In which I hymn Athena

Last updated on: April 26, 2018 at 7:53 am by John Mark N. Reynolds

In which I hymn Athena 2018-04-26T07:53:03-04:00 John Mark N. Reynolds

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Athena,

You came into our lives in a small way and then grew in importance. Early on we loved you, because you were beautiful. A human is designed to see beauty, you were, and so we loved you.

It did not hurt that you demanded little and gave so much. You returned affection and our veneration, dear Athena, with warmth. We did not know then, what we know now, that you would protect us from the vermin that fill our streets.

When we moved into a bad neighborhood, our house was not safe for my small children. Athena: we did not have to ask. You came, you saw, you slew. Legend said you were a mighty hunter, but when we brought you into our lives, legend became reality.

Of course, it is hard to know how to thank you, because you are here, but silent.

There are some Christians who think you are nothing and that we must ignore you. We know better, because we have lived with you in our lives for fifteen years. There is no event from Christmas to Hurricane Harvey that you have not made better, Beautiful Athena.

Others believe that you exist only for us. These evil men think we can use you to help us in any way we wish, but that forgets the beauty, goodness, and integrity of your being. You are Athena and the Almighty has given you a role and place that we did not create and so cannot take away. We dare not ignore you, destroy your niche in our ecosystem, or fail to give you what you require.

We are here for you, Athena, because when we call you come, when you wish. You have a will of your own. When one of my children was small, and a bit lonely, you were always there for him. You came. You were warm and willing to receive his veneration. He called you many names, but then you have always had many names: golden eyed goddess.

Classical antiquity worshipped you and we cannot, of course, go that far, but we love you. We do not love you as we love God or each other, but we love you more than we love pizza . . . And that is a great deal. Our offerings to you are small, because we are not great, grand folk. You have stayed with us through two states and four houses: guardian of our hearths.

You are not perfect. When Spike came into our lives, Athena, you looked at him, full of song and jollification, and hated him in your heart. Spike brought out all that was bestial in you and you waited your time. He shared his songs and his joy with us until you chewed him up. Rightly has it been said that Athena is a warrior, because you would not tolerate another.

Spike is gone and you remain.

There is no doubt you are the best cat we have ever known. Here’s hoping we have elevated you to Paradise with our love.

Many years!

Your loving family,

Reynolds Clan

Spiritual Reflections

Previous Post

April 25, 2018

Et tu, Bruté?—Then fall Caesar. He dies

Next Post

April 27, 2018 No, She chose beauty.

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Apologetics Art Culture Education On Books On Education Philosophy Politics Pop Culture Spiritual Reflections Uncategorized

Select a Month October 2026 September 2026 August 2026 July 2026 July 2025 June 2025 September 2024 July 2024 June 2024 December 2023 June 2023 September 2022 May 2022 April 2022 March 2022 February 2022 July 2021 June 2021 May 2021 April 2021 March 2021 February 2021 January 2021 December 2020 November 2020 October 2020 September 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Which tribe did NOT ask for land on the east side of Jordan?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Manasseh Issachar Reuben Gad

Books by This Author John Mark Reynolds

See All Titles »