Thanks, Eric. In the essay, I especially appreciate the etymological note on "pagan" and "heathen"--though I'm also increasingly drawn to a pagan or heathen spirituality in other ways too (heretic me)! And also your explication of the rhythms of the liturgical year, step in step, with the cyclical rhythms of the northern hemisphere--grateful for that--it puts into words something that I've been trying to express for several years now, as some churches in my circles turn to alternative lectionaries that are not so inclined. Sorry that the distance between Minneapolis and St. Isidore's keeps me from participating in solstice and equinox celebrations like I used to do when nearby. This week, however, hoping to join a couple of different local events here to mark June solstice! Happy Midsummer to you and yours!
Thanks, Eric. In the essay, I especially appreciate the etymological note on "pagan" and "heathen"--though I'm also increasingly drawn to a pagan or heathen spirituality in other ways too (heretic me)! And also your explication of the rhythms of the liturgical year, step in step, with the cyclical rhythms of the northern hemisphere--grateful for that--it puts into words something that I've been trying to express for several years now, as some churches in my circles turn to alternative lectionaries that are not so inclined. Sorry that the distance between Minneapolis and St. Isidore's keeps me from participating in solstice and equinox celebrations like I used to do when nearby. This week, however, hoping to join a couple of different local events here to mark June solstice! Happy Midsummer to you and yours!