“Intellectual activity nurtures an inner life,” sums up Hitz, “a human core that is a refuge from suffering as much as it is a resource for reflection for its own sake.
DIVINE INTOXICATION
WATCH, LOOK AND LISTEN
I have recently come across David Attenborough rendition of The Peregrine, J.A. Baker’s 1967 masterpiece of “nature writing” though it’s infinitely more and other and higher than mere nature writing.
ALL THE BEAUTY IN THE WORLD: THE MEMOIR OF A MET MUSEUM GUARD
There’s a wonderful chapter, called “Days’ Work,” on the drawings of Michelangelo and the Gee’s Bend quilters from rural Alabama, specifically Loretta Pettway who, like Michelangelo, found her work almost unbearably burdensome and did not especially enjoy it. And made quilts that were almost preternaturally beautiful.
EMPTINESS/FULLNESS
This longing for life to continue is one reason why the teachings of the Church on marriage and family make total sense. Those of us without children support–in a sense, lay down our lives–for other people’s families and children.
SERVANT OF GOD KIRSTEN BERT
So on All Souls, I honor Kirsten Bert, whose life touched mine ever so briefly, but on my part ever so deeply.
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION
That is one thing I missed beyond belief—constant birdsong. The dawn and vesper choruses.
THE HOME STRETCH
“Murmuring betrays an urge to stay in control. We murmur when we don’t get what we think we deserve; when what we think of as our needs are not met.”
THE GOD OF THE IMPOSSIBLE: ADORATION
“Silence in the desert, silence in the cave, silence in the Eucharist. No prayer is so difficult as the adoration of the Eucharist. One’s whole natural strength rebels against it.”
FIAT LUX
One thing I know already: I wouldn’t have missed this adventure, these people, this place, for the world.
WHAT IT IS TO BE A WOMAN
To men who think they can become women, I want to say, you’re not strong enough.
SEASONS OF LIFE
“We have to renounce far more than we accomplish.” –Paul Tournier, The Seasons of Life “How can we possibly entertain the idea that we are different from other men, when we shout, cry, feel afraid, lack determination, and behave atrociously just like everybody else?” –Carlo Carretto, Letters from the Desert
WHY WE PRAY
“One never wastes time by praying; there is no more helpful way of helping those we love.”
