I’ve recently had the great delight of reading Abuse of Language—Abuse of Power, an essay by Catholic philosopher Joseph Pieper, and I want to share a few of my thoughts to entice you to pick it up. You would buy it in book form, but it really is an essay, 54 pages in a pamphlet-sizedContinue reading “Abuse of Language—Abuse of Power: An Essay in Review”
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Friendship & Good Conversation through the Lost Art of Letters
This past year some friends and I have taken up letter-writing as means of correspondence, both friends who live in the same town as I and those some leagues away. In light of my fruitful experiences in this endeavour, I want to share its benefits and encourage you to take up this worthy exploit.
Apologetic Book Review ~ On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society
In writing this review of the book On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society, by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, I found myself writing a preemptive defence against any attacks that might arise against this book when I recommended it. But given the title (the subtitle is key, but likelyContinue reading “Apologetic Book Review ~ On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society”
My Journey to Black Belt: A Personal Narrative
Foreword: Here follows part of a talk I wrote regarding my personal journey to my MMA Black Belt specialising in Krav Maga. I wanted to share a personal narrative, and I thought this was a good way to do so. This is a part of my story. We all have a part in a grandContinue reading “My Journey to Black Belt: A Personal Narrative”
Conversion and Transformation into Christ: A Meditation for the Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist (Luke 1:5-25)
Elizabeth is the aged and barren woman, unfruitful, who could bear no child. Zechariah is the aged high priest, unfaithful and, therefore, dumb—unable to produce the word. Yet by the Divine Mercy of God, Elizabeth in her lowliness and shame was made fruitful, and Zechariah at the revelation of this fruit not only spoke, butContinue reading “Conversion and Transformation into Christ: A Meditation for the Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist (Luke 1:5-25)”
The Beauty of the Precious Blood: A Meditation on the Hearts of Jesus & Mary
‘and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced’ Zechariah 12:10 Yesterday was the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and today is the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Yet the Hearts of Jesus and Mary are one. Not only are they united spiritually in the great mission of mankind’s redemption,Continue reading “The Beauty of the Precious Blood: A Meditation on the Hearts of Jesus & Mary”
Wisdom the Storyteller
It seems there is something connoted by ‘wisdom’ in English that is appropriate to her praise in holy Scripture. For knowledge we understands as something limited in application (what good is all one’s knowledge if he does nothing with it, or knows not how to employ it, or perhaps even does not know its value);Continue reading “Wisdom the Storyteller”
The Condescension of Divine Love
O Lord, blessed be Thy Name: Who, ineffable, perfect, give us to know Thee as Father; though of Heaven, make in us Thy hiding place and home; though transcendent, magnify Thy glory, making us Thy servants; and Who, King of the universe, reign as love in men’s hearts, and raise him of dust to theContinue reading “The Condescension of Divine Love”
The Gifts of the Lady Galadriel: A Meditation on Pentecost
Here follows a meditation on Pentecost, when God bestowed the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, through the lens of J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings—in particular the chapter of the Lady Galadriel’s giving of gifts to the Fellowship of the Ring. This I began with ardour and undertook with caution in mind,Continue reading “The Gifts of the Lady Galadriel: A Meditation on Pentecost”
Three Poems for the Troubled Heart
O Blessed Mary, Mother of All the Living O sweet lips which let fall fruit of the honeycomb, rest upon my sick heart; Whose kind ears first would hear the Child’s joy and mirth resound, incline to my poor soul. Of Morning Birdsong Listen! O thou downcast soul, disturbed spirit, weak frame— hearest thou weeping?Continue reading “Three Poems for the Troubled Heart”
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