fashioning a Christian ethic of clothing
Make no mistake: if he rose at all It was as His body; If the cell’s dissolution did not reverse, the molecule reknit, The amino acids rekindle, The Church will fall. It was not as the flowers, Each soft spring recurrent; It was not as His Spirit in the mouths and fuddled eyes of the… Continue reading Texts & Textiles: John Updike
As a scholar of literature, I find rich meaning in Mary's engagement with her Book, but I can't help mourn the disappearance of the spindle. While Mary's reading calls our minds to the invisible work of the Spirit as we hear the Word, her spindle affirms that the Incarnation transforms the daily work of our hands into worship -- work with eternal consequences.
I've posted before about the Carmina Gadelica, a wonderful collection of folk prayers and blessings from Scotland. Today, as spring visits Texas, it seemed right to offer one of the Carmina's prayers for flocks, especially the sheep, whose wool is so beautiful and useful. The sheep with their lambs, like so many animals and plants,… Continue reading Texts & Textiles: A Celtic Blessing for the Lambs
Happy Valentine's Day from WholeCloth! May your love be as trusty, fine, and kindly as the thread from faithful hands.
They also weave, with gentle art, Those stronger nets that bind the heart.
Before this year becomes too cluttered with daily tasks and joys and sorrows, it's important to remember the Story that gives these days their meaning
The first parable recorded in Matthew, Mark, and Luke is that of the new patch on the old garment. I was surprised to see that it was first, but it makes sense: Jesus takes a situation perfectly familiar to his audience--the need to mend a worn garment--and uses it to reveal something mysterious about the kingdom of heaven.
Partly work and partly play You must on St. Distaffs Day: From the plough soon free your team; Then cane home and fother them: If the maids a-spinning go, Burn the flax and fire the tow. Bring in pails of water then, Let the maids bewash the men. Give St. Distaff' all the right: Then… Continue reading Texts & Textiles: St. Distaff’s Day
I, said the sheep with curly horn, I gave Him my wool for His blanket warm, He wore my coat on Christmas morn; I, said the sheep with curly horn. Today is the 10th day of Christmas, and at our house, we're still singing carols. One of my favorites is "The Friendly Beasts," a song… Continue reading Texts & Textiles: A Christmas Carol
The two things You asked, we have by Your birth. You put on our visible body; let us put on your hidden power. Our body became Your garment; Your spirit became our robe. Blessed is He Who was adorned and adorned us!" from Ephrem of Syria, "Hymn 22 on the Nativity." Ephrem the Syrian, Hymns. Trans.… Continue reading Texts & Textiles: Ephrem of Syria
