June 26, 2008
Hollywood Celebrities
I try very hard not to think about Hollywood celebrities, particularly when I'm trying to enjoy a film. And there are some lives and people that are nearly deliberate freakshows, but I have to admit to a not-quite-grudging, not-quite-full-fledged admiration of Jolie-Pitt--four children of their own, twins on the way and this. Anyone who encourages us to pay attention to the plight of children. Well, it's just plain hard not to admire that.
Posted by Steven Riddle at 8:18 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
October 19, 2007
A Temporary Possible Haitus
Don't know what connectivity will be like over the next week or so as I venture into the hinterlands to visit relatives and take in a little autumnal color (if it still exists). If I'm not back in about 10 days, send out the search parties because the first recreation planned for our family group is a corn maze and pumpkin picking. I'm very dubious about this corn thing because after all if you've ever heard those weird noises it makes as it shoots up overnight.
Won't get as far as Ohio, but will be enjoying a long drive (I hope.) If all goes well will report as soon as connectivity is restored--perhaps tomorrow, perhaps later.
Please pray for us as we travel that the journey might be made in safety.
Posted by Steven Riddle at 8:19 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
October 16, 2007
Interesting. . .
I'm always interested with this sort of thing crops up. It seems to hearken atavistically to the days of pyromancy and scapulomancy and any other group of mancies you care to name.
In it I see the longing, the deep and abiding longing people have for a sign. As it was in the time of Jesus, and is now. "No sign shall be given you except the sign of Jonas." And that sign, descending into the belly of the beast to return to light once again, should be enough.
Posted by Steven Riddle at 7:47 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 6, 2007
R.I.P. Luciano Pavarotti
I'm sorry to hear of the passing of Luciano Pavarotti. While I have never been a profound fan of his voice; it was primarily his charisma and that of some fellow performers (Beverly Sills and others) that led to a brief, vibrant interest in opera, which has long since subsided to the present status-symbol supported institution that it has become. A man of great talent and tremendous personality, while he hasn't been very active in recent years, the loss of so great a talent is a loss for all.
"No man is an islande. . . "
"Goodnight sweet prince, may choirs of angels sing thee to thy rest."
And may almighty God receive him joyfully into his eternal home.
Posted by Steven Riddle at 7:40 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 28, 2007
DST
It's astounding to me how much real trauma, work and fuss have to go into adjusting the software to compensating for the "new DST."
I honestly wish we had done away with this nonsense decades ago. But finances run the world and it is the financiers who gave us the new DST for whatever purposes they see it as useful. Frankly, whatever they gain is not worth what all of those who need to constantly shift our time frames lose.
Posted by Steven Riddle at 2:15 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
January 22, 2007
Two Films from the Ice Storm
Sent by a friend:
And I'm getting a little worried here--we've had to run our air conditioner on and off through both December and January. Today it's expected to be 82 with a thunderstorm in the afternoon leading to cool off--that means a really wretched flea and mosquito season and who knows what other seasonal anomalies.
My prayers go out to those affected by these terrible storms.
Posted by Steven Riddle at 10:19 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 7, 2006
The End of an Era
If this turns out to be true, it is a very sad, very touching event. Pearl Harbor survivors meet for the last time.
Posted by Steven Riddle at 8:26 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
November 17, 2006
More Insanity
The lead of the article is simply about some opportunists who visited thirty or so people waiting in line and tried to rob them. They ended up shooting one. But it seems that our obsession have too firm a hold on us. But then something must fill the God-shaped vacuum--why not Playstation?
Posted by Steven Riddle at 12:12 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
November 16, 2006
Excuse Me If I Politically Offend
but I am essentially a political ignoramus. A friend sent me this blogblurb which amused me with this statement [in reference to the recent elevation of Trent Lott]:
Is it just me, or is it becoming increasingly apparent that the Republicans and Democrats are determined to engage in a two year dumb-off? If it weren’t for the fact that there are some very determined lunatics out there trying to kill us, this would be funny.
Posted by Steven Riddle at 4:47 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
November 8, 2006
God's Will Is Done
And it remains to be seen whether we have been given the government we deserve or the government of God's mercy. My instinct is that it is business as usual on Capitol Hill; however, my political instincts are nil, and we might well be under the hand of His Mercy rather than under the hand of His Permissive will. Pray that it be so.
And every day, add to your intentions for the day that God raise up leaders who follow Him and who look to Him rather than to themselves to to society for guidance and nurture.
Posted by Steven Riddle at 8:40 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
November 7, 2006
Voting Guide-Orson Scott Card
If you haven't voted yet, here's yet another advisory for those so inclined:
via Claw of the Conciliator
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August 4, 2006
Where Is Truth to be Found? II
In the interest of fairness and to reinforce the point from yesterday this news report:
Hezbollah Uses Christian Villages as Shields (From The Inn at the End of the World.)
Posted by Steven Riddle at 3:02 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
March 14, 2006
Things I Need to Review Later
Foreign Policy: The Geopolitics of Sexual Frustration
I don't usually burden y'all with such things, but I need to look at these later in more detail. The first seems to have enormous implications beyond the suggestions of the article itself.
Posted by Steven Riddle at 11:17 AM | TrackBack
November 15, 2005
The Return--News from the Carmelite Retreat
Returned last evening from a short vacation and a day of reflection amongst the Carmelites. It would be hard to convey my sense of blessing at the marvelous provinical delegate we have.
While the retreat was very Carmelite, it might be instructive to share a few of the insights because of the depth they provide for the Carmelite vocation and how it differs from many others. Moreover, it would offer me the chance to reinforce the insights before they completely slip out of my head.
The reflection day theme was "Solitude in the Life and Spirituality of Carmel." True to the title, we spent the day reflecting on being alone with the Alone. Among the important points acquired from this reflection: Solitude is the single ascetical practice enjoined on Carmelites. There is no companion to it, and without solitude one simply is not living a Carmelite life. Solitude should not be taken to mean simple isolation from people. In fact, properly conducted, solitude should bring you into more intimate and prolonged contact with people. Solitude fuels a prayer life which fuels an intimacy with God which fuels an apostolate. Father John-Benedict went to some pains to emphasize that in the Carmelite tradition solitude DID NOT mean reclusion. He pointed out that in some traditions, solitude necessarily came with reclusion, but not so for Carmelites. The Carmelites are the exemplars of the balance bewteen solitude and community. The Carmelite "gift" to the Church is to teach the balance between individual solitude and communal life. Probably the single most important point he had to make was that for the Carmelite contemplation must always end in action for others. That action usually takes the form of some sort of guidance, spiritual companionship, or teaching, although the apostolates need not be limited to these things.
Now for a more personal view of the whole proceedings. I think there are times when every person struggles with his or her vocation. There may be times when people wonder whether or not they are really called as they thought or whether they have been deceiving themselves or misinterpreting signals. If it is not true for everyone, it is certainly true for me and it has been a strong wind in my life of recent date. I have not so much doubted my vocation as doubted what it really meant and what it called me to. I know that I am to be an active contemplative, but what does that boil down to in reality? What does it look like? What does God expect from this odd platypus of a creature?
Well, several things happened in the course of the meeting that shook me down to my foundations and raised me up with a new certainty of my vocation. For one, Father shared the "mission-critical" moment of Jesus's ministry for Carmelites. (This is, of course, from the period of the ministry, not the ultimate redemptive act which stands for all as the center of our being and meaning.) The moment that Father identified as central to the Carmelite charism and meaning was the Transfiguration. This is the single most important moment for Carmelites of the mission life. I can't explain all of the implications and ramifications because I was too busy being bowled over by grace. The central reality of my worship life is that the transfiguration has always spoken to me in ways that I can't fully articulate. It has always struck me as a central and meaningful moment. So much so that I was ready at one point to take on the cumbersome "religious" name of John of the Cross of the Transfiguration. (Fortunately God spared everyone that dyslogial trope.) When Father said this, something resounded within me and said, "Yes, you are where you are because you are called." It's nice to hear confirmation even when you are already committed and solid.
The other thing that spoke to me is Father's insistence that contemplation always ends in action for a Carmelite. I do not know if this is true of all traditions. I would think that it must be, but I leave that puzzle to those more versed in the history of religious traditions. For Carmelites it is central. And I was fascinated by the examples of service that Father indicated--spiritual direction, teaching, counseling, etc. All of these things appeal to me even as I wonder about my capacity for them. Father noted that contemplation fuels the apostolate of any Carmelite.
Fueled by the insights of this brief day, I'm ready to move on. I'm ready to practice more vigorously the discipline of solitude. Physical solitude might be limited, but it will ultimately feed solitude of the Heart, which may be had by anyone in the state of grace at any moment in life.
So, in all, this was one of those checkpoints that served to say, "You've found a direction, hold to it and keep going." Like navigators of long ago, one must steer with the wind and trust God. I do not see land ahead, but reason tells me there must be, even if it is the land I just have sailed from. This does not quell the momentary terrors as I wonder what I'm doing out here all alone and where I'm going. But the sea is vast, and we've all pushed our little ships out. You are all here with me, I simply can't spot you from my vantage point. So I don't know if I lead on or if I simply identify the center of a large group, or I trail badly, or what position I hold in the voyage home. But if leader, may I hold the course courageously and help others find the way; if measure of central tendency, may it inspire us all to continue onwards knowing our true home; if trailer, well, God have mercy on me and move me forward following the lead of all those who have gone before. Whatever it is, I will continue to offer my sufferings and prayers for the continued progress of all in humility, trust, and charity. Thanks for sailing with me--may we all find the journey fair and fast.
Posted by Steven Riddle at 6:49 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
November 7, 2005
Request for Information
There was a rumor making the rounds this weekend at Church. (The leader of the secular Franciscans talked to the Leader of the Lay Carmelites, and they both in turn talked to their groups. The essence it was that Pope John Paul II was to be beatified in June. Now, as far as I know, Pope John Paul II has just had his cause opened this week. Everything I read suggested that there was no way in which they would be prepared to make an pronouncement by the time of the Pope's visit to Poland in June. In the Carmelite group I said this, but there was insistence that the beatification was to occur. However, given a little bit of a language gap, I was wondering if it were possible that Pope Paul VI, for whom a cause had been opened some time ago, might not be beatified.
Is anyone out there able to clarify what exactly is happening? I would appreciate any insight you might have in the matter.
Posted by Steven Riddle at 8:40 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
February 1, 2005
Urgent Prayers for the Holy Father Needed
Be with him Lord in sickness, and let Him know your closeness.
Posted by Steven Riddle at 6:35 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
January 14, 2005
Satellite Tsunami Photos
That appear to have some veracity:
and
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January 10, 2005
Birth Announcement from Katherine
As this was sent as a general announcement, and many here were praying for her safe delivery, I give you the announcement in Katherine's own words, with one small edit to ensure the privacy of the family:
Franklin and I are delighted to announce the birth of our sixth child, Brendan Matthew Timothy . He was born here in our home on Tuesday morning, the 4th of January. He weighed 10 lb 8 oz and was a whopping 22 inches long. He has black hair.Both mother and baby are doing very well. It was a difficult birth but, God was our provider every step of the way.
Please join me in congratulating the parents and thanking God for this ordinary Miracle.
Posted by Steven Riddle at 7:36 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 4, 2005
News from Franklin
Katherine had her baby this morning at about 11 O'Clock. He is, as yet, unnamed, but they are very happy to receive him into their home. Praise God for a swift birth and a healthy baby.
Posted by Steven Riddle at 5:32 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
November 11, 2004
Eternal Rest Grant Unto HIm O Lord!
I would like to feel more deeply the loss of Yassar Arafat, but it is not in me; however, that does not prevent me from praying for his soul and for rest and peace for him. May Shakespeare be wrong in this case,
"The evil men do lives after them,
the good is oft interr'd with their bones. . . "
May we see a change of heart, a change of path, a continuation of the struggle for identity in a way that allows the Palestinian people finally to achieve identity but not at the cost of another.
Posted by Steven Riddle at 7:25 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
November 1, 2004
Homeschooling Moms
Those of you who homeschool are probably already aware of the magazines available to you, but I just recently received one from a very dear friend who has published a wonderful article in it. Unfortunately I don't remember the name of the magazine clearly (I left it at home). I thought it was Hearts and Minds. But perhaps one of my audience who does homeschool could perhaps provide the corrected name.
Anyway, the whole magazine is highly recommended from my one view of it, and congratlualtions are due to my very dear friend who against overwhelming odds--(5 children in homeschool and another on its way)--managed to write a great article to help other mothers out there.
Posted by Steven Riddle at 7:41 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
January 28, 2004
To All the Summists
summist--a name given to the divines of the Middle Ages who propounded their dogmas in works called Summae Theologiae. . . This name was adopted by Thomas Aquinas who published his celebrated work on divinity under the tilte of Summae totius Theologiae.
So to all the active summists and the present-day O.P.s of whatever rank--a most blessed feast of St. Thomas.
Posted by Steven Riddle at 11:40 AM | TrackBack
December 24, 2003
My Christmas Greeting
To All,
A most joyous, beautiful and delightful Christmas. May God bless each person and bring him or her to a closer walk.
American Holly on Mount Vernon Grounds
shalom,
Steven
Posted by Steven Riddle at 10:35 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
December 17, 2003
Nearly Missed this Once-In -A-Lifetime Opportunity
to wish you all a happen centenary of Kitty Hawk.
Today's the day when 100 years ago the Wright brothers demonstrated that powered heavier-than-air vehicles could indeed fly.
Others had flown before them. Others had even shown that powered heavier-than-air travel was feasible. But the Wright Brothers applying the principles of a great many scientists and inventors before them demonstrated repeatable success in their attempts.
Posted by Steven Riddle at 11:15 AM | TrackBack
December 1, 2003
Another Hiatus
Regrettably, I shall be going away again on business, so there will be another brief interruption in what I would like to continue unbroken.
Ah well.
Posted by Steven Riddle at 10:05 PM | TrackBack
November 11, 2003
News of the World--From National Geographic
Posted by Steven Riddle at 9:13 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
October 21, 2003
Terri Update
The Florida Senate passed the bill. Let's pray that Mr. Bush does as he has promised and let us continue to pray for the recovery and healing of Ms. Schiavo.
Appears Bush has signed the orders to reinstate the feeding. Praise God! Praise God! and keep praying. She needs our prayers and support as much now as she did before. Pray for her recovery and no ill-effects.
Posted by Steven Riddle at 6:03 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Terri Update
Assuming the Senate approves it:
from the Orlando Sentinel
Bush said he would sign legislation into law Tuesday night and immediately issue the stay, ordering the feeding tube reinserted. He said he did not think lawmakers were motivated by politics.
"This is a response to a tragic situation." Bush said. "People are responding to cries for help and I think it's legitimate."
Pray for all due haste and speed in returning this woman's basic rights.
Posted by Steven Riddle at 3:45 PM | TrackBack
Terri Schiavo Update
Mr. Polson draws my attention to the fact that I misread the article referenced below to mean that something had been decided. That will wait until this evening--which gives everyone in the state of Florida plenty of time to keep the phones ringing off the hooks and to storm heaven in the name of Mercy for this woman.
Posted by Steven Riddle at 1:00 PM | TrackBack
Terri Schiavo, A Personal View
I have felt guilty for not joining the people in Tampa in their vigil for Terri, for not doing much more than handwringing, letter writing, and praying. However, it seems that there must be some of us gadflies left to sting the wounded conscience into action. We all have a role whether we can maintain vigil or not. Keep praying! And pray that if Bush does what he should Ms. Schiavo's recovery is complete and rapid.
Posted by Steven Riddle at 10:54 AM | TrackBack
Terri Schiavo--Update
The Senate passed the bill. Now it is up to Bush. Let's pray he doesn't drop the ball on this.
Posted by Steven Riddle at 10:50 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Terri Schiavo Crisis
Many of you may already have seen this. If not--taken directly from the Blog of Gregg the Obscure:
In case you haven't seen this yet at Chez SheaUrgent Action needed . . .
Here's what needs to happen. Call and/or write James King in the Florida Legislature and demand that emergency legislation be passed immediately--today--to create a moratorium on starving/dehydration such as Terri is being forced to endure.Phone: 850-487-5229 or 850-487-5030
king.james@leg.state.fl.us
No time to lose! Please circulate this as far and wide as you can.
Posted by Steven Riddle at 10:23 AM | TrackBack
Praise God, At Least One Step!--Terri News
Praise God, but keep praying. At least the Florida House has voted to allow Bush to help Terri (although as Chief executive of the state, it would seem that one of his prime directives would be to protect the citizenry of the state). Pray that the Senate acts quickly and this poor woman can be saved from the monstrous end expressly manufactured for her by Satan and the culture of Death.
Posted by Steven Riddle at 7:31 AM | TrackBack
October 14, 2003
An Outpouring of Prayers
There appears to be one last concerted effort to save Terri Schiavo's life--details here. St. Teresa of Avila, patroness of those with headaches and loving mother of all those consigned to her care should be invoked, perhaps even for a miraculous awakening that will put an end to this evil.
Posted by Steven Riddle at 2:19 PM | TrackBack
October 4, 2003
To All Our Resident Franciscans
A most joyous feast day.
Posted by Steven Riddle at 7:33 AM | TrackBack
September 24, 2003
Gross Incivility
I'm often stunned by the gross incivility displayed on both sides of any given debate. This was brought to mind this afternoon by the success of yet another ill-titled, conceivably ill-tempered Al Franken book, pumped up by various media interests to match the insidiously vitriolic and questionable accuracy of Ann Coulter. (She does not miraculously become correct if she happens to express many opinions with which I can agree. I have a bad track record as regards my opinions.) As much as I like to look at Ms. Coulter, I think that being in the same room with her (or with Mr. Franken) would likely be a most unpleasant experience.
Part of this is the human tendency to attribute only the most malign motives to anyone who opposes us. And I think this a mistake. For example, I think it a mistake to attribute malign motives to most people who support a limited right to abortion. They can be wrong and even wrong-headed without any intent to be malign.
It seems to me that the better part of any conversation would be to assume the motive of the conversant is basically driven by good-will. (Mr. da Fiesole has disagreed with me in the past on this, but his reasons did not persuade--it seems the better part of charity to start with the assumption that most people act out of good will or at least with no malignant motive until proven otherwise.) Only in this way may one truly address the issue at hand.
Now this leads to a second assumption, one in which I am more often than not truly disappointed. I assume that two disputants who are talking about a serious issue really seek the truth on the issue. That's not to say that anyone's mind will be changed in a sudden stroke, but rather both are seeking input to modify the worldview accordingly. It may not be input to modify the position they hold, but it may be a deeper understanding of why someone would hold the opposite opinion and what the implications of that may be. In many matters, it is unimportant ("Make it pink, Make it blue.) But in a great many issues to not seek the truth is great folly. However, many people see the ideas they hold as somehow personal possessions, and a challenge to those ideas is a personal affront--an attack on the integrity of the person. I recognize this tendency in myself, and often have to back away to consider what has been said and what it really means to the notions I hold. I take a great deal of time sometimes to assimilate new notions and change my mindset and behavior to accommodate them. It is better to take a short period to cool off and then realize that the idea is not part of the self--to relinquish a bad idea is to strengthen one's Christian armor. Truth is far more important than either my personal opinion or the possibility that I might seem foolish to some. Foolish or not, I need to listen and to try to understand, and to seek God's way--the truth in all things.
And so I know that neither Ms. Coulter (whose previous book I did read, and whose present book I made a stab at but found so full of the pestilence of ill-humor and self-righteousness, not to mention a generous dollop of vitriol, gossip, and acrimony) nor Mr. Franken (ditto, ditto, ditto--and add to it that like many for whom he writes toeing the party line is more important than truth) have much, if anything to say that will enlighten my perpetual darkness.
In fact, why should it surprise anyone that the Right lies or the left lies, or the news is slanted this way or that? It may be dismaying, but as we all learned long ago, every story is told from a point of view--there is no perfect objective point of view in the human realm. That, in part, is what the Fall is about. So why should we be surprised if we find that a reporter has obscured this point or that, or that they have told only half of the story. Anyone willing to believe anything printed in a newspaper or news magazine deserves the world view it is likely to give them.
If we seek the truth, then we should seek it in places where it dwells--in the heart of Jesus Christ, in the center of the Gospel, in the message of the ordinary and universal Magisterium, in the lives of the Saints, in prayer. Seeking the truth beyond these bounds is an endless, fruitless, and ultimately depressing, oppressing, and empty endeavor. Knowledge of truth apart from God is not knowledge at all, but opinion, for in Him resides the fullness of the truth, and all else is inconsequential.
Posted by Steven Riddle at 3:10 PM | Comments (5) | TrackBack
September 18, 2003
News From My Former Hometown
I thought the 1500 pound Venezuelan Rodent was fantastic until I stumbled across the fact that I've been in a Church where there is a relic of the One True Cross--in, of all places, Columbus Ohio. I hope it proves to be true upon closer inspection.
Posted by Steven Riddle at 9:09 PM | TrackBack
An Open Letter to Jeb Bush
Dear Esteemed Governor,
As a citizen of the State of Florida, I am appalled at the way a rampant judiciary has taken it upon itself to sentence a woman unable to speak for herself to an unspeakably horrible death. I will readily admit that I do not know all the facts in the case, but it seems to me that there are people who would be willing custodians of the precious life of Terri Schiavo, and in that event, these people should be allowed the opportunity to care for her. Obviously there are differences of opinion about Ms. Shiavo's chances and if the person presently in custody no longer cares to be burdened with her, so be it. However, given the present state of disagreement, it is not seemly that anyone should preempt any chance Ms. Schiavo may have to continue her rightful life here on Earth.
It is your right and privilege as Governor of the great State of Florida to issue a stay of execution on any prisoner or an person rightly adjudged of the courts of Florida to have merited death. Ms. Schiavo has been found guilty of being a burden and is thus seen as disposable. Please issue a writ to counter this judicial usurpation of the authority of the state. Ms. Schiavo is not a criminal, nor does she deserve death. She deserves custodians who will care for her and see to it that she is nursed back to health.
Please, please, please for the sake of Ms. Schiavo, and indeed for the sake of the state of Florida and these United States, intervene and overturn this writ of execution. Do not allow our courts to put to death one who has committed no crime. Do not let the State of Florida be the place where the next step down the slippery slope of the culture of death is taken.
most respectfully yours. . .
Oh, and please, see this prayer for Ms. Schiavo
And while we are storming heaven, I encourage every Floridian to storm the governor's office and work on him until he rescinds the court order by executive order. We should not let this go unaddressed; Florida should not lead the way into the next revelation of the Culture of Death.
Posted by Steven Riddle at 9:00 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
September 17, 2003
For Your Edification and Delectation
Sent to me by a friend--the must see trailer of the decade, century, millenium. Yes,
will be threatening a theatre near you.
Posted by Steven Riddle at 9:07 PM | TrackBack
August 29, 2003
In Iraq, at the Shrine
In Iraq, at the Shrine of Ali
Pray for the victims of the bombing of the Shrine, for their families, and for all of the people hurt directly and indirectly by this. Imagine if you will what would have happened if the same thing were to take place at Lourdes--because this is a sort of Lourdes of the Muslim world. Imagine the shock and the horror, the anguish and the anger. And then remember not so long ago people were setting fires to churches with African American congregations, and a little before that bombing churches in Alabama. And remember that as different as we like to think we are, there are among us those same fanatics who in the name of some cause would cause misery to million. who to achieve their goals would have no problem causing misery to millions. And pray for God's mercy on us all because it is all that sustains us and all that keeps us safe from the same horror.
Posted by Steven Riddle at 7:32 AM
August 23, 2003
John Geoghan Died today in
John Geoghan
Died today in a prison attack. I pray that he had time to repent and find the mercy of God. I am reminded once again to pray for the restoration and healing of all of his victims. May God have mercy on all of us, sinners.
Posted by Steven Riddle at 8:47 PM
July 23, 2003
Reaction to the Death of Saddam's Sons
Reaction to the Death of Saddam's Sons
This will not be welcome in many blog-circles, but I feel I must do it and say it for my own sake and the sake of those who might otherwise be led astray. I pray for the repose of the souls of these two men. The world is a better place without them. But I know that God does not desire that He should lose even one of His beloved children. I praise and thank Him for His justice and I ask Him in obedience to His commandment to have mercy on the souls of these men and comfort the family that mourns for them. "Bless those that curse you." As I said, it is a matter of discipline and something that is actually much harder to say and mean than I thought it would be. But I do pray it, and I do mean it. These men do not deserve such mercy and lovingkindness, but then, neither do I. And I hope at my death that there are a great many waiting to pray me out of purgatory and into His embrace.
Posted by Steven Riddle at 11:31 AM
July 18, 2003
Second-Guessing
Second-Guessing
In the news and on many blogs, people are questioning the reasons for entering the war with Iraq. Many are calling into question the "justness" of the war (at best, to my mind, a dubious concept). But to what point? What is done is done. Either it was just, or it was not. To spend time and energy fretting over why and when and where and what the reasoning might have been seems indulging in a futile endeavor. Worse, such hand-wringing tends to indict those who in conscience prosecuted the war. All of this is simply judging ex post facto what is really beyond the ability of any of us to judge while here on Earth.
Rather than rehash and rewarm and reargue the entire event or chain of events, it would seem better to learn from the experience, and perhaps to explore how one might achieve the famous Kollwitz Nie Weider Kreig. Now seems more a time of prayer and acts of reparation, because even if the war were just, innocent people died (admittedly fewer than had been expected, but nevertheless. . .), and injustices were committed. In prayer, we remand all of these things to God's care and we trust in His providence to make good what may have been less than good. We trust Him to protect and care for all of those away from home and still facing danger and we trust Him to protect the people of Iraq from future oppressors and from those who continue to struggle, perhaps only to rise again once a suppressing presence has left.
I suspect that the main cause of all the hand-wringing is the mercifcul absence of most other news of import. And thus, I suppose I am better off with the hand-wringing that with the news that is likely to drive this out of the headlines. Unfortunately, I know that if nothing else happens (God forbid), we will have to listen to this through the next election. Still and all, it gives us pause for deliberate and well-considered prayer.
Posted by Steven Riddle at 8:48 AM
June 26, 2003
Contingency and Grace and some New Critters
An interesting and speculative notion sent to me by a colleague, Constantine's Sign.
From the same gracious colleague--New Critters near New Zealand.
And one final link--same source--probably more useful to those using PCs--a "Who Links to You engine.
Both cool science things for those into impacts and critters. A short break from the heavy-going.
Posted by Steven Riddle at 9:40 AM
June 18, 2003
Dylan's Birthday
I sent him wishes from all of St. Blogs. He sounds as good as circumstances can warrant.
Special prayers for him on this day of days.
Posted by Steven Riddle at 7:22 PM
October 16, 2002
Stealing Wholesale--A Prayer to Capture
Stealing Wholesale--A Prayer to Capture a Murderer
From Disputations, this excellent perpetual novena composed and/or adapted by John da Fiesole for the capture of the murderer-at-large in the Washington D.C. area. Please join us in praying it every day, or, I suppose, more often.
So I think I will start a perpetual novena to St. Anthony until the sniper is caught.
O Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of Saints, your love for God and Charity for His creatures made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Miracles waited on your word, which you were ever ready to speak for those in trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this thought, I implore of you to obtain for my neighbors and me the arrest and confinement of those responsible for the murderous sniper attacks on the innocent people of this region. The answer to my prayer may require a miracle, even so, you are the Saint of Miracles. O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the Sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms, and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Amen.
Our Father, ...
Hail Mary, ...
Glory be ...
Pray for us, St. Anthony, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Posted by Steven Riddle at 8:13 AM