The headline reads, “John Smith Accused of Financial Improprieties.” “Oh, no!” you think—and you (and many other customers) quickly withdraw any money you’ve invested through John Smith. Later in the week, in a small box on page 5, the newspaper prints a correction. The person who has run afoul of the law is John Smythe. Few readers ever notice the retraction, though, and John Smith’s reputation is seriously damaged. * * * * * Words have power. That’s why I... Read more
White elephant (n.) an idiom for a valuable possession of which its owner cannot dispose, and whose cost (particularly cost of upkeep) is out of proportion to its usefulness or worth. * * * * * Did you ever receive a “white elephant” as a gift? Maybe it was a lamp or bric-a-brac given by a beloved aunt. You would never intentionally hurt her feelings, but what in the world, you wonder, will you do with this? Perhaps Pope Leo X felt... Read more
I enjoy a good laugh as much as the next guy. I’ve gotta say, though, that I’m having a hard time keeping my composure after watching the front-running commercial in the Pepsi Company’s 2011 Super Bowl advertisement contest. Titled “Feed Your Flock,” the commercial satirizes the Eucharist, the most sacred mystery in which, Catholics believe, Jesus gives of Himself—offering us His body and blood. What’s so funny about that? “Blasphemy” is irreverence toward holy personages, religious artifacts, customs and beliefs. ... Read more
Age 1 – Oh! Oh! Look at the twinkling lights! I’ve never seen anything like this! Look at the shiny balls—Wouldn’t they taste good…? Mommy, why are you running and pulling me away? Do you always get so excited?! Age 5 – I LOVE the pink Teddy Bear ornament from Grandma! And the Santa ornament from Uncle Joe. And the ballerina! And candy canes! They’re the best! And Santa’s coming, and we’re going to leave him some cookies! I LOVE... Read more
Lord! when you sell a man a book you don’t sell just twelve ounces of paper and ink and glue – you sell him a whole new life. Love and friendship and humour and ships at sea by night – there’s all heaven and earth in a book, a real book. ~Christopher Morley * * * * * I got a queer email today. I was contacted by Amazon.com, inviting me to sell back the books I’d bought this year. ... Read more
GOD OF MARY AND JOSEPH, of shepherds and animals, bless us whenever we gaze on this manger scene. Through all the days of Christmas, may these figures tell the story of how humans, angels, and animals found the Christ in this poor place. FILL OUR HOUSE with hospitality, joy, gentleness, and thanksgiving, and guide our steps in the way of peace. GRANT THIS THROUGH CHRIST OUR LORD. AMEN. Read more
What a wonder it is! So grand, so solemn, so vast! And yet so delicate, so airy, so graceful! A very world of solid weight, and yet it seems …a delusion of frostwork that might vanish with a breath!… –Mark Twain, commenting on the Duomo in “Innocents Abroad.” I just read that the Duomo in Milan—one of Italy’s most beautiful structures—is showing off during this Christmas season with new lights. On December 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, as... Read more
Yesterday was quite a day! First, it was the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. It’s one of my favorite feasts… but more on that later. Second, for the first time on American soil, a Marian apparition was officially approved—that is, was called “worthy of belief.” More on that later, too! But third, what I really wanted to talk about, is just what it means to be called to religious life. * * * * * I had the privilege yesterday... Read more
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Seasons of Grace
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