Poetry Thursday

Second in our limited series by the house poet (there's nothing like a Creative Writing class for a regular output of poetry): Rose.

You Can

You can tear it down, wall by wall
You can take my home from me

You can rip them away, one and all
You can take my family from me

You can make me face learn to glare
You can take my love from me

You can make me no longer care
You can take my hate from me

You can drag me through the driving rain
You can take my pride from me

You can taunt, jeer, laugh at my pain
You can take my joy from me

You can tell me it could be worse
You can take my pain from me

You can turn each day into a curse
You can take my hope from me

You can force me into iron chains
You can take my freedom from me

You can spill the blood in my veins
You can take my life from me

You can laugh at belief, tear downs my ideals
You can take my faith from me

But with me, you can make no deals
You can’t take my soul from me

Why Dogs Bite People - 4

Discernment on TV

God or the Girl

I remember reading reviews from various bloggers lucky enough to have cable and see God or the Girl, a reality show that tracked four young Catholic men discerning for the priesthood. Luckily I don't remember many details except for the fact that most people thought it a fairly good show.

Luckily I was given the DVD. It has some very interesting sounding extras which I'm not going to watch until I get through the show itself for fear of ruining some of the revelations. ("Bonus features are equally substantial, including a half-episode featuring a fifth participant, deleted scenes, and a richly informative 14-minute offering of "priestly wisdom from Father Mark," in which the series' priestly consultant explains the Catholic perspective on calling & discernment, celibacy, faith, family, and sacrifice.")

I also was pleased to see that the Amazon reviewer gave it a glowing review for all the right reasons. Go read the entire thing for a better perspective but here's a bit.

... this remarkable five-part miniseries bears more resemblance to a legitimate documentary, in which four young men face the permanent and life-altering decision between celibacy in the Roman Catholic priesthood or a sexually active life of faith, marriage, and family. Although the veteran reality TV producers of this A&E series (which premiered amidst mild and short-lived controversy on Easter Sunday 2006) had originally intended a more populist MTV-like approach to their exploration of religious fervor, what they ultimately captured (largely due to the integrity of the participants) is a remarkably revealing and spiritually uplifting study of Catholic faith in modern America. While acknowledging the scandals that tarnished the Catholic Church in recent years, God or the Girl offers a refreshing and surprisingly balanced perspective on serious issues of faith rarely addressed in mainstream entertainment.

My main struggle in watching has been to get the time. Unfortunately my receipt of it coincided with the beginning of the new television season so I've had to wait until Rose is out of taped options to slide one in.

However, she and I were quite pleased after watching the first show, which we did a couple of days ago. For one thing it was odd but nice to see all the "environment" shots so extremely familiar, what with the focus being Catholicism instead of general Christianity. Secondly, we quickly got caught up in these young men's quest for discernment. At the risk of repeating what others said when the show was in progress, our initial reactions are:

• Dan impressed us with his skills when intervening between a brewing fight between two women while praying outside an abortion clinic
• Joe seems to be pressured by his mother and would have done well to listen to his older brother about how to deal with Anna when at World Youth Day in Germany
• Steve's adviser impressed us by making him confide to his old frat brothers that he is considering the priesthood. As if that would be a huge surprise since they knew that he spent time in Guatamala doing missionary work.
• And Mike. Hmmm. Mike's situation was quite troubling. For one thing he's obviously got a case of hero worship for his priest, which the priest has done nothing to stop. Quite the contrary, it is as if the priest has decided that Mike must be a priest and is putting on the pressure for it to happen. Seems like an unhealthy relationship. Add that to the things that Mike said about kissing and lust and ... well, we were uneasy about the whole thing.

So far, highly recommended and I'll keep y'all apprised when we view future episodes.

Tags: Catholicism, Christianity

Answering Back to God

An ancient characteristic of Catholic worship is the antiphon, a word that means "answering back." It is the pattern of liturgical call-and-response, as when the priest prays, "The Lord be with you," and the worshipers answer back, "And also with your spirit." This prayerful dialogue reflects a fundamental Catholic understanding of what it means to be human. We are "antiphonal" beings in conversation with our Creator -- listening for God's call and answering him with our lives.

Catholic Passion by David Scott

You know, that has never occurred to me in all the times I have joined in responsorial liturgy. How fascinating to consider that it is a reflection of that larger reality of our relationship with God.

Tags: Catholicism, Christianity

It's True, It's True ... This is Why My Hair is Short and Spiked

The Last Knit.

Much thanks to Hey Jules for spotting the resemblance.

Thar's Unexpected Depths Beneath That Craggy Surface

You Are an Oatmeal Raisin Cookie

On the surface, you're a little plain - but you have many subtle dimensions to your personality. Sometimes you're down to earth and crunchy. Other times, you're sweet and a little gooey.

What Kind of Cookie Are You?

Via Quoth the Maven

Oscar Wilde, Cloudspotting

Nobody of any real culture ... ever talks nowadays about the beauty of a sunset. Sunsets are quite old-fashioned. They belong to the time when Turner was the last note in art. To admire them is a distinct sign of provincialism of temperament. Upon the other hand they go on. Yesterday evening Mrs. Arundel insisted on my going to the window, and looking at the glorious sky, as she called it. Of course I had to look at it ... And what was it? It was simply a very second-rate Turner, a Turner of a bad period, with all the painter's worst faults exaggerated and over-emphasized.

Oscar Wilde, as quoted in The Cloudspotter's Guide by Gavin Pretor-Pinney

Oh, Oscar Wilde ... how did you manage to be so very funny?

This is an Amazing Clip

Tom found this on Digg. Take note of the name How to Put on a Bra ... there is nothing here that wouldn't be seen in a regular action movie to a James Bond movie so use your own judgment.

Jesus and Children

This reflects something that Fr. L. reminded us of in last week's Scripture study. Children had absolutely no legal rights in the ancient world. That is why taking care of widows and orphans was so praiseworthy. One would do it for no other reason than it was the right thing to do. There was absolutely nothing in it for the person helping out. Once again, I read about what life was like back then and I am struck with how similar many of our current ways are in the secular West.

In his tender affection for children Jesus stood in radical contradiction to the attitudes and practices of the empire of his day. The Romans and Greeks held that children were inferior beings, something less than fully human. Plato, Aristotle, and other philosophers of the ancient world approved the killing of unwanted children through abortion and infanticide, and they saw nothing wrong with using children for sexual gratification.

Jesus said it would be better to have a millstone tied around your neck and be plunged into the depths of the sea than to suffer God's judgment for scandalizing one of his little ones. From the beginning, the church fiercely defended children, even the unborn. The Didache ("Teaching"), the oldest surviving manual of church life, written in the mid-first century, warns: "You shall not kill the embryo by abortion and shall not cause the newborn to perish." The Christian philosopher Athenagoras, in a plea to Emperor Marcus Aurelius in 175, explained: "We regard the very fetus in the womb as a created being and therefore an object of God's care."

Catholic Passion by David Scott

Tags: Catholicism, Christianity

Oh, frabjous day! Calloo callay!

Dwight Longenecker is going to start standing things on their head in the blogosphere!

Now maybe only The Curt Jester (his other biggest fan, read why he's excited to see this blog beginning) and I see this as a cause for celebration because Longenecker isn't nearly well known enough for his wonderful books, which all are good at helping us see by standing things on their head.

I only have reviewed (and that briefly) Adventures in Orthodoxy. However, I also really loved St. Benedict & St. Therese: The Little Rule and the Little Way which I still use as inspiration for adhering to discipline in my personal life (too bad about all the backsliding but that's for another post), and More Christianity, which pushes the envelope on Mere Christianity by showing why Catholicism is wonderful.

Haven't read them? What are you waiting for?

As a bonus to see why I am such a fan, here's a link to an excerpt I posted back in the olden days when I had just begun blogging myself.

Tags: Catholicism, Christianity

A Gaggle of Quick Book Reviews

111. Guardian Angels: True Stories of Answered Prayers by Joan Wester Anderson
Like Anderson's other books about angels, this consists of anecdotes of miracles that real people have experienced in modern times. I'm a sucker for these and loved it. This really is more of a book about prayer than guardian angels although angels do figure largely in many of the anecdotes. In fact, partway through I actually forgot the book had "angels" in the title. No matter, real answers to prayer are wonderful to read, no matter how God chooses to do it.

109. Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up? (Loyola Classics) by John Powers
110. The Lat Catholic in America by John Powers
I was stunned to read this book and find that it was full of mean-spirited stories about the Catholic Church. Now, before you even tell me, I know, I know, if you were raised Catholic before a certain time these stories are hilariously true. All I can say is that, to me as a convert of today, if those stories ring true then thank the Lord for Vatican II. Honestly, if one strips the veil of memory off and reads what Powers writes about the Church in these two books there is no way that one would find these stories original or amusing (yes, I actually suffered through a second to make sure that I was being fair to Powers). I am put in mind of Bill Bryson's books about traveling around America. I eagerly picked one up, having thoroughly enjoyed "English, Our Mother Tongue and How It Got That Way" and found that the reason Bryson must live in England is because he hates America ... or just wants to tell mean stories about Americans to make a buck. Powers is in the same category for me. Steer clear of this book.

108. Prayer Book of Catholic Devotions by William Storey
A delightful, small volume of prayers, readings, and devotions to use through the seasons and feasts of the liturgical year. I got this in ordinary time but am looking forward to using it to deepen my devotions during Advent.

107. The Devil's Advocate by Morris L. West from My Autumn Reading Challenge
Monsignor Blaise Meredith, who is dying of cancer, is sent to a small, isolated Italian town to be a Devil's Advocate for beautification of Giacomo Nerone. We see the story, told largely in flashbacks, of a controversial character in an isolated peasant village. A vivid portrait is painted of the people who knew Nerone and how their actions resulted in good and evil. All are in need of spiritual healing or guidance, and West clearly shows us the changes that are still being wrought in their lives by their memories of Nerone. The question of whether Nerone is actually a saint is left for us to decide and I, myself, am undecided on that particular question. However, in this book it is the journey that is important along with actions taken on the way ... as it is in our own lives. There is no question about that. Highly recommended.

106. The Essential Thomas Eakins by Alice A. Carter
It is continually amazing to me how much essential information is conveyed by these small but complete books. The entire series is highly recommended and this book in particular, if only for a look at this under appreciated artist whose highly scandalous life contributed to his lack of popularity.

Tags: Catholicism, Christianity

In the Midst of the Storm

Ten minutes into his descent, Rankin should have been reaching the ground, but the enormous draughts of air that surged up the core of the cloud were retarding his fall. Soon the turbulence became much more severe. He had no visual point of reference in the gloomy depths but he sense that, rather than falling, he was being shot upwards with successive violent gusts of rising air -- blasts that were becoming increasingly violent. And then for the first time he felt the full force of the cloud.

"It came with incredible suddenness -- and fury. It hit me like a tidal wave of air, a massive blast, fired at me with the savagery of a cannon ... I went soaring up and up and up as though there would be no end to its force." ...

The Cloudspotter's Guide by Gavin Pretor-Pinney

Pretor-Pinney certainly knows how to get my attention. Frankly, I am not that interested in the science of clouds which makes up about half of each chapter. Possibly anticipating this, he has been quite generous with attractive lures, such as the story of Lieutenant-Colonel William Rankin, a pilot in the US Air Force, who, in 1959, became the only man to fall through the heart of a cumulonimbus and live to tell the tale. Riveting stuff, y'all!

A Few More Memoirs and Family History

This is a continuation of the memories my mother has about her childhood times spent with her grandfather Charles J. Finger. I love these stories all the more for thinking of the book he wrote featuring my mother (Bobbie and Jock and the Mailman) because Jock was a Scottie ... illustrated by my Great Aunt Helen. I thought that I already had posted these but, better late than never, eh?

You all know the big table we have in the living room; that was the dining table in my grandfather's day. It came from his railroad days, as mentioned in the biography and he had it sent from (Cleveland?). People as famous as Carl Sand and Sinclair Lewis ate at it. I seem to remember fried chicken every Sunday, but I was only allowed boiled - how I craved that delicious fried, but it wasn't considered healthy for children. But what wonderful biscuits my grandmother made, and I scarfed them down loaded with her homemade srawberry jam. My grandfather would order a cup of maraschino cherries for me if we went to a restaurant ... my mother always thought they caused boils on my back. Oh well, what did they know.

There were double doors to the living room, and one year my Grandfather dressed up like Santa Claus and flung them open with drama. It was to be a great surprise, but I burst into tears, ran away, and hid. What a flop to a grand enterprise!

At the bottom of the hill was a true country store, selling cattle salt blocks, flour in print bags intended to be dresses, etc., and with gas pumps. I remember driving down there with my aunt; I thought she was the most wonderful person I had ever known. She SMOKED, she was very small, and she was so peppy and had a wonderful accent. Of course, she wasn't married and had no children so it was easy for her.

I actually remember hired hands squirting milk at cats during milking. Yes, trite as it sounds, they actually did that !

As I said before, hired help must have been really cheap. They mowed the grass, did laundry, but unfortunately never were hired to cook to help out my grandmother and mother. Charlie provided chickens, and Helen never had to do anything because she was an artist (my mother said). Don't know what the other two boys did ... one ran away from home and probably with good reason considering my grandfather's autocratic disposition. He was a wonderful grandfather, though.

There were screened porches around three sides of the house, and I seem to remember living out there most of the time. Since we usually visited only in the summer that would be natural. One morning I got up and found one of my shoes filled with cherry pits, apparently tucked in there by a mouse.

My aunt Helen raised Scotties, and Airdales. I loved the dogs, but was especially fascinated by seeing them eat rabbits, always head first. There was a fish pond in the middle of the front yard, and I remember one of the puppies drowning there; Beverly also fell in once but was quickly retrieved. The pond was surrounded by old fashioned petunias, and their fragrance always takes me back to those days and reminds me of my sweet grandmother who loved them.

OK, now you have the best of my very young childhood memories, for better or worse. You might want to compile some of yours for your own children. Old age comes quicker than you think! I have regretted many times not sitting down with my parents and talking with them about earlier years.

Islam Vs. Christianity: Finding Common Ground

Oy veh! Talk about funny ... and insightful. Via The Anchoress.

Tags: Catholicism, Christianity

The Flesh of Jesus

Oh Saint Augustine ... how perfectly put is this elegant phrase that so thoroughly sums up Jesus' example for us as a perfect human, God among us, showing us how to live. I shouldn't be surprised but that was the "twist" that made me sit up and think again.

St. Augustine, the fifth-century African who was the church's seminal teacher, penned a striking phrase to describe the example of Jesus: Caro quasi vox ("Christ's flesh is like a voice"). What he meant is that at every state of Jesus' earthy life -- his life in the flesh -- he is calling to us, inviting us personally to live in the mystery of divine love that he reveals...

Catholic Passion by David Scott

Tags: Catholicism, Christianity

Poetry Thursday

A limited series by the house poet (there's nothing like a Creative Writing class for a regular output of poetry): Rose.

Nightmare

Faded picture in my mind
Of nightmares from the past
Of the present, I am blind

Twenty monsters of a kind
As my heart beats fast
Faded pictures in my mind

I open doors I cannot find
The traps have all been cast
Of the present, I am blind

The roads, the walls, the trees wind
I stumble off the path
Faded picture in my mind

My arms, my legs, my tongue, they bind
I fall, the abyss is vast
Of the present, I am blind

My face is now old and lined
Many years have past
Faded picture in my mind
Of the present, I am blind

Notes from College

Thanks to all who have kindly asked after Hannah's progress at A&M. She seems to be having a great time and has most of her classes under control. Except perhaps ... math.

Why can't Farmer Johnson solve his own problems? Every time he needs to know how many acres of soy beans, corn and wheat to plant with 80,000 dollars and 600 hours of labor to spare if the cost of seeds is $4 for soy and $6 for wheat or corn and labor is 6 hours per acre for soy, 2 for wheat, and 7 for corn, I have to calculate this bumpkin's assets and tell him how to run a farm.

There's pretty much no denying that logic. Obviously the answer is that Farmer Johnson shouldn't have a farm ... or won't for much longer if he can't start figuring these things out for himself.

Avast There, D'Ye Know What Day It Is?

How quickly the holidays roll around ... 'tis International Talk Like a Pirate Day. (Which was significantly funnier before Tom and Rose watched Wife Swap last night, one family of which was the Talk Like a Pirate Family who ... ready for this? ... actually live like pirates year 'round. Evidently with fleas and all. *shudder*)

Maybe you need help with pirate talk (Warning: there are some potions that are mildly off color and guaranteed to offend some, but we're talking about pirates here. Much thanks to DL for this which he found in yesterday's issue of the daily--Good Morning Silicon Valley.)

Or maybe you just need to listen to a good pirate story to get in the mood (nothing objectionable here, just hilarious). 'Tis a fearful tale indeed, of the sea, serving wenches, and fragmented hard drives. Only the brave should rally round.

There be chicken pirates as well, if ye take the time to look.

And then take the time to pity this poor lad who fell afoul of a scurvey bunch of rogues in a raiding party.

Why Dogs Bite People - 3

God's Confession

Our Deliverer and God came by the quietest of signs, in the everyday miracle of a baby being born -- the same way that you and I came into the world. He was born amid tears of joy, swaddled in a blanket, and held in the gentle arms of his father. On the first night of his life, he likely fell asleep nursing, his head nestled against his mother's warm breast -- like countless babies before him and countless babies since.

Why this way? Why not in power and glory, in fire that swept down from the mountaintops, in the upheaval of nations, or in the blood red stars falling from the sky? Because in coming to us as a child, God was making what amounts to an "autobiographical" statement. The Incarnation was God's confession, his full disclosure. In the baby conceived at Nazareth and later born in a stable in Bethlehem, God revealed himself as a God of love and mercy -- a Father who seeks us in the wilderness of our fallen world. ...

Catholic Passion by David Scott

The thing I like about reading this book is that David Scott takes something that I already know, such as the idea that Jesus came to show us what God is like, and then twists it. Adds that phrase or two that makes me rethink what I "already knew" and realize that I do not know it as well as I thought. In this case, talking about God's "autobiographical statement," "full disclosure," and "confession" made me take a fresh look.

Scott's entire book has been doing that so as I go through it I will be sharing bits along the way (as always). I think the overall thing that I can say about it right now, about a third of the way through, is that it adds the poetry, imagery, and turn of phrase to more fully communicate the true, inner beauty of our faith. Even when you think you know where he is going, he adds a extra fillip of insight to make you take another look. A rare accomplishment indeed. I have seen rave reviews for this book and I understand why.

Tags: Catholicism, Christianity