September 9

Today marks the birth, in 1828, of Leo Tolstoy, author and theologian. His experience of the Crimean War as a young man led him to become a believer in the power of nonviolence. His writings had a major influence on the social movements and nonviolent resistance of the twentieth century. 

Today is The Feast Day of the Memphis Martyrs, or Sister Constance and Her Companions, in the Episcopal Church. During the yellow fever outbreak of 1878, several Episcopal nuns and clergy stayed at Saint Mary’s Cathedral in Memphis to give relief services to those who remained in the city. Sisters Constance, Thecla, Ruth, and Francis contracted the disease and died within a month of each other. Rev. Charles Parsons and Louis Schuyler also died. Annie Cook, a brothel owner who opened her home to sick patients, also died on September 11 (and I will refer to her again). 

Reflection: 

Leo Tolstoy wrote: 

and

Prayer: God, bring us to a greater consciousness. Help us be aware so that we can be both appalled and thankful, horrified and awestruck. Help us move in a way that brings greater compassion to the Earth. Amen.