Retreat! What a foreign-sounding word. No, we do not retreat, we attack and never, ever surrender. Granted, famous last words, but the fighting spirit prevails. That in mind, there comes a time when you've got to rest and regroup so you can take the war to the enemy with renewed spirit. And that's exactly what this year's clergy retreat was all about, a spiritual reset on the shores of Lake Dallas at Montserrat retreat house.
No, there weren't any lesbian priestesses, dancing nuns or wymxn bishop figures. There was Morning and Evening Prayer, Compline, Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, daily Mass, and a series of outstanding talks given by Fr. Hans Boersma. His theme? Participation in the life of God and recovery of a sacramental worldview from nominalism and what he described as "flat earthers," from two dimensional late modernity.
Outstanding. Boersma is a Christian Platonist and, I think, more than a little mystic. He's also not a Lib and he's Dutch, both of which conjoined are cool. So that was all good. Good too to be with the priests of our diocese, what a great crew and fun to live with, even if only for a few short days.
God bless,
LSP
6 comments:
Sounds like a wonderful time, Pastor.
It was really good, drjim, and needed.
Glad to see you got your batteries recharged LSP.
I could see how the flat earth folks might get that idea from the appearance of your neck in the woods.
"Participation in the life of God and recovery of a sacramental worldview from nominalism and what he described as "flat earthers," from two dimensional late modernity."
I'm a reasonably intelligent person but had to read that twice to get the full meal. Sound like thick stuff....but do like the "flat earthers" characterization, so true.
Iff'n you get a chance, take a look at this: We really enjoy Father Johannas and his videos, especially the 'reflection' portion. "The Year" videos (12) are excellent, and now we're working thru the newest 'year' batch (Sunday fare).
https://www.youtube.com/@donjojohannes/videos
It was good, DOS, and I don't say that lightly. It's a rare thing to find a diocese with such committed priests. I know this.
Paul, it was pretty solid stuff and maybe a walk through/synopsis for a long essay/short book. Good stuff, if not a series of meditations.
My, what an excellent series by Fr. Johannas! I'll post links,
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