Jun 16 | The Inner Mark

So I am horrendous at updates that are not sermon-related. But there is big news: I am to be ordained to the transitional diaconate on June 28th.

The whole thing has been a bit frantic and last-minute for a number of reasons, so everyone’s a little on edge about it…and I have not at ALL fully processed this momentous news. I may not believe in full ontological change at ordination (I like the way my friend Fr. Michael put it: “An inner marking on the heart”) but it’s probably going to feel like it anyway.

I think the most appropriate way to share such news is to share the following post from Facebook. Enjoy (I did):

 

I have a very dear clergy friend who has been a great support to me on my journey, and who LOVES to yank my chain. Like my husband he helps me not to take myself too seriously.
Today I received the following email from him. My reply is below it.

 

Dear Clarity Harp,

Strange rumors have come to my ears (where else?) that the standards for ordination in this diocese have been completely abandoned and that some punk rocker is being ordained to the diaconate this month. But that is not the worst of it. I understand that everyone who has dealt with her has been warmly enthusiastic about her being ordained. Absolutely shocking!!!!!
I guess I shall have to show up, if only so that I can view the entire proceedings with alarm. In the meantime, I shall practice looking alarmed. One can’t do that sort of thing well on the spur of the moment.
I am sorry to bring all this to your attention, but I knew that you would be equally shocked.

Yours in mutual shockedness,

The Canon Precentor Emeritus of Trinity Cathedral, San Jose, California+

 

Dear friend,

It is with great fear and trembling that I regard your epistle. Perhaps the destruction of the Second Coming is finally upon Mother Church after all, having been waylaid at the precise turn of the century by some distraction (perhaps a tea party or an excellent wine and cheese soiree that could not be ignored? We must, after all, assume an Anglican worldview, as is our custom).

I make the following proposition to you, the brightest of the seven lamps: That we gather together on the Eve of the Eve of Petertide, and hold a vigil with fasting and lamentation before attending this obscene spectacle and making our objections known at the appropriate time. I fear it is entirely too late to convince the Diocese of the danger of its intention, but perhaps I might suggest (surely with your blessing) that a full exorcism rite be performed shortly after the ordination in order to take this creature by surprise and perhaps drive her out for good. Since holy water might not be in the required abundance for asperges, perhaps sparkling wine would be in order. It may yet be that the wine will lower defenses, and increase the likelihood of this punk rock demon revealing its true form and being summarily excommunicated.

I have arranged with the denizens of Faith House, the intentional community abiding in the rectory across the street from St. Mary’s, to provide a space for this last minute attempt at damage control. I pray your superior wit and esteemed presence will be enough to make this Diocese come to its senses and for the wilful would-be deacon to quit the place forthwith in order to move on to more suitable realms of employment and ministry, such as bartending or lecture tours.

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Heb. 4:16)

Your sister in Christ,
C

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