Words and sacraments

I'm back from that meeting, and it went well, I think; much more relaxed than last year. Yes, there were a few challenging questions-- a Commission on Ministry would not be serving their purpose if they did not inquire closely at points-- but no one was the least bit adversarial. The only startling events of the weekend were the truly amazing thunderstorms Friday night. Early Saturday morning, more accurately, they broke loose, right over our heads; there was no time lag between the thunder and the lightning. It literally shook the bed, and I felt as though my room was in the middle of a strobe light. All was peaceful by dawn, but it was not a restful night.

Aside from that, the time was calm, and I really enjoyed the opportunity to get to know both our diocesan leadership and the other postualnts and candidates who were there. Several of them are on different tracks of formation toward ordination-- attending other seminaries, or working through local formation, as priest or deacon-- so I wouldn't encounter them, were it not for get-togethers like this. Much visiting done, and (being Episcopalian) liturgies prayed together, and a great deal of coffee, food and snacks consumed.

I am not a coffee drinker-- a fact my bishop informs me will be entered in my dossier, and could be held against me at a later date. It is certainly true that the coffeepot is considered by many as a sacred piece of equipment, nearly as critical to sacramental Christian community as the chalice and paten. To those faithful souls, perhaps this would be an appropriate choice. If you try it, you'll have to let me know if it lives up to its billing.