The problem of middles

[The story]..has a happy ending, but that’s because I insist on happy endings; I would insist on happy beginnings too, but that’s not necessary because all beginnings are instrinsically happy, in my opinion. What about middles, you may ask. Middles are a problem. Middles are perhaps the major problem of contemporary life.

Heartburn Nora Ephron

Beatitude 1

Blessed are the poor, not the penniless,

but those whose hearts are free.

Blessed are those who mourn, not those who whimper

but those who raise their voices.

Blessed are the meek, not the soft,

but those who are patient and tolerant.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice, not those who whine

but those who struggle.

Blessed are the merciful, not those who forget,

but those who forgive.

Blessed are the pure in heart, not those who act like angels,

but those whose lives are transparent.

Blessed are the peacemakers, not those who shun conflict,

but those who face it squarely.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for justice,

not because they suffer

but because they love.

Matthew 5

Alternative beatitudes from churches in Santiago, Chile

St John’s Bible

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.

Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.

There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.

Saint John’s Bible on tour in America

Freewheel

 Duke Special – Freewheel

This is great for any day including Valentine’s.

Cross purposes

Heart-warming to hear that at the Dalem Dar es Salaam  summit meeting of Anglican bishops tomorrow there won’t be a service of Holy Communion together, such is their fear, and maybe loathing of each other. Presumably they can’t ex-comunicate themselves or others if no-one in the Communion takes Communion from anyone else in the Communion.

One in the eye for Cupid.

Ruth Gledhill has more on bishops in a nark.

Apple bites back

Joy of Tech

Money

All I ask is the chance to prove that money can’t make me happy
Spike Milligan