Today is the Feast Day for the important Anglican Richard Hooker, a man who loved Scripture and defined and defended the Anglican approach to Scripture, the "middle way" between Puritans and Catholics. The 16th century theologian and apologist of Anglican Christianity, Richard Hooker was the "originator of what was later called 'the three legged stool' in which Anglicans embrace the use of tradition from our forbears in faith, study of scripture and the application of reason to determine how faith is to be applied now."
More on his life here and here.
Here is a wonderful Stained Glass Window of Richard Hooker for children to color. I will use one of our three-legged stools for a visual aid and hope to come up with a treat idea for them to remember the three-legged stool. I'm thinking shaped cookies but also had thought of Oven-Smores or Ants-on-a-log, for their three tiers.
It will be a low-key tea as they all have been for the last few weeks. When our family is swamped with illness, travel, fussy babies, or the busyness of life, it's easy to think, why bother if I can't do it up right? But I try to remind myself that the goal isn't to "do it up right," to perfect an image of ourselves, to be an inspiration to others, or even for the kids to have the most fantastic craft that they'll never forget Richard Hooker. It's about setting aside time for the sacred as a family. We and our children need quiet time with the Lord. In our house, lighting a candle is a signal that that time has begun. Having a fine linens, china tea cups, and a special snack are also a way to know it is a special day, but it doesn't define the special day. If it is just pretzels while they color, that's okay too.
As the Collect for his Feast Day says, Richard Hooker is a man who is an example of "The Middle Way," a way of seeking not compromise but a method for Truth to be lived out authentically. Perhaps having a low-key tea time, rather than demanding perfection or giving up altogether is my attempt at a Middle Way too!
The Collect:
O God of truth and peace, you raised up your servant Richard Hooker in a day of bitter controversy to defend with sound reasoning and great charity the catholic and reformed religion: Grant that we may maintain that middle way, not as a compromise for the sake of peace, but as a comprehension for the sake of truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Scripture Readings:
1 Corinthians 2:6-10, 13-16
John 17:18-23
Psalm 37:3-6,32-33
or 19:7-11(12-14)
Hymn Study for November: Jesus Shall Reign by Isaac Watts (A great hymn to begin studying just after All-Saints Day, don't you think!?)
Warm Wishes!
Amy
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