The last few days have been amazing. My priest assured me having a second patron was perfectly normal, and encouraged my acceptance of a second patron. One of my friends from college, who recently got his PhD from the same program I'm in, and I have been corresponding about babies. And I discovered that one of the bloggers I've been reading, and to whom I've linked, is a familiar face (though I'll not add any details unless he okays it).
As I've noted before (on my 2 June blog entry "Visitations"), Fr. Seraphim Rose has become an important influence in my faith journey; first through reading his biography (can't wait for the revised edition), as well as through answers granted through his prayers. I've wanted to "take him on" as a second patron (in addition to St. Benedict of Nursia), but have been hesitant to do so. Primarily because Fr. Seraphim is something of a point of controversy for many. But at lunch Sunday, Father unexpectedly (to me) gave a strong endorsement of Fr. Seraphim, an endorsement that took in Fr. Seraphim's ascetical struggle with his homosexuality. Fr. Seraphim is a strong and effective intercessor in terms of human sexuality ordered to God's will, as well as in other ways. So I broached the subject with Father and discovered that a) having two patrons is actually very normal and b) Fr. Seraphim's present lack of canonization would be no hindrance to having him as a patron. Orthodoxy doesn't work the way Rome does, apparently, when it comes to things like that. And as I'm given to understand, when it comes to patronage, frequently your patron choose you as much as you choose them. I know that sounds weird and mystical, but it sure has been my experience. And although I am a little weird, a mystic I'm not.
My friend Brent and I have both been approaching upcoming fatherhood. It didn't hit me until a few days ago that his wife, Angie, and Anna are due within about a week or so of each other. Like us, the Adkins' have decided to wait till birth to know the sex of the baby. He and I have been swapping teaching stories and what-not. It's been great to have more contact with him in the past weeks, especially since he moved a year ago.
It's been a great couple of days. Glory to God in all things.
Posted by Clifton at July 2, 2003 01:03 PM | TrackBack