Okay, that’s a slight exaggeration. Your family is to die for, your country is to die for. But…you see that ad over on the right-hand sidebar, just under the Amazon searcher? That ad for The Toffee House? That is some toffee that will make you think you could die for it. Or that you’ve died and gone to heaven. The Toffee House is a family-run business; it’s so family run that when you receive your order, it includes a hand-drawn... Read more
Way behind schedule over here due to a personal mishap – nothing big, something stupid, actually, but you know…one of “those days.” I must admit, there was a point where I was feeling a little undone and frantic at the way my schedule and my day had gone lopsided, and I almost wanted to forego doing the podcast, but then I thought…no, what I really need is a time-out for prayer. Vespers will help, not hurt – and indeed, that’s... Read more
Imagine taking a polaroid photograph, every day of your life, from March 31, 1979 through October 25, 1997, the day you die. Day to day photography covers everything from the magnificent to the mundane. The art of a life. It’s very moving. H/T Reader Dick. Read more
Do you remember, a while I ago, I wrote about the point of monasticism and the power and efficacy of their focused and concentrated prayers, on behalf of the world. At the time I linked to many religious communities of monastic men and women who are happy to storm heaven for the benefit of others. I’ve always felt strongly that what blesses us and the whole world is when we pray for others rather than ourselves. In terms of economy... Read more
I’ve had a few emails from people asking me to record separately the “talks” which have been showing up at the end of my most recent podcasts, for those who lack the time or the inclination to endure the Liturgy of the Hours. When I have time to do two recordings in a day, I’ll be happy to comply with that request. Today, I happen to have enough time, so, here is a talk about the Feast of the Immaculate... Read more
Vespers for Saturday always anticipates the readings for Sunday. The Podcast for tonight’s vespers can be found here. The hymn is “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” and the talk at the end talks about that vulnerable part of ourselves most tripped over in silence. Honestly, I don’t know how folks listen to the talking part of the podcast; it’s ants-in-the-pants for me. The Benedictine Nuns at St. Walburga’s have an Advent reflection The Dominican Nuns at Summit have posted... Read more
In keeping with the “simple gifts” and “little things” that has been popping up all day for me, here is the vespers podcast for this evening, with a little talk about a really little thing, at the end. Read more
A great piece by my pal by Fr. James Martin, SJ: Look, I love family photos during the holidays. Plus, I actually read those annual holiday letters, all of which start with “What a busy year it’s been!” Seeing photos of my friends and their families and even enjoying a few sunny beach scenes when it’s cold and dark outside is a highlight of December. But I enjoy the photos more when they’re inside the card, not the card itself.... Read more
When no one listens to me any more God still listens to me When I can no longer talk to anyone I can always talk to God When there is no longer anyone to help me He can help me When I am plunged into complete solitude If I pray I am never totally alone. — Pope Benedict XVI, Spe Salvi ‘Tis the gift to be simple, ’tis the gift to be free, ‘Tis the gift to come down where... Read more
Just wanted to put up a quick thank you to all of you who are shopping Amazon via this site. In order for me to be able to keep running this blog, I really count on that support, and I wanted to tell you I appreciate that so many of you have done some Christmas shopping while entering Amazon from here. I was particularly shocked to see a few big purchases, like the Amazon Kindle, the Playstation 3, the complete... Read more
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