Eucharistic Meditation

Love III Love bade me welcome: yet my soul drew back, Guilty of dust and sin. But quick-eyed Love, observing me grow slack From my first entrance in, Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning If I lacked anything. “A guest,” I answered, “worthy to be here”: Love said, “You shall be he.” “I, the unkind,…

Mikko Louhivuori In Memoriam

This morning, my uncle Rev. Dr. Mikko Louhivuori, was called into glory following a lengthy and painful illness. In the sure and certain hope of the resurrection of the dead, I re-post this magnificent stand against the Christ-emptied power of death. Holy Sonnet X Death be not proud, though some have called thee Mighty and…

Commemoration of George Herbert

Today, the Anglican church commemorates my favourite poet, George Herbert. To mark the occasion, I share one of his fine creations: IESU IESU is in my heart, his sacred name Is deeply carved there: but th’other week A great affliction broke the little frame, Ev’n all to pieces: which I went to seek: And first…

The Journey Of The Magi

One of my favourite Epiphany poems, by T.S. Eliot. I learned last night from John Drury that its famous opening lines are lifted virtually verbatim from this sermon by the great Lancelot Andrewes. 'A cold coming we had of it, Just the worst time of the year For a journey, and such a long journey:…

Aaron

Holinesse on the head, Light and perfections on the breast, Harmonious bells below, raising the dead To leade them unto life and rest. Thus are true Aarons drest. Profanenesse in my head, Defect and darknesse in my breast, A noise of passions ringing me for dead Unto a place where is no rest, Poore priest…

Death, Thou Shalt Die!

In grateful memory of F.M., our dear sister in Christ, who fell asleep in the Lord in the early hours of this morning. Holy Sonnet X Death be not proud, though some have called thee Mighty and dreadfull, for, thou art not so, For, those, whom thou think’st, thou dost overthrow, Die not, poore death,…

The Full, Final Sacrifice

One of my favourite 20th Century English anthems is Gerald Finzi's Lo, the Full, Final Sacrifice (Here's a Spotify link, and here's a YouTube link, both performed by the outstanding choir of St. John's College, Cambridge). I have sung it a few times and listened to it many times more. But, in a way that…

Love

Wonderful lines from George Herbert, on the eve of Trinity 2 (Luke 14:15-24) LOVE bade me welcome; yet my soul drew back, Guilty of dust and sin. But quick-eyed Love, observing me grow slack From my first entrance in, Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning If I lack'd anything. 'A guest,' I answer'd, 'worthy to…

Denial

[I was reminded of this, one of my all-time favourite poems, by today's Gospel reading, Luke 18:1–8.] When my devotions could not pierce Thy silent ears; Then was my heart broken, as was my verse: My breast was full of fears And disorder: My bent thoughts, like a brittle bow, Did fly asunder: Each took…

Epiphany Eliot

Here's a treat for the Epiphany season: a recording of T.S. Eliot reading his Journey of the Magi. There is something wonderful about the grimness of the seemingly tangential reality of the journey, the pointed pun, and the focus on ... oh, hear and read it yourself. It helps to understand that focus to know…