gospel. But he also established an order for men and women who strove also to live according to the Gospel yet would not be taking the vows of consecrated life -- an order for people who chose to remain in the world in their state of life as spouses, parents, and working people. It is this family of sisters and brothers in Christ, sons and daughters of Francis, that Bill Wicks has come to speak to us about this week during class sessions and a day of recollection on Wednesday.
There are an estimated 13,000 members of the Secular Franciscans in the United States today -- there are many more Third Order Franciscans than Franciscan women and men religious -- but strangely enough, I never met any of them until I shared the evening meal with Bill last night. We religious Franciscans need to reconnect with our numerous secular cousins. And I think we need to do much more to share Franciscan spirituality and practices of discipleship on an ecumenical basis, and with young people, with a sensitivity to their existential realities, which preclude for them the more traditional forms of commitment that participation in the Secular Franciscans requires.
This afternoon, spiritual direction at Old Mission Santa Barbara, and schola rehearsal this evening.
Weather
Continuing to be temperate even as the rest of the world freezes over.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
One Though Many
Lectio Divina
As a body is one ... and all the parts ... are one body, so also Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:12
Library
One of my reading buddies in Boston has connected me with more texts that treat the subject of theological anthropology in ancient/patristic Christianity, these being from two of the Cappadocian Fathers: Basil and Gregory of Nyssa, and also John Chrysostom. Still reading Cone, The Cross and the Lynching Tree, and catching up with the latest Commonweal.
Log
Morning prayer in the back chapel, and Mass outdoors, late in the morning, with 150 high school students preparing for confirmation from Saint Barnabas Parish in Long Beach, south of Los Angeles, at the Circle V Camp at Rancho Allegre near Lake Cachuma. One of our Capuchin priests celebrated the Eucharist with them and their catechists, peer ministers, and youth ministry leaders. It's always good to worship out in nature, especially if the weather is tolerable! And despite the chill wind and the crisp temperatures in the shade, it was tolerable, even acceptable.
This afternoon and evening, a reprise of my role as cook for the novices. Last evening it was quiche (vegan, with spinach, mushrooms, and onions), fritatta (vegetarian, with eggs), quinoa, salad, recycled pork and green beans, and apple crisp. This evening, it was teriyaki chicken and mixed vegetables, tofu and mixed vegetables marinated in a ginger lemon soy sauce, white rice, and chai-spiced rice pudding pie with a gingersnap crust. I've felt confident about my baking skills for some time, and now I am feeling better about my improving cooking skills.
Now, to read in prayerful silence before night prayer and communal recreation.
Weather
Beautiful at San Lorenzo, more beautiful in the camp by Lake Cachuma, and most bright and beautiful within.
As a body is one ... and all the parts ... are one body, so also Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:12
Library
One of my reading buddies in Boston has connected me with more texts that treat the subject of theological anthropology in ancient/patristic Christianity, these being from two of the Cappadocian Fathers: Basil and Gregory of Nyssa, and also John Chrysostom. Still reading Cone, The Cross and the Lynching Tree, and catching up with the latest Commonweal.
Log
Morning prayer in the back chapel, and Mass outdoors, late in the morning, with 150 high school students preparing for confirmation from Saint Barnabas Parish in Long Beach, south of Los Angeles, at the Circle V Camp at Rancho Allegre near Lake Cachuma. One of our Capuchin priests celebrated the Eucharist with them and their catechists, peer ministers, and youth ministry leaders. It's always good to worship out in nature, especially if the weather is tolerable! And despite the chill wind and the crisp temperatures in the shade, it was tolerable, even acceptable.
This afternoon and evening, a reprise of my role as cook for the novices. Last evening it was quiche (vegan, with spinach, mushrooms, and onions), fritatta (vegetarian, with eggs), quinoa, salad, recycled pork and green beans, and apple crisp. This evening, it was teriyaki chicken and mixed vegetables, tofu and mixed vegetables marinated in a ginger lemon soy sauce, white rice, and chai-spiced rice pudding pie with a gingersnap crust. I've felt confident about my baking skills for some time, and now I am feeling better about my improving cooking skills.
Now, to read in prayerful silence before night prayer and communal recreation.
Weather
Beautiful at San Lorenzo, more beautiful in the camp by Lake Cachuma, and most bright and beautiful within.
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Cooking, Cooking, Cooking
Lectio Divina
I recall your sincere faith.
2 Timothy 1:5
Library
Today, it's Moskowitz and Romero, Vegan Pie in the Sky, and Stepaniak, The Ultimate Uncheese Cookbook, plus a couple of recipes hooked from the Internet.
Log
Morning prayer, Mass, and midday prayer in the back chapel. Aside from that, I'm in the kitchen all day with Jesus and with one of my novice brothers, preparing the evening meal. I'll be there again all day tomorrow excepting morning prayer and Mass and night prayer. Taking a small break now to publish The Caperone.
Weather
The rains have abated for now, to my surprise. It's warm, sunny even, and I feel bad for the rest of the country, which is besieged by freezing blasts. Tonight, it's a full moon. I feel energetic.
I recall your sincere faith.
2 Timothy 1:5
Library
Today, it's Moskowitz and Romero, Vegan Pie in the Sky, and Stepaniak, The Ultimate Uncheese Cookbook, plus a couple of recipes hooked from the Internet.
Log
Morning prayer, Mass, and midday prayer in the back chapel. Aside from that, I'm in the kitchen all day with Jesus and with one of my novice brothers, preparing the evening meal. I'll be there again all day tomorrow excepting morning prayer and Mass and night prayer. Taking a small break now to publish The Caperone.
Weather
The rains have abated for now, to my surprise. It's warm, sunny even, and I feel bad for the rest of the country, which is besieged by freezing blasts. Tonight, it's a full moon. I feel energetic.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Return to Galilee
Lectio Divina
Jesus returned to Galilee....
Luke 4:14
In my haste to return to my Jerusalem (Boston?) and Rome (New York?), do I forget or despise the Galilees of my pilgrimage? Be patient, breathe, and remain where you are. Before you do something, learn how to do nothing, so as to let God truly do the moving.
Library
Read the early and patristic sources pertaining to theologies of the body in ancient Christianity. Now continuing Cone, The Cross and the Lynching Tree.
Log
Going gently from morning prayer, Mass, and breakfast to the prison. The next novitiate newsletter will publish tomorrow, and you will get the electronic link in a few more days.
This evening, faith sharing in our own small groups, then a little bit of communal recreation before turning to the kitchen to begin preparations for the Saturday evening meal. Your correspondent hit Double Zero on the roulette wheel: I'll be cooking for the fraternity both Saturday and Sunday. Every three weeks (22 days, to be exact) a novice begins his eight-day shift of kitchen duties, which entails clean-up after meals on the first six days, and setup for the evening meal on the last two, assisting the kitchen manager who prepares our weekday meals. When those final two days fall on the weekend, you do the cooking yourself. My latest shift in the kitchen began last Sunday, which is why I will now be cooking twice. You know what that means: all the vegan you can eat! My carnivorous brothers need not fear, for there will be animal-based protein foods, too.
The chocolate banana cheesecake was a hit. In fact, it's already gone.
Weather
The skies poured forth a half inch of rain yesterday. We expect more rain today. The creeks have begun to run again. Some streets in Santa Barbara County actually flooded. May the wellsprings run so deep and broad within my heart, too.
Jesus returned to Galilee....
Luke 4:14
In my haste to return to my Jerusalem (Boston?) and Rome (New York?), do I forget or despise the Galilees of my pilgrimage? Be patient, breathe, and remain where you are. Before you do something, learn how to do nothing, so as to let God truly do the moving.
Library
Read the early and patristic sources pertaining to theologies of the body in ancient Christianity. Now continuing Cone, The Cross and the Lynching Tree.
Log
Going gently from morning prayer, Mass, and breakfast to the prison. The next novitiate newsletter will publish tomorrow, and you will get the electronic link in a few more days.
This evening, faith sharing in our own small groups, then a little bit of communal recreation before turning to the kitchen to begin preparations for the Saturday evening meal. Your correspondent hit Double Zero on the roulette wheel: I'll be cooking for the fraternity both Saturday and Sunday. Every three weeks (22 days, to be exact) a novice begins his eight-day shift of kitchen duties, which entails clean-up after meals on the first six days, and setup for the evening meal on the last two, assisting the kitchen manager who prepares our weekday meals. When those final two days fall on the weekend, you do the cooking yourself. My latest shift in the kitchen began last Sunday, which is why I will now be cooking twice. You know what that means: all the vegan you can eat! My carnivorous brothers need not fear, for there will be animal-based protein foods, too.
The chocolate banana cheesecake was a hit. In fact, it's already gone.
Weather
The skies poured forth a half inch of rain yesterday. We expect more rain today. The creeks have begun to run again. Some streets in Santa Barbara County actually flooded. May the wellsprings run so deep and broad within my heart, too.
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