Time to Think

Many years ago now, I was given a wristwatch, it was a gift from a friend. My friend had owned the watch several years and then acquired a new one. I had to admit at that time, my own watch was looking tired. I said thank you, and each year visited our local jeweller to have a battery fitted. It’s a fine watch and very comfortable on my wrist.

Recently I was on an errand for an old gentleman, which required a visit to the jewellery shop. When all was done, I spoke to the watchmaker. “Oh by the way” I said, “I seem to have difficulty in changing day and date on my watch, when at the end of the month it doesn't carry on correctly.” The watchmaker looked at me and said, “Well it's quite simple really, pull out the winder halfway, turn clockwise to change the day and anticlockwise to change the date.” Was it really that simple? I didn’t even know there was a half-way point. I was so convinced that it was necessary to wind the pointer back and forth past the 12 O’clock marker, and as a result never bothered with the day date indicators.

If I had the watch from new, I would have received a set of instructions. If someone had told me sooner, I could have enjoyed the full functionality of the watch – perhaps I should have asked, rather than presume it was just a cumbersome process. Why did I not think, there must be an easier way, surely a designer would not create something that was awkward?

I'm a little embarrassed to admit that this story is true. Though as I reflect upon it, I can clearly see parallels in social, emotional and many other parts of my life's journey. Handbooks (instructions) are available, questions can be asked.

We should take time to focus in – so we can be more effective on the outside.

A Virtual Retreat

This post will enable you to access the Audio files.
The theme is Holiness & Path.
Relax and enjoy - and see where it leads you.

Audio files can be found here Soundcloud
Overview can be seen here: VR overview

A Personal Retreat

(Half day)

A time out to consider a theme at a deeper level. Allowing ourselves to become more aware of our soul and spirit within the context of our Christian faith.

Jesus himself often went away on his own to begin to know the will of His father.

Your retreat may well be on your own. You may be at home or have chosen to go away for the day (whatever works for you). You may have chosen to spend the day with others, sharing the experience and listening to how each person feels about the retreat.

The files may be listened to directly from Soundcloud, or you may download them. You will need access to a device that can play MP3 files. If this is a personal retreat, a tablet or even smartphone will suffice with head phones.

In a group, you will need audio output to speakers, and you will find it useful to print this document – one for each attendee.

It’s good to have a few things around you (though not too much that you are overly distracted).

Most important is a notepad, pencil and rubber to capture a thought.

A bible is not essential, but you may feel you would like one to hand.

Setting the scene: Some people like to create a space with a candle or icon. If this is you, you might like to prepare something such as a tea tray with a few items.

There are three points during the retreat time when you are asked for an activity. This is often a walk, which enables reflection (thoughts on what you have just heard). A physical activity is important, it helps the body move and invigorates our mind and soul. However, this will depend upon your mobility and your surroundings. Think of something that would work for you, a change from sitting, notice how you are responding to the theme, write down your thoughts and if you are with others today – share your thoughts and feelings if you can.

The length of the retreat is very much down to the individual (or group members). Each audio file is not long, and we suggest around forty minutes for each activity – though this is your time, use it well.

 

Just follow the itinerary and let it guide you through your retreat.

Your feedback to us is always welcome, questions and thoughts.

Please email: innershell01@gmail.com

Itinerary

Make yourself comfortable

Audio file one:

Holiness (introduction, music “Purify my heart” and teaching) time 23 mins

            Activity one – Walk / reflection

Audio file two:

Path (welcome back, music “The power of your love” and teaching) time 13 mins

            Activity two – walk / reflection

Audio file three:

The onward journey (welcome back, teaching and music “Draw me close to you”) time 10 mins

            Activity three – walk / reflection

Audio file four:

Close (welcome back, close and music “No longer I”) time 5 mins

Priests

My understanding of priesthood is not based on 12-months being ordained – but many years as a Christian and being involved in ministry to young people.

As Priests we are:

  Called to serve and to administer the sacraments. 

  To share the gospel in a relevant way to those we are called to.

  To give glory to God.

Thomas Merton said – 

“A tree gives glory to God by being a tree. For in being what God means it to be it is obeying God. It “consents,” so to speak, to God's creative love. It is expressing an idea which is in God and which is not distinct from the essence of God, and therefore a tree imitates God by being a tree”

We must become what God created us to be, if we are to give glory to God. 

Thomas Merton also says – 

“Our vocation is not simply to be, but to work together with God in the creation of our own life, our own identity, our own destiny. To work out our identity in God.” 

Discovering our purpose (identity) and living it out, is our life's journey. It will take a lifetime, no more no less. We thank God for our individuality, our unique self, that together as many parts we are one.

Thomas Merton writes –

“We have the choice of two identities: the external mask which seems to be real … and the hidden, inner person who seems to us to be nothing, but who can give himself eternally to the truth in whom he subsists.”

“There is only one problem on which all my existence, my peace, my happiness depends, to discover myself in discovering God. If I find Him I will find myself and if I find my true self I will find Him.” 

So, there can be no simple answer as to what it is to be a priest. We are all different and will be called into different areas to minister. To children, the youth, adolescents, young families, the sick and the dying. To business, to teaching; there is not an area of life that is not in need of the light of Christ. 

We all struggle with self-belief. I am not good enough, worthy enough, knowledgeable or strong enough to be a priest. 

In kingdom terms that certainly would meet the criteria.

It is through brokenness that we serve. 

Only God is good.

Thomas Merton - 

“The beginning of love is the will to let those we love be perfectly themselves, the resolution not to twist them to fit our own image.” 

Within our own image dwells our values and beliefs

A Henri Nouwen quote – 

One of the main tasks of theology is to find words that do not divide but unite, that do not create conflict but unity, that do not hurt but heal.

My call has always been to youth, I have been blessed to have a soulmate that shares the same vision and ministry. Our call is to walk alongside the youth, to offer different ways of thinking – in a language that is familiar to them.

That they may discover for themselves the wonders that God has in store for them. We do not want to presume that we know their Map – though the inward-looking pilgrim tends to make better progress.

It’s about enabling young people to realise their potential through their natural gifting. Focusing on forgiveness and acceptance, healing and wholeness, kindness and gentleness, understanding and belief, truth and integrity.

As Priests we are:

  Called to serve and to administer the sacraments. 

  To share the gospel in a relevant way to those we are called to.

  To give glory to God.

  Oh, and did I mention – Preach the Gospel

As if time stood still

The Gospel of James has an interesting story; that Joseph had a vision or encountered an experience as he went to find a Hebrew mid-wife. Mary was about to give birth and Joseph had left her in the cave. These are writings from the 2^nd Century and are not included as part of the canonical Gospels.

"Now I, Joseph, was walking along and yet not going anywhere. I looked up at the vault of the sky and saw it standing still, and then at the clouds and saw them paused in amazement, and at the birds of the sky suspended in mid-air. As I looked on the earth, I saw a bowl lying there and workers reclining around it with their hands in the bowl; some were chewing and yet did not chew; some were picking up something to eat and yet did not pick it up; and some were putting food in their mouths and yet did not do so. Instead, they were all looking upward. "I saw sheep being driven along and yet the sheep stood still; the shepherd was lifting his hand to strike them, and yet his hand remained raised. And I observed the current of the river and saw goats with their mouths in the water and yet they were not drinking. "Then all of a sudden everything and everybody went on with what they had been doing.

My thoughts are drawn to the possibility of “time” standing still, at the moment of birth of our saviour Jesus Christ. God made flesh and living among us. The three expressions of God; the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. All who existed before “time” and were spoken of in the beginning (the book of Genesis).

It would seem quite natural that time would stand still at that moment when the child Jesus drew his first breath. Our God who is outside of time, entering our time – brings to my mind, a sense of wonder and amazement. In that stillness and quiet, space without noticing movement or breath of air, a pure silence and perfect moment to conceive the birth of our saviour. Words cannot tell of such a moment nor can we fully imagine the timeless importance for each and every one of us, regardless of race or creed.

Take time to enter into silence, breathe in the moment and receive the perfect gift.

The full measure

Financial budgets and accounting,
is not the full account.
Though the bottom line may be accurate,
we see there is much missing.

A formulae of addition and subtraction,
division and multiplication
would seem to be all sufficient.
Though a truer calculation,
will reveal the value and full measure.

The addition without subtraction
will multiply and not divide.
There must be boundless amounts of
kindness, compassion and gratitude,
in this way, true scales may be balanced.

A deluge of acceptance,
trust and mutual respect;
for a deal to be truly sealed.
A richness of clarity, humility and integrity
that all benefits may be plainly seen.

A profit for man is assured
in a value more than wealth;
but to brighten, to strengthen, to refine,
or to form a single living spirit,
never enters into our estimate of advantages.

Wood working

I have recently spent a lot of time, practicing being a carpenter.

There is now, a very comfortable summer house in our garden.

I have been using woodworking tools for as long as I can remember; I just love the smell of wood. My grandson came in to watch me sanding a piece of wood. “Are you making sawdust Granddad?” he said. Well, I was of course; but the purpose was to put a good finish on the wood.

During this build of love, I noticed a few things – and pondered on them while I worked. How often I had used a tenon saw for example. I learned the basics at school, making a teapot stand – it was okay, but not as good as it could have been. I tend to grasp the basics, then just keep going in that same old way – not surprisingly, getting the similar results.

Somehow this building was different. I thought about the Master Carpenter, how he would hold and position the wood. The position of the body was important too, holding control of the saw. There was a new learning here that I would not find in books. It was all about the feel of the cut, that held the saw straight and true. Vanessa tells me, the same is true of knitting – keeping the right tension.

We call this learning process, modelling. By watching and listening closely to the Master Carpenter, looking at the finer detail and getting the feel of it, when we try it ourselves. Your cuts and joints will create a good finish.

We are quite familiar with our bible passages, particularly the ones approaching Easter. As we know the story well, it is tempting to fast forward to Easter Sunday.

• ·        Watch and wait
• ·        Go deeper
• ·        How did the Master feel
• ·        What can we learn

Try this process, and what you accomplish will be better.

A Brotton Lad – Anthony Rowe

Peter F Anson and his companion Anthony (Tony) Rowe set off from St Augustine’s Datchet on the river Thames. It was Ash Wednesday, February 14^th 1934, and they left with black smudges on their foreheads and determination in their hearts. The great caravan was pulled by two horses, Jack and Bill. Anthony was a farrier and he was chosen out of 200 applicants to accompany Peter and look after the horses.

Peter was commissioned by the Universe Catholic paper, to sketch churches and document the pilgrimage to Fort William. The journey took them to Ugthorpe where they stopped for five-weeks, it was necessary for them to change to a lighter caravan – the horses would not have managed the hills of the north with the original one. The villagers got to know them quite well, and my mother recalled the story of these travellers. Peter went on to write his book “The Caravan Pilgrim.”

Peter Anson wrote and sketched about churches, cathedrals and Abbeys up and down the country; he also travelled round Italy, France and Ireland. Peter was with the Benedictine brotherhood on Caldey Island, and one of the twenty monks who followed Abbot Aelred Carlyle over to Rome in 1913. He must have felt quite at home during his stay at Ugthorpe; the community had not changed in its beliefs or ways of life in many years. Staying true to the faith during the persecution, hiding priests and being married by the church in secret; and later in Whitby to fulfil the law. Peter had a great interest in these times and commented as he found them on his travels.

Peters companion was a local lad, Anthony Rowe from Brotton (just a stones’ throw from Ugthorpe). Tony was a farrier and had already spent time in the local ironstone mines and an ideal choice for his knowledge of horses and practical sense. Tony went on to write the first book “The Brown Caravan.”

On their way back from Scotland through Bowes, Yarm, Guisborough and then on to Ugthorpe, which was to be their final port. The horses sensed the home run and needed to be held back rather than urged forward. The caravan was sold, the horses too and Peter continued his wandering, writing and drawing; his stories of local folk, faith and their determination.

In 1901 Anthony’s parents were living at 2 Wood street Skinningrove with three children

Anthony was born 6^th January 1909 and in the 1911 census – was living at 7 Park Terrace Brotton, with:

Ralf Welford Rowe – Father

Mary Rowe (nee Harrison) Mother, and his brothers/ sisters:

Henry Harrison 19

Mary Elizabeth Rowe13

Hilda Rowe 11

Alma Agnes Rowe 8

William Ralf Rowe 9

George Rowe 1-month

1939 register tells us that Anthony was living at St Augustine’s Datchet as a smallholder – together with:

Brothers William (Ralf) & George – both in Holy Orders and teachers.

Also his sister Mary Elizabeth as a domestic.

The order of priests at Datchet were Canons Regular of the Lateran:

These canons regular trace their origins to the reforms in the 4th century of St. Martin of Tours in France and St. Eusebius of Vercelli in Italy of the clergy. These and other bishops sought to model the accepted lifestyles of their clergy in a domestic model, based on the communal pattern followed by the first Christians, as depicted in the Acts of the Apostles. The premier example of this effort was the life and work of the great figure St. Augustine of Hippo, who himself lived as a monk before being called to take up the office of bishop for his North African city. He later wrote a small Rule to guide a community of women who wanted to live the monastic ideal. This document became the official guide for the earliest of the religious communities to emerge in the Church in later centuries, in parallel to that of the Rule of St. Benedict. From this comes the title 'regular,' meaning one following a Rule (Latin: Regula).

I believe that William moved to London, as on the website “Christ Church Priory - Eltham” there is a picture of William Rowe. http://www.christchurcheltham.org.uk/gallery/arc.html 

I would be very interested to learn more about the Rowe family - how they travelled to St Augustine's and became part of that community. Any help would be much appreciated.

John Pearson