Sobriety: “Guardian of the spirit”

Last updated on: June 2, 2014 at 8:50 am By Frederick Schmidt

Dictionaries capture the impoverished meaning of the word “sobriety” in modern, American parlance. One on-line dictionary, for example, offers three possible meanings: The state or quality of being sober. Temperance or moderation, especially in the use of alcoholic beverages. Seriousness, gravity, or solemnity Broadly speaking, however, the popular understanding of sobriety often amounts to little more than freedom from the influence of addictive substances (though some AA sites do allude mental health and a balanced life). So, it is surprising... Read more

Burning Snow

Last updated on: May 23, 2014 at 10:49 am By Frederick Schmidt

Saint John Climacus, a seventh century monk at the monastery on Mt. Sinai was admired for his spiritual depth. As a result, a neighboring monastery asked him to serve as their spiritual director. We don’t know much about Climacus, but it is reasonably certain that the one book he wrote, The Ladder of Divine Ascent was written in response to that request. Consisting of thirty chapters that allude to the life of Jesus and the Old Testament story of Jacob’s... Read more

When a Fast is not Fast

Last updated on: April 8, 2014 at 1:44 pm By Frederick Schmidt

I realize that I risk appearing to be a “traditionalist” — gasp! — i.e., someone who believes that Lenten fasting has a specific purpose, defined by the history of its observance. But it does. Kallistos Ware puts it succinctly and accurately: “The primary aim of fasting is to make us conscious of our dependence upon God. If practiced seriously…The purpose of this [fasting from food] is to lead us in turn to a sense of inward brokenness and contrition; to... Read more

Lent: It’s more fun and alleluias than you think

Last updated on: March 10, 2014 at 8:12 pm By Frederick Schmidt

If you spend any time with social media, you probably noticed the number of Facebook postings that featured Puritan Valentine’s Day Cards. The artwork wasn’t very elaborate, as should be the case with Puritan cards. But I loved the sentiments. One card read: “You’ve bewitched me. There’s no other explanation for the gophers in my garden.” Another announced: “I thought to write you a love poem. For that thought I have beaten myself with a rough branch each night hence.”... Read more

Nothing to Celebrate: Question Ten of Ten

Last updated on: February 18, 2014 at 12:54 pm By Frederick Schmidt

Taking The Dave Test during the Holiday Question Ten: “Can I be a friend?” Introduction to the series Much of the last year was thread through with considerable loss. My brother, Dave, battled a fatal brain cancer for nearly eight years and he died this last January as the result of a fall that was due in large part to his disease. He would have been 58 years old in October. In reaction to Dave’s quest to find a durable faith... Read more

Nothing to Celebrate: Question Nine of Ten

Last updated on: January 17, 2014 at 4:05 pm By Frederick Schmidt

Taking The Dave Test during the Holiday Question Eight: “Can I walk wounded?” Introduction to the series Much of the last year was thread through with considerable loss. My brother, Dave, battled a fatal brain cancer for nearly eight years and he died this last January as the result of a fall that was due in large part to his disease. He would have been 58 years old in October. In reaction to Dave’s quest to find a durable faith and... Read more

Question Eight of Ten: “Can I grieve with others?”

Last updated on: January 14, 2014 at 6:11 pm By Frederick Schmidt

Taking The Dave Test during the Holiday Question Eight: “Can I grieve with others?” Introduction to the series Much of the last year was thread through with considerable loss. My brother, Dave, battled a fatal brain cancer for nearly eight years and he died this last January as the result of a fall that was due in large part to his disease. He would have been 58 years old in October. In reaction to Dave’s quest to find a durable faith... Read more

No Cause for Celebration: Question Seven of Ten

Last updated on: January 4, 2014 at 11:49 am By Frederick Schmidt

Taking The Dave Test during the Holiday Question Seven: “Can I say something that helps?” Introduction to the series Much of the last year was thread through with considerable loss. My brother, Dave, battled a fatal brain cancer for nearly eight years and he died this last January as the result of a fall that was due in large part to his disease. He would have been 58 years old in October. In reaction to Dave’s quest to find a durable... Read more

No Cause for Celebration: Question Six of Ten

Last updated on: December 23, 2013 at 11:50 am By Frederick Schmidt

Taking The Dave Test during the Holiday Question Six: “Can I stop blowing smoke?” Introduction to the series Much of the last year was thread through with considerable loss. My brother, Dave, battled a fatal brain cancer for nearly eight years and he died this last January as the result of a fall that was due in large part to his disease. He would have been 58 years old in October. In reaction to Dave’s quest to find a durable faith... Read more

No Cause for Celebration: Question Five of Ten

Last updated on: December 17, 2013 at 8:29 pm By Frederick Schmidt

Taking The Dave Test during the Holidays Question Five: “Can I give up trading in magic and superstition?” Introduction to the series Much of the last year was thread through with considerable loss. My brother, Dave, battled a fatal brain... Read more