December 3

Today is the birthday, in 1838, of Octavia Hill, English activist for the poor and the founder of the National Trust, which preserves historic places for the public. Hill was an advocate for social housing, and much of her passion for her work and her theology was informed by her friend F.D. Maurice (whose feast day we marked on April 1). 

Today is also the birthday of Gregory (Hryhorii) Skovoroda, a wandering Ukrainian philosopher and composer, in 1722. Like Socrates, he taught by asking questions. He walked away from wealth and stability, preferring the life of a hermit teacher. His pragmatic theology put him at odds with the Orthodox Church. According to one story, at the end of his life, he dug his own grave. When he was finished, he announced it was time to die, and did so.  

Today is also a feast day for Saint Cassian of Tangier, who was executed on December 3, 298. According to legend, he was the court stenographer at the trial of Saint Marcellus the Centurion, who was being tried for failing to worship the emperor. When the sentence of death was pronounced for Marcellus, Cassian threw down his pen and said that the sentence was unjust, for which he, too, was executed. He is the patron saint of stenographers, but I include him because he is a reminder that solidarity in the face of persecution is part of the prophetic call to discipleship. 

Reflection: 

Gregory Skovoroda wrote: 

Prayer: God, help us keep our greatest treasure within ourselves. Amen.