Thank you, Brent, for creating this new persona for me. As Abba Jonathan of the Desert I can engage in all manner of random whimsy while preserving a measure of deniability. "Deny the consubstantiality of the Trinity I did not," cried Abba Jonathan, "that would have to have been John the Dwarf, or his cousin Alfred." Things like that.
    The following (100% legitimate) quote was shared at the Mini-Retreat last Monday (June 11...thanks to all who attended!)from the writings of Brother David Steindl-Rast...

“I remember Soen Roshi saying to us young monks, who thought of sweeping as something to get over and done with: ’That’s no way to treat the dust. Your hands are to make the broom say to the dust, ‘Sorry, you happen to be in a place where you don’t belong, let me help you out.’ “ Brother David Steindl-Rast, A Listening Heart  p. 75

    Sort of like, "Use the force, Luke." Right? Except "use" is not quite appropriate, and "force" is almost as misleading as "consubstantiality."Abba Jonathan says, "So stop talking and sweep out the cabin."