LIFE AS MYTH

Index

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JOURNAL

Index

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JOURNAL 2010

2010

A vision quest

Finding a guiding light

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SPRING 2010

Illuminating the hours

Index 2010

The annunciation

The visitation

The nativity

The annunciation to the shepherds

The adoration of the magi

The presentation in the temple

The flight into Egypt

The coronation

Illuminating the hours

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LIFEWORKS

About

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ATLAS

Index

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SPRING 2010
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THE NATIVITY

The nativity. Giotto di Bondone. 1304-06. Cappella Scrovegni a Padova.

The nativity or story of the birth of the Christ is associated with Prime in The little office of the blessed Virgin Mary. Prime [Latin, primus, first] is the office which is read at the first hour or daybreak. Its purpose is to consecrate one's daily labors to God. According to fourth century documents written by Saint John Cassian, his monastery was the cradle of the office.

. . . it is to be known . . . this morning canonical function was first instituted in our time and in our monastery. . .
Saint John Cassian [360-435], monk noted for mystical writings

Originally there was no service between Lauds [4-6am] and Terce [9am]. Instead it was customary for monks to retire back to their rooms after Lauds. Prime was added to prevent the monks from sleeping during the entire interim between the two early offices. This meant that they would work earlier and longer, beginning their daily labor and spiritual practice immediately after Prime.

 

 

 

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