Pastor Jim Covington

Spiritus Mundi (Based on Yeats’ poem, The Second Coming.) The sermon evolved this way:  After last Sunday’s sermon, I remained concerned about the downside of spirituality–that it can become vain and self-serving.  Then, on Monday, I had a vigorous conversation with a colleague/friend( psychotherapist in my office suite) about the sad state of the world and what our response should be. He is Jewish and already preparing for the High Holy Days, seeking atonement, forgiveness and enlightenment.  Then I read an essay in last week’s Sunday Times Book Review by Arthur Schlesinger on Reinhold Niebuhr. (Amazing!  I have been re-reading Niebuhr’s work, Moral Man, Immoral Society.) Then I came across William Butler Yeats’ poem, The Second Coming, where he speaks of Spiritus Mundi–a spirit in the world–where the best lack all conviction while the worst are full of passionate intention. . . So there you are:  spirituality, Jewish High Holy Days, sad and tragic state of the world, Reinhold Niebuhr, William Butler Yeats—all coming together!  Sounds like a sermon to me!  See you at the Fellowship.