[ebb tide]

Ping

[Brian Kopp DPM]

The lesson of Thrasybulus

Posted on 2 November 2014 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

As I contemplate certain things going on in the Church right now, I am reminded of Thrasybulus of Miletus.

The story of Thrasybulus is in Book V of Herodotus’ Histories.  A messenger from Periander, a 7th c. BC tyrant of Corinth, asks Thrasybulus, tyrant of Miletus, for advice on how to govern.   Thrasybulus doesn’t immediately respond.  Instead he leads the messenger into a field.  Then, drawing his sword,  he slashes the tallest ears of wheat off their stalks.  The message: eliminate potential threats to your absolute rule by preemptively cutting down any men who are prominent enough to raise a challenge.

If anyone sticks his head up, chop it off.

Eliminate excellence by all necessary means and with extreme prejudice.

[icwhatudo]

and so it begins...

[lightman]

An Abbot’s rule is absolute.

The parish church is monastery property.

Ja vell.

[Wyrd bið ful aræd]

Aren't Provosts essentially of equal rank with bishops?

So much for that congeniality the post-V2 prelates love to tout.

[ConorMacNessa]

"Introibo ad altare Dei.
Ad Deum qui laetificat juventuem meam."

As it was in the beginning, is now and forever shall be!


"Dia shábháil ar fad anseo!"

Genuflectimus non ad principem sed ad Principem Pacis!

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

[scouter]

As a cardinal, Cardinal Burke has faculties to say Mass whenever and wherever he chooses. The local bishop has no authority at all over him. The fact that he chose to respect the wishes of the local bishop shows what a classy guy he is, and the pettiness of those who resist the Extraordinary Form, no matter their position.

[piusv]

Per Benedict XVI: I am very glad that the Usus antiquus [the traditional Latin Mass] now lives in full peace within the Church

Uh-huh.