Seminary Finals Haikus

Twila, also a seminarian and friend has decided to take a break by writing Haikus this afternoon.  I asked her if I could share them with you.  Welcome to finals week at CDSP!


Seminary Finals Haikus

Anoint sleepy eyes,
to keep studying this day.
Exams not yet done.

A consignation:
Baptized, confirmed to study,
things asked not again.

In history write
something ecumenical –
good for extra points.

Catechesis time:
Old church stuff explodes in brain.
A rite of passage

How does this relate
to serving poor, sick, hungry?
Help me understand.

Where does the truth hide?
Surely it is here somewhere,
on all these post-its.

Ecclesial plea:
Initiation, end soon.
Second year coming.

Grace? Peace? Where, oh where?
Put me in a quiet cell.
Too much studying.

Why can’t I keep thoughts
in my head like in a file,
ready for this test?

Grant us wisdom, God,
for we really need your help.
Words, answers. Amen.

Another page, Lord,
I know not what it will bring.
Make me ready, Lord.

On this test, dear Lord,
please give me strength to answer.
Rightly would be good.

Hear our cries, O God,
We are groaning and weary.
Show us promised end.

When this term is done,
every paper and exam,
resurrect me, God.

Open Cathedral Easter

Well it has been a while since I have posted and I apologize.  I started the semester taking six classes and about half way through the semester realized that I was slowly killing myself.  I decided to drop a class but the damage of the stress had already taken its toll.  I ended up getting a stomach infection that caused me not to eat for a week.  I was unable to completely function for a week but it helped me put things into perspective.  Without my health, I can't do anything so I must take care of myself first.  How can a priest offer guidance and care if they don't care for themselves first.
But now I'm back, rehabilitated and ready for the last two assignments of the semester.  All I have remaining between me and the end of my first year is a final exam in New Testament studies and a paper for History of Christianity 2.  As you can tell, I am procrastinating doing both but I thought I would give you a taste of the paper I am writing.  I am still writing it so if you have any good ideas for the paper please let me know. What follows is my thesis paragraph.  Hope you enjoy.

            The protestant reformation in Europe began with disagreements over the doctrine of the Catholic Church.  As the reformation continued to grow and spread, King Henry VIII of England defended the Roman Catholic Church and was awarded the title “Defender of the Faith.”  But within a few years, Henry and his supporters were beginning a reformation of their own.  While it is a belief that the English Reformation was a separate and distinct entity than the European Reformation, in actuality it was an offspring of the European Reformation.  The leading theologian of the English Reformation, Thomas Cranmer was influenced by the continental reformers of the time and used their writings to help shape the doctrine of the Church of England.  This paper will discuss the effects the continental reformers had on shaping the thoughts of Thomas Cranmer, as they became doctrine within the Church of England’s Book of Common Prayer.   It will then examine how those same thoughts continue to shape The Episcopal Church’s Book of Common Prayer and the church’s search for ecumenism within the United States.

Until next time, Peace.