The astringent Stringfellow

"In the First Advent, Christ the Lord comes into the World; in the next Advent, Christ the Lord comes as Judge of the world and of all the world's thrones and pretenders, sovereignties and dominions, principalities and authorities, presidencies and regimes, in vindication of his lordship and the reign of the Word of God in history. This is the truth, which the world hates, which biblical people (repentant people) bear and by which they live as the church in the world in the time between the two Advents."

from "Advent as a Penitential Season" by William Stringfellow (1929-1985)

On the back cover of A Keeper of the Word: Selected Writings of William Stringfellow, we are told "The theological legacy of William Stringfellow --Harlem street lawyer, social activist, and commentator-- is enjoying a revival among a new generation of Christians." This image represents Bill Stringfellow as keeper of the Word, which is symbolized as Holy Scripture burning and glowing inside of him, open to the words of Deuteronomy which he contemplated and lived. This fiery Prophet to America continues to admonish and console through his living presence in the communion of saints, and in his writing which is searingly surgical and thus .. healing.

Words and icon written by William Hart McNichols, S.J., who writes: "This icon was commissioned by Bill's honored friend and fellow Prophet, Fr. Daniel Berrigan, S.J."

May 2007 series on Stringfellow on this blog:

One.

Two.

Three.

Four.