Just a few minutes ago I rejected an anonymous comment made on my post, "Shameless Christmas Book Begging."The commenter criticized me for spending so much time on this site asking readers to purchase books for me. Fair enough. I'll address this below.
The commenter also made a comment about my future assignment in Rome that leads me to conclude that the commenter can only be a fellow Dominican-- one w/o the guts to sign his name. Very sad indeed.
I rejected the comment b/c it uncharitably speculated about my superiors motivations for assigning me to the Angelicum in Rome. 'Nuff said.
Now, do I book-beg too much? Yes, I do. Or, rather, I beg more than people are probably used to hearing priests/religious beg. But here's what you need to know:
1). As a mendicant, I am supposed to beg. I could set up a donate button and harp on that.
2). No one is required to buy me anything. In fact, if I had to guess I would say that 90% of the books purchased for me in the last two years have come from the same ten readers.
3). No one is required to read the "begging posts." Just skip them.
4). Many readers have written to tell me that they have found excellent books of poetry and theology from looking at my lists.
5). I frequently get emails from readers asking me what I want or could use for Christmas/birthday/ feastday, etc. It's prudent to have a gift registry ready to go.
6). I get books sent to me that aren't on my list.
7). The books I have received from benefactors are books I would have purchased for myself anyway. It would have taken longer given the amount we receive per month for a stipend. . .
8). All of the books I have on my lists are for my professional development and the benefit of those who read/listen to my homilies. My university students also frequently benefit from the gifts I receive here b/c I use the texts in class lectures.
Thanks for the great books! Keep 'em comin'!
God bless, Fr. Philip, OP
I rejected the comment b/c it uncharitably speculated about my superiors motivations for assigning me to the Angelicum in Rome. 'Nuff said.
Now, do I book-beg too much? Yes, I do. Or, rather, I beg more than people are probably used to hearing priests/religious beg. But here's what you need to know:
1). As a mendicant, I am supposed to beg. I could set up a donate button and harp on that.
2). No one is required to buy me anything. In fact, if I had to guess I would say that 90% of the books purchased for me in the last two years have come from the same ten readers.
3). No one is required to read the "begging posts." Just skip them.
4). Many readers have written to tell me that they have found excellent books of poetry and theology from looking at my lists.
5). I frequently get emails from readers asking me what I want or could use for Christmas/birthday/ feastday, etc. It's prudent to have a gift registry ready to go.
6). I get books sent to me that aren't on my list.
7). The books I have received from benefactors are books I would have purchased for myself anyway. It would have taken longer given the amount we receive per month for a stipend. . .
8). All of the books I have on my lists are for my professional development and the benefit of those who read/listen to my homilies. My university students also frequently benefit from the gifts I receive here b/c I use the texts in class lectures.
Thanks for the great books! Keep 'em comin'!
God bless, Fr. Philip, OP
You had me at number one. (I never questioned your begging in the first place though)
ReplyDeleteThe perils of living in a secular and uninformed society.
Keep to your vows, your example is important to all of us.
No complaints here. You keep begging, and we'll keep sending. :)
ReplyDeleteAfter all, doesn't The Apostle teach us that the preacher should be paid justly for his preaching?
As one who finds sustenance, Living Water, here at this well I am grateful for the opportunity to support you.
Thank you, gentlemen! It is always good to hear from those who benefit from these attempts to communicate what the Spirit is eager to say!
ReplyDeleteFr. Philip, OP
Have you read any books by Father Michael Mueller, CssR?
ReplyDelete