Brian’s Reflection: Thursday, November 15, 2007
So as this only point among the rest remaineth sure and certain,
namely, that nothing is certain. . .”
- William Pitt the Elder, British statesman, born on
this day, 1708
Very freeing! Well I remember my time in Nicaragua. There were six different points to cover. One day each week, the catechist and I would get in a dugout canoe, dressed only in shorts and a T-shirt. The communion vessels, a stole, bread and wine, and books were stashed in a heavy plastic bag which was tied to the gunwales. We would head up the shore of the sea towards a village (Rio Grande, I think) near the mouth of the river entering the sea. I got used to the sharks circling, looking for fish. But I would often say, “Will we make it?” The catechist, an experienced canoeist, would answer, “Father, nothing is for certain.”
It isn’t. So it’s better just to live with that reality. Make plans, sure. Dream, sure. Definitely strive for good health on all levels. If you wake up to another day, live it fully, loving and laughing and enjoying and singing and weeping with and maybe mourning with. The only near certain thing is the Present Moment.
I have a wonderful calligraphy from the Evening Gatha on my wall that Roy Parker, OHC, did. It says:
Let me respectfully
remind you:
Life & Death
are of supreme importance.
Time swiftly passes by
&
Opportunity is lost.
Each of us should strive
to awaken,
Awaken
Awaken.
Take heed.
Do not squander your Life.
Indeed. Jesus said, “Stay Awake! For you do not know the hour when the Master will come.” If we can live with shifting “certainty”, we will be less likely to be lulled into squandering, and opportunity not be missed.
Brian+
Brian McHugh, priest & vicar
St. Peter's, Casa Grande
St. Michael's, Coolidge
http://www.blogger.com/orrock1946@msn.com
520.705.2689 (telephonitto)
blog: http://brianstakeontheworldfaithandreligion.blogspot.com/
So as this only point among the rest remaineth sure and certain,
namely, that nothing is certain. . .”
- William Pitt the Elder, British statesman, born on
this day, 1708
Very freeing! Well I remember my time in Nicaragua. There were six different points to cover. One day each week, the catechist and I would get in a dugout canoe, dressed only in shorts and a T-shirt. The communion vessels, a stole, bread and wine, and books were stashed in a heavy plastic bag which was tied to the gunwales. We would head up the shore of the sea towards a village (Rio Grande, I think) near the mouth of the river entering the sea. I got used to the sharks circling, looking for fish. But I would often say, “Will we make it?” The catechist, an experienced canoeist, would answer, “Father, nothing is for certain.”
It isn’t. So it’s better just to live with that reality. Make plans, sure. Dream, sure. Definitely strive for good health on all levels. If you wake up to another day, live it fully, loving and laughing and enjoying and singing and weeping with and maybe mourning with. The only near certain thing is the Present Moment.
I have a wonderful calligraphy from the Evening Gatha on my wall that Roy Parker, OHC, did. It says:
Let me respectfully
remind you:
Life & Death
are of supreme importance.
Time swiftly passes by
&
Opportunity is lost.
Each of us should strive
to awaken,
Awaken
Awaken.
Take heed.
Do not squander your Life.
Indeed. Jesus said, “Stay Awake! For you do not know the hour when the Master will come.” If we can live with shifting “certainty”, we will be less likely to be lulled into squandering, and opportunity not be missed.
Brian+
Brian McHugh, priest & vicar
St. Peter's, Casa Grande
St. Michael's, Coolidge
http://www.blogger.com/orrock1946@msn.com
520.705.2689 (telephonitto)
blog: http://brianstakeontheworldfaithandreligion.blogspot.com/
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