There appear to be many monstrous things happening in the world at this time (but was it not always so) – dehumanising the individual, degrading the earth and bringing destruction to society. We might also reflect that we have our own personal ‘monsters’ to deal with. Morning Bell continues through Epiphany, a season of revelation, by exploring how we might face these monsters. The Desert Fathers and Mothers – the earliest monastics in the Judaeo-Christian tradition – took very seriously the struggle with monsters (or demons as they referred to them) both in the wider world and within themselves. Jesus himself was known as a teacher who faced up to (and faced down) the demons of his time. One of the greatest challenges for us is how to avoid becoming monstrous in the way we respond to monsters…
The ideas for this series are developed further in Ian’s book Running Over Rocks – particularly in the chapters Fight Dragons, With Humility / Choose Courageous / and Face Fear With Love. The images for this series have all been made by Ian this past Autumn and present Winter in Devon hollow-ways and creeks.
Grace and peace to you this Epiphany, may you find all the courage and love you need…
Ian
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Ian’s latest collection of poems Unfurling is out now in paperback and e-format on Canterbury Press, also via your local bookshop, via Kindle and all usual online sources including Book Depository with free delivery world-wide.