The Jesuit poet, Gerard Manley Hopkins, wrote the following poem from which has been taken the title of this blog:
“As kingfishers catch fire, dragonflies draw flame;
As tumbled over rim in roundy wells
Stones ring; like each tucked string tells, each hung bell’s
Bow swung finds tongue to fling out broad its name;
Each mortal thing does one thing and the same:
Deals out that being indoors each one dwells;
Selves — goes itself; myself it speaks and spells,
Crying What I do is me: for that I came.
I say more: the just man justices;
Keeps grace: that keeps all his goings graces;
Acts in God’s eye what in God’s eye he is —
Christ. For Christ plays in ten thousand places,
Lovely in limbs, and lovely in eyes not his
To the Father through the features of men’s faces.”
It speaks about the ontological significance of natural, individual and human activity — the truth about Christ being me, and I being Christ. That the world is indeed charged with the grandeur of God.
Whatever things posted here are my take on Hopkin’s insight: recognizing “Christ in ten thousand places and the features in people’s faces.”
*Selves: v. “fulfills its own individuality”
**justices: v. “acts in a godly manner, lives fully energized by grace, justness, sanctity” (RV Shoder SJ)
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Here is another reason why I blog.
I love the new look of your site Father! And those post-its are very creative! Fantastic!
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Joefree! Thank you very much. Hope to see you soon.
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Thank you for following Storyteller. — Ray
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Thank you too Ray. I know I will learn a lot from you as well as your storytelling. 😄😄😄😍😍😍 and your photos are stunning 😱😱😱 .
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Wow! I didn’t see this. Thank you so much. BTW, I was taught by Jesuits. One of my degrees came from Loyola/New Orleans.
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That’s great Ray! Wow, wow, wow! 😱😱😱 Please keep on writing and taking great photos. Am learning from you too! Hope you are now in top shape after your colds and cough. Prayers for you! 😀😀😀
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Many thanks for following The Monching’s Guide, Fr. Jboy! 🙂
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I would like to read more of you and your musing. I find your articles enjoyable and light, but deep. Keep writing, introvert! haha!
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Thank you, Father. In the same vein, I look forward to reading your practical everyday reflections on the faith. +AMDG! 🙂
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