Sarx

Y SOME STANDARDS I’ve fallen off in recent years: I’ve stopped ranting about “modernists” and “heretics” and, even, managed to offend some of my anti-modernist, anti-heretical friends. By other standards – my own internal meter, my confessor, etc – I’ve managed to make peace with a few people that used to really dislike me. I’ve gained new respect/fear/understanding for the process that happens when one becomes a “virtual” person (I’ve watched it happen to several people) and I’ve gained a profound respect and love for those people who have avoided that process – either by running away or by having a strong enough center in themselves. I have also been surprised at who it does or does not happen to! But I’ve also been very reserved in my reactions: my own diagnosis of my own online persona is not to be projected out on others!

There have been very few posts in the last few years that rank as “greatest hits”. I don’t doubt this is because there are too many bloggers now: it’s far easier to stand out when there are nearly no others! I remember when the entire ortho-bloggopsher – minus LJ, which still doesn’t count – was Clifton, James, Karl and me. Then David and John. Serge, I’d add you to the list, but I’ve never been very clear as to what denomination you belong! Then (thankfully) some women signed on. Then there were billions. My mediocre quality is more evident now: so it is harder to be a large fish in a huge pond.

So I’ve nothing to add to my series of Greatest Hits, today, although there is a whole page of essays (linked in the menu above) including the Essays I am most proud of: my series on Trinity, Incarnation and Eucharist.

Tomorrow I’ll post a bit of an adieu, but today here’s a taste of the future:

Even during the sabbatical, the two annual series will continue (1) the daily post of the WR Lenten Liturgy (which I’m already scheduling) and station church “virtual pilgrimage”; and (2) the advent meditations on the Great O antiphons.

Also, during Sabbatical, I will keep this blog active by doing something I love to do: read and review books. I realise that sounds odd, but I’ve not had time to read a damn thing, recently. So I can review books, post essays, and maybe make some money – or at least get free books! (I’ve signed up to be a reviewer for Thomas Nelson and I’m also getting Sara Miles’ new book soon.)

Personal stuff will go away as will spontaneous essays and blogging/conversing about the hot topic du jure. I’m going to try, at least for a little while, to avoid even commenting on other blogs. I’m debating, at this point in time, turning off comments entirely or just leaving everything in moderation. Maybe. You’ll know when I know: tomorrow.

Yes: I’ll still be available on Facebook and Chat, t his is not an online suicide! But my goal is to move the internet into the same space as TV currently has in my life. Maybe. We’ll see.