Theotokos solemnity

First sunrise of 2018

So the New Year began. Over here there was no celebration as it's non-kosher and non-jewish ... nor muslim for that matter. Just the tourists and some christians who tried to spend the night out and got frozen. It's so cold today it's been below 8 degrees all day. And it rained ... not drizzle but rain.Sounds miserable but we're really enjoying it. It's the best New Year's gift we could have. But believe me, it's very very cold. I don't remember a New Year's Day as cold as today in the past 10 years. one think good though ... the Spring flowers are starting to bloom early because of the cold. My first anemone has already blossomed beside the marigolds. Fantastic sight.

my first anemone

And we had a festive timetable today!!! We haven't had that for a long time as the new superior probably wasn't aware we have one. It's this: on a feast day we have Mass at 8am instead of 6.30am; and Lauds is recited privately and breakfast is ad libitum. And to add to this bonus ... no class ta 4am today. What a sleep-in I had. I woke up at 6,15am!!! And after some general cleaning up and doing some paperwork ... I tried to go back to sleep. It's one of those rare days when I can sleep in the afternoon. And the cold and rain makes it so conducive.

The feast today is of the Theotokos or God-bearer (in the Roman Church it's Mother of God). This title came after a long fight in Church Councils whether Mary can be called Mother of God or Mother of Christ (god-man). Bishop Nestorius advocated the latter and was declared heretic. He and his followers moved East into Iran and Central Asia and even into China ... the Nestorian Church or the Church of the East. Anyway the consequence of this title is enormous because it ash to do with the belief of the Incarnation and the divinity of Jesus. OK too much dogma here.

Well not is all good or fun for some people today. African asylum seekers and illegal immigrants have 90 days to leave voluntarily or they'll be arrested and thrown in jail. Sad start to 2018.  Read the reasons given for the ruling ... but more importantly read what is NOT said.   https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/1.831584

And not all christians here have the luxury to celebrate (albeit limited) Christmas ... like those in gaza.  https://www.haaretz.com/opinion/1.830883