The last entry to my blog was a paper I wrote back in...September? I don't even remember... But after the Greece trip that we took at the beginning of October, in which I traveled to Olympia, Delphi, Athens, Nafplion, Mycenae, and Corinth, the semester just exploded in all of our faces. From mid-terms to papers to fall break to Northern Italy, it has been a non-stop series of fortunate events. ...I honestly am just so confused as to how I am supposed to thank God for all that He has given me. So much has happened and so much thanksgiving is due. Even as I sit here in the Capp Bar, I find myself lucky and so very thankful to be in the presence of so many wonderful people around me.
Ever since that first paper turn-in, I have traveled to Greece, France, Germany and Northern Italy. I depart for Ireland on Wednesday to celebrate thanksgiving with, well, the Americans with whom I'm traveling because the Irish don't celebrate the American holiday.
I must admit. This semester has been far from just easy, enjoyable traveling. I suppose I make it seem like all I do is travel, but there's so much more to it. The curriculum is absolutely amazing. Day to day I find myself astonished at how amazing my education. Here we are, planted in the origins of western civilization studying the course and change of the art, history, philosophy, theology, and english of that civilization. I'm just so dumbfounded at how...cohesive it all is, how everything fits. So much synthesis... But at the same time, never has my brain been more used, never has my body been so exhausted. So many nights are spent sleepless as we study, study, study, and so many hours are spent reading and writing. It's enjoyable, but physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually exhausting. Every single aspect of my being has been worked to it's last bit and, needless to say, I am ready for break.
Alas, I have one more paper to write about the life and times of Constantine and five exams to take in a few weeks. In the middle, I have a trip to Ireland and a possible trip to Padua, and, of course, many more trips into Rome.
Until then, I must continue reading! I will send one of my recently-written papers your way soon enough...
Peace be with you.
November 23, 2008
September 22, 2008
Honoring Your Gods
If there is anything in literature that calls attention to the mind of a theology major, it is something to do with God…obviously. So when one of the strongly emphasized messages of an ancient Greek author is to honor the commands of a god no matter what they ask of you, like murdering your own daughter, for example, a theology major jumps on that message and questions the presentation of that it. At least, this theology major does. Through the murder of Iphigeneia by Agamemnon, Aeschylus stresses the importance of a very universal message: honoring one’s own gods, or, for some, God, in all means.
Almost right away at the beginning of the play, Aeschylus presents his message of honoring the gods and their commands. He does this through the Chorus’ recount of the sacrifice of Iphigeneia. The Chorus very dramatically sets up Agamemnon’s dilemma: let down his army and the gods by saving his own daughter or sacrifice his daughter for the good of his army, while betraying his household, but also obeying the gods for they so commanded her sacrifice for the success of Agamemnon and ultimately victory at war. The Chorus speaks of the weary people who longed for good fortune, “and the Achaean people sulked”, and the restless seer who relentlessly spoke of the army’s fate (Agamemnon 188). In the end, Agamemnon must sacrifice his daughter because it is the will of the gods, and he knows that. “For them to urge such sacrifice of innocent blood / angrily, for their wrath is great—it is right. May all be well yet” (Agamemnon 215-216). This very line shows how important it is to Aeschylus that obeying the gods is essential to a well-lived life. No matter what the gods ask of Agamemnon, it is right. Now this sure doesn’t sound hard, to say, “Whatever they will, it shall be done,” but it is necessary to say and live up to despite tough circumstances, especially when the situation is as presented.
What is so interesting about Aeschylus’ message is that he portrays it in a rather peculiar light. The gods have asked one thing of Agamemnon for the success of his army, to sacrifice Iphigeneia. Why would any father, in his right mind, want to sacrifice his own daughter? Agamemnon as leader of the army sees this differently than most fathers would. He sees it as a way to protect his people rather than seeing it as betraying his household. The sacrifice of one for the safety of thousands is altogether not a huge request from the gods. And this is crucial to Agamemnon’s decision, that he recognizes it is all he must do, that this is all the gods ask. Aeschylus makes the situation very tough for the readers, however. We see a father killing his own daughter and think it is disgusting and wrong. We feel sympathy for Iphigeneia because the bonds and love of family are being cut as she is betrayed by her father. We feel even more sickened when we read that after Agamemnon made the decision to sacrifice her, his will was changed and it sounded as if he felt no remorse. “But when necessity’s yoke was put upon him / he changed, and from the heart the breath became bitter / and sacrilegious, utterly infidel, / to warp a will now to be stopped at nothing” (Agamemnon 218-221). The situation becomes worse yet when the Chorus describes the sacrifice. “…she struck the sacrificers with / the eyes’ arrows of pity” (Agamemnon 241). Iphigeneia is a defenseless child. Nothing she can say or do will stop this occurrence. But the situation is resolved, “all will come clear in the next dawn’s sunlight” (Agamemnon 254). Agamemnon did what he had to do and his people were saved for his devotion to the gods.
Upon reading this action in the plot, I myself was disgusted. I kept thinking that there had to be some right to this situation. If Agamemnon was really that devoted to honoring the gods and was right in sacrificing his own daughter, then Aeschylus must have truly meant something through this action. After reading it a second time and discussing this action in class, I suddenly recollected the story of Abraham and Isaac in the Bible. It was just the same. God tested Abraham’s faith by commanding him to sacrifice his own son. “Take your son Isaac, your only one, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah. There you shall offer him up as a holocaust on the height that I will point out to you” (Genesis 22: 2). Abraham sent out with Isaac to the top of a mountain and just as he was about to kill his own son an angel stopped him, saying, “Abraham, Abraham! . . . Do not lay your hand on the boy. Do not do the least thing to him. I know now how devoted you are to God, since you did not withhold from me your own beloved son” (Genesis 2: 11-12). It was a test of faith. The only difference between Agamemnon’s orders and Abraham’s, the only difference between the Greek deities and God, is a matter of goodness. Any Christian knows now that God would never demand the sacrifice of a beloved one. At least, a Christian would know not to take it too seriously, not after reading Abraham’s story. But the message of honoring the gods’ commands and trusting in their help is clear and ever-present throughout Agamemnon just as it is here in the Bible.
Now taking it a step further and applying even more in a tangible way to our Faith and way of life, as a theology major would, we can see the effects of obeying the gods or not just as Agamemnon can in his own situation. The greatest example of the devastating effects of disobeying God to a Christian is the example of Adam and Eve and the fall of mankind. This example is perfect for the present situation because like Agamemnon and Abraham, God’s commands are direct and clear. Speaking of the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, God says to Adam and Eve, “You shall not eat it or even touch it, lest you die” (Genesis 3: 3). In Agamemnon, he knows what he must do. And Abraham as well knows what he must do, as quoted above. When Adam and Eve disobey God, mankind’s own ‘Pandora’s box’ is opened and suffering, disease, crime, sin is let out into the world. Similarly to the effects of disobeying, we can see the effects of obeying, or rather, the rewards. Though ultimately Agamemnon’s death is a result of the sacrifice because his wrathful wife, Clytaemestra, among other reasons, seeks Agamemnon’s life for killing their daughter, Agamemnon saves his people. Likewise, in obeying God, Abraham was rewarded. “I will bless you abundantly and make your descendants as countless as the stars of the sky and the sands of the seashore; . . . –all this because you obeyed my command” (Genesis 22: 17-18). Through this, Christians see the importance of obeying God, just as Aeschylus said about obeying his own Greek deities.
Confusion filled me when I first read this play. Why would Aeschylus make this sacrifice, this devastating action, seem so important? From Aeschylus’ view, he obviously meant there was something more to it. Obeying the gods is so important. And even then I was biased to my own faith. But then I realized how applicable his message is to my own life as a Christian. Obeying God is essential to receiving the eternal reward of Heaven. It doesn’t matter at all what God asks, it must be done, despite fears or worries or confusion. It is this faith and trust in the Will of God that is so necessary to a good life, as Aeschylus so strongly emphasizes of his own gods, because, if you think about it, would we even have a Savior if Mary had not said, “Let it be done unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1: 38)?
Almost right away at the beginning of the play, Aeschylus presents his message of honoring the gods and their commands. He does this through the Chorus’ recount of the sacrifice of Iphigeneia. The Chorus very dramatically sets up Agamemnon’s dilemma: let down his army and the gods by saving his own daughter or sacrifice his daughter for the good of his army, while betraying his household, but also obeying the gods for they so commanded her sacrifice for the success of Agamemnon and ultimately victory at war. The Chorus speaks of the weary people who longed for good fortune, “and the Achaean people sulked”, and the restless seer who relentlessly spoke of the army’s fate (Agamemnon 188). In the end, Agamemnon must sacrifice his daughter because it is the will of the gods, and he knows that. “For them to urge such sacrifice of innocent blood / angrily, for their wrath is great—it is right. May all be well yet” (Agamemnon 215-216). This very line shows how important it is to Aeschylus that obeying the gods is essential to a well-lived life. No matter what the gods ask of Agamemnon, it is right. Now this sure doesn’t sound hard, to say, “Whatever they will, it shall be done,” but it is necessary to say and live up to despite tough circumstances, especially when the situation is as presented.
What is so interesting about Aeschylus’ message is that he portrays it in a rather peculiar light. The gods have asked one thing of Agamemnon for the success of his army, to sacrifice Iphigeneia. Why would any father, in his right mind, want to sacrifice his own daughter? Agamemnon as leader of the army sees this differently than most fathers would. He sees it as a way to protect his people rather than seeing it as betraying his household. The sacrifice of one for the safety of thousands is altogether not a huge request from the gods. And this is crucial to Agamemnon’s decision, that he recognizes it is all he must do, that this is all the gods ask. Aeschylus makes the situation very tough for the readers, however. We see a father killing his own daughter and think it is disgusting and wrong. We feel sympathy for Iphigeneia because the bonds and love of family are being cut as she is betrayed by her father. We feel even more sickened when we read that after Agamemnon made the decision to sacrifice her, his will was changed and it sounded as if he felt no remorse. “But when necessity’s yoke was put upon him / he changed, and from the heart the breath became bitter / and sacrilegious, utterly infidel, / to warp a will now to be stopped at nothing” (Agamemnon 218-221). The situation becomes worse yet when the Chorus describes the sacrifice. “…she struck the sacrificers with / the eyes’ arrows of pity” (Agamemnon 241). Iphigeneia is a defenseless child. Nothing she can say or do will stop this occurrence. But the situation is resolved, “all will come clear in the next dawn’s sunlight” (Agamemnon 254). Agamemnon did what he had to do and his people were saved for his devotion to the gods.
Upon reading this action in the plot, I myself was disgusted. I kept thinking that there had to be some right to this situation. If Agamemnon was really that devoted to honoring the gods and was right in sacrificing his own daughter, then Aeschylus must have truly meant something through this action. After reading it a second time and discussing this action in class, I suddenly recollected the story of Abraham and Isaac in the Bible. It was just the same. God tested Abraham’s faith by commanding him to sacrifice his own son. “Take your son Isaac, your only one, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah. There you shall offer him up as a holocaust on the height that I will point out to you” (Genesis 22: 2). Abraham sent out with Isaac to the top of a mountain and just as he was about to kill his own son an angel stopped him, saying, “Abraham, Abraham! . . . Do not lay your hand on the boy. Do not do the least thing to him. I know now how devoted you are to God, since you did not withhold from me your own beloved son” (Genesis 2: 11-12). It was a test of faith. The only difference between Agamemnon’s orders and Abraham’s, the only difference between the Greek deities and God, is a matter of goodness. Any Christian knows now that God would never demand the sacrifice of a beloved one. At least, a Christian would know not to take it too seriously, not after reading Abraham’s story. But the message of honoring the gods’ commands and trusting in their help is clear and ever-present throughout Agamemnon just as it is here in the Bible.
Now taking it a step further and applying even more in a tangible way to our Faith and way of life, as a theology major would, we can see the effects of obeying the gods or not just as Agamemnon can in his own situation. The greatest example of the devastating effects of disobeying God to a Christian is the example of Adam and Eve and the fall of mankind. This example is perfect for the present situation because like Agamemnon and Abraham, God’s commands are direct and clear. Speaking of the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, God says to Adam and Eve, “You shall not eat it or even touch it, lest you die” (Genesis 3: 3). In Agamemnon, he knows what he must do. And Abraham as well knows what he must do, as quoted above. When Adam and Eve disobey God, mankind’s own ‘Pandora’s box’ is opened and suffering, disease, crime, sin is let out into the world. Similarly to the effects of disobeying, we can see the effects of obeying, or rather, the rewards. Though ultimately Agamemnon’s death is a result of the sacrifice because his wrathful wife, Clytaemestra, among other reasons, seeks Agamemnon’s life for killing their daughter, Agamemnon saves his people. Likewise, in obeying God, Abraham was rewarded. “I will bless you abundantly and make your descendants as countless as the stars of the sky and the sands of the seashore; . . . –all this because you obeyed my command” (Genesis 22: 17-18). Through this, Christians see the importance of obeying God, just as Aeschylus said about obeying his own Greek deities.
Confusion filled me when I first read this play. Why would Aeschylus make this sacrifice, this devastating action, seem so important? From Aeschylus’ view, he obviously meant there was something more to it. Obeying the gods is so important. And even then I was biased to my own faith. But then I realized how applicable his message is to my own life as a Christian. Obeying God is essential to receiving the eternal reward of Heaven. It doesn’t matter at all what God asks, it must be done, despite fears or worries or confusion. It is this faith and trust in the Will of God that is so necessary to a good life, as Aeschylus so strongly emphasizes of his own gods, because, if you think about it, would we even have a Savior if Mary had not said, “Let it be done unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1: 38)?
September 19, 2008
Call me Hobbes.
First, the title. One thing my Western Civilizations professor likes to do is let us pick nicknames for class. So my friend Kelly and I chose Calvin and Hobbes. Though I'm much more of a Calvin myself, I decided to take the opportunity to be a Hobbes for once in my life.
I have to say that I'm sorry for not really blogging as much as I would like. What with a weak internet connection on campus, no laptop of my own, and excessive amounts of homework, I'm finding little time for blogging. I want to change that however because I want to share with you all this wonderful experience.
We have our first paper due on Monday in which I will post my own online here. Our midterms start just a week after this coming one and then we depart for Greece on October 3rd. It's so exciting, really. I love traveling with the class. This very weekend, I decided to stay in Rome. I might go somewhere quiet next weekend to study for my midterms, but this weekend I thought I would stick around. We have a few exciting things going on on campus this weekend. Saturday night we have a showing of Quo Vadis and Sunday we're walking to inner Rome. Usually it's about an hour and a half by bus and subway. So it's going to be about a four or five hour walk down the Appian Way. We'll get into Rome near the Circus Maximus and then Monsignor will join us for Mass at a church that is rarely opened.
So that's what I'm looking forward to this weekend and coming weeks besides copious amounts of homework. I'll keep you updated when I can.
Ciao, peace, and God bless,
Hobbes
I have to say that I'm sorry for not really blogging as much as I would like. What with a weak internet connection on campus, no laptop of my own, and excessive amounts of homework, I'm finding little time for blogging. I want to change that however because I want to share with you all this wonderful experience.
We have our first paper due on Monday in which I will post my own online here. Our midterms start just a week after this coming one and then we depart for Greece on October 3rd. It's so exciting, really. I love traveling with the class. This very weekend, I decided to stay in Rome. I might go somewhere quiet next weekend to study for my midterms, but this weekend I thought I would stick around. We have a few exciting things going on on campus this weekend. Saturday night we have a showing of Quo Vadis and Sunday we're walking to inner Rome. Usually it's about an hour and a half by bus and subway. So it's going to be about a four or five hour walk down the Appian Way. We'll get into Rome near the Circus Maximus and then Monsignor will join us for Mass at a church that is rarely opened.
So that's what I'm looking forward to this weekend and coming weeks besides copious amounts of homework. I'll keep you updated when I can.
Ciao, peace, and God bless,
Hobbes
A Journal Entry - 09/17/08
Today was an amazing day. After an exhausting night the day before, I managed somehow to fall asleep in two of my favorite classes (all of the classes are my favorite, by the way). I was just so tired because I had gone to bed way later than usual - after I Skyped with two of my best friends on the Irving campus for a few hours. Now I lay in bed, way after my bedtime tonight, and I journal. Today I shared in some good drinking memories, bonding time, a campfire with good old American s'mores, and some Understanding. The start of my search for Truth is long gone, but the journey is really picking up... After spending the afternoon in class looking at, observing, grasping the Ara Pacis, the Altar of Peace, I found myself in Trinity College Irish Pub sipping from a pint of Guiness sharing in the developement of some of the best friendships of my life. I'm amazed by the beauty of every single person I meet. I spoke with my Literary Traditions III professor about my paper and I just started writing it a few minutes ago. I'm so fired up about that class. Through ancient Greek texts, I have found the slightest traces of God and I have a feeling that when I depart for Greece in 17 days, I will find more of Him there. In our texts, we find Aeschylus makes such a great emphasis on honoring the gods and their commands and though the message is not Christian at all, because we know our God would never demand us to kill our daughters or mothers, we can understand that. It's these pagan ways, however, in which we Catholics pick up many of our traditions. It is through such reverence and respect for our God that we obey His commands... It is truly remarkable the tiniest ways in which He reveals Himself to us. Later in the evening, I joined a large number of my peers around a campfire. It was a very communal moment and, in that, a light and beautiful touch of the Body of Christ. I finally made my way to the dorm at the end of the night and I was stopped by one of my professors. We shared a few laughs as he said goodnight and departed, a jovial and peaceful experience. I won't deny that it is hard to always be so happy and perceptive to God's ways, but just even being open to the glory of God works wonders, literally. Trust me though: if you can't find Him, He'll find ways of finding you.
September 2, 2008
We are the continuation of the Grand Tour.
AS I sit here on the third floor Belvedere, I look upon one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen. The Belvedere is the balcony on the corner of the dormitory building that overlooks the green of our ten acres, including the refreshing vineyard, and mostly all inner city Rome. During the day, I can see the dome of St. Peters and, off in the distance, the ocean. And as day turns into night, a majestic pink sunset paints the sky and continuously illuminates the striking features of the tops of the city. And as I sip a glass of Aglianico Boccatino, I will tell you some more about UD's own Grand Tour.
I started classes yesterday. I apologize for not telling you sooner the thrills of the introductions to my Monday classes: Literary Traditions III from 8:00 to 9:30, Western Civilizations I from 9:45 to 11:15 and Art & Architecture from 11:30 to 1:00, though at the same time I have no regrets because truly the education of the Rome Program is best presented as a whole as each class is designed to truly prepare the mind for the search for Truth and in that way they work together.
Yesterday was magnificent. Dr. Roper presented a very objective argument in Literary Traditions III about the motives and actions of acting. The Romans thought it unlawful and, as our reading said, the Athenians as a whole city participated in the plays.
In Western Civilizations I, we looked to the Dawn of Civilization in 3000 B.C., preparing ourselves for rather dull reading, but deep and intense discussion, a discussion of the facts, not just "When?" and "Where?" but also "WHY?" Art & Architecture really drew together these classes as Dr. Flusche presented the architecture of the city, as ancient as it is, all over the world. She spoke of Roman design's migration, saying that the British elite would study there on their Grand Tours after university schooling and buy anything they wanted, through the intense studies. What struck me the most was when she said, "And in it's own way, you are the continuation of the Grand Tour." To discover the Eternal City, its design and beauty amoung many other things, and to roam around Europe is truly a continuation of the Grand Tour. Individually, we are on our own search, and as UD students, we know that.
This morning at 8:00 AM, Professor Blue introduced us to Philosophy of Man. We naively defined in our own standards what a soul is and Professor Blue guided us to understanding the basics. And at 9:45, Dr. Mark Lowery introduced to us Western Theology Traditions. This lecture was, without a doubt, one of the best lectures I have ever been too and it was just the introduction. He started by describing Rome as "ad limina apostalarum" or "to the threshold of the apostles" and through that he spoke of three major points: 1) Principle of Sacramentality, 2) Particularity / Universality, and 3) How Christianity did not fit in well in Rome during about 100 A.D. to 300 A.D. because it would not accept henotheism. It was very well said and entertaining. That class is already my favorite.
Well, I leave you know. I have told you about my classes and now I must busy myself with Aristotle's Poetics and readings from Herodotus, Plato, and Clement, not to mention lunch and a nap. :)
Pax vobiscum.
I started classes yesterday. I apologize for not telling you sooner the thrills of the introductions to my Monday classes: Literary Traditions III from 8:00 to 9:30, Western Civilizations I from 9:45 to 11:15 and Art & Architecture from 11:30 to 1:00, though at the same time I have no regrets because truly the education of the Rome Program is best presented as a whole as each class is designed to truly prepare the mind for the search for Truth and in that way they work together.
Yesterday was magnificent. Dr. Roper presented a very objective argument in Literary Traditions III about the motives and actions of acting. The Romans thought it unlawful and, as our reading said, the Athenians as a whole city participated in the plays.
In Western Civilizations I, we looked to the Dawn of Civilization in 3000 B.C., preparing ourselves for rather dull reading, but deep and intense discussion, a discussion of the facts, not just "When?" and "Where?" but also "WHY?" Art & Architecture really drew together these classes as Dr. Flusche presented the architecture of the city, as ancient as it is, all over the world. She spoke of Roman design's migration, saying that the British elite would study there on their Grand Tours after university schooling and buy anything they wanted, through the intense studies. What struck me the most was when she said, "And in it's own way, you are the continuation of the Grand Tour." To discover the Eternal City, its design and beauty amoung many other things, and to roam around Europe is truly a continuation of the Grand Tour. Individually, we are on our own search, and as UD students, we know that.
This morning at 8:00 AM, Professor Blue introduced us to Philosophy of Man. We naively defined in our own standards what a soul is and Professor Blue guided us to understanding the basics. And at 9:45, Dr. Mark Lowery introduced to us Western Theology Traditions. This lecture was, without a doubt, one of the best lectures I have ever been too and it was just the introduction. He started by describing Rome as "ad limina apostalarum" or "to the threshold of the apostles" and through that he spoke of three major points: 1) Principle of Sacramentality, 2) Particularity / Universality, and 3) How Christianity did not fit in well in Rome during about 100 A.D. to 300 A.D. because it would not accept henotheism. It was very well said and entertaining. That class is already my favorite.
Well, I leave you know. I have told you about my classes and now I must busy myself with Aristotle's Poetics and readings from Herodotus, Plato, and Clement, not to mention lunch and a nap. :)
Pax vobiscum.
August 30, 2008
Impressions of Rome
I feel as if I'm in Africa...
Garbage paves the way as the bus drives us to and from campus. Often times, the scenery appears so desolate, so barren. It's looks almost poverty-stricken and, in most cases, it is. So many other times, it just amazes me. It's nothing what I expected, rather, so much more.
The cultural change is such a shock. Suddenly, I cannot smile at every man I pass for fear of implying otherwise. Suddenly, I cannot drink from a bottle. Instead, I must pour into a glass, water, wine, beer, or liquor, otherwise it's considered rude. Suddenly, I cannot, though I rather would not, walk into a Catholic church with very little clothing like most American women would. Suddenly, I have the freedom to buy liquor.
I'm sure a few of those things would of course be different in Africa. But there's one thing on that short list that I know for certain would be different anywhere: here I have access to the Infallible. Here I can come and sit before the incorrupt John the 23rd. I can pray before John Paul the Great. I can stand in awe before the grave of St. Peter himself.
No where else can a Catholic find such affirmation in the faith they are living than in a church so large and so beautiful and so full of admiration and respect for the glory of God, a church with so many altars that a Mass is being said almost every hour of every day, a church where peace is easier to find than pigeons and cats in the streets outside of it, a church that contains those men, the Fathers of our Church...the church. St. Peter's is THE church. And what makes St. Peter's stand out the most is just that, not it's size or beauty, but the sacred remains of those men.
I don't have that in America. I did not find that in Kologne, Germany in 2005 while there for the World Youth Day events and I'm certain Africa lacks the very same thing...
And suddenly I feel as if I'm in Rome.
Garbage paves the way as the bus drives us to and from campus. Often times, the scenery appears so desolate, so barren. It's looks almost poverty-stricken and, in most cases, it is. So many other times, it just amazes me. It's nothing what I expected, rather, so much more.
The cultural change is such a shock. Suddenly, I cannot smile at every man I pass for fear of implying otherwise. Suddenly, I cannot drink from a bottle. Instead, I must pour into a glass, water, wine, beer, or liquor, otherwise it's considered rude. Suddenly, I cannot, though I rather would not, walk into a Catholic church with very little clothing like most American women would. Suddenly, I have the freedom to buy liquor.
I'm sure a few of those things would of course be different in Africa. But there's one thing on that short list that I know for certain would be different anywhere: here I have access to the Infallible. Here I can come and sit before the incorrupt John the 23rd. I can pray before John Paul the Great. I can stand in awe before the grave of St. Peter himself.
No where else can a Catholic find such affirmation in the faith they are living than in a church so large and so beautiful and so full of admiration and respect for the glory of God, a church with so many altars that a Mass is being said almost every hour of every day, a church where peace is easier to find than pigeons and cats in the streets outside of it, a church that contains those men, the Fathers of our Church...the church. St. Peter's is THE church. And what makes St. Peter's stand out the most is just that, not it's size or beauty, but the sacred remains of those men.
I don't have that in America. I did not find that in Kologne, Germany in 2005 while there for the World Youth Day events and I'm certain Africa lacks the very same thing...
And suddenly I feel as if I'm in Rome.
August 17, 2008
Well, I'm back.
Despite my very long break from the blogging world, I am back to continue blogging.... School is all that's worth writing about, I suppose. That explains my three months of nothing to say this summer.
This semester, as I venture off to start my sophomore year at the University of Dallas, I'm headed off to Rome. One of the best aspects of an education at UD is their very own Rome Program. It's just like a simple study abroad program except it's exclusive to UD students. It's part of the Core Curriculum at UD for students to study western civilization and western theology tradition, so they take us over there for a semester to study in the heart of the western world and the heart of the Catholic Church.
About seven different courses are offered of which five are necessary for graduation at UD. My schedule is as follows: Literary Traditions III (in which we read a series of Greek tragedies and english plays), Wester Civilization I, Western Theology Tradition, Art and Architecture (where the school takes us on location to study Roman art and sculpture), Philosophy of Man, I believe. (I could be wrong about that last one. It's some sort of philosophy course.)
The truly remarkable aspect of this semester abroad is the deeper study of....life, the search for Truth in Europe, on foreign ground, in other cultures and other worlds. The curriculum of UD truly prepares a student for the search for Truth and a closer and deeper faith with God. So when they take the education over seas and challenge the students to discover something more, really the student cannot help but to begin to experience this search for Truth there, in the midst of their studies. So not only are they being prepared for the daunting yet extremely rewarding challenge of finding Truth, but they are able to dip there toes in the water, to test it out...and in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
I depart for my journey on August 27th. I'll keep you updated.
Pax vobiscum.
This semester, as I venture off to start my sophomore year at the University of Dallas, I'm headed off to Rome. One of the best aspects of an education at UD is their very own Rome Program. It's just like a simple study abroad program except it's exclusive to UD students. It's part of the Core Curriculum at UD for students to study western civilization and western theology tradition, so they take us over there for a semester to study in the heart of the western world and the heart of the Catholic Church.
About seven different courses are offered of which five are necessary for graduation at UD. My schedule is as follows: Literary Traditions III (in which we read a series of Greek tragedies and english plays), Wester Civilization I, Western Theology Tradition, Art and Architecture (where the school takes us on location to study Roman art and sculpture), Philosophy of Man, I believe. (I could be wrong about that last one. It's some sort of philosophy course.)
The truly remarkable aspect of this semester abroad is the deeper study of....life, the search for Truth in Europe, on foreign ground, in other cultures and other worlds. The curriculum of UD truly prepares a student for the search for Truth and a closer and deeper faith with God. So when they take the education over seas and challenge the students to discover something more, really the student cannot help but to begin to experience this search for Truth there, in the midst of their studies. So not only are they being prepared for the daunting yet extremely rewarding challenge of finding Truth, but they are able to dip there toes in the water, to test it out...and in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
I depart for my journey on August 27th. I'll keep you updated.
Pax vobiscum.
May 28, 2008
April 28, 2008
The Way of the Will
We strive to do God's Will. Even if we fail and make wrong decisions, our mind is set on His Will, striving for that final destination: Heaven, union with God. An honorable goal, Heaven, but something that should not stand alone...
Recently, I pondered this final destination and God's Will. I discovered that there is much more than just the fianl destination. There is a way of this Will. God wills us to act in a certain way, to think in a certain way, to speak in a certain way. It is one thing to pray that we might be with God in Heaven someday, but it is a full other prayer to pray that we do that the right way. It is right to say that the only thing in life a person should work towards is accomplishing God's Will, but it is essential to know that the 'working towards' part of that entails much, much more.
We should pray that God works through our own self, our being. God, please be in my actions. We should be respectful in our actions to others, showing love and care. God, please be in my words. We should speak to others the Truth. God, please be in my thoughts. We should think and be considerate of others.
It is important to know that this is what God asks of us as well. God recognizes our miniscule actions of love. He also recognizes our actions of spite. He has a way for each of us to accomplish His Will. God does not just say, "Your job is to enter the priesthood. I don't care how you do it as long as you get there. " He did not say, "You will join Me in Heaven some day. I don't care how you do it as long as you get there." He has a plan for our actions, He has a way.
Think of it this way... If Heaven be our destination, what be the road? There are many paths to take. Sure you can take the rocky, bumpy road, but how many more chances do you have of falling off the path, of going astray? Let us find that smooth road, daily, in our thoughts, words, and actions. It is essential. It is the way of the Will.
Recently, I pondered this final destination and God's Will. I discovered that there is much more than just the fianl destination. There is a way of this Will. God wills us to act in a certain way, to think in a certain way, to speak in a certain way. It is one thing to pray that we might be with God in Heaven someday, but it is a full other prayer to pray that we do that the right way. It is right to say that the only thing in life a person should work towards is accomplishing God's Will, but it is essential to know that the 'working towards' part of that entails much, much more.
We should pray that God works through our own self, our being. God, please be in my actions. We should be respectful in our actions to others, showing love and care. God, please be in my words. We should speak to others the Truth. God, please be in my thoughts. We should think and be considerate of others.
It is important to know that this is what God asks of us as well. God recognizes our miniscule actions of love. He also recognizes our actions of spite. He has a way for each of us to accomplish His Will. God does not just say, "Your job is to enter the priesthood. I don't care how you do it as long as you get there. " He did not say, "You will join Me in Heaven some day. I don't care how you do it as long as you get there." He has a plan for our actions, He has a way.
Think of it this way... If Heaven be our destination, what be the road? There are many paths to take. Sure you can take the rocky, bumpy road, but how many more chances do you have of falling off the path, of going astray? Let us find that smooth road, daily, in our thoughts, words, and actions. It is essential. It is the way of the Will.
April 27, 2008
April 24, 2008
An All Too True Tragedy...
This is true. It is a sad truth. It is a feared truth. It is a serious truth, needing to be addressed.
Many outsiders have told me that they believe this article is wrong and that Dreher doesn't know what he is talking about, but they are, dare I say, clueless.
This article, though published on Sunday, has just been read by most of the students here at UD. Many students have been talking about the changes which the school has been experiencing lately. We, the students, having experienced firsthand the indescribable effects this school has on our educations, are truly concerned with these changes and discuss the changes to occur and the expected results. Frankly, we are angry and we have things to say.
I don't have to say how or why. It's been said, and very well said at that. I hear these very arguments more and more every day from the students in the cafeteria, the dorms, the classrooms, the Capp Bar, the Chapel, on the Mall, the walkways, at the PDK across the street. The split is occuring, the tragedy has begun.
I pray, I hope, that this tragedy doesn't end in the death of the truth-seeking, determined soul that was born in 1956.
Many outsiders have told me that they believe this article is wrong and that Dreher doesn't know what he is talking about, but they are, dare I say, clueless.
This article, though published on Sunday, has just been read by most of the students here at UD. Many students have been talking about the changes which the school has been experiencing lately. We, the students, having experienced firsthand the indescribable effects this school has on our educations, are truly concerned with these changes and discuss the changes to occur and the expected results. Frankly, we are angry and we have things to say.
I don't have to say how or why. It's been said, and very well said at that. I hear these very arguments more and more every day from the students in the cafeteria, the dorms, the classrooms, the Capp Bar, the Chapel, on the Mall, the walkways, at the PDK across the street. The split is occuring, the tragedy has begun.
I pray, I hope, that this tragedy doesn't end in the death of the truth-seeking, determined soul that was born in 1956.
April 22, 2008
A Poem
I wrote this poem mid-December of 2007. I submitted it to the Irving Renaissance, a group of students on campus, mainly upperclassmen English majors, who critique eachother's poetry to enhance their own skills, to obviously get feedback about my attempt at poetry. They were sever, but righteously so. So I want see what y'all think.
The One-Way Tunnel
Damp, cold, mute
The tunnel assimilates my figure
Autumn days light the path
From the entrance I cannot return to
Moving forward the shadows grow larger
Until they disappear
And the nourishment I provided lies wasted
Blinded by desperation
Sick for hope and salvation
I push my lifeless body onward
Where is that lost motivation,
My beloved's lasting inspiration
Nutrients are supplied for movement and will
By reliant Knowledge and Memory
Again on the visible ground
I see outlines of dark
Then appears purest light
Guiding my weighted soul
To what will save me.
The One-Way Tunnel
Damp, cold, mute
The tunnel assimilates my figure
Autumn days light the path
From the entrance I cannot return to
Moving forward the shadows grow larger
Until they disappear
And the nourishment I provided lies wasted
Blinded by desperation
Sick for hope and salvation
I push my lifeless body onward
Where is that lost motivation,
My beloved's lasting inspiration
Nutrients are supplied for movement and will
By reliant Knowledge and Memory
Again on the visible ground
I see outlines of dark
Then appears purest light
Guiding my weighted soul
To what will save me.
April 15, 2008
A visit from his Eminence, Francis Cardinal Arinze
Just a few days ago, April 14th, University of Dallas had the honor of hosting his Eminence Francis Cardinal Arinze for our annual John Paul II Lecture.
Francis Cardinal Arinze is the Prefect of the Discipline of the Sacraments and Divine Worship within the Catholic Church. He came to our school to give a talk on "Interreligious Dialogue and Evangelization," the latter of the two he finds to be one of the biggest problems in the Church these days. There were three scheduled events for the day, a special Question & Answer Session with 30 students, a noon Mass, and a lecture at the local, Irving Arts Center. I was fortunate enough to find myself at all three. My friend, Kathryn, studiously took notes. Here are some quotes from the Cardinal. I will post more later about the talk.
Francis Cardinal Arinze is the Prefect of the Discipline of the Sacraments and Divine Worship within the Catholic Church. He came to our school to give a talk on "Interreligious Dialogue and Evangelization," the latter of the two he finds to be one of the biggest problems in the Church these days. There were three scheduled events for the day, a special Question & Answer Session with 30 students, a noon Mass, and a lecture at the local, Irving Arts Center. I was fortunate enough to find myself at all three. My friend, Kathryn, studiously took notes. Here are some quotes from the Cardinal. I will post more later about the talk.
Question & Answer Session with students:
“Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the desires and hopes of the human heart.”
“World religions should be studied with the Light of the Gospels. There needs to be a synthesis of thought.”
“Sharing the Gospel is like bringing the noon day sun to people searching for the Light at 4 o’clock in the morning.”
“You can be sincere and say that 2 + 2 = 5, but you are still wrong.”
“Evangelize with your life. Witness. Speak about Christ and His Church.”
“You cannot give what you do not have.”
“If you have fire, then you can inspire.”
“Conviction is very contagious.”
“Only God’s grace can change hearts."
“The greatest challenge for the Church – Evangelization.”
“We believe – we celebrate – we live – we pray this Faith.”
“We did not invent this faith.”
Making reference to a woman affectionately talking to her dog: “I have nothing against dogs, but she should have had a baby.”
“Religion cannot be caught by the market forces.”
“Don’t secularize our Catholic identity.”
“Our prayers must be to God, through His Son, in unity with the Holy Spirit.”
“When an element is of Divine Institution we cannot subject it to enculturation.”
“The liturgy is a gift we receive, not a product we produce.”
“How we pray shows what we believe.”
“We cannot reduce the liturgical celebration to a recreational social gathering.”
“The music in Mass should elevate the mind to God. That’s not to say guitars don’t elevate the mind, but if they draw people away from the Holy, then they must be examined and studied more closely.”
“I’m a rough and tumble Catholic.”
The lecture entitled 'Interreligious Dialogue and Evangelization:'
“Christ instituted His Church to bring fruits of His work.”
“We must evangelize with silent witness, participation in the sacraments, social Christian engagement.”
“Evangelization is bringing the Good News of salvation until the end of time,"
“Jesus Christ is at the center of evangelization.”
“The Catholic Church reflects the rays of Truth.”
“We have to proclaim Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life.”
“God is Truth and everything that is good and noble and true is found in God.”
“Facts don’t respect whether you accept them or not.”
“Jesus Christ is unique."
“In Jesus Christ God has said everything He needed to say to us.”
“There is and there will never be another quite like Jesus Christ.”
“The Son of God manifested Himself to us without any merit on our part.”
“This goodness in God is joyful.”
“The Church exists in order to evangelize.”
“We are bound to seek God, and once we find Him, we are bound to follow Him.”
“God called us all to a human destiny – to be united in Jesus Christ, His Son.”
“Christ becoming man united Him to every human being.”
“Everything that is true comes from the Holy Spirit.”
Making reference to those who have, by no fault of their own, never heard of Jesus Christ: “When they reach Heaven they will be surprised by their Savior.”
“God has not made us members of His advisory council.”
“Love compels us to speak the Truth.”
“Inter-religious Dialogue is not to be entrusted to problem children within the Church.”
“It is only proposed, not imposed."
“Share what you consider precious.”
“It is a challenge of Divine Providence that we live in these times.”
“There’s a very short book, 700 pages or so, it will tell you everything you need know. It’s called the Catechism.”
“Sell your overcoat and buy a Catechism. You won’t need the overcoat for a while.”
“You can't say, ‘I’m a Catholic, but…’ No, no, no, you must say, ‘I am a Catholic, therefore.’”
“The Incarnation – Jesus Christ Himself – is the single most important event in human history.”
“The founding of the University of Dallas was very important, but cannot touch Jesus’ life.”
“Every individual has their duty to look for the Truth.”
“Pontius Pilate is the patron of all those seeking Truth, on the condition that they never meet.”
“God wants us to move from things visible to things invisible.”
“God never contradicts Himself.”
“Reason is a gift from God.”
From an audience member, “Should we pray for our Protestant friends, Your Eminence?” “Yes.” Long pause. Applause. “Have you heard anything I’ve said in this past hour?”
“Don’t immediately begin talking about religion with a person who has no religion.”
“Friendship grows not by tricks or strategy. Friendship grows from the heart, not the head.”
“It is God who converts, not we.”
“We can become instruments of God if we don’t spoil His work.”
“Take part in the Theological banquet.”
Good stuff.
April 8, 2008
Expelled
What little advertising the media does on such a freaking awesome documentary is disgraceful. Guess they don't want people thinking Stein might actually be right about something...
Go see this even if you don't take this side of the issue. It's worth it anyways.
Go see this even if you don't take this side of the issue. It's worth it anyways.
March 29, 2008
Prokofiev
Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Minor, 1st Movement
The history of the piece is something else. Prokofiev was born in the Russian Empire in 1891 and died in 1953. He dealt with some hard times and a hard government and expressed much of his feelings through his music. This specific piece, dedicated to a dear friend who committed, is very loud, violent-sounding, and was seen as a mockery of music when Prokofiev first performed it in 1913.
It opens softly with the clarinet and strings and the piano quickly takes over. As it progresses, the piece becomes more and more violent sounding, but about half way through it there is a recapitulation of the beginning piano entrance. The violent progression continues, only this time much more violent and it concludes with yet another recapitulation of the beginning.
Through the softer beginning, it is as if Prokofiev is setting the scene of the Russian Empire. The chords sound sweet, but also almost manipulative. The softer part is contorted into a violent sound, symbolizing the horrible truth of the Russian Empire government. Prokofiev had to survive the cruelty of the dictators. The common misconception that the outside world had of Russia was that of a country striving for peace, where the citizens knew it as something else.
The first recapitulation is followed by an even more gruesome crescendo. A minute before this first movement ends the orchestra joins the piano for a clammering sound of doom. The once sweet clarinets chime in with a sadistic sound. And the piece is resolved with yet another recapitulation of the soft and peaceful beginning, the image of Russia only the outsiders see...
March 8, 2008
March 2, 2008
Confessions: 'Getting Down' in a Good Way
A few things have occured to me this past weekend. I realized rather pleasantly how soon it will be until I return to Wisconsin and see my family again. I noticed that if I don't get myself moving on my copious amounts of strenuous homework my grades will suffer severely. And, most importantly, it also dawned on me that there is, in fact, a healthy way to get down about things, and by 'get down' I mean become sad or mildly depressed, even, about something effecting us in our lives.
I went to confession Thursday night with a priest, Fr. James, who has been publically acclaimed among my fellow students as an amazing priest in the confessional. Curious of the different approaches priests use in confession, I decided to confess my sins to him.
During confession, Father talked to me about 'getting down' about something in my life in a good way. He said it was natural for us as humans to get down about alot of things. But, in doing so, it just made it easier for us to become more severe on ourselves, and, in turn, towards others, that is, unless we can get down in a good way, this being, making sure you focus on how to recover from your downward spiral. Of course, not getting down at all would be ideal, but some situations we get caught up in make life really difficult and really hard to bounce back in a completely healthy way. He told me that I should focus on trying to fix the problem. The advice was so simple and so easy that I was skeptical. I was skeptical of the credibility people gave him and I left the confessional slightly disappointed that my confession did not live up to what so many people said it would be.
It wasn't of course until a few days later that I found myself in another trying situation. I reflected on the direction from Father James and found it to be so simple to do, yet so crucial to our existence. People can't help but getting down about every tiny little trouble in their lives. Nothing is made more simple by the extrinsic factors in our life. So when those extrinsic factors hurt our personal selves we revel in that in an unhealthy way. Not good. We need to focus on the recovery. We need to understand that whatever happened happened and it's in the past. We were hurt, torn down, made a fool of, but it happened and recovery is all we can look forward to. We can't let it control our actions enough that it is outwardly expressed to others. This is most important. This direction also brings to mind the famous "Love your neighbor as yourself" saying. How can you love your neighbor as yourself when you yourself are in a trying situation? You can't. You can try and cover it, but it isn't truly sincere and the fakeness surfaces in every action you make. The recovery is the necessary focus to regain a stable mentality.
Guess Fr. James' exceeded his status with his wise words...
I went to confession Thursday night with a priest, Fr. James, who has been publically acclaimed among my fellow students as an amazing priest in the confessional. Curious of the different approaches priests use in confession, I decided to confess my sins to him.
During confession, Father talked to me about 'getting down' about something in my life in a good way. He said it was natural for us as humans to get down about alot of things. But, in doing so, it just made it easier for us to become more severe on ourselves, and, in turn, towards others, that is, unless we can get down in a good way, this being, making sure you focus on how to recover from your downward spiral. Of course, not getting down at all would be ideal, but some situations we get caught up in make life really difficult and really hard to bounce back in a completely healthy way. He told me that I should focus on trying to fix the problem. The advice was so simple and so easy that I was skeptical. I was skeptical of the credibility people gave him and I left the confessional slightly disappointed that my confession did not live up to what so many people said it would be.
It wasn't of course until a few days later that I found myself in another trying situation. I reflected on the direction from Father James and found it to be so simple to do, yet so crucial to our existence. People can't help but getting down about every tiny little trouble in their lives. Nothing is made more simple by the extrinsic factors in our life. So when those extrinsic factors hurt our personal selves we revel in that in an unhealthy way. Not good. We need to focus on the recovery. We need to understand that whatever happened happened and it's in the past. We were hurt, torn down, made a fool of, but it happened and recovery is all we can look forward to. We can't let it control our actions enough that it is outwardly expressed to others. This is most important. This direction also brings to mind the famous "Love your neighbor as yourself" saying. How can you love your neighbor as yourself when you yourself are in a trying situation? You can't. You can try and cover it, but it isn't truly sincere and the fakeness surfaces in every action you make. The recovery is the necessary focus to regain a stable mentality.
Guess Fr. James' exceeded his status with his wise words...
February 26, 2008
Well, here it goes.
I'm new to this whole blogging thing. Don't expect much. I'm mostly on it to have yet another connection with my father who is across the nation from me. I will hopefully frequently write blogs about my insight into various topics and beliefs, my opinions about issues and commonly held ideas, and my writings (poetry, short stories, little pieces of fiction). Also, anything else that I might want to say. Be advised, I tend to forget grammar courtesy and I misuse english words. I use them as flourishings. :)
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