"Memory is the mother of all wisdom.” — Aeschylus, Prometheus Bound

"Men more frequently require to be reminded than informed." - Samuel Johnson, The Rambler, 1752

The Athenian philosophers of the fifth century BC defined philosophy as “the love of wisdom,” which is the literal meaning of the Greek word from which English borrowed it. When Aeschylus wrote Prometheus Bound, he was suggesting that no human being is born wise; rather, wisdom is acquired only through thoughtful reflection on the past experiences stored in our memories. That seems right to me.

It is necessary to distinguish between intelligence and wisdom. Intelligence allows us to gather knowledge and devise ways to apply the facts we have learned. It is vital to all human material and technological progress. Without it, human beings would still be living on roots, berries, and whatever could be scavenged from the abandoned kills of larger, more efficient carnivores. Our intelligence is clearly a gift not to be undervalued, since it has made us the most powerful and dominant species on this planet. Because of our intelligence, we have developed the ability to literally move mountains, change the course of rivers, travel across land faster than cheetahs, and fly higher and faster than any bird.

Intelligence has made us powerful, but the power it yields can be—and has been—used in ways so horrible they can only be called evil. In the last century alone, it was used to subjugate, dominate, and eliminate millions of human beings. It seems to me that modern humanity has become a technological giant but a moral pygmy. We are indeed intelligent, but we have proven ourselves far from wise. Our narrow focus on the utilitarian, material realities of the world—and what we can obtain from mastering them—has led to a dangerous and harmful neglect of the serious pursuit of wisdom.

Evidence of this can be seen in modern college and university curricula. From small community colleges to the most prestigious universities, the number of course and degree offerings in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) has rapidly and steadily increased. Meanwhile, offerings in history, literature, philosophy, and the arts have been severely reduced or, in many cases, altogether eliminated.

Why does this matter? Because the knowledge gained by intelligence is not wisdom itself, but only one component of it. The other component is rational, sustained reflection on that knowledge and on human experience. Without wisdom, we are little more than clever beasts, selfishly seeking only to satisfy our own desires. It is no coincidence that those neglected fields of history, literature, philosophy, and the arts are collectively referred to as “the humanities.” Wisdom teaches us not just what we can do, but what we should do—and what we should be.

We all know that reflecting on our own experiences informs our judgment regarding future decisions. It also plays a large part in determining which values and ideals matter to us, and which principles will guide our moral code. A significant role of the humanities is to allow us to expand our understanding beyond our personal experiences. Through them, we can glean a sense of what past generations have done, and what they thought and felt about the reality of being human in their own times and places. They are humanity's collective memory.

The Old Testament gives us a very straightforward definition of wisdom: it is simply the ability to know and to do the will of God. That is indeed simple, but it is also far from easy. Our own fears, desires, and lesser loyalties often compel us toward such constant busyness and activity that we hardly stop to reflect and consider God's plan for us.

It is often remarked what a high percentage of the recorded words of Jesus are in the imperative voice. This is a voice of authority and command, but it is also a voice of instruction in wisdom. The attempt to obey those commands in our lives will not only advance God's will on earth but also lead us into closer harmony with Him, both now and forever.

The Prayer Book service of Holy Communion offers us a fine model for this. We celebrate it in response to Jesus' words, “Do this in remembrance of me.” The celebrant reminds us that the liturgy is “a perpetual memory of that his precious death and sacrifice,” and that it is our intention to receive Communion “in remembrance of His death and passion.”

Similarly, the Creed reminds us of both the Creation and the Incarnation, while the General Confession calls us to remember our own misdeeds and shortcomings. The entire service can almost be described as one extended act of corporate memory and reflection. The words of the Prayer Book also remind and assure us that, in doing this, we are enlightened to know more of God's will and strengthened to fulfill our roles in it. Frequent and regular attendance at Mass is a duty, a responsibility, and a precious opportunity for growth in wisdom and holiness. I urge you to make it a priority for your own soul's sake.

-- Father Bragg +

 
All things come of thee, O Lord, and of thine own have we given thee
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Services & Events

Sunday Services,  9:00 AM and 11:15 AM Services, for online participation go to
https://www.facebook.com/saintsofscotland or to 
https://www.youtube.com/@StAndrewandStMargaret/streams

Nursery during both services

Sunday School, on recess for the summer, returns in September

Monday, June 8, 5 PM deadline to request free tickets for Saturday June 13 2:30 performance at Museum of Bible play on George Washington: A General’s Prayer is a stirring one-man theatrical experience that invites you into Washington’s private world: his doubts, his resolve, and his dependence on God in the face of overwhelming uncertainty. Through moments of reflection, memory, and prayer, we encounter not the distant legend, but the man: a leader shaped as much by faith as by strategy, and a struggle that may feel closer to home than you expect. 
Performed by James Denton (Desperate Housewives, Good Witch), this intimate production places you in the room with Washington at his most vulnerable. You don’t just hear history—you step inside a moment where everything could have fallen apart, and witness the source of the courage that carried him through.  Contact Fr. Chris at scotlandsaints@gmail com by 5 PM Monday June 8. (Need to reach a minimum of 6 attendees to receive free tickets for each. If minimum not reached, no obligation to attend). 


Wednesday at Noon – Holy Communion and anointing for healing, for online participation go to https://www.facebook.com/saintsofscotland or to 
https://www.youtube.com/@StAndrewandStMargaret/streams

Sunday, June 14, Bishop Johnson’s Visitation. If you wish to be received or confirmed by the Bishop, please see Fr. Chris as soon as possible.

Sunday, June 14, 2:30 PM, Celebrating St. Margaret of Scotland and Flag Day Recital with Organ and Trumpet  in the sanctuary, with Church organist John C. Wulff and Chuck Seipp on trumpet

Wednesday, June 24,  Feast of St. John the Baptist, Services at Noon and 7:00 PM
 

MaRiH Crisis Pregnancy Center: Updated Critical Needs
& More

Below are 2 updated lists: the critical needs list and the needs list. Both have been updated:

Critical Needs:
Diapers, sizes 5 and 6
Spring/Summer clothing (Boys & Girls), size 0-3 months, size 2T 
Baby Wipes
Baby Blankets
Baby formula: Similac Advance Formula
Bibs: toddler
Car seat: infant
Other needs:
Diapers, newborn, 1, 2, 3, 4
Spring/Summer Clothing, 3-6 month, 9-12 month, 18-24 month, 
Bibs, infant
Maternity clothes (Spring/Summer)
Wash cloths
Hooded towels
Diaper rash ointment, Baby Shampoo
Baby bottles
There are two options for helping the Center with these needs:
Option 1 
Amazon has all the specific items needed. You can order the specific item(s) and have them delivered directly to the Center.  

The MaRiH Center
3230B Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314-4521
703-370-4774

Option 2 
Go to your local store, purchase the items requested and drop them off at church on Sunday. We will deliver them to the MaRIH Center.
 
Food Bank Needs
 
The food bank continues to need our assistance to feed the hungry. Please help this month with a food donation if you are able. Those we help feed are very thankful for the food we provide to them each month. Please also buy low sugar cereals (and not the kid's types that have lots of sugar). Also lower sodium products are better and more healthy.

Current needs include the following:
canned meats (chicken, corned beef, spam)
tuna (cans or foil packages)
peanut butter. jelly
canned vegetables (corn, green beans - (regular and low sodium)
individual fruit cups (low sugar)
canned fruit (low sugar)
canola or vegetable oil (48 oz)
boxed cereal (low sugar) and instant or old fashioned oatmeal (18 oz or 42 oz)
pasta (regular and gluten-free):
instant potatoes
single serving fruit juice
macaroni & cheese
soups: Chunky or Progresso, chicken noodle soup; chicken broth, cream of mushroom. tomato
coffee, cooking oil, flour, sugar
 
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Our mailing address is:
St. Andrew & St. Margaret of Scotland
1607 Dewitt Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22301-1625