A Conciliatory Spirit

Today’s Readings

Richard Hooker Psalm 37:1-9  1 Corinthians 2:6-16 John 17:18-23 

Today’s Reflection

Today we honor Richard Hooker (1554-1600) who lived in a time when there was great religious controversy. Hooker is credited with being the "father" of the Anglican world view inclusive of the "via media," the middle way. In England there was strife between the Church of England and the Church of Rome. Enmity was so great, that at times heated words manifested into physical violence.

After ascending to the throne in 1558, Queen Elizabeth wisely "appointed Hooker as Master of the Temple Church in London, making him pastor to dozens of lawyers." (Richard H. Schmidt, Glorious Companions: Five Centuries of Anglican Spirituality, 22) Hooker had a quick intellect, a passion for the Gospel, and a "conciliatory spirit." (Ibid, 24). He was able to find the good in his theological opponents while stridently defending his own views.

I am taken with the opportunity to be inspired by Richard Hooker's scholarship, faithfulness, and heart. Where in my life/your life are we given opportunity to trust that in ardently clarifying our position, and respectfully listening to the views of someone with whom we don't agree, God might be calling forth wisdom within us? (Sidenote and a reflection for another day, today's psalm 37 is a beautiful wisdom psalm that I commend to you in prayer.)

Let us pray:

O God of truth and peace, you raised up your servant Richard Hooker in a day of bitter controversy to defend with sound reasoning and great charity the catholic and reformed religion: Grant that we may maintain that middle way, not as a compromise for the sake of peace, but as a comprehension for the sake of truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. To learn more about Richard Hooker, I encourage you to visit this site.



Yours in Christ,

Mary Bea+