It is better to be burdened and in company with the strong than to be unburdened and with the weak. When you are burdened, you are close to God, your strength, who abides with the afflicted. When you are relieved of the burden, you are close to yourself, your own weakness; for virtue and strengthContinue reading “Meditation on Virtues & Trials”
Tag Archives: Love
Thoughts on The Count of Monte Cristo
I may at some point write a short essay on a certain aspect or scene in this book (e.g. Dumas’ expert use of subtext in dialogue—UGH he’s so talented like how will I ever write that good); for now, I’ll just say yes, it’s one of those classics worthy of the label. However, I feltContinue reading “Thoughts on The Count of Monte Cristo”
Humility, Charity, and True Honor: A Book Review of Black Cauldron (Prydain Chronicles #2)
In Lloyd Alexander’s Black Cauldron, second of The Prydain Chronicles, both Taran and Prince Ellidyr show in wonderful character arc’s different paths to the the same virtues of humility and charity.1 While we may like Taran and dislike Ellidyr from the beginning, their arcs begin in similar places. Both possess great pride and shame inContinue reading “Humility, Charity, and True Honor: A Book Review of Black Cauldron (Prydain Chronicles #2)”
The Purpose of Art & My Struggle to Write: A Reflexion on J. R. R. Tolkien’s ‘Leaf by Niggle’
Last Sunday I was getting ready to head home from Mass, which takes a little under an hour, and was wondering whether I might listen to an audiobook or pray a Rosary on the way home when a wonderful and providential thought came into my head. I had just finished J. R. R. Tolkien’s TheContinue reading “The Purpose of Art & My Struggle to Write: A Reflexion on J. R. R. Tolkien’s ‘Leaf by Niggle’”
Filial Piety as Devotion & Self-Sacrifice in the Film Tokyo Story
In one of my university classes we viewed the film Tokyo Story,1 which presents Noriko, one of the protagonists, as an admirable woman who lives out the virtue of filial piety to the parents of her deceased husband. Although my family tried to impress such ideals upon me in accordance with the Christian worldview, IContinue reading “Filial Piety as Devotion & Self-Sacrifice in the Film Tokyo Story”
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”
No Greater Love: A Short Good Friday Meditation
When I consider the simple view of Jesus as a Friend who laughs and grieves with us, or a Mother who nurtures us, or a Father who loves us unconditionally; and then consider the great mystery of His Eucharistic Sacrifice, the incomprehensibility of Heaven, and His union with sinners through Baptism; I tend to dichotomiseContinue reading “No Greater Love: A Short Good Friday Meditation”
Dog Sledding and the Soul: Faith, Hope, and Love in the Spiritual Journey
I want to write a little on how the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love elevate the soul’s human nature as she journeys homeward toward Heaven. To do this, I shall use the example of dog sledding.
And Most of All, Love
Once a friend and I were praying together out loud, and after a lengthy prayer on my part, she said a short prayer, and though I don’t remember the exact words, she said something like this: ‘I pray what I pray every day: God, please give me courage, and please give me strength, and pleaseContinue reading “And Most of All, Love”
The Curious Critic 