In The Book

I rolled over and peered at the alarm: 6:06 a.m. As usual, I was awake before the alarm had gone off. 0606 on 06/06/06. If I were superstitious, I would stay in bed. 666 is the mark of the beast described in Revelations, when the Antichrist makes his appearance, death and destruction reign, thousands are raptured away to heaven while billions of us losers are left behind, and Jesus returns (and boy, is he mad). I decided not to worry and put on the coffee. If there really was a problem Dan Brown would have mentioned it in the book.

Today is the opening of the remake of the Omen, a 1976 movie about the birth of the Antichrist. The possible end of the world as marketing tie-in. It’s also election day, perhaps a greater cause for worry. Who knows what mischief will result from someone who believes victory was due to his virtues and not his consultants?

Retiring Bishop Swing ordains his last class of deacons.

A group who shouldn’t have any problems with hubristic self-delusion is the class of Episcopal deacons who were ordained last Saturday at Grace Cathedral. The deacons had to complete a three-to-five-year course of rigorous study. They endured this burden, not for fame, glory, or wealth, but in order to be servants (the meaning of “deacon”) of the Christian community. Once again, I was humbled by the example of others. © 2006 Stephen Yuen

The Asian-American ministry is growing. Congratulations, Jay!