Abbey-Roads2

What will we say?

Some speculated that it would be announced today - I read where others believe it will be announced on Holy Thursday - although, it seems to me that would distract from the Sacred Triduum.  I’m still on board with the April 29th or 30th date.

Nevertheless, I can’t help but wonder, when the Motu Proprio is announced, what will we say to the faithful who have worked and prayed so hard for the return of the traditional liturgy?  Those who have remained faithful to tradition…those who have been mocked and marginalized, written off as ultra conservative fanatics - or just “Wanderer” types?

It has been a scandal the way traditionalists have been treated  since the Council.

For myself, my deepest apologies and eternal thanks for your perseverance.   

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The image depicted does not move one to devotion, yet I like it on some level because The Virgin appears as an ordinary girl, praying.  The angel appears in reverence for her dignity and purity.  The scene takes place out doors, much in the manner of Byzantine icons, the structure is always the background.  Perhaps the painter (Collier) was attempting to place the event in modern language to speak more clearly to contemporary, albeit secular sensibilities.  Throughout the ages, religious iconography has portrayed environment of the scriptural events in contemporary terms, as well as the characters in the modern dress of the times, so this is nothing new.

What I like about it is the peace of the virgin figure, apprehended at prayer.  She is completely ordinary and obviously quite young.  She neither recoils in fear, nor is she wrapped in ecstasy at the angel’s pronouncement.  Not that it was not an ecstatic moment, but everything is peaceful and intelligent.

I don’t think the Blessed Virgin was afraid in the conventional sense of the term.  The Gospel says she was deeply troubled by the Angel’s greeting, yet we know she did not doubt his word.  Troubled, she of course pondered the meaning and the angel immediately told her, “Have no fear…”

Perhaps in her humility she was surprised, troubled, wondering what his words meant, yet the Holy Virgin surely knew the prophecies, and if we believe some of the mystics and other stories, we know this was not her first encounter with an angel.  So I like to believe the annunciation was calm, full of peace; both an intensely spiritual as well as a reasonable, intellectual exchange.

I love the art that depicts the glories of Our Lady, yet I also like to think of how very ordinary and simple her life was.    

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The Art of Disappearing

When they say Don’t I know you?
say no.

When they invite you to the party
remember what parties are like
before answering.
Someone telling you in a loud voice
they once wrote a poem.
Greasy sausage balls on a paper plate.
Then reply.

If they say We should get together
say why?

It’s not that you don’t love them anymore.
You’re trying to remember something
too important to forget.
Trees. The monastery bell at twilight.
Tell them you have a new project.
It will never be finished.

When someone recognizes you in a grocery store
nod briefly and become a cabbage.
When someone you haven’t seen in ten years
appears at the door,
don’t start singing him all your new songs.
You will never catch up.

Walk around feeling like a leaf.
Know you could tumble any second.
Then decide what to do with your time.

“The Art of Disappearing” by Naomi Shihab Nye from Words Under the Words: Selected Poems. © The Eighth Mountain Press.

(Thanks to a friend who knows me too well for sending me this poem.)

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Yesterday would have been the first station, if we consider each day before Easter as a day dedicated to one of the fourteen stations of the cross, thus Holy Saturday would be the 14th station.  I must have left a pamphlet I composed for the stations in my old office, and therefore I’m not able to copy from it for the blog.

I composed it as my Lectio when a novice in the Trappists, and use it during Passiontide.  As I mentioned (Passion Sunday included) if each day is a station, the 14th station is Holy Saturday.  Therefore I’ll combine the first and second station for today - since I spent yesterday searching for the pamphlet.

Station I and II:  Jesus is condemned to die and accepts His cross.

Lectio

“At daybreak they brought Jesus from Caiaphas to the praetorium…Pilate came out to them.  ‘What accusation do you bring against this man?’” - John 18:28 

“Jesus would not give Him any answer” -John 19:9

Meditatio

“I said, ‘I will be watchful of my ways lest I sin with my tongue…I will put a curb on my lips when the wicked man stands before me’.  I was dumb, silent and still.” Ps. 38

“In the end, Pilate handed Jesus over to be crucified…Jesus was led away…carrying the cross by himself.” - John 19:16

“You have given me a short span of days; my life is as nothing in your sight.  A mere breath the man who stood so firm, a mere shadow, the man passing by…”  Ps. 38

Oratio

O my Jesus, innocent Lamb of God, O God of meekness, turn your Holy Face to look at me as you gazed upon Peter, for I have betrayed you much more seriously and consistently.  Pierce my heart with contrition and permit me to follow you along this way of sorrows in union with the most Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, refuge of sinners.

Contemplatio

  “Seeking my love, I will head for the mountains and for watersides, I will not gather flowers nor fear wild beasts, I will go beyond strong men and frontiers.” (John of the Cross)

We adore thee O Christ and praise thee!  For by thy holy cross, thou hast redeemed the world. 

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