More than a few years ago I attended a workshop held by Peggy Way. At the end of one session, she quoted “We Are Simply Asked” by Jim Strathdee. This quote has remained me with all these years later and serves as a kind of mission statement.
We are simply asked
to make gentle our bruised world
to tame its savageness
to be compassionate of all
including one’s self
then, with the time left over
to repeat the ancient tale
and go the way of God’s foolish ones.
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MIght that have been at Princeton Theological Seminary in 1974?
That is when I heard Peggy Way quote this remarkable piece. It has been foundational for me ever since in my ministry as an Episcopal priest and an interfaith hospital chaplain. I have quoted it over and over through the years.
I have remembered it very slightly differently, (certainly helps one understand Scriptural differences) as beginning “We are simply called. . . . .the rest is the same. Only I’ve thought I remembered that she said her source was the ordination leaflet of The Rev. Peter Byrne, SJ.
I have no idea who he is, when he was ordained, or where he found the quote.
I’d like to be more accurate when I quote this.
Can you tell me more about Jim Strathdee?
Gratefully,
Louise
For me the workshop would have been in the late 80s at Albright College in Reading, PA. I believe the quote is part of a song he had written. You can learn more about him and his music at this site: http://www.strathdeemusic.com/
Thanks for stopping by, as well as for your comment.
This was actually written by Peter Byrne, SJ (now in the Portland Oregon area) for his ordination. I believe he wrote it over 30 years ago. I have corresponded with Peter about this. The quote in its entirety is:
We are simply asked to make gentle our bruised world,
to tame its savageness,
to be compassionate of all, including ourselves.
Then in the time left over for these ministries of justice and of care,
to repeat the ancient tale, and go the way of God’s foolish ones.
(I first learned it from Peggy also, 25-30 years ago)
Thanks for this information. I will update the post.