by Peter James | Jun 15, 2023 | Syrian Clementine Liturgy
I have new appreciation for the liturgical words, “The Lord be with you” and the accompanying response, “and also with you.” These words were part of the oldest complete liturgy on record, dating back to the third century known as the Syrian...
by Peter James | Jun 14, 2023 | John Flavel
A man entered a bookstore in 1673 looking for play books (think Romeo and Juliet). The owner, Mr. Boulder, suggested the man read John Flavel’s book, Keeping the Heart. The man glanced at the title, thumbed through the pages, and handed the book back to Mr....
by Peter James | Jun 13, 2023 | Columba
Today’s story concerns two monks and the first copyright dispute in recorded history. Columba (521-597) was a junior monk and Finnian served as his mentor and Abbot at an Irish monastery. Finnian had in his possession a rare and valuable copy of the Book of...
by Peter James | Jun 12, 2023 | Teaching of the Apostles
I can say it more easily, now that I’m retired. Some church people seem to relish fighting and feuding with each other. Church conflict is hardly unique to our time. Early Christians had to learn to live with tension in the community also. Given hostility from...
by Peter James | Jun 11, 2023 | St. Benedict
The so-called “seven deadly sins” appear in final form in the late sixth century. I’m not surprised that lethal sins like pride, greed and envy make the final cut. But sloth? The original word, acedia, implies apathy toward the things of God. The...
