Hopewit

The “O” in “Now” Time present and time past Are both perhaps present in time future, And time future contained in time past. If all time is eternally present All time is unredeemable. (From T.S. Eliot, Burnt Norton) Were there no dog doing odd gyrations in the street in front of the post office, Sol would spend less time on the balcony and the unbelievable coincidence would not happen. The purpose behind the canine’s pirouetting is of no particular interest to Sol; it's the spectacle that rivets him. Over the tips of the spruce trees backgrounding the post office, sun dogs form tall pillars as if framing the red brick of that ancient structure—with the date of its nativity, 1902, above the shiny aluminum-and-glass doors. So anachronistic, it seems to Sol, and so not in keeping with the stateliness of the Victorian flounces and curlicues, the arched windows.  Sol lights a second cigarette; the dog—a nervous rat terrier—stops his dance long enough to ...

The Oxen By Thomas Hardy Christmas Eve, and twelve of the clock. “ Now they are all on their knees,” An elder said as we sat in a flock By the embers in hearthside ease. We pictured the meek mild creatures where They dwelt in their strawy pen, Nor did it occur to one of us there To doubt they were kneeling then. So fair a fancy few would weave In these years! Yet, I feel, If someone said on Christmas Eve, “ Come; see the oxen kneel, “ In the lonely barton by yonder coomb Our childhood used to know,” I should go with him in the gloom, Hoping it might be so. Many of us brushed up against the pastoral tales of Thomas Hardy in high school and college, I think: Tess of the d'Urbervilles, The Mayor of Casterbridge, Far From the Madding Crowd, Jude the Obscure. Hardy grew up Anglican and although he retained a lifelong affection for the church and some of his best friends were ministers, he would probably be best described as an “...

A phone call yesterday asked me to donate to the Legion for the production of tribute books honouring veterans, the books to be placed in school libraries and other places. My donation would also support Leadership Training Camps, she said. I declined and told the woman on the phone that I'm a pacifist and not keen on supporting camps that promote military thinking and habits. She said something about defending freedom, etc. and then hung up on me as one does when one feels offended. I thought I was being at my civil best. I've read the guidelines for participants in these Leadership Training Camps. In effect, they're boot camps for kids: uniforms must be worn at all times, neatness and cleanliness of quarters will be enforced, punctuality mandatory, alcohol strictly forbidden, etc. Put in its best light, it's self-discipline training. Another point of view would characterize it as obedience training. Military “leadership” is not the same...

Shekinah Christmas 2, 2008 Shekinah Christmas 3, 2008 I preached an advent sermon this past Sunday and chose for the text, Psalm 37:1-9. I've paraphrased (very liberally) that psalm with a few comments. I chose it because it seemed to me to contain the essence of living the advent: the patient, hopeful, expectant waiting for joy, peace and justice to become our everyday. "Don't fret because of those who do evil, and don't be envious of people who do wrong because like the rest of us, they'll wither away. And while you're waiting for and expecting a better world, here are some pointers to brighten the days you've been given. Keep trusting in God and keep doing what you've learned to be best; loving God and your neighbour to the length and breadth of your ability, Make the best home you can in the place you find yourself, and when there's peace, take the opportunity to build an amazing life for your family, yo...