How good and how pleasant it is, when brothers dwell together as one! Like dew of Hermon coming down upon the mountains of Zion. There the Lord has decreed a blessing, life for evermore! Psalm 133:1 and 3 Unity Like the Dew The rains have stopped. Summer has settled down for some heat. The land, … Continue reading Unity Like Dew
Foundation
Analysis
This weekend, I went to see a performance of the ancient Greek tragedy, Euripedes’ Iphigenia in Aulis. During the drive back, I talked the performance over with my friends. We came to conclusions about what was distracting, what worked well, and what was inspiring. These decisions were reached through a process called “analysis”. I believe … Continue reading Analysis
The Historical Sense
The historical sense involves a perception, not only of the pastness of the past, but of its presence… "Tradition and the Individual Talent" by T.S. Eliot ____________ This “Multangular Tower” stands outside the Yorkshire Museum in York, England. Nearby is a plaque stating the tower’s history. It was built in the 300’s as a corner … Continue reading The Historical Sense
Personhood: Part Three
This is my final installment in my three-week series on personhood. First, I wrote Part One: Personhood—Relational Being. Last week, I wrote Part Two: Personhood—Fallen Individuals. Today, I will focus on Part Three: Personhood Redeemed. In part one, I talked about what it might mean to think of the human person as a relational being. … Continue reading Personhood: Part Three
Personhood: Part Two
This is my second week of writing on Personhood. Last week, I wrote Part One: Personhood—Relational Being. Today, I will focus on Part Two: Personhood—Fallen Individuals. Next week, I’ll write Part Three: Personhood Redeemed. In part one, I talked about what it might mean to think of the human person as a relational being. This … Continue reading Personhood: Part Two
Personhood: Part One
This past week, we Catholics celebrated Trinity Sunday. The Trinity is the central mystery of our faith; three Persons—the Father, Son, and Spirit—in one God. Meditating on this mystery always brings me back to the mystery of persons. In honor of this Solemnity, I’m going to do a trilogy of posts. Part One: Personhood—Relational Being; … Continue reading Personhood: Part One
The Signs of Happiness
The girl stared at her father until he looked up. His eyes widened behind his glasses. “What?” She stuck out her pretty red lip. “I’m bored.” He smiled and nodded. “It’s good for you!” Then he went back to his papers. She pouted some more until that, too, was boring. Then she went to stare … Continue reading The Signs of Happiness
The Sense of Magic
Office work is man’s best attempt at comfort for the sake of efficiency. There’s not much you can imagine as more removed from the world outside. If it’s hot, turn on the air conditioning. If it’s cold, turn on the heater. Roofs keep unwanted water out, and plumbing brings wanted water in. Walls deaden sounds, … Continue reading The Sense of Magic
The Feeling of the Philosopher
I started to climb because I wanted to see what it was like in the clouds. I reached them long ago, but I kept going. Every step showed more ahead and more behind. How could I stop? When I came to the top, the clouds broke. Only the stars showed down. I lay on my … Continue reading The Feeling of the Philosopher
The Beginning of Wisdom
Edmund yanked George’s little hand as they plodded along the covered walkway. The evening was already dark. Rain dripped off the tiles above them and dulled the patter of their steps. “Come on, George!” he said. “We’ll be late for dinner.” George’s head lowered, but he didn’t speed up. They came to a high gallery. … Continue reading The Beginning of Wisdom
A Grain of Salt 