The Broken Soldier

As many of you know, I’m soon to start theological training.  The end goal is ordination as a Benedictine Old Catholic priest.  An end the Abbot has asked be expedited.  My studies should be very interesting.  Given my background in languages - specifically Semitic languages, German, and Ancient Greek, the professor and I will focus on Scripture as it is thought to be originally written, Christology, and Liturgy.

I admit to having doubts.  Not a crisis of faith, but concern for finding my place in the presbyterate.  Those who know me personally fully understand.  Those who don’t, suffice it to say a Byronic hero, whether chasubled or flack vested, seldom makes a good subordinate.  (Yeah, I’m pretty sure I just made up a word and awkwardly used another.  Cut me some slack.  I’m just a dumb Army guy taught to deal death, defile cultures, indiscriminately kill children, women, and old people, and rape baby seals.  We warriors leave concern for orthography to the French (I mean ‘Freedom Landers?’) and other pussies.)

I wouldn’t say I’m disobedient.  More that I don’t bow well (bad back) and I never developed a taste for shoe polish.  I consider it a much greater show of respect to tell the truth and share my unfiltered thoughts than to flatter and agree.