Friday Random Ten

Ya pushes "shuffle" and ya takes yer chances

1. Making Plans Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris
2. Baptize Me The Rev. J.M. Gates & Congregation
3. Spon-Gen A Cruel Hoax
4. Holy Manna Anonymous 4
5. Love, Reign O'er Me The Who
6. It's Rainin' Kirk Franklin & God's Property
7. Big In Japan Tom Waits
8. Icky Thump The White Stripes
9. Quam Pulchri Unt Gressus Tui (Palestrina) Hilliard Ensemble
10. Raglan Road The Chieftains with Joan Osborne

It appears that the shuffle got religion sometime since last week; almost half the songs on this week's list are religious in nature. #2 is an incredible field recording of the Rev. J.M. Gates and his congregation singing as they baptize folks. The pastor sings questions to the baptizand, and then the entire congregation responds "Take me to the water; take me to the water and baptize me." It's really something! #3 is a song Matty Boy and I wrote many years ago, and this recording is by A Cruel Hoax, the band I formed after The Wonders of Science. This version of the song is kinda Bow-Wow-Wowy.

Feast of Clement, Bishop of Rome and Martyr

Roman Martyrs two days in a row!

Almighty God, you chose your servant Clement of Rome to recall the Church in Corinth to obedience and stability: Grant that your Church may be grounded and settled in your truth by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit; reveal to it what is not yet known; fill up what is lacking; confirm what has already been revealed; and keep it blameless in your service; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

As is often the case with these first-century saints, we do not know much about the life of Clement. Some of the ancient sources claim that he was a member of the family of T. Flavius Clemens, cousin of the Emperor Domatian, but most scholars in our time believe that he was actually an ex-slave of that household. Some sources, including Origen, believed that he is the person mentioned by St. Paul in Philippians 4:3 Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. Clement's name does appear on the different lists of the Bishops of Rome, so it is safe to call him one of the Popes. Hegesippus, Irenaeus, and Jerome all list him as third after St. Peter, while Hippolytus and Augustine list him as second after St. Peter. Irenaeus of Lyon wrote hat Clement saw the blessed Apostles and conversed with them, and had yet ringing in his ears the preaching of the Apostles and had their tradition before his eyes, and not he only for many were then surviving who had been taught by the Apostles. St. Epiphanius repeated a story about Clement being ordained by St. Peter and refusing the office of bishop at first: Whether he received episcopal ordination from Peter inthe life-time o the Apostles, and declined the office, for he says in one of his epistles, "I retire, I depart, let the people of God be in peace," (for we have found this set down in certain Memoirs), or whether he was appointed by the Bishop Cletus after he had succeeded the Apostles, we do not clearly know.

When we call Clement the Bishop of Rome, we must realize that the office was quite different than it is now. As far as we can tell, bishops who were sole rulers of the local congregation were not yet known in Rome; in fact, in his epistle,Clement seems to speak of bishops and presbyters, or priests, as if these were identical terms. There is another book written about the same time as his epistle, The Shepherd, by Hermas, which says that, of two copies of a certain vision One is to be sent to Clement and the other to Grapte; and Clement shall then send it to the cities abroad, for that is his business. It is possible that Clement was one of several leaders of the Church in Rome, and that he was in charge of relations with churches in other cities.

Most of what we know about Clement comes from an epistle he wrote to the Christians in Corinth around the year 96. There are some other writings attributed to him, but most sources, including Eusebius, do not believe that he wrote anything other than the one epistle. If Clement was in charge of relations with churches in other cities, it makes sense that he would write to the Christians in Corinth. The reason for his letter was that the feuds and dissensions which had threatened the unity of the Christian community in Corinth during Paul's time had reappeared a generation later. Some of the younger hot-heads had risen up against their lawfully appointed presbyters and ran them out of office! According to others, the deposed ministers had always performed their duties without reproach and were good leaders of their communities, but I guess they were not doing things the way these younger men thought things should be done. It is quite possible that the dispute was more personal than doctrinal and it may have been the action of an insubordinate minority who resent the authority of their seniors. Clement denounced the handful of individuals as the troublemakers, but he included the entire Corinthian church in his criticism. He asserted that, as a result of their material prosperity, the Corinthian Church had become swollen with pride, and that this had given rise to the present jealousy, strife and disorder. In the epistle, Clement gives an account of salvation history and he also speaks of the importance of authority and respect for those whom God has put in authority. He explains the authority of bishops. and he also explains the importance of a clergy who serve both God and God's people, the Church. It was Clement's great hope that his epistle would induce the erring sheep of Corinth to repent of their pride, learn the grace of humility and find their way back to the peace and unity of Christian brotherhood. He quotes the Hebrew scriptures (which were the only scriptures of the Church at that time) throughout the epistle, although it can be confusing since he strings quotations from different books together so that it seems as if the come from the same source. The Epistle of Clement was widely known and held in very great esteem by those of the early Church. It was publicly read in numerous churches and regarded as scripture in some communities.

There is an apocryphal Acts of St. Clement in Greek. It relates how Clement converted Theodora, wife of Sisinnius, a courtier of Nerva, and after performing numerous miracles, he converted Sisinnius and four hundred and twenty-three other persons of high and noble rank. The Emperor Trajan heard of the conversions and banished Clement to the Crimea, where he quenched the thirst of two thousand Christians with a water miracle. The entire country was converted and seventy-five churches were built. This upset Trajan so much that he ordered Clement to be arrested. Clement was chained to an iron anchor and thrown into the sea, where he received the Crown of Martyrdom. Yet every year, the tide receded two miles, revealing a shrine built by angels which housed Clement's bones. In the year 868, St. Cyril (of Cyril and Methodius fame) passed through Crimea, and he dug up some bones from a mound, where he also found an anchor; he believed that these were the relics of St. Clement. These relics are now in the altar of St. Clement's Church in Rome.

The following is a prayer from Clement's epistle: Teach us, O Lord, to hope in your Name, which is the source and fount of all creation. Open the eyes of our hearts to know you, who alone are Highest amid the highest, and ever abides Holy amidst the holy. You bring down the haughtiness of the proud, and scatter the devices of the people. You set up the lowly on high, and you cast down the lofty. Riches and poverty, death and life, are in your hand; you alone are the discerner of every spirit and the God of all flesh. Your eyes behold the depths and survey the works of humanity, you are the aid of those in peril the Savour of those who despair, the creator and overseer of everything that has breath. By you the nations of the earth are increased; and from humanity you have chose out such as love you through your dear child Jesus Christ, by whom you have taught us and raise us to sanctification and honor. Grant us, O Lord, your help and protection. Deliver the afflicted, pity the lowly, raise the fallen, reveal yourself to the needy, heal the sick and bring home your wandering people. Feed the hungry, ransom the captive, support the weak, comfort the faint-hearted. Let all the nations of the earth know that you are God alone, that Jesus Christ is your child, and that we are your people and the sheep of your pasture. . .

A Very Special Thanksgiving

"You have taken the land which is rightfully ours. Years from now, my people will be forced to live in mobile homes on reservations. Your people will wear cardigans and drink highballs. We will sell our bracelets by the roadsides. You will play golf and enjoy hot hors d'oeuvres. My people will have pain and degradation. Your people will have stick shifts. The gods of my tribe have spoken. They have said, "Do not trust the pilgrims, especially Sarah Miller. And for all these reasons, I have decided to scalp you and burn your village to the ground."
Wednesday Addams in Addams' Family Values

Happy Thanksgiving

Today is Thanksgiving Day in the U.S.A., and it is the only U.S. holiday I still celebrate. Our extended family will gather here at la Rectoría, folks whom you have seen throughout the year on this blog. I'm roasting the turkey and making the stuffing, the Lovely Mona will prepare the mashed potatoes and her amazing cashew gravy and a big honking salad, and the rest of the crew will be bringing everything else, including themselves, to make this a wonderful day. I hope that I can remember to take photos this year! While I miss celebrating Thanksgiving with some members of my biological family, a extended family tends to be self-selecting, so the chance of a crazed, right-wing Christian spouting nutty talk about Cheesus and God Bless the Preznit is practically nil. Actually, at this house, the chance IS nil! Ha ha, too bad for some of you!

The painting above is a highly idealized version of that First Thanksgiving; well, maybe not too idealized: I noticed that the indians aren't allowed at the table! All part of the origin myths of the U.S. I read a column yesterday which claimed that Thanksgiving was not really about sharing, since the colony was failing when the Puritans tried to hold things in common. Well, what do you expect from Puritans? They don't believe in holding things in common nowadays, either!

As always, I have so much for which I am thankful: friends, family, our church, and the joy of serving God's people in Panamá. I am also thankful for our virtual extended family who gather here at Padre Mickey's Dance Party.
Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone!

Feast of St. Cecilia, Martyr

Today is Thanksgiving Day in the U.S.A., but in the rest of the world it is the feast of St. Cecilia, a young woman who was martyred in Rome around the year 230. She is the patron saint of musicians because, according to the Acts of Cecilia, she heard heavenly music on her way to her wedding. She was one of the most venerated martyrs of the Ancient Church and her feast has been celebrated in the Roman Church since the fourth century. The Acts of Cecilia was written in the fifth century, and its text was the basis for the version in the Golden Legend, a collection of the lives of saints written in the thirteenth century. What follows is my retelling of the story of Cecilia according to the version of the tale in the Golden Legend.

St. Cecilia was born of noble Roman lineage. Her parents were Christians and Cecilia was baptized as a baby. She “fostered and nourished the faith of Christ from the time she lay in her cradle,” she kept the gospel in her heart and said prayers day and night. At an early age she dedicated herself to remain a virgin. Her parents arranged a marriage with a young man named Valerian even though he was not a Christian. When the day of her wedding came, she heard heavenly music and sang in her soul, “O Lord, I pray that my heart and body may remain pure so that I may not be confused or perplexed.” That night, when she and Valerian retired to the Wedding Chamber, she said, “My sweet, beloved husband. I have a secret to tell you. Promise that you will tell no one what I am about to share with you.” Valerian was curious and promised to tell no one. Cecilia said, “I have an angel that loves me and protects my body whether I am asleep or awake. I have dedicated myself to be a virgin for the glory of God, and I am afraid that if you try to take my virginity the angel will kill you. But if you promise to love me only in a holy and pure manner, he will love you as I love you and will protect you, too.” Well, as one might expect, this wasn’t exactly what Valerian wanted to hear on his wedding night, and he said, “If you want me to believe this, I will have to see this angel. And if it turns out that there is no angel and that you love someone else, I swear that I will kill both you and your lover with my own sword!” Cecilia said, “If you believe and are baptized, you will see the angel.” She then told Valerian to to the Via Appia, three miles outside of Rome. There he would see the Bishop of Rome, Pope Urban, working with the poor and the sick. Valerian was to tell the pope what Cecilia said and listen to the pope, and if he believed what Pope Urban said, be baptized. Valerian followed instructions, and Pope Urban was happy to talk with him and baptize him. Pope Urban said, "One God, one faith, one baptism, one God and father of all, above all, and in us all, everywhere. Do you believe this?” Valerian responded, “There is nothing truer under heaven!” and was baptized. Then he returned to Cecilia and the Wedding Chamber. When he entered the Wedding Chamber he saw Cecilia talking with an angel. The angel had two crowns of roses and lilies. He gave one to Cecilia and one to Valerian and said, “Keep these crowns with a pure and undefiled body for I have brought them from Paradise and they will never fade or lose their scent or wither. They can only be seen by those who live chaste and pure lives. And because you listened and followed Cecilia’s wise counsel, what ever you wish shall be granted to you, Valerian.” Valerian told the angel, “There is no one in this world more dear to me than my brother, and I want him to know the truth of the gospel, too.” The angel replied, “Your petition pleases our Lord, and you both will come to him by the palm of martyrdom.” A few days later, Tyburtius, Valerian’s brother, came to visit the newlyweds. He was amazed because he smelled roses and lilies but didn’t see any in the room. Valerian told him that he and Cecilia had crowns of flowers which he couldn’t see, but if he believed he would see them, and he then preached the gospel to his brother. Tyburtius was converted that day and baptized by Pope Urban. After that he saw angels everyday and was constantly blessed by God.
Almachius, provost of Rome, was persecuting Christians and many were being executed for refusing to offer incense to the image of Jupiter. Valerian and Tyburtius were burying the martyrs and giving their goods to the poor. Word of their activities spread throughout the city, and Almachius had them called before him and ordered them to sacrifice to the image of Jupiter. They refused and were condemned to be beheaded. They were taken four miles outside of the city and beheaded, and Cecilia took their bodies and buried them. The man who arrested them, Maximus, was converted by their preaching. He went home and preached to his household and friends, and they, too were converted. Cecilia came to his house with priests and all were baptized. When Almachius heard that Maximus had converted and was baptized, he had Maximus beaten with whips with lead tips until he died. Cecilia took Maximus’ body and buried it with Valerian and Tyburtius. When Almachius heard of Cecilia’s activities, he had her arrested, too. She was brought to court, where she preached to the judges and lawyers. She converted them all to the faith, and they were crying to think that such a beautiful young woman should be condemned to death. She said to them, “Oh you good young men, I will not lose my youth, but change it into something more valuable, like changing clay into gold or a dirty place into a beautiful, clean palace. God will reward a hundred fold for one small gift of life. Do you believe what I have said?” They all answered, “We believe Christ to be very God and you are his servant.” Then Pope Urban was called and four hundred people were baptized that day! Almachius had Cecilia brought before him and questioned her, but she showed him no respect at all. He said, “Do you realize what power I have?” She replied, “Your power is nothing to fear, it is like a bladder full of wind which disappears when pricked with a needle and never meant anything to anyone.” He said, “I have the power to have you executed. Now sacrifice to Jupiter.” She refused, of course, and was condemned to death. Cecilia was taken home and condemned to be suffocated in her bath; the heat was turned up to its highest level, and should have suffocated her, but when the soldiers came in hoping to find her lifeless body, the room was cool and comfortable and she was quite alive. Almachius then ordered that she be beheaded in her bathroom. The executioner struck her neck three times with his sword but was unable to behead her. He left her there in her own blood, half alive and half dead, for three days. She continued to preach and made arrangements that all her goods go to the poor. She sent many people to Pope Urban to be baptized, saying, “ I asked God to let me live three more days so that I could commend these souls to you and ask that my house be used as a church.” Then she died and Pope Urban and the deacons took her body and buried her among the bishops and consecrated her house to be used as a church.

Sometimes it is difficult to prove that some of the martyrs of the Early Church actually existed, they are often simply a name on a martyrology, or list of martyrs. Cecilia Valerian, and Tyburtius’ names all appear in the Martyrologium Hieronymianum of Rome. It appears that her house actually was made into a church; records show that the building known as the church of St. Cecilia belonged to Gens Caecilia (Cecilia’s Family) and was donated to the church in Rome. So although the story from The Golden Legend contains elements which are difficult to believe, especially that a heterosexual man would agree to a marriage like that of Cecilia and Valerian, and while the angel seems more like a genie than a divine messenger, there is a good chance that there really was a Cecilia, Valerian, and Tyburtius. St. Cecilia was a young woman totally dedicated to Christ and the Church. The threat of death did not stop her from doing the work of the gospel, and even with her dying breath she gave all she had to the Lord. That is why she was held in such high esteem by Christians from the fifth century through the Middle Ages and that is why we remember her and her witness today.

Lord of mercy, be close to those who call upon you, with Saint Cecilia to help us hear and answer our prayers. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Chapter 6 of The Gospel of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
And when the circle of three years had rolled round, and the time of her weaning was fulfilled, they brought the virgin to the temple of the Lord with offerings. Now there were round the temple, according to the fifteen Psalms of Degrees, fifteen steps going up; for, on account of the temple having been built on a mountain, the altar of burnt-offering, which stood outside, could not be reached except by steps. On one of these, then, her parents placed the little girl, the blessed virgin Mary. And when they were putting off the clothes which they had worn on the journey, and were putting on, as was usual, others that were neater and cleaner, the virgin of the Lord went up all the steps, one after the other, without the help of any one leading her or lifting her, in such a manner that, in this respect at least, you would think that she had already attained full age. For already the Lord in the infancy of His virgin wrought a great thing, and by the indication of this miracle foreshowed how great she was to be. Therefore, a sacrifice having been offered according to the custom of the law, and their vow being perfected, they left the virgin within the enclosures of the temple, there to be educated with the other virgins, and themselves returned home.


Eternal Father, we honor the holiness and glory of the Virgin Mary. May her prayers bring us the fullness of your life and love. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

We're Doing Grrrreat!

No, really!
Firstly, Mrs. Doyle is doing well and is at home resting and is not in any danger.

Secondly, our dear friend Lizzie Leigh has loaned the Lovely Mona and I a car, so we are able to get around.

Thirdly, the washing machine was fixed last night, so I am able to do laundry (and just in time, let me tell you!).

And, finally, the Lovely Mona just called me and she was victorious in her court case regarding the Accident From A Few Sundays Ago. So now the Insurance Company can get the car fixed, and our lives may return to what passes for normal around La Rectoría.

So, if Madpriest was writing about this, he might title it: Blogger up!

Monday Evening Granchile Blogging

Photo by Chris Mobley

Miss Evie with Abuelo. She was smiling 'cuz I just gave her a crocodillo with "Panamá" across its chest.
Also 'cuz I'm nice and her granpa.

Yesterday and Today At Parroquia San Cristóbal

Today we celebrated "Harvest Thanksgiving" at San Cristóbal. We had a single bilingual service with combined choirs. We had a little excitement during the sermon when Mrs. Doyle had a slight stroke or something, but I just talked to her son and she is at home resting and doing well. You know, I don't remember hearing anything in seminary about what to do in such situations. Mrs. Doyle sits in the front row, and one of the acolytes noticed that she was having trouble and ran down to help her. Suddenly several people trained in CPR appeared at her side. Of course, this distracted from the sermon, and just I told the congregation that folks were handling the situation and then I said a word of prayer for Mrs. Doyle and those caring for her at that moment. I switched from español to english as I think in english and continued to calm the congregation. As soon as I noticed that Mrs. Doyle was responding to the care I told the congregation and we said a prayer of thanksgiving. I decided the sermon was over, and as Mrs. Doyle was wheeled to the door of the church for the paramedics, we continued with the Nicene Creed. Like I said, I don't remember a class on what to do in such situations in seminary. A few Easters ago we had a dear member of the congregation die of a heart attack during the Eucharist. I'm glad that didn't happen today!

Since it is Harvest Thanksgiving, the Altar Guild decorated the altar and chancel with fresh fruits and vegetables, which are distributed to the poor and to the Hogar de Niñas after the service. We also had the UTO second ingathering today, so there was a lot of blue and white in the church.

After church we went across the street to the patio of Instituto Episcopal San Cristóbal and had our parish Thanksgiving Luncheon. I spent yesterday preparing one of the six turkeys provided for the meal. We had a wonderful time. So, here are the photos of today's (and yesterday's preparations for today's) activities.


Fruits and vegetables awaiting the Altar Guild

Members of the ECW preparing UTO decorations

A basket

Patio at IESC ready for the next day's luncheon

The Altar and chancel



The Procession (lots of smoke!)




Angie leading Gloria Típico

Profesora Priscilla McQueen leading a song as others are ready to serve lunch

Folks waiting for lunch (we served all the Tecer Edad or Senior Citizens)

Serving line


Padre eyes the turkey

Lots of people enjoying lunch




Musician's table with Ricky Staple and Bernie Murray

Sisters Adica Moore and Olga Morris

Mrs. Barrow and Mrs. Kelley

Lots of Happy People!

No Body Expects the Bush Adminquisition!

Friday Red Mr. Peanut Bank and Gallito Mescalito Blogging

Red Mr. Peanut Bank We're back!
Gallito Mescalito ¡Shriek!
Red Mr. Peanut Bank You're right, Gallito Mescalito; it IS a bit cramped in there.



Mr. Chompy's Chewed-up Squeaky Kitty Toy Whoa! Look whut da pruvoibial cat draggeded in!
Red Mr. Peanut Bank Hello, everyone!
Gallito Mescalito ¡Shriek!
Mighty Moose of Vermont How was your trip?

Miss Egyptian Hippo of Love Did you meet Miss Bebé? That's all I care about!
Gallito Mescalito ¡Shriek! ¡¡SHRIIEEKK!!
Red Mr. Peanut Bank Well, the trip was fine, and, yes, we did meet her. Let me tell you the tale!
Harp arpeggios while everything goes all swirly 'n stuff!



Red Mr. Peanut Bank Our first encounter was at a restaurant. Gallito and I were sitting quietly in Padre's briefcase when it suddenly opened and we were placed on the table for the amusement of those gathered at table. Miss Bebé grabbed me immediately and used me as a percussive device.



Gallito Mescalito ¡Shriek!
Red Mr. Peanut Bank Gallito Mescalito had a drink while I was being mauled.



Red Mr. Peanut Bank But then it was Gallito's turn!
Gallito Mescalito ¡SHRRRIIIEEEKK!
Red Mr. Peanut Bank His ankles were weakened in this encounter, you know!

Red Mr. Peanut Bank Fortunately, people kept an eye on us and Padre put us away when Miss Bebé became too exuberant in our encounter. She was unhappy when we were put away, yet we were relieved. She was so mad she put on her hat!



Red Mr. Peanut Bank The next time we came out of the case, we were at the home of Miss Bebé, but she was sleeping, so we wandered about in safety.
Gallito Mescalito ¡Shriek!
Red Mr. Peanut Bank That's right. We became separated for a bit, and I had My Special Encounter With The Girls Of Doom.



Singing (To the tune of "Mame"):
You coax the doom right out of the Goth, Bank
You charm the black right off of our cloth, Bank
You've got the synths a hummin',
and moanin' like they're beating on some man,
The whole Role Playing Group is funnin'
Since Peanut Bank returned to Berkeley land!



You make us dolls less scary, ya know? Bank
You spark our unhealthy, unnatural glow, Bank
Who ever thought a Red Peanut
Bank would give us all something to do?



We almost look alive again
You make us feel revived again
Will you be coming back again?
BAAAAANNNKKKK!!!!!



Gallito Mescalito met a well-armed, friendly, yet terrifying Teddy Bear



Red Mr. Peanut Bank Then, we found each other again. We continued with our exploration, when, all of the sudden, we met her standing in the Living Room
Gallito Mescalito ¡SHRRRIIIEEEKK!



Red Mr. Peanut Bank We tried to talk with her, reason with her, but all she would say was "kitty!"
Gallito Mescalito ¿Shriek?
Red Mr. Peanut Bank Oh, that's right. All she would say was "Gibita me!"



Gallito Mescalito ¡SHRRRIIIEEEKK!
Red Mr. Peanut Bank That's right. A Super My Little Pony, tried to save us, but failed!



Red Mr. Peanut Bank We made a break for it!!
Gallito Mescalito ¡SHRRRIIIEEEKK!



Gallito Mescalito ¡Shriek, shriek shriek-shriek shriek!
Red Mr. Peanut Bank We ran and hid amongst from friendly robots.
Strangely enough, they had been cars mere moments before!



Gallito Mescalito ¡Shriek!



Red Mr. Peanut Bank While I was standing still, pretending to be a robot,
I heard a cry!
Tara's Gothy Doll, With Arm Outstretched Oh, Red Mr. Peanut Bank! Your dancing and singing has touched my heart. I love you! I've never loved anyone but you!!!
Red Mr. Peanut Bank I had to leave her as I am Not That Kind Of Guy! Also, Miss Bebé was still on the prowl and my focus was on our escape!



Everybody Gee! THEN what happened??
Red Mr. Peanut Bank Oh, Padre picked us up and put us in his briefcase and now we're here. Hey, did you know we also met Gallito Mescalito's Identical Twin Cousin, Mescaline Rooster?
Everybody Big Deal!
Music Mwah mwah mwah mwaaaahh!

Padre Mickey's Dance Party Gives Special Thanks to Tara and Chris and All Their Strange Toys!