Words of Light and Hope from Tony Foottit

Words of Light and Hope from Tony Foottit.
Grass of Parnassus – 1st

November – All Saints.

Grass of Parnassus grows in damp places, often in mountainous
areas. Hardly a grass you might say, but it bears its delightful white
flowers on stems like grass. Parnassus is a sacred mountain in Greece
where they thought the gods and goddesses dwelt. What more natural
then for this flower to be symbol for us of all the saints who are, clothed
in white raiment? Hero worship is a natural part of our human nature.
The modern media have carried hero worship to great lengths in the cult of celebrities: stars of screen,
radio, sport and fashion. Not every
celebrity is a good role-model. Popular celebrities rely on PR, image,
rebranding and self-advertisement. What better role-models than the
saints, the true celebrities of God? They shine with the light of Christ and
his life of love and obedience and live this life where they are, rather
than seek it always somewhere else……
Cult figures can manipulate and ruin other people. The more we cultivate celebrities, the more we
are likely to forget or ignore the
ordinary people on whom we constantly rely. A list of unsung heroes
might include refuse collectors, the night staff and all those who watch
and wait and care for the sick and dying. Jesus gave us the example of
washing his disciples’ feet. A church should reflect the hospitality of
heaven and give space for art, drama, dance and music……
A Calendar of Wild Flowers (part).
Almighty and everlasting God, who enkindled the flame of your
love in the hearts of the saints, grant to our minds the same faith
and power of love, that as we rejoice in their triumphs, we may
profit by their examples; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
From the Gothic Missal.