When I was ordained to the Sacred Order of
Deacons, my dear friend the Rev. Ken Guy preached the sermon in which he asked that I read and reflect on two
books -- one of which is The Power and Glory by Graham Greene. This is a
story of a priest, a very human, fallable priest, in Mexico during the 1930's
when the Mexican government was attempting to supress the Catholic Church. The
novel's main character is a nameless "whiskey priest", who is the last priest
remaining in his region. Hunted by the state and hounded by his own
self-destructive behaviors, he endeavors to bring the love and light of Christ
to communities; at times just steps ahead of those that will, by the novel's
end, take his life.
I first read the Power and the Glory in
college and have reread it a number of times -- including finishing it again
days prior to the ordination. I encourage you to read it; it is a powerful
story with images, characters and messages that compel and have lasting
impact.
I am now a priest in the Episcopal tradition of the Church and I hope this blog will do honor to the expectations set forth
by Father Guy.
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