Advent

[priorphilip]

There is a sign on the board, its spelling creative, but its handwriting immaculate. With a moment's reading, one can figure out that it says:

Mass
Every Sunday
Until the chapel is completed, services will be held in the ballroom
All are welcomePhilip would have posted something earlier, but it has taken him this long to gather that nearly all

Comments

[not_snake_bite]

And here's Steerpike - of course, he is there, paying his respects to the Lord, Bible in hand (as always), and he observes communion with a mix of wonder and envy.

[priorphilip]

Philip, as promised, does nominate Steerpike in front of the small congregation as a new believer who will be confirmed in the spring, but who should be welcomed in the meantime. Philip notices, but does not comment, on the fact that Laurel is not present at services. He's used to laypeople only observing holy days.

[not_snake_bite]

Steerpike sort of beams - he yet has to learn true humility, as he may be good at faking it, but he certainly is not as humble as he seems.

He will be waiting for Philip after the mass, to have a chat.

[priorphilip]

Philip can tell he's waiting, and so comes over. "How are you, this morning, my son?"

[not_snake_bite]

"I am well, my thanks, Father." He smiles, extends a handshake. "I enjoyed the service."

T: And this chat log might be of interest to you: http://not-snake-bite.livejournal.com/5169.html - they don't show on the flist, but they are x-posted to dfloggage, by the way. <3

[priorphilip]

He clasps the extended hand, briefly; handshakes are not common in his time. "I am glad of it. Were you able to follow it?"

[not_snake_bite]

"I was," he replies, proudly, "though I've yet to master the subtleties of latin."

[priorphilip]

He smiles. "We will add that to your lessons, if you like." Philip really does enjoy teaching.

[not_snake_bite]

"I would be glad of it, Father. There is much yet for me to learn."

[priorphilip]

"You have an eager mind, my son."

[not_snake_bite]

That, he does.

"I seek to be as good as I can, Father."

T: Erhem. *points at flist* FYI. It happened, enjoy.

[priorphilip]

"Being clever, and being good, though often complementary, are not the same, my son," he says, gently.

[not_snake_bite]

"I'm afraid I do not follow."

He still has to get that 'morals' (whatever it is) thing down.

[priorphilip]

"One may be clever, and yet do harm to his fellow man, or be clever on his own behalf, rather than God's." He has someone in particular in mind.

[not_snake_bite]

"Oh." He pauses, considers this. "How would I know, Father?"

[priorphilip]

"It is the Holy Spirit's guide to help those who earnestly seek such knowledge. But let doing good for others be your first goal. All else will come."