Reading Richard Coles’ ‘A Death in the Parish’… Canon Daniel Clement thinks:
‘There is a peculiar forgetfulness of our age… so enchanted with the novelty and the extraordinary success of science and technology, that the longer story of the evolution of the values and institutions and virtues that have long shaped our lives gets lost.’
Merriam Webster’s definitions include:
Value: relative worth, utility, or importance.
Institution: a significant practice, relationship, or organization…
Virtue: a particular moral excellence.
Yesterday we drove from Lincoln to Yorkshire to visit my brother Bryan and stay with niece-Catherine and husband-Andrew. We talked about children and grandchildren, happenings since we last met, holidays, plans for the future.
I fear for our ‘peculiar forgetfulness’ regarding the institution of the family. I’m grateful for ongoing virtues of love and faithfulness in my family; yesterday we particularly appreciated hospitality, joy, kindness…
Yesterday our friend Danny retired. He’s been a hospital chaplain for many years. Facebook reports:
‘…His good humour, friendliness and approachability have made him much-loved and well regarded within the hospital, with staff, patients and visitors all benefitting from his caring and welcoming nature…’
Stephanie comments: ‘Thank you for everything Danny! I wouldn’t be back at the work if it was wasn’t for your words at the most challenging time of my life. You are incredible.’
…followed by 158 similar comments.
Institutions… hospital and chaplaincy; values and virtues… hospital staff in general and Danny in particular.
This morning reading of Jesus arrest, trial and crucifixion. Jesus, is on the cross in agony; a crowd is observing his death:
‘When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.’
I paused… reflecting on the institution of the church… the values and virtues that Jesus would have it demonstrate… somehow including the best of family, hospital and chaplaincy.
malcolmsmusings.org 