03.10.08
Lenten Thoughts
Being a horseophile, this quote from C.S. Lewis, shared on Mind in the Heart, really connected with me. It reminds me of Lucy and Susan’s ride on Aslan as well.
“To shrink back from all that can be called Nature into negative spirituality is as if we ran away from horses instead of learning to ride. There is in our present pilgrim condition plenty of room (more room than most of us like) for abstinence and renunciation and mortyfying our natural desires. But behind all asceticism the thought should be, “Who will trust us with the true wealth if we cannot be trusted even with the wealth that perishes?” Who will trust me with a spiritual body if I cannot control even an earthly body? These small and perishable bodies we now have were given to us as ponies are given to schoolboys. We must learn to manage: not that we we may some day be free of horses altogether but that someday we may ride bareback, confident and rejoicing, those greater mounts, those winged, shinning and world-shaking horses which perhaps even now expect us with impatience, pawing and snorting in the King’s stables. Not that the gallop would be of any value unless it were a gallop with the King; but how else- since He has retained His own charger-should we accompany Him?” – From Miracles by CS Lewis
For some reason, my attention is being drawn to the Annunciation icon, both at home and at Church, where the Archangel Gabriel gives the Theotokos the Good News. While our priest was reading the names of the living and the departed during the pre-Communion prayers, I thought of Gabriel reading them to Mary, and her praying for Christ to be born in them as He was in her. It seems a little of a stretch to metaphorize the connection in that way, but it does call to mind the role of her intercessions, and those of the Church. I have been a “Jesus and me” Christian all of my life, and like most converts to Orthodoxy, Marian doctrines are the hardest to enter into. But this Lent, I feel that I need to incorporate (nice Incarnational word) Gabriel’s words more into my prayer habit.
Theotokos, Virgin rejoice! Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, for thou hast born the Savior of our souls.
Andrew Gill said,
March 10, 2008 at 8:13 pm
Can you explain your statement, most converts to Orthodoxy struggle with Marian doctrines? I beg to differ. Devotion to Mary has been supreme among all Orthodox Christians. Just look to the ascetic tradition upon Mount Athos in Greece, the mountain devoted to Mary because of her appearance there.
I pray that God will bless your devotion to the Theotokos who comforts all Christians and is the proto-Christian. Peace and all good.
Andrew
David Bryan said,
March 10, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Fr. Tom has a series of lectures on the Theotokos HERE, free for download.
She’s the Church. We’re called to be virgin–given to no one but God–and mother–bearing Christ in ourselves and revealing Him to the world. I always like hearing St. Ignatius of Antioch called Θεοφόρο, or Godbearer. We’re called to bear Him in ourselves in Word and Flesh. He is present in the Eucharist because He’s present in us as Church, first and foremost.
My scattered piggyback to your thoughts. Always appreciative of any Lewis quotes, as well. Hope Canon went well tonight; I plan on being there tomorrow.
Andrea Elizabeth said,
March 10, 2008 at 10:33 pm
Andrew,
Thanks for your prayers.
I meant converts from Protestantism. I agree that Orthodox do have supreme devotion to Mary, and I hope to grow in it too.
Andrea Elizabeth said,
March 10, 2008 at 10:39 pm
Reader David,
I’ll see about downloading those on my pod.
Hearing about God’s Presence among us is food for my ears, as well as in the Eucharist. I pray I prefer it to my usual temptations with food this Lent.
St. Andrew’s Canon went very well, even Father said so. I’m most comfortable with Tone 6 so that was good. And the prayers of confession were cleansing and a good way to get into the Lenten mindset.
It was cute to see Audra kidless, footloose and fancy free. We all need a break sometime! Hope to see you on another night. We’ll try to make it all week.
Maxim said,
May 26, 2008 at 1:36 am
I always cross my hands over my heart when a Hymn to the Theotokos is being sung. It’s not that I have any problem with the doctrines, it’s just that the tiny part of me that is still Protestant keeps revolving the reasons in my mind as to why this is O.K.; the crossed hands help me to remember to keep out of my mind at these moments, and just venerate the Mother of God with all my heart.
Andrea Elizabeth said,
May 26, 2008 at 8:35 am
That’s beautiful, Maxim. And good advice.
I have to listen with my heart more than my head too. Peace, love and joy are what I hear.