For
those of you joining the program already in progress, I am a former faith-based
non profit policy and strategy guy who spent a few years trying life as a cloistered monk before becoming a doctoral student in American history. (Since people seem to ask these things, earlier in life, I did a B.A. in religion and philosophy and an M.Div. in religion and public policy.)
I
am interested in the life of prayer, the mystery of the incarnation, and the
joy that characterizes the Christian life.
There is also a good bit of anarchist Campbellite in me that I can’t
shake.
I
find myself living in Arkansas after 20 years wandering around the Northeast and
throwing in my lot with what is becoming known, thanks to the work of John
Plummer, as the Independent Sacramental Movement (ISM), in which I have taken
orders. The ISM or Independent Catholic
Movement, as it is also known, is a messy place, full of both promise and human
frailty, where people attempt to live out the Christian faith and sacraments in
small communities. The denominational
overhead is low, the emphasis on individual discipleship is high. These pages will show where this leads, with
frailty likely outpacing promise on most days.
The
entries here are a mix of devotional texts, thoughts on the world, and pictures
of places I’ve been. While I’m sure I’ll
stray into politics, old readers know I’m an equal opportunity offender. When the same post is criticized for both its
hideous traditionalism and its dangerous radicalism, I feel I’ve done my job.
This
blog takes its name from St. Raphael the Archangel to whose patronage I have
entrusted myself on the road ahead. St.
Raphael is the healer, companion of travelers, and something of a super
guardian angel. I feel like I’m in good
hands.
You can drop me a line at
You can drop me a line at
Commemoration of St. Raphael
O MOST glorious Prince, Raphael the Archangel, be mindful of us, here and everywhere: pray always unto the Son of God for us, Alleluia, Alleluia.V. An Angel stood near the altar of the temple.R. Holding a golden censer in his hand.O God, who didst give blessed Raphael the Archangel to Tobias Thy servant as a companion for his journey, grant that we, who are also Thy servants, may likewise be safeguarded by his watchfulness and fortified by his help. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, ever one God. Amen.
