Deep thoughts...

My brother John and I have a ton of fun conducting research in Athens.  Our scientific and cultural work has led to a number of startling discoveries.  These include the discovery of a column dedicated to the ancient Greek engineer - Lego-atus - who discovered by putting uniform bumps on bricks you could snap them together and build great structures.  The aided in the construction of the Acropolis and was was later stolen by Vikings from Denmark whose descendants commercialized the idea when they created "Legos".  John is writing a dissertation on the topic for his degree in "Brick Science".  We also found evidence of Neolithic use of emoji's in the Greek sidewalks - which John and I are going to jointly publish on the topic "Brief Syntax" - part of our contributions to the area of Communications research.  

Later, we took time to ponder a question from Socrates - "With what can I dig"?  This question was found scratched into the rock of Socrates Prison.  He must have found an answer, because there seemed to be an escape tunnel dug out of the back of the cell.  I think I might add this question to my class on fundamental Greek Philosophy that John describes this with a short acronym, which I understood as "Basic Socrates".   How could I possibly be wrong?

Right now, we are atop the hill that witnessed the birth of Greek Democracy.  Just south-west of the Acropolis at a place called the Pnyx,  This is where the origins of free speech began, when the Athenians would call an assembly they would meet at the Pnyx to debate what to do.  Aristides, Pericles, Demosthenes, and Themistocles delivered the brilliant orations associated with Athenian democracy here.  Order in their assembly was maintained by an Scythian Archer. - armed with a bow and arrow.  The archers were a wonderful innovation in the realm of political science moving the discourse from "Big Speeches" to "Brief Statements".

I look forward with hope and great expectation for the contributions that John and I will make to the arts of Political Science, Philosophy, Engineering, Rhetoric tomorrow!  (Uh oh!  Gotta run - the Archer is starting to nock an arrow!)

Morning Prayer

 

Good morning!  We have arrived safe and sound in Athens, where we will be staying for a few days as we recover from jet-lag and start to explore Greece.  My brother John and I are in a rented flat which has a roof-top terrace which has a nice view of the surrounding city (hence - todays happy-snap).  My sleep schedule is all messed up, so I awoke at the crack of dawn, and decided to go up to the roof-top to pray the psalms of Morning Prayer.  

As I began to pray the Invitatory (Psalm 95), the bells from a local church began to peal - so I was not alone in my prayer.  The reading from Morning Prayer was from St. Paul's letter to the Colossians (1:24-25).  "Even now I find joy in the suffering I endure for you.  In my own flesh I fill up what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ for the sake of his body, the church.  I became a minister of this church through the commission God gave me to preach among you his word in it's fullness."

This last part of the verse really stood out to me - It has been 19 years since I was ordained a Deacon - which has included both times of sufferings and joy in preaching.  St. Paul gives focus to suffering - as a sacrifice or intercession for the needs of others.  I can't say that I have yet found joy in that suffering - but at least I understand it's purpose.  

What really stood out to me in this morning's reading is the Italic part.  I also have a deep love for preaching - which I have discovered is a fusion of my abilities coupled with the grace of the Holy Spirit to know what and how to encourage the Church to a deeper relationship with God - confronting what is in need of conversion and affirming the conversions that we have made so far.  Starting with my own life but sharing that journey of conversion with those to whom I am sent.

We are located just to the west of the Parthenon and the Areopagus Hill, where St. Paul preached to the Athenians in Acts 17.  Later today, we will likely go exploring in that direction, and probably take a nap...

The Flying Rosary...

Well, we made it to Munich and through customs.  The flight over was on a 787, nice and fast with an average speed of around 1000 kmh (nice tailwind).

On the way I had my own meditations on the Flyimg Rosay for Long Distant Airline Travellers. (Just invented and not canonically approved).

Here they go in case you find yourself in need

Whenever I fly I always pray a rosary. I usually pray queitly as a loud hail mary just before takeoff might unnerve some of my fellow passengers. I like this because there is no hurry, i can take my time and reflect on the mysteries

What would be the mysteries of the flying rosary?

The Annuncuation - saying yes to the invitation to encounter god in a new amd radical way. Yes to marriage, yes to ordination, yes to a life of prayer

and the Visitation - meeting and visiting others as orchestrated by God.  

Recieving rhe angel and the message. Pondering the ramifications and saying yes to the mystery unfolding in my life.

How have i recieved the message, assented to it and participqted in its recelatio . How much of gods work do i realize vs what he chooses to do in ne and through me.  Also ourneying to be with family. Sharing rhe good news and supporting one another. Finding someone who is a kindred spirit to share the journey with.

The flight into Egypt. ;)

Mary's trust that the Lord works through others, through St Joeseph.  St Joseph trusting his dreams.  The hardship of travel, its uncertainrty and uncomfortableness.

The Assummption.  Mary is assumed into the heavens.  Going into the presence of God

How she foreshadowd my death and the hope that lies beyond

Mary is crowned queen of heaven and earth. How do i enter unfer the protection and guidance af the Blessed Virgin Mother? She too has made this journey to the Heavenly Father.  

Next Stop.  Athens!

The idea is saying yes to a jouney of encounter and to being radically ope. To the plan of God

It is hard to desctibe sitting for 9 hours strapped to a seat travelling 1000 kph an adventur

This is what passes for sleep in 2026

It is good when brothers can pray in unity.