Best of 2023 — Movies

 Here are my top picks from our year of viewing. We watched  around 125 movies last year.  

As always, the movies may be old, but my viewing was brand new in 2023. In no particular order.

I began my "Best of" lists way back in 2008. To see them, check the label cloud in the sidebar under "Best of ..."

2023 BEST MOVIES

Grand Hotel

The first Hollywood all-star epic with a lot of high-powered stars of the 1930s. We watched it because we were working our way through the Oscar winner/nominees for 1923. This is the movie where Greta Garbo's famous "I want to be alone" line originated. We were surprised at how much we enjoyed this very good movie which can hold its own against stories of today.

(My review here.)

Bholaa

This is a big action movie with lots of great stunts and acting from some top Bollywood stars. Moreover it was a compelling story with clearly drawn characters, excellent acting, clever twists, stylish choreography and imagery, and over-the-top action very well done.

(My review here.)

Confess, Fletch
Honor Among Thieves
Game Night

These are three movies whose only goal is to entertain. There have been precious few of those lately from Hollywood so we were thrilled to find them. Each is silly in its own way, but each one is fun in just the right way.

(My review here.)

Kantara

Shiva is a tribal vagabond who lives with his mother in a tiny forest village. He avoids participation in the traditional worship ceremonies due to an unforgettable childhood incident. He is happy loafing around with his friends and doing petty jobs for his landlord. When forest officer Murali enters the scene, it gives a fresh dimension to the man-vs-nature fight. Can Shiva save the forest from Murali?

(My review here.)

Father Stu

This is that rare find, a well done Christian movie. Usually we avoid faith based films like the plague because  but we gave this a chance because we were intrigued not only by the basic story but by Mark Wahlberg's dedication to getting it produced. Our faith was well rewarded.

(My review here.)

Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani
(Rocky and Rani's Love Story)

Rocky is a loud, showy Punjabi from a family who made their fortune making laddoos (sweets). Rani is a sophisticated, stylish television personality from a Bengali family. Brought together by a fluke because each loves their grandparents, they fall in love. This romantic comedy is a three-hour long, dance loaded, romance loaded movie that leaves you smiling. It's been described as "delicious eye candy with a rebellious core" and nothing could be truer. (My review here.)

 

Kathal — A Jackfruit Mystery

We all really loved this movie which follows Inspector Mahima Basor and her team as they pursue the ridiculous case of two stolen jackfruits. Everyone realizes it is a waste of resources but no one will say no to the politician. As you might expect there is a fair amount of humor but it is usually gentle and understated, which can be a rarity in Indian movies.

(My review here.)

Brochevarevarura
(Who Shall Save the Day?)

This story has the framework of an aspiring scriptwriter who is telling the story to an actress who he hopes to interest in starring in the film he's writing. The film pops in and out of this framework and it is interesting to see how the story can subtly change going forward based on the actress's questions or comments. Halfway through the film a plot twist popped up that left us astounded and intrigued. This made all the difference.

(My review here.)

Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning, part 1

We closed out the year with the latest Mission Impossible movie. These are always fun because they are so reliable. You know you are getting real entertainment along with a dose of uncompromising view of good versus evil, right versus wrong. Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) is on the right side, albeit having to overcome flaws along the way. I especially enjoyed the many flashes of humor throughout. We thoroughly enjoyed this movie and can't wait for part 2.

Best of 2023 — Reading

 My top picks from the over 120 books I read last year.

You may find old books here but if they're on this list, then they were new to me! In no particular order.

Note: I've been doing this since 2008 — check the label cloud in the sidebar for "Best of" to see other lists.

2023 BEST BOOKS

Owls Hoot in the Daytime and Other Omens

by Manly Wade Wellman

John's guitar has silver strings and with that, songs, and sometimes a silver quarter he battles evil. We are never in doubt that John will win. The charm comes in the Appalachian flavor and the imaginative nature of the predicaments faced.

(Full review here.)

Markmaker

by Mary Jessica Woods

Mariikel is a talented markmaker in a society where people's marks (tattoos) are the record of their lives. When he is ordered to put an exile mark on someone who he thinks isn't guilty it leads to an exciting story that also examines conscience, honor, truth, family, history, and politics.

(My review here.)

Winters in the World:
A Journey Through the Anglo-Saxon Year

by Eleanor Parker

Eleanor Parker weaves a tapestry of poetry, literature, history, religion, and language to go through the seasons and practices of the Anglo-Saxon year. The result is a masterpiece that gave me a real sense of connection with the people of long ago and a deep appreciation with the sacred cycle of time both then and now. This might be my favorite book of the year.

(My review here.)

The Wolf-Leader

by Alexandre Dumas

This Faustian tale infuses the hijinks of The Three Musketeers into a supernatural story with a moral center. A little-known Dumas story that is really delightful.

(My full review.)

30 Days with Married Saints

by Kent and Caitlin Lasnoski

Each day contains vivid portraits of heroically virtuous married saints as well as prayers, moving reflections, questions, and practical suggestions to enrich your marriage and inspire you and your spouse on your journey of sanctity. Really inspiring.

(My full review.)

What Monstrous Gods

by Rosamund Hodge

Rosamund Hodge is a fantasy writer whose begins, however tangentially, with a well-known fairy tale and then takes imaginative leaps into something completely original and breath-taking. In this case it begins with what happens when Sleeping Beauty awakens. This book will come out in 2024 and I'm looking forward to having my own hardback copy to reread.

(My full review.)

Before the Coffee Gets Cold

by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

A wonderful, charming tale of four people who go to an obscure cafe which is rumored to make time travel possible. The rules are strict, the time is very limited, and it seems impossible that they could accomplish much. Simple but magical.

(My full review.)

Third Eye

by Felicia Day

What happens when The Chosen One fails to defeat the ultimate villain and winds up reading tarot cards in a seedy part of San Francisco? Therein lies the fun as Felicia Day combines fantasy quest tropes in a way that is hilarious and also fulfilling. Just plain fun.

(My full review.)  

Starter Villain

by John Scalzi

When Charlie's long-lost uncle Jake dies he realizes that Jake wasn't just a pay-garage tycoon, but a super villain. The first hint? When he inherits an island complete with a volcano lair. Another that is just plain fun.

(My full review here.)

Surprised by Oxford

 by Carolyn Weber

Halfway through I was recommending it to every Christian I know. Having finished it, I am still doing so.

(Read my full review here.)

The Miracle Club

In 1967 three women from a small Irish town dream of winning a pilgrimage to Lourdes, a place of miracles. An old acquaintance surfaces just before they leave and, despite hard feelings from long ago, joins the pilgrimage. They are each seeking a miracle. 

This movie got mixed reviews and we were going to skip it until a trusted friend said that she liked it and it had some good funny bits. So we went ahead and it was a pleasant surprise. It was solidly directed and expertly acted with an underlying look at what you are expecting when you go looking for a miracle.  

I especially appreciated how understated the story was. There were many opportunities for an impassioned explanation of an old wrong but usually we were given small hints or implications from an actress's stillness or slight change in posture. This left the story feeling more real and drew us in.

The weakest link was the priest who didn't actually believe in anything except the need to believe. That was a typically weak, modern presentation of a priest. Luckily he wasn't in the movie very much. The story focuses solidly on the four women and it really is a women's movie. 

Recommended even for those who, like me, don't want to see a "women's movie."

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds follows Captain Christopher Pike and the crew of the starship Enterprise in the 23rd century as they explore new worlds and carry out missions throughout the galaxy during the decade before Star Trek: The Original Series.

Although I watched many of the Star Trek series as they came out, later ones haven't really been my cup of tea. However, I was intrigued after two trusted sources recommended this prequel to the original series featuring Captain Pike and several other regular characters from the original series. 

We enjoyed this quite a lot. It was an intriguing blend of faithfulness to the Star Trek sensibilities while containing character development and modern ideas. Generally this worked out well although our family didn't like the Dr. M'Benga arc with his child. While trying not to spoil anything, I will add that Catholics will understand our basic objections and note the unapologetic storyline here. It's nothing to avoid but I did want to mention that some modern elements just can't be avoided in current television.

However, generally thumbs up and we super duper loved the final episode.

My sources tell me that season two was terrible but the season ending was so satisfying that we are quite content to let our exploration stop here. If you're a Trek fan definitely try season one.

Jesse Tree - Day 16 - Jonah

This year we have the shortest possible time between the first Advent Sunday and Christmas. That means we won't be seeing a lot of the Jesse Tree entries. And I discovered that I should've switched to the O Antiphons on the 17th. Ah well, I told you this was going to be idiosyncratic!

We'll end this year with Jonah, who is a good example of what NOT to do (run away when God gives you a task) and what to do (pray when you're in the belly of a huge fish).

======

I last published these Jesse Tree posts in 2019. I want to revisit them this Advent so you're coming along for the ride!

The Jesse Tree helps us prepare for Christ's coming by studying His roots and Salvation History. 

Jesse Trees follow the same general outline but I've found they are widely varied in some of the details. Some may have one day for Moses, others may spend 4 days on different aspects of his life. I'll be following the basic outline but, therefore, using my own discretion in a few spots.

Day 16: Jonah

Symbols: whale

Jonah and the Whale

Jonah 1:11-15

As a friend of mine once said, "Jonah is the comedy book in the Bible." It's 4 chapters long, it's an action story, and it's very funny. What's not to like?

The Church Fathers often compare Jonah's three days in the fish to Christ's three days in the tomb. I myself love the fact that Jonah is so busy running from God. Been there. Done that. Luckily without any huge fish being involved.

And I love the fact that God is so funny when he is poking Jonah at the end of the book. He cares enough to save the Ninevites who were the most hated people of their time. And he cares about each one individually, such as Jonah.

God Talks to Jonah

TV You Might Have Missed 7 — Wellington Paranormal

Sergeant Ruawai Maaka of the Wellington Police enlists the aid of Officers Minogue and O'Leary to tackle paranormal events in New Zealand's capital city. The mockumentary follows these kiwi cops as they investigate cases such as the demon possession of a teenager, a noise complaint at a haunted house and a blood bank robbery.

What the description above misses is that the whole thing is done with deadpan humor as the cops clearly don't have the faintest idea what "paranormal" involves. They don't believe in ghosts, think that a wolf in jeans is just like dressed up dogs on YouTube, and are baffled by crop circles.

Partway through the first episode I felt echoes of Flight of the Conchords and, sure enough, Jermaine Clement is a creator. I haven't seen What We Do in the Shadows, having been assured by my girls that it is way too gory for me, but this is a spin-off of that, which makes sense.

Jesse Tree - Day 15: Elijah

I last published these Jesse Tree posts in 2019. I want to revisit them this Advent so you're coming along for the ride!

The Jesse Tree helps us prepare for Christ's coming by studying His roots and Salvation History. 

Jesse Trees follow the same general outline but I've found they are widely varied in some of the details. Some may have one day for Moses, others may spend 4 days on different aspects of his life. I'll be following the basic outline but, therefore, using my own discretion in a few spots.

Day 15: Elijah

Symbols: stone altar

Elijah and the priests of Baal

1 Kings 17:1-16, 18:1-46

We all have a few vague pictures of Elijah. For one thing, he shows up during Christ's transfiguration so we should pay a bit of attention when he comes up in the Jesse Tree. Usually it is because he stands up for God before the priests of Ba'al and wins hands-down (for God is on his side). It is a spectacular showdown and if you aren't familiar with it, I encourage you to read about it.

Some may think of the ravens feeding him in the wilderness. I myself always remember the pagan woman whose grain and oil never ran out, even though there was a famine, because Elijah was boarding with her. And whose son he raised from the dead.

The Elijah story that speaks to my heart most, though, is one that I suspect we all relate to. Elijah is on the run from the Israelite leaders who want to kill him. He is weary and heart-sick and wants to give up. And God comes to speak to him.

And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.

We've all looked for a big sign and wound up with a still, small voice, haven't we? And I think we've all had times when we've been "done" and wanted to curl up in a cave. Elijah performed God's miracles but in the details of his life he is more like us than we might think.

Elijah raises the widow's son, Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld, 1851-60

Lights on the Riverwalk

Lights on the Riverwalk, San Antonio (2012),
with permission from Jason Merlo Photography

 

Jesse Tree - Day 14: David

I last published these Jesse Tree posts in 2019. I want to revisit them this Advent so you're coming along for the ride!

The Jesse Tree helps us prepare for Christ's coming by studying His roots and Salvation History. 

Jesse Trees follow the same general outline but I've found they are widely varied in some of the details. Some may have one day for Moses, others may spend 4 days on different aspects of his life. I'll be following the basic outline but, therefore, using my own discretion in a few spots.

Day 14: David

Symbols: shepherd's crook, harp, slingshot, 6-pointed star

Michelangelo, David and Goliath, 1509

1 Sam. 17:12-51

David began as a shepherd, the youngest of the family, and from Bethlehem. When I read his story in the Bible his humanity becomes so clear. He is so often the best of what we hope from humanity. And he also is often the worst. His most famous descendant, Jesus, was also from Bethlehem and is our shepherd.

“I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep.”(John 10:14, 15)

David is anointed king by Samuel, Anonymous

TV You Might Have Missed 6 — Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938

This second season of Tale of the Nine Tailed is unusual since Korean TV doesn't run much to sequels. This one is a prequel as Lee Yeon is sent back to 1938 to retrieve a precious, supernatural object that has been stolen. While there the quest becomes increasingly complicated — of course — and it takes 11 more episodes to get everything wrapped up. 

 It wasn't as good as the original series (my review here) but entertaining overall. The first three episodes were extremely light on story with a lot of time devoted to broad humor which felt like a real waste of time and talent. However, it began picking up speed and plotlines from there and turned into a good series by the end. 

As a prequel, it worked as long as you don't worry too much about timeline continuity. Which we didn't. You do learn a lot about Lee Yeon's past as a mountain god and meet a few of the other mountain gods from the area. (Don't worry. None are as awesome as Lee Yeon.)

We also learned a few things about the Japanese occupation of Korea during WWII, indigenous gods, and other tidbits of Korean culture. Not to mention zombies and time-travel thrown in for good measure.

As an American it was fascinating to see how the Japanese villain was equivalent for Koreans to what a Nazi villain would have been for us. I hated that villain so much.

We also had wondered how any tale about Lee Yeon would be possible without his true love. No problem. There is always the brotherly angst and heartache of striving for little brother Lee Rang's love. And, of course, Lee Rang's struggle with trusting his brother. Which, to be fair, was just as absorbing as a romance.

If there's a third series we'll be ready to watch!

Jesse Tree - Day 13: Samuel

I last published these Jesse Tree posts in 2019. I want to revisit them this Advent so you're coming along for the ride!

The Jesse Tree helps us prepare for Christ's coming by studying His roots and Salvation History. 

Jesse Trees follow the same general outline but I've found they are widely varied in some of the details. Some may have one day for Moses, others may spend 4 days on different aspects of his life. I'll be following the basic outline but, therefore, using my own discretion in a few spots.

Day 13: Samuel

Symbols: lamp, temple

The Infant Samuel, Sir Joshua Reynolds 1723-1792

1 Sam. 3:1-18

I must begin this by saying that I love the story of Hannah, Samuel's mother who prayed to God in the temple to give her a child. Read the first two chapters of 1 Samuel for her story and to see what leads up to Samuel's story.

With that example no wonder Samuel began life loving God and being obedient. Again we see the theme which runs throughout salvation history - obedience. Even when it doesn't make sense, this obedience works because God sees the big picture so much better than we do. Samuel must have needed to cling to his trust and faith in God when you think of some of the things he saw people doing, especially once Saul began ruling.

Samuel in the Temple, David Wilkie, 1839

Jesse Tree - Day 12: Ruth

I last published these Jesse Tree posts in 2019. I want to revisit them this Advent so you're coming along for the ride!

The Jesse Tree helps us prepare for Christ's coming by studying His roots and Salvation History. 

Jesse Trees follow the same general outline but I've found they are widely varied in some of the details. Some may have one day for Moses, others may spend 4 days on different aspects of his life. I'll be following the basic outline but, therefore, using my own discretion in a few spots.

Day 12: Ruth

Symbols: grain, basket

Ruth Gleaning, illustrated manuscript 1405-1415, British Library

Ruth

Who doesn't know and love this story of the loving, faithful daughter-in-law who became an ancestress not only to King David, but to Jesus Christ? It is worth remembering that she was a pagan from a strange country but who God used in his mysterious ways for all of our good.

Boaz and Ruth, Rembrandt

Jesse Tree - Day 11: Gideon

I last published these Jesse Tree posts in 2019. I want to revisit them this Advent so you're coming along for the ride!

The Jesse Tree helps us prepare for Christ's coming by studying His roots and Salvation History. 

Jesse Trees follow the same general outline but I've found they are widely varied in some of the details. Some may have one day for Moses, others may spend 4 days on different aspects of his life. I'll be following the basic outline but, therefore, using my own discretion in a few spots.

Day 11: Gideon

Symbols: clay water pitcher, torch,

Gideon Chooses His 300, James Tissot

Judges 2:6-23, 6:1-6, 11-8:28

Gideon's story begins with a familiar pattern. After being saved and brought into the Promised Land, time passed, and the people fell back into their old, sinful ways. Sometimes, God lets you reap what you sow so that you can see the error of your ways. In this case, he withdraws his protection and ... whoosh! ... in come the Midianites for some of that land of milk and honey.

God, of course, is merciful and hearing his people's pleas, he raises up a hero in the way that so often happens, by picking most unlikely guy around - Gideon. A poor farmer who, like Moses, at first protests that he isn't worthy or capable, Gideon leads a picked force of 300 to defeat 100,000 Midianites. Sneaking up with torches hidden under water pitchers, they surprised the people so much that many of them began fighting among themselves. The victory was a total rout.

What better way to be reminded that when there is victory, it is through God? We can't depend on ourselves alone.

I love Gideon best for the story of how many times he asked God for reassurance using a sheep's fleece and dewfall. I can totally relate to that brand of skepticism. God's patience with Gideon is something I've experienced myself. On a much lesser level, of course.

Gideon thanks God for the Miracle of the Dew,
Maarten van Heemskerck, 1550

Jesse Tree - Day 10: Joshua

I last published these Jesse Tree posts in 2019. I want to revisit them this Advent so you're coming along for the ride!

The Jesse Tree helps us prepare for Christ's coming by studying His roots and Salvation History. 

Jesse Trees follow the same general outline but I've found they are widely varied in some of the details. Some may have one day for Moses, others may spend 4 days on different aspects of his life. I'll be following the basic outline but, therefore, using my own discretion in a few spots.

Day 10: Joshua

Symbols: ram's horn trumpet

The Battle of Jericho on Ghiberti doors, Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0

Joshua 1:1-11; 6:1-20

Joshua had the daunting task of following Moses as the Hebrew people's leader. Yet, every time I read about Moses's life, Joshua begins to come to my attention, carefully pointed out by the author. He is stalwart, he loves God, and he is obedient. So he's the perfect leader to take this band of people who wandered in the desert for 40 years precisely because of their disobedience. And he leads them in a leap of faith that is such a crazy stunt only God would have thought it up. "C'mon everyone, let's march around the city crying aloud to God and then, we'll blow our trumpets. And the city will be ours."

As is often the case with God's "crazy stunts" this one worked because of His power and their trust and obedience. We look forward to the purpose of this tiny baby Jesus whose coming we await, and we see the one who is fully trusting, fully obedient, and fully loving ... both of us and of God the Father.

I've also always loved the story of Joshua leading the people into the Promised Land and the River Jordan parting for them. Hey, there's more to Joshua than trumpets.

The Children of Israel Crossing the Jordan by Benjamin West, 1800

Jesse Tree - Day 9: Moses

I last published these Jesse Tree posts in 2019. I want to revisit them this Advent so you're coming along for the ride!

The Jesse Tree helps us prepare for Christ's coming by studying His roots and Salvation History. 

Jesse Trees follow the same general outline but I've found they are widely varied in some of the details. Some may have one day for Moses, others may spend 4 days on different aspects of his life. I'll be following the basic outline but, therefore, using my own discretion in a few spots.

Day 9: Moses

Symbols: baby in basket, river and rushes

The Birth of Moses, circa 2nd century
Gabrielle Sed Rajna L'Art Juif- Citadelles Mazenod
Source

Exodus 2:1-10

I know that Moses is a "type" for Jesus, meaning that we can see examples in his life of the larger message Jesus will bring for us. It never occurred to me until considering this scripture in relationship to Christmas that Moses escapes wholesale slaughter of baby boys - just like Jesus does. It all begins right here.

Of course, there are many more things to consider from Moses's life. He was curious, brave, and intelligent enough to investigate the burning bush and obey the Living God. He went against his natural instincts to obey God's will and engaged in a battle of wills with Pharaoh, led his people into the desert, performed miracles at God's behest, and brought them the Torah, the Law which instructs them and us to this day.

He, Qi. Finding of Moses, 2001
via Vanderbilt Divinity Library

Jesse Tree: Day 8 - Joseph

I last published these Jesse Tree posts in 2019. I want to revisit them this Advent so you're coming along for the ride!

The Jesse Tree helps us prepare for Christ's coming by studying His roots and Salvation History. 

Jesse Trees follow the same general outline but I've found they are widely varied in some of the details. Some may have one day for Moses, others may spend 4 days on different aspects of his life. I'll be following the basic outline but, therefore, using my own discretion in a few spots.

Day 8: Joseph

Symbols: bucket, well, silver coins, tunic

Joseph sold by his brothers. Anna Bilińska-Bohdanowicz (1857–1893)
via Wikipedia

Gen. 37:23-28; 45:3-15

We know a lot about Joseph's story. It is one of the most beloved of the Old Testament. We're invited to think about how much Joseph endured, beginning with his brothers selling him into slavery. Then, when he has the chance to claim revenge, instead he extends love and forgiveness. Not only that, but Joseph interprets how God has brought good out of evil. "And now do not be distressed, or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for God set me before you to preserve life."

Joseph Weeps
Illustration by Owen Jones, 1869, via Wikipedia

Harvest Time

 From our very own Meyer Lemon tree! It performed splendidly despite terrible heat, thanks to Rose's vigilant watering.

Life was such a wonderful gamble

I only contemplated one thing—a happy marriage. About that I had complete self-assurance—as all my friends did. We were conscious of all the happiness that awaited us; we looked forward to love, to being looked after, to being cherished and admired, and we intended to get our own way in the things which mattered to us while at the same time putting our husbands' life, career and success before all, as was our proud duty. We didn't need pep pills or sedatives, we had belief and joy in life. We had our own personal disappointments—moments of unhappiness‚but on the whole life was fun.

The real excitement of being a girl—of being, that is, a woman in embryo—was that life was such a wonderful gamble. You didn't know what was going to happen to you. That was what made being a woman so exciting. No worry about what you should be or do—Biology would decide. You were waiting for The Man, and when the man came, he would change your entire life! You can say what you like, that is an exciting oint of view to hold at the threshold of life. What will happen? ... "Perhaps I'll marry someone who builds bridges, or an explorer." The world was open to you—not open to your choice, but open to what Fate brought you. You might marry anyone; you might, of course, marry a drunkard or be very unhappy, but that only heightened the general feeling of excitement. And one wasn't marrying the profession, either; it was the man. In the words of old nurses, nannies, cooks an dhousemaids:

"One day Mr. Right will come along."

Agatha Christie: An Autobiography

 This was Agatha Christie's attitude through much of her life. She looked at life as an exciting gamble, even when sometimes the payoff is sadness or regret. She had a generally happy, optimistic nature that was always ready for the next adventure. Many of us could do with a little more of that quality.

Jesse Tree - Day 7: Jacob

I last published these Jesse Tree posts in 2019. I want to revisit them this Advent so you're coming along for the ride!

The Jesse Tree helps us prepare for Christ's coming by studying His roots and Salvation History. 

Day 7: Jacob

Symbols: kettle, ladder

Jacob's Dream, Jusepe de Ribera
via Artbl

Gen. 25:1-34; 28:10-15

Look closely at the painting and right above Jacob's head you can see the wispy dream of the angelic ladder taking place. What I didn't remember until I reread this was that God actually speaks to Jacob in his dream. The ladder has been considered a symbol of reuniting earth to the divine, of the Christian life, and, of course, of Christ who is the true bridge between heaven and earth. I myself like to think about how God communicates in dreams in the Bible. It's a reminder that there is more to life than just the material world, that we often encounter God in ways others don't understand, and that he knows how to reach us when we don't expect it.

Below is a painting of one of my favorite scenes from Jacob's long and complex story. It's a bit that people often forget. When Jacob returns home with his wives and property, he's nervous to meet Esau again after having tricked him out of his birthright so long ago. Unexpectedly Esau comes forward happily to meet his brother. Esau doesn't get enough credit for this, I always think. And he is a type, perhaps, of the loving father in the Prodigal Son parable and, therefore, an example of God's loving kindness and mercy to us no matter how deliberately we've sinned.

Peter Paul Rubens, The Reconciliation of Jacob and Esau, 1624.
via Wikimedia Commons

Jesse Tree - Day 6: Isaac

I last published these Jesse Tree posts in 2019. I want to revisit them this Advent so you're coming along for the ride!

The Jesse Tree helps us prepare for Christ's coming by studying His roots and Salvation History. 

Day 6: Isaac

Symbols: bundle of wood, altar, ram in bush

Abraham's sacrifice - a fresco from the Old church of Raduil. Bulgaria,
by Edal Anton Lefterov (Own work);[CC-BY-SA-3.0 or GFDL  via Wikimedia Commons

Gen. 22:1-14

How Abraham must have trusted and loved God above all to follow his instructions for sacrificing Isaac. In this way he is the opposite of Adam and Eve who did the "reasonable" thing instead of trusting in God's love. Perhaps he remembered that God loved Isaac even more than he, Abraham, did. Perhaps it was a continual struggle with himself to obey God's will. Or both. Did Abraham think of that star-filled night, of the promise of more descendants than he could count? And what do I do when faced with an "unreasonable" request? We saw what Christ did. He obeyed and trusted and loved God to the very end ... and to a resurrection. And that made all the difference for us.

Abraham embraces his son Isaac after receiving him back from God, 1900 Bible illustration
Via Wikimedia Commons

Monsieur Vincent by Henri Daniel-Rops

This was a quick read which told St. Vincent de Paul's story in manageable pieces. That's no small feat since he had an extremely full, action-packed life, such as when he was captured by pirates, sold into slavery, and convinced his owner to escape with him to Europe. As his eyes were opened to the plight of the poor, especially the countryside peasants, he began working to alleviate their distress, recruiting the wealthy to be Christ's hands. His realization of the overwhelming lack of catechesis for priests, and consequently their ignorance of the faith, led to a series of educational efforts which gradually turned into the first seminaries.

Henri Daniel-Rops* is one of my favorite authors, albeit largely forgotten nowadays, and he does full justice to this great saint. Despite the efficient story telling, there are moments where the story slows down for greater detail. I was often inspired and greatly moved.  It was fascinating to see how St. Vincent's path occasionally criss-crossed with that of the great St. Francis de Sales. He often wound up inadvertently  developing programs which de Sales was trying to get approved in Geneva but couldn't get permission for. Clearly, Christ's plan for the Church was headed in the direction that we see St. Vincent treading. 

As a member of The St. Vincent de Paul Society, I was also struck by threads which Frederic Ozanam picked up 200 years later to incorporate in the society's organization. And that doesn't even begin to cover such things as how groundbreaking it was to begin the Ladies of Charity, Daughters of Charity, and other groups which revolutionized the course of women serving the poor.

This is a wonderful stepping-stone which will have me looking for other in-depth books about this great saint.

* I see that I haven't reviewed any other of his books and must remedy that. However, here are some quotes I have featured which may give you a sense of his writing.

Jesse Tree - Day 5: Abraham

I last published these Jesse Tree posts in 2019. I want to revisit them this Advent so you're coming along for the ride!

The Jesse Tree helps us prepare for Christ's coming by studying His roots and Salvation History. 

Day 5: Abraham

Symbols: stars, torch, sword, mountain

Abraham Goes to the Land of Canaan, 1866, Gustave Doré [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Gen. 12:1-3

God promised Abraham that his descendants would be more numerous than the stars at night. If, like me, you live in a city, then that promise loses a lot of its force. Think of the thick blanket of stars you see when you are in the countryside, mountains, or any other place where there isn't a lot of light. It is truly awe inspiring. And God kept that promise. Abraham couldn't have imagined how far and wide and numerous his descendants would be now, thousands of years after his lifetime. Abraham is our father in faith too, so we are some of those descendants thanks to our adoption through Jesus Christ into the family of God.

Abraham and the Angels, By orthodox painter [FAL], via Wikimedia Commons

Jesse Tree - Day 4: Noah

I last published these Jesse Tree posts in 2019. I want to revisit them this Advent so you're coming along for the ride!

The Jesse Tree helps us prepare for Christ's coming by studying His roots and Salvation History. 

Day 4: Noah

Symbols: ark, animals, dove, rainbow

Building of the ark, Illumination on parchment,
41 x 28 cm, British Library, London, ca 1423.
Via Wikipedia

Gen. 6:5-8, 13-22; 7:17, 23, 24; 8:1, 6-22

I love the story of Noah. It is relatively short but has such a wealth of material for reflection. It's a bit of a shock to realize how quickly mankind became so wicked that the best solution was to eliminate almost everything. Except, of course, Noah, his family, and the animals on the ark. It's sobering to think how intimately we are connected with creation that our wickedness affected nature too.

I know many people didn't like it, but for me one of the best aids to reflecting on this story is the 2014 movie Noah. (You can hear my conversation with Scott Danielson about it at A Good Story is Hard to Find podcast.) It vividly expresses the wickedness of those ancient times, the flood, and the love that is felt at the end when God's rainbow fills the sky as a merciful promise never to destroy the earth like that again.

Noah's Thanks Offering, Jacopo Amigoni
via Wikimedia Commons

Jesse Tree - Day 3: Fall of Man

I last published these Jesse Tree posts in 2019. I want to revisit them this Advent so you're coming along for the ride!

The Jesse Tree helps us prepare for Christ's coming by studying His roots and Salvation History. 

Day 3: Fall of Man

Symbols: tree, serpent, apple with bite

The story of the Eden Garden. The temptation of Adam and Eve by the devil.
Pedestal of the statue of Madonna with Child, western portal (of the Virgin), 
of Notre-Dame de Paris, France.  Via Wikipedia

Gen.3:1-7 and 23-24

Original sin. Whatever separates us from God is sin and it begins here when Adam and Eve consider whether they should trust and obey God or take matters into their own hands. We all know what happens next. It's the reason we have Christmas, so the "new Adam" can come and restore us to that original, beautiful relationship.

Adam and Eve expelled from Paradise, Paul Gustave Doré
Scan from a Dutch Bible. Via Wikipedia

What odd things one remembers out of one's life

But to go back to memories. What odd things, really, when one collects them all together, one does remember out of one's life. One remembers happy occasions, one rememvers—very vividly, I think—fear. Oddly enough, pain and unhappiness are hared to recapture. I do not mean exactly that I do not remember them—I can, but without feeling them. Where they are concerned I am in the first stage. I say, "There was Agatha being terribly unhappy. There was Agatha having a toothache." But I don't feel the unhappiness or feel the toothache. On the other hand, one day the sudden smell of lime trees brings the past back, and suddenly I remember a day spent near the lime trees, the pleasure with which I threw myself down on the ground, the smell of hot grass, and the suddenly lovely feeling of summer; a cedar tree nearby and the river beyond. ... The feeling of being at one with life. It comes back in that moment. Not only a remembered thing of the mind but the feeling itself as well.

Agatha Christie: An Autobiography

I've read this book several times, always with much pleasure at Agatha Christie's writing style and approachability in this story of her life. It takes us from her childhood in Victorian times through her writing a mystery as a way to pass the time through marriages and into relatively modern times. As you can see, she has a way of making her own thoughts and observations very relatable. It is making good bedtime reading.

Jesse Tree - Day 2: Adam and Eve

I last published these Jesse Tree posts in 2019. I want to revisit them this Advent so you're coming along for the ride!

The Jesse Tree helps us prepare for Christ's coming by studying His roots and Salvation History. 

Day 2: Adam and Eve

Symbols: tree, man, woman

The Creation of Eve, Sistine Chapel, fresco Michelangelo, 
a "spandrel" in the Ancestors of Christ series.

Via Wikipedia

Gen. 2:7-9, 18-24

"Then the man said, "This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh..."

Yes. Anyone who has ever fallen in love knows that feeling. After such loneliness in not having even one other person like himself, how great must have been Adam's joy.

I know the statue below is entitled Paradise Lost, but I like the touching tenderness of Adam and Eve as a couple.

Thierry Caro, Le Paradis perdu (Paradise lost), 
une sculpture de Jean Gautherin conservée par la Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, à Copenhague, 2007.

Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license. Via Wikipedia

Jesse Tree - Day 1: Creation

I last published these Jesse Tree posts in 2019. I want to revisit them this Advent so you're coming along for the ride!

The Jesse Tree helps us prepare for Christ's coming by studying His roots and Salvation History. 

Jesse Trees follow the same general outline but I've found they are widely varied in some of the details. Some may have one day for Moses, others may spend 4 days on different aspects of his life. I'll be following the basic outline but, therefore, using my own discretion in a few spots.

My original sources for days and symbols were Catholic Culture, Loyola Press, Faith Magazine, and A few beads short.  

Let's begin with what a Jesse Tree is.

The representation of the Tree of Jesse is based upon the prophecy of Isaiah 11:1-2:

And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots: and the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him: the sprit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and fortitude, the spirit of knowledge, and of the fear of the Lord.

[...]

The Advent Jesse Tree is fairly recent practice, trying to emphasize "Christ" in Christmas by studying His roots. A home Jesse Tree can be a small evergreen tree, artificial or real, bare branch set in a sturdy pot, or a wallhanging made of felt, posterboard or wood. Each evening in Advent a new symbol is placed on the tree, the Scripture verse is read and the significance in Salvation History is explained.

Catholic Culture

Jesse was David's father, from whose line Jesus came (just to get all the connections straight). You can read the full story of Jesse in Isaiah 11:1-10 and David in 1 Samuel 16:1-13.

So if we begin at the very beginning, both in terms of Christ's roots and Salvation History, obviously we're talking about ...

Day 1: Creation

Symbols: sun, moon, stars, animals, earth

"The Blue Marble" photograph of Earth,
taken from Apollo 17, via Wikipedia

Gen.1 - Gen.2:1-4

I read the story of Creation and love God looking over all he made and saying, "It is good." I also love the vivid descriptions of what is created: "... great sea monsters and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind." And, of course, Adam is also part of what is "good." He is here to be a part of creation also.

God creating the land animals (Vittskövle Church fresco, 1480s).
Via Wikipedia

The Long Weekend, Super Sunday, or Double Christmas — how will you do Mass this Dec. 25?

 Because Christmas is on Monday this year, that means we've got two days of mass in a row — both the Sunday mass and the Christmas (holy day of obligation) mass.

The Pillar looks at all the options I never thought of in this post. Truly it is a dizzying intellect that considered and clarified these options for us.

My Patron Saint for 2024 — Blessed Frederic Ozanam

Frederic Ozanam
founder of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society

Choosing a special patron saint for a new year is an old custom that has found favor again in some spots. You can choose a saint who interests you or it can be a name drawn from a hat of potential saints (one is really leaning on divine inspiration at that point) or picked at random (try the saint's name generator). The idea is that one is being directed (with help) to become more aware of specific areas in life where special guidance might be necessary. 

I've done this, off and on, since 2006 and had every sort of saint from Vitus to Francis Xavier to Justina to J.R.R. Tolkien (not a saint, I know, but a devout Catholic whose writing I focused on that year).  The new Church year begins with Advent next Sunday so I have been giving some thought to who I'll be spending the year with.

This year I was intending to choose Saint Vincent de Paul. Looking him up on his saint day I was fascinated by the breadth of experiences he'd had, up to and including being kidnapped by pirates. However, Frederic Ozanam stepped in and nudged me into realizing that he's already influencing my life in small ways that make a big difference. First of all, I joined the Saint Vincent de Paul Society (SVdP) in May and began hearing about him. I didn't care much, to be truthful, because I didn't know much about any of the people associated with the society. And no one could seem to do more than relate a few quick stories of his life. I asked about books and no one knew of any. 

So I continued in careless ignorance until I was coming up with spiritual material for the team couples in a Beyond Cana retreat that we were helping get started. I was surprised to come across him in 30 Days with Married Saints which gave me a nice insight into his home life. More recently a fellow attendee at the Ozanam Orientation for SVdP brought up a collection of Ozanam's letters. I was really interested in how to get a copy and she pulled it out of her backpack, saying, "So you're the one I brought this for!" 

Reading the letters I've been struck by his gentle ways of giving advice, taking criticism, and his boundless enthusiasm. I began considering how I could act similarly since I have a tendency to rush in, all guns blazing. Truly, this description from the Catholic Encyclopedia has come across to me: During his life he was an active member and a zealous propagator of the society. With all his zeal, he was, however, tolerant. 

Reader, that's when I chose him for 2024! We got about a month's head start but that's what it took to make me sit up and pay attention. I'm looking forward to his guidance in the next year.