August 28, 2004

Paleomaps

Another of Todd's links, Paleomaps, that I may or may not have already in my links. Bascially, roaming the web seeking links like these. This is of particular interest because I've attended some of the talks at GSA given by Mr. Scotese when this work was in its "infancy." Also toured a "paleomag" lab inside a giant magnet to neutralize Earth's present field. Cool!

Posted by Steven Riddle at 07:24 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Solar System Simulator

I got this NASA - JPL Solar System Simulator from Catholic Sensabilities. It is incredibly cool and interesting. See any body in the solar system form any other body on any given date. It probably does other things as well, but I really wanted to share this one! Thanks, Todd.

Posted by Steven Riddle at 07:18 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

August 27, 2004

From the Epistle of the Joy of the Lord--III

Philippians 1:8-11

8: For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.
9: And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment,
10: so that you may approve what is excellent, and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,
11: filled with the fruits of righteousness which come through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Verse 8 gives a picture of Paul that belies what his critics would make him--stern, distant, nearly misanthropic. We hear and see Paul yearning for the companionship of those who love the Lord. How sweet it is to be with and among those who truly love the Lord. There is no better company, no better conversation than that which centers on the Lord himself and revolves around Him as the center. To what point any conversation that does not bring us closer to the Lord? Why talk at all if we are not yearning for the truth? Paul yearns for the support and comfort of being among those whose spirit is strong, whose faith is a bulwark against the ravages of the world. He longs to be once again among those who have most enthusiastically supported his mission in the world. And this yearning is natural for all of us. Our chief desire should be to be among those who love the Lord. And acting upon this desire, we should work to be certain that wherever we are, there are those who are ardent friends of the Lord. This, then, is part of the call to evangelism. Wherever there is love of the Lord, we are at home. We are called to leave home frequently and to make a new home wherever we should be brought. Our joy and delight is in the presence of the Lord and where people love Him, He is present. (For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Mt. 18:20)

Enough for the moment--I will extend reflection on these verses somewhat later. Scripture is indeed a fountain. A single verse of it can bring to mind the million things God wishes to tell the believer. However, I see little cause for you all to exposed to all the million things that run through my head. (That collective sigh of relief sounded like Charley at his peak.)

Posted by Steven Riddle at 07:17 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Some Quotations about Poverty

I don't quite understand the purppose of a book like Less is More: The Art of Voluntary Poverty, unless, like many devotionals it is designed to provide food for meditation and reflection. I don't much care for devotionals, and most books of quotations give only momentary interest. However, this has some interesting reflections both from the relligious world and the secular world against the society of consumption and use.

from Less is More
Edited by Goldian Vanderbroeck

We forgot that the sensual objects were pleasant and cool only like the shade under the hissing hood of an angry serpent and we sought them as capable of giving us happiness. --Sri Changrasekhara Bharati Swamigal, d. 1954

Riches destroy the foolish, if they look not for the other shore; by his thirst for riches the foolish many destroys himself as if he were his own enemy. --Dhamapada

Let thy walk be an interior one. Blessed Henry Suso, ca. 1295-1365

A certain hermit named Kyo-yu owned nothing whatever: even water he drank out of his hand. Seeing this, someone gave him a bowl made of a gourd. One day, he hung it on the branch of a tree but the wind made it bang about and rattle noisily, so he took it and threw it away and drank water out of his hand as before.-- Yoshida Kenko, 1283-1350

In everything, love simplicity.--St. Francis de Sales, 1567-1622

Unless a man is simple, he cannot recognize God, the Simple One.--Bengali Song

That most of us are considered poor is no disgrace, but does us credit; for, as the mind is weakened by luxurious living, so it is strengthened by a frugal life.--Minucius Felix 3rd Century AD

Teach children to want little while they are little.--Surya Prem, 1965

Luxury enters into citities in the first place, afterwards satiety, then lascivious insolence, and after all these destruction.--Pythagoras, 6th century BC

What is detachment? That which clings to nothing. Spiritual poverty clings to nothing, and nothing clings to it.--Johannes Tauler, 1300-1362

Possessions give me no more than I already have.--Rene Pascal, 1623-1662

A variety of thoughts on the subject of voluntary poverty and simplicity of spirit. The two are not identical, but they do walk hand-in-hand. I do not think simplicity of spirit is possible as long as we continue to desire more of anything. Until we can learn to be content where we are, we will largely be unable to advance. And this must be one of the very hardest lessons for those of us living in one of the most privileged places and cultures of all time.

Posted by Steven Riddle at 07:03 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Prayer and Praise--27 August 2004--St. Monica

Today his mother, tomorrow the great Doctor of the Church himself.

Thereupon she said to both of us: "Bury my body wherever you will; let not care of it cause you any concern. One thing I ask you, that you remember me at the altar of the Lord wherever you may be." A quotation of the last words of St. Monica from Confessions--St. Augustine


Prayer Requests

For the two children struck by lightning yesterday, for their families, tor the bus driver, and for their teacher that they may all witness the miracle of God's healing love

Please continue to pray for Dylan

For the continued recovery of Katherine's mother.

Pour out prayers on the people of Florida who have lost their homes, their livelinhoods, and their lives in this storm.

For a deeper understanding of and commitment to the strengthening grace of the sacrament of marriage, especially for those who are presently undergoing trials.

Please storm heaven for my friends in Louisiana, they've had a long string of misfortune and could do with some good news.


For a dear friend who is undergoing a troubling period in her life, beset with a number of problems, physical, financial, emotional. May God hold her close to His heart.

For a St. Blog's parishioner in need of work to forestall financial catastrophe, that the Lord provide all that is needed in both material and spiritual blessings.

For those struggling against self to attain holiness, that the Good Lord will raise up new Saints for our times, visible beacons that draw all people toward Christ.

For the people of the Sudan that they may know peace and security and that they might learn to live together.

A special request from two gentleman battling particularly troublesome and besetting sins for grace and help as they continue forward.

For all those in the process of discerning vocations to the religious life, for guidance, prudence and good counsel

For our children, that they grow up in security, comfort, and the certain knowledge that they are loved and that they be released from any bonds of darkness, fear, anger, or sadness that bind and threaten them

For all those living under the curse of generational sins, that they may have protection and the inheritance of the past may be made void in their lives.

For all who are suffering from marital problems, most particularly those in our own families or communities, that the Lord may intervene and remind them that a marriage is of three persons.

For mothers and families that struggle with autism and autistic-related disabilities: particularly for M'Lynn, Melissa, Christine, and Betty.

For families that desire more children

For the conversion or return of spouses and loved ones to the Catholic Church, most particularly for Amanda's husband

For the men and women of the American Armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan and for their families, may the Good Lord provide sustenance, support, compassion, and love that these separated families might continue to grow in strength and love.


Special Prayer Projects:


(1) For Katherine and Franklin, Gordon and Christine, Peter Kucera, and for all who are seeking employment and suffering through difficult times as they wait.

(2)Healthy Pregnancies and good and safe deliveries: For Suki, for a healthy pregancy and a safe delivery. For JCecil3 and Wife. For Pansy Moss. For Mrs. White and child. For Katherine and her friend Corren. Our Lady of La Leche, pray for us. Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us. St. Gerard Majella, pray for us. Blessed Gianna, pray for us.

Posted by Steven Riddle at 06:41 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

August 26, 2004

From the Epistle of the Joy of the Lord--II

Philippians 1:6-7

6: And I am sure that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
7: It is right for me to feel thus about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.

Paul, it seems, writes through time. I need to take his words personally and to internalize their relevance for me today. The letter to the Philippians is the perfect place to start doing this. I can imagine myself in one of the congregations, hearing rather than the usual Sunday Sermon, a letter. We do this often today with the Bishop's appeal. But imagine that you are sitting in the Church and a letter from a dear friend who has been whisked off to who knows what fate arrives. Imagine the excitement as you await to hear what it was that he said in the letter. And then, it is read. Right away you hear these words.

"I am sure that he who began a good work in you will see it to completion in the day of Jesus Christ." What a thrill it sends through you. God who has touched me will see to it that his touch does not go unregarded. He who began a good work in me will see it through. Admittedly this may not be without trial on my part. Nevertheless, I will be able to see the Lord complete a work. This is a promise, a word from one I trust--a word from one of the Holy Ones of God--reliable guidance, sure solace in time of trial.

And then he says to me, "It is right for me to feel thus about you all." Why should this be? Why should it be right? And a heartbeat later, "Because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partaker with me of grace. . ." Paul himself holds me in his heart because I am a descendant of his spiritual Fatherhood. Unlike Peter who practiced most of his apostleship within the bounds of his own people (though indeed he served as Shepherd for all of the people gathered to God), Paul was the apostle to the nations that had not known of the God of Abraham and Isaac. All of those of us who are not aware of any Jewish ancestry are descendants of the teaching of Paul, we are his children, the legacy he left to the entire world. As his children, we are held in his prayers before God and loved as children are loved. And more than that, we are brothers and sisters. becasue we are all "partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel."

As a people we are a living defense and confirmation of the gospel. We work presently as the conscience of a nation and the conscience of the world. We are the "angels" (messengers) of God's permanent and abiding grace--of the gift that is given and shall not be withdrawn from humanity. We are defenders of the gospel in that we hold to its truths as best we can in our weak understanding. We cling to the gospel message and to the teachings of the Holy Catholic Church. These teachings started with these early messages of the Apostles.

Rejoice O Child of God,
Rejoice O Child of Paul,

for the love of God
is confirmed again in the heart of a Saint
whose life on Earth and in Heaven
was a life of prayer for us.

His words echo
in the heart, in the world,
and gather all together
in a great ball that rolls toward eternity,
to the encompassing love of God.

Rejoice in our brother,
Rejoice in our spiritual father,
Rejoice in the God He proclaims,
in the gospel he announces,
in the faith he defends,
in his continued and joyous prayer for those of us
as yet confined to Earth.

Rejoice O people of the Lord,

Rejoice in His holy saints who give us such hope.

Posted by Steven Riddle at 07:11 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Seeking Angels Unaware

Glancing through the unread books that litter too many shelves in my house, I found this one. Leafing through the pages, I found some insights worthy of my attention. Likely it will be next on the list after Dallas Willard.

from A Tree Full of Angels: Seeking the Holy in the Ordinary
Macrina Weiderkehr

I am concerned about he many people today who are lured to extraordinary spiritual phenomena that are manifested, it seems to me, in sensational ways. Stories abound about visions and trances, weeping statues, rosaries turning gold. Celestial beings are emerging everywhere, and angels are in danger of becoming trendy. The fast pace of our lives makes it difficult for us to find grace in the present moment, and when the simple gifts at our fingertips cease to nourish us, we have a tendency to crave the sensational.

A second concern is this: As we pine for angels and the otherworldly, there is the danger of missing a precious aspect of Christiianity. We are an incarnational people. The Word was made flesh in our midst. We are rooted in an earth that God has proclaimed good. Here on this good earth we have become flesh with the seed fo God hidden in us. THe greatest of all visions is to see Christ, indeed, to see God, in the frail and glorious human family of the world.

Too easily I tend to dismiss the everyday, the very essence of God's speech to us. How often have I overlooked His direct word to me in the events of the day, seeking extraordinary guidance by a word, a sign, by bible roulette? I cast about seeking God, and He is right there before my eyes. I need only open them and see His Will displayed in every event, in every action of the day. I numb myself to the world, buying into the Manichean tendency to separate the spiritual (=good) and the material (=bad). Although I know better, I cannot seem to overcome my naturally dichotomous mind. I know the spiritual is good, and that good must have an opposite--the opposite of spiritual is material and the opposite of good is bad. But I deceive myself with the facile syllogism. The reality is that spiritual does not mean necessarily good. Satan and his fallen angels belong the spiritual. Hence, the dichotomy is false; and yet it is embedded. Nevertheless, there are moments when God's sense breaks through and I am enfolded in an epiphany of His revelation in the goodness of the world around me. Hence, the need to open my eyes and to be continual enfolded in the events He has caused to be my life. To learn once again what it is to rejoice in the goodness of the world. To become, in this sense, the litle child for whom all things are wonder and light.

Posted by Steven Riddle at 06:51 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

Prayer and Praise--26 August 2004--Week 21 Ordinary Time

Brethren, let us follow that vocation by which we are called from life to the fountain of life. He is the fountain, not only of living water, but of eternal life. He is the fountain of light and spiritual illumination; for from him come all these things: wisdom, life, and eternal light. The author of life is the foundtain of life; the creator of light is the fountain of spiritual illumination. Therefore, let us seek the fountain of light and life and the living water by despising what we see, by leaving the world and by dwelling in the highest heavens. From an Instruction--St. Columban

Praise and Thanksgiving

Davey's Mommy is now the mother of two sons--pray for her! And rejoice with her and her family in this new life. The young one is presently being watched for some signs of possible infection, so be certain to include them in your prayers. (All information courtesy of Peony at Two Sleepy Mommies)

Mr. Nixon reports that he is feeling much better after his surgery and is back at work. He thanks everyone for their prayers.

Prayer Requests

For the two children struck by lightning yesterday, for their families, tor the bus driver, and for their teacher that they may all witness the miracle of God's healing love

Please continue to pray for Dylan

For the continued recovery of Katherine's mother.

Pour out prayers on the people of Florida who have lost their homes, their livelinhoods, and their lives in this storm.

For Johnny and Layla and family who recently lost a fourteen month-old child, that the family be mended and able to continue in the face of this terrible loss.

For a deeper understanding of and commitment to the strengthening grace of the sacrament of marriage, especially for those who are presently undergoing trials.

Please storm heaven for my friends in Louisiana, they've had a long string of misfortune and could do with some good news.


For a dear friend who is undergoing a troubling period in her life, beset with a number of problems, physical, financial, emotional. May God hold her close to His heart.

For a St. Blog's parishioner in need of work to forestall financial catastrophe, that the Lord provide all that is needed in both material and spiritual blessings.

For those struggling against self to attain holiness, that the Good Lord will raise up new Saints for our times, visible beacons that draw all people toward Christ.

For the people of the Sudan that they may know peace and security and that they might learn to live together.

A special request from two gentleman battling particularly troublesome and besetting sins for grace and help as they continue forward.

For all those in the process of discerning vocations to the religious life, for guidance, prudence and good counsel

For our children, that they grow up in security, comfort, and the certain knowledge that they are loved and that they be released from any bonds of darkness, fear, anger, or sadness that bind and threaten them

For all those living under the curse of generational sins, that they may have protection and the inheritance of the past may be made void in their lives.

For all who are suffering from marital problems, most particularly those in our own families or communities, that the Lord may intervene and remind them that a marriage is of three persons.

For mothers and families that struggle with autism and autistic-related disabilities: particularly for M'Lynn, Melissa, Christine, and Betty.

For families that desire more children

For the conversion or return of spouses and loved ones to the Catholic Church, most particularly for Amanda's husband

For the men and women of the American Armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan and for their families, may the Good Lord provide sustenance, support, compassion, and love that these separated families might continue to grow in strength and love.


Special Prayer Projects:


(1) For Katherine and Franklin, Gordon and Christine, Peter Kucera, and for all who are seeking employment and suffering through difficult times as they wait.

(2)Healthy Pregnancies and good and safe deliveries: For Suki, for a healthy pregancy and a safe delivery. For JCecil3 and Wife. For Pansy Moss. For Mrs. White and child. For Katherine and her friend Corren. Our Lady of La Leche, pray for us. Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us. St. Gerard Majella, pray for us. Blessed Gianna, pray for us.

Posted by Steven Riddle at 06:37 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

August 25, 2004

Emergency Prayer Request

Today two children from a friend's class were allowed off their school bus in the midst of a thunderstorm. They were struck by lightning. One was taken to Arnold Palmer (our Critical Care Children's Hospital), I don't the fate of the other.

Please pray for these children, their families, the bus driver, and the teacher of these two children (my friend).

Posted by Steven Riddle at 06:32 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

From Mixolydian Mode

The List of the 100 SF books you MUST have read. Those I've read are bold. Those I recommend are italicized. (Kinda following on Don's original). Those marked by an asterisk were actually better in their novella forms.

I have a number of divergences with Don. I found Neuromancer tedious, pretentious, and very nearly incomprehensible. I far preferred The Difference Engine and almost anything by Bruce Sterling. J.G. Ballard is definitely an acquired taste, but I have enjoyed nearly every work I've read, short stories to Empire of the Sun

I would concur with these two additions:

Mary Doria Russell, The Sparrow
Gene Wolfe, The Island of Dr. Death and Other Stories and Other Stories

and would further add (although some titles are only arguably SF at all):

Neal Stephenson, The Diamond Age
Niel Gaiman, Coraline
Philip K. Dick, Flow My Tears, the Policeman Said
Fritz Leiber, The Big Time
J.R. Dunn, Days of Cain
Jane Yolen The Devil's Arithmatic
Jane Yolen Briar Rose
Zanna Henderson's "The People" Stories
Cordwainer Smith, The Complete Works--every word beginning to end
And almost anything by Jack Vance

1 Childhood's End, Arthur C. Clarke
2 Foundation, Isaac Asimov
3 Dune, Frank Herbert
4 The Man in the High Castle, Philip K. Dick
5 Starship Troopers, Robert A. Heinlein
6 Valis, Philip K. Dick
7 Frankenstein, Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
8 Gateway, Frederik Pohl
9 The Space Merchants, Frederik Pohl and C.M. Kornbluth
10 Earth Abides, George R. Stewart
11 Cuckoo's Egg, C.J. Cherryh
12 Star Surgeon, James White
13 The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch, Philip K. Dick
14 Radix, A. A. Attanasio
15 2001: A Space Odyssey, Arthur C. Clarke
16 Ringworld, Larry Niven
17 A Case of Conscience, James Blish
18 Last and First Man, Olaf Stapledon
19 The Day of the Triffids, John Wyndham
20 Way Station, Clifford D. Simak
21 More Than Human, Theodore Sturgeon
22 Gray Lensman, E.E. "Doc" Smith
23 The Gods Themselves, Isaac Asimov
24 The Left Hand of Darkness, Ursula K. Le Guin
25 Behold the Man, Michael Moorcock (Definitely not for the orthodox Catholics among us.
26 Star Maker, Olaf Stapledon
27 The War of the Worlds, H. G. Wells
28 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Jules Verne
29 Heritage of Hastur, Marion Zimmer Bradley
30 The Time Machine, H. G. Wells
31 The Stars My Destination, Alfred Bester
32 Slan, A. E. Van Vogt
33 Neuromancer, William Gibson
34 Ender's Game, Orson Scott Card
35 In Conquest Born, C. S. Friedman
36 Lord of Light, Roger Zelazny
37 Eon, Greg Bear
38 Dragonflight, Anne McCaffrey
39 Journey to the Center of the Earth, Jules Verne
40 Stranger in a Strange Land, Robert A. Heinlein
41 Cosm, Gregory Benford
42 The Voyage of the Space Beagle, A. E. Van Vogt
43 Blood Music, Greg Bear *
44 Beggars in Spain, Nancy Kress*
45 Omnivore, Piers Anthony
46 I, Robot, Isaac Asimov
47 Mission of Gravity, Hal Clement (Wake me when it's over)
48 To Your Scattered Bodies Go, Philip Jose Farmer
49 Brave New World, Aldous Huxley
50 The Man Who Folded Himself, David Gerrold (Really? Must Reads?)
51 1984, George Orwell
52 The Strange Case of Dr. Jeckyl And Mr. Hyde, Robert Louis Stevenson
53 Snow Crash, Neal Stephenson
54 Flesh, Philip Jose Farmer
55 Cities in Flight, James Blish
56 Shadow of the Torturer, Gene Wolfe
57 Startide Rising, David Brin
58 Triton, Samuel R. Delany
59 Stand on Zanzibar, John Brunner
60 A Clockwork Orange, Anthony Burgess
61 Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury (The bleak Francois Truffaut film is a must)
62 A Canticle for Leibowitz, Walter M. Miller Jr.
63 Flowers for Algernon, Daniel Keyes*
64 No Blade of Grass, John Christopher
65 The Postman, David Brin
66 Dhalgren, Samuel R. Delany (Pretentious rip-off of Finnegan's Wake device)
67 Berserker, Fred Saberhagen
68 Flatland, Edwin Abbott Abbott
69 Planiverse, A. K. Dewdney
70 Dragon's Egg, Robert L. Forward
71 Downbelow Station, C. J. Cherryh
72 Dawn, Octavia E. Butler
73 The Puppet Masters, Robert A. Heinlein (You've basically seen this as a Star Trek episode)
74 The Doomsday Book, Connie Willis
75 Forever War, Joe Haldeman
76 Deathbird Stories, Harlan Ellison
77 Roadside Picnic, Arkady Strugatsky
78 The Snow Queen, Joan D. Vinge
79 The Martian Chronicles, Ray Bradbury
80 Drowned World, J.G. Ballard
81 Cat's Cradle, Kurt Vonnegut
82 Red Mars, Kim Stanley Robinson
83 Upanishads, Various (Though I don't like the idea of any group's sacred works being regarded as Science Ficiton. I'd say the Book of Mormon and Doctrines and Covenants comes a whole lot closer.
84 Alice in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll*
85 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams
86 The Lathe of Heaven, Ursula K. Le Guin (Along with He Who Shapes, by Zelazny, a remarkable exploration of the life of the mind)
87 The Midwich Cuckoos, John Wyndham (Great 60s SF flick, don't recall the name, something like Children of the Damned)
88 Mutant, Henry Kuttner
89 Solaris, Stanislaw Lem
90 Ralph 124C41+, Hugo Gernsback (Truly tiresome, but very important for a STUDENT of SF)
91 I Am Legend, Richard Matheson
92 Timescape, Gregory Benford
93 The Demolished Man, Alfred Bester
94 War with the Newts, Karl Kapek (Not R.U.R.?)
95 Mars, Ben Bova
96 Brain Wave, Poul Anderson
97 Hyperion, Dan Simmons
98 The Andromeda Strain, Michael Crichton
99 Camp Concentration, Thomas M. Disch
100 A Princess of Mars, Edgar Rice Burroughs

Posted by Steven Riddle at 06:30 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

From the Epistle of the Joy of the Lord--I

Just because we could all do with a good reminder of the fact that the Christian Life is, despite its ups and downs, the life of joy in the Lord.

Philippians 1: 1-5 (RSV)

    1: Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philip'pi, with the bishops and deacons:
2: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3: I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,
4: always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy,
5: thankful for your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.

I feel this when I think about the blessings of the community of St. Blogs. I thank God every day for the support, encouragement, and correction I have received from the generous members of this community. It is one place where I really have a chance to talk about things of the spirit. Too often, I go to church, attend Mass, and leave, fulfilled in having received the Lord, but still desperately hungry in my desire to be fed by the word and by understanding, and by communication, and by seeing and hearing how others approach the Lord.

In many places at St. Blogs, I can receive the blessing of listening to other people reflect on the joys and trials of Christian life. I hear people talk about important matters of the spirit, and to outsiders to the conversation, it may seem a protracted straining at gnats, but to those of us starving for truth and understanding, it is a banquet, a feast, a repast unrivaled in the natural world--one excelled only by the sweetness of the Word of God and by the Holy Eucharist itself. I feel, if only for a moment, in touch with and seeking out the important things of life. This connection is unfortunately all too uncommon in our normal church-going.

And so each day, I thank God for St. Blogs, which has provided for me a means of understanding and a means of loving God better. Each person who labors to share their thoughts and reflections provides wonderful food for thought and a profound service to those who seek the truth in humility. Thank you all, for I am truly, "thankful in your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now."

Posted by Steven Riddle at 07:30 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

A Revolution of the Human Heart

TSO made an excellent point about the plethora of great Catholic Classics available for us to read. In large part I agree with him; however, I sometimes find that the Catholic Classics fail me, not because they are not good works, but because so few of them come from a time near enough to address the issues I face every day. Yes, they teach immortal principles and should be read for that reason alone. But sometimes it is good to hear a voice, like that of John Paul II who faces what I face today and who gives me some guidance as to how to deal with. For that reason, I do read a variety of spiritual works from all times, not wishing to succumb to chronological snobbery in either sense.

That said, suffice to say that I abandoned the Monks of New Skete, largely because of the company their publishers decided to have them keep. I hadn't noticed the "publicity" on the jacket and when I finally looked I noticed overwhelming acclaim from Rev. Frank Griswold and Peter Gomes. From what I have seen of other works by these two men, I find myself in disagreement with their approach to the Bible, and in all likelihood much of their approach to spirituality. (As to this latter I cannot definitively say as no single work is likely to have spelled out their complete view of spirituality. But as they tend to take the guidance of scripture somewhat lightly, I have sufficient grounds for discontinuing my reading. ) After the first shock of those recommendations wears off, I will likely return to the book. But because I had Dallas Willard's Renovation of the Heart at home anyway, I thought I would pick IT up in preference to the Monks of New Skete for the time being.

from Renovation of the Heart
Dallas Willard

We must make no mistake about it. In thus sending out his trainees, he [Jesus] set afoot a perpetual world revolution: one that is still in process and will continue until God's will is done on earth as it is in heaven. As this revolution culminates, all the forces of evil known to mankind will be defeated and the goodness of God will be known, accepted, and joyously conformed to in every aspect of human life. He has chosen to accomplish this win and, in part, through his students.

It is even now true, as angelic seraphim proclaimed to Isaiah in his vision, that "the whole earth is full of His glory,” the glory of the holy Lord of hosts (Isaiah 6:3). But the day is yet to come when "the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea" (Habakkuk 2:14, emphasis added).

The revolution of Jesus is in the first place and continuously a revolution of the human heart or spirit. It did not and does not proceed by means of the formation of social institutions and laws, the outer forms of our existence, intending that these would then impose a good order of life upon people who come under their power. Rather, his is a revolution of character., which proceeds by changing people from the inside through ongoing personal relationship to God in Christ and to one another. It is one that changes their ideas, beliefs, feelings, and habits of choice, as well as their bodily tendencies and social relations. It penetrates to the deepest layers of their soul. External, social arrangements may be useful to this end, but they are not the end, nor are the fundamental part of the means.

What I liked particularly about this description is the revolution of Jesus as a revolution of character which does reflect itself in the transformation of the world, but not a revolution in the world that affects transformation of character. I think it rightly sets the matter in order. First we change, and then through our change we effect change in the world. It is one of the reasons that restrictive laws with regard to very popular things have so little effect--prohibition and anti-pornography legislation come to mind. But the focus on individual transformation in Christ seems exact. What is even better is that Willard suggests, as those of us within any Church community already know, that this transformation does not take place in isolation but in the community of believers. We are affected by what happens around us, good and bad. Witness the calamitous and still reechoing effect of the scandals a year or more ago. We will be living with the pain of that betrayal for some time to come--it inflicted a grievous wound to the Body of Christ.

We understand the communal nature of salvation and of transformation. And again, Willard uses the proper term for this when he speaks of Spiritual Formation, which can only rightly occur within the bounds of a community. (In a sense, this is where the old adage, "It takes a village to raise a child," is fundamentally true. We need a rock-solid foundation in the faith, and part of that comes from seeing different ways of being believers and still functioning in the world. The community of faith offers a great many models for us to observe and to take our lead from. Hence, the Church is especially blessed in her continued recognition of the Communion of the Saints--extending our community of models into eternity.)

I suspect that I will read this book very slowly, and I do hope to share some of the fruits of that reading with you. However, I do expect to read it exceedingly slowly. So expect reports over a fairly long period of time.

Posted by Steven Riddle at 07:17 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Prayer and Praise--25 August 2004--King St. Louis of France

May the three Persons of the Holy Trinity and all the saints protect you from every evil. And may the Lord give you the grace to do His will so that He may be served and honored through you, tha in the next life we may together come to see Him and praise Him unceasingly. Amen. A Blessing on His Son from "A Spiritual Testament"--King St. Louis of France

Praise and Thanksgiving

Davey's Mommy is now the mother of two sons--pray for her! And rejoice with her and her family in this new life. The young one is presently being watched for some signs of possible infection, so be certain to include them in your prayers. (All information courtesy of Peony at Two Sleepy Mommies)

Mr. Nixon reports that he is feeling much better after his surgery and is back at work. He thanks everyone for their prayers.

Prayer Requests

For Samuel and his present concerns that we are able to comfort him and provide him with the reassurance that he needs to remain the happy guy that he is.

For the continued recovery of Katherine's mother.

Pour out prayers on the people of Florida who have lost their homes, their livelinhoods, and their lives in this storm.

For Johnny and Layla and family who recently lost a fourteen month-old child, that the family be mended and able to continue in the face of this terrible loss.

Please continue to pray for Dylan

For a deeper understanding of and commitment to the strengthening grace of the sacrament of marriage, especially for those who are presently undergoing trials.

Please storm heaven for my friends in Louisiana, they've had a long string of misfortune and could do with some good news.


For a dear friend who is undergoing a troubling period in her life, beset with a number of problems, physical, financial, emotional. May God hold her close to His heart.

For a St. Blog's parishioner in need of work to forestall financial catastrophe, that the Lord provide all that is needed in both material and spiritual blessings.

For those struggling against self to attain holiness, that the Good Lord will raise up new Saints for our times, visible beacons that draw all people toward Christ.

For the people of the Sudan that they may know peace and security and that they might learn to live together.

A special request from two gentleman battling particularly troublesome and besetting sins for grace and help as they continue forward.

For all those in the process of discerning vocations to the religious life, for guidance, prudence and good counsel

For our children, that they grow up in security, comfort, and the certain knowledge that they are loved and that they be released from any bonds of darkness, fear, anger, or sadness that bind and threaten them

For all those living under the curse of generational sins, that they may have protection and the inheritance of the past may be made void in their lives.

For all who are suffering from marital problems, most particularly those in our own families or communities, that the Lord may intervene and remind them that a marriage is of three persons.

For mothers and families that struggle with autism and autistic-related disabilities: particularly for M'Lynn, Melissa, Christine, and Betty.

For families that desire more children

For the conversion or return of spouses and loved ones to the Catholic Church, most particularly for Amanda's husband

For the men and women of the American Armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan and for their families, may the Good Lord provide sustenance, support, compassion, and love that these separated families might continue to grow in strength and love.


Special Prayer Projects:


(1) For Katherine and Franklin, Gordon and Christine, Peter Kucera, and for all who are seeking employment and suffering through difficult times as they wait.

(2)Healthy Pregnancies and good and safe deliveries: For Suki, for a healthy pregancy and a safe delivery. For JCecil3 and Wife. For Pansy Moss. For Mrs. White and child. For Katherine and her friend Corren. Our Lady of La Leche, pray for us. Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us. St. Gerard Majella, pray for us. Blessed Gianna, pray for us.

Posted by Steven Riddle at 06:41 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

August 24, 2004

Another Legal Blogsite

From Noli Irritare Leones, I found this wonderful site--Balkinization. I don't know how accurate it is (legally) or how profound the analysis--I have no criteria by which to judge. However, I found the two articles analyzing abortion decisions utterly fascinating in their scope and in the analysis of the politics of the Supreme Court.

Posted by Steven Riddle at 10:39 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

On Epiphanies

(in the Joycean sense)

from In the Spirit of Happiness
The Monks of New Skete

Life never seems to prepare us sufficiently for epiphanies. By definition they come upon us suddenly, dazzling us by their raw power. They are not magical intrusions from another world, but reality, naked and without shame. Their very ordinariness shimmers with unexpected depth, which is why they take us by such surprise. It does not matter whether they occur in the majesty of Hagia Sophia or in the elegant simplicity of a wooden chapel, the effect is the same.

Indeed, when God breaks in, it little matter what the location, His presence is profoundly felt.

Posted by Steven Riddle at 07:55 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

A Blessing

From the Intercessions in Morning Prayer, my sincere prayer for all who visit and for those unable to visit--my companions in the spirit.

May our companions today be free of sorrow, and filled with joy.


What a truly wonderful blessing is the treasure-trove of the Church's tradition. Praise God for this gift.


And another snippet:

Let the radiance of Your love
scatter the floom of our hearts.
The light of heaven's Love has restored us to life:
free us from the desires that belong to darkness.

Posted by Steven Riddle at 07:45 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

On Richard Foster

Since I'm apparently on this kick:

A site for the organization that Richard Foster helped to found--I don't know much about the organization and I have a strong suspicion of "convenant" kinds of things (comes from my days in the Evangelical/Fundamentalist mode. However, I do recommend Foster's writing--most particularly a magnificent little book called Simplicity--a heart-felt practical guide as to how to attain a simple life.

A brief description of Richard Foster's life and work.

An excerpt from one of the newsletters on the Renovaré site.

From a Pastoral Letter by Richard Foster

You can probably detect that I am not overwhelmingly encouraged by the popular expressions of Spiritual Formation today. I’m not; too much is too faddish and too formulaic for me to be optimistic. And yet, we stand at a moment of great opportunity. Human need today is so obvious and so great that no honest person can deny it. People stagger under the burden of human wickedness. Evil is an open, oozing sore. Therefore superficial, half-answers will not do. Not anymore. Today, there is a great new fact in the contemporary interest in Spiritual Formation. And I view it as a source for enormous hope. This great new fact is the widespread belief that we can no longer bypass authentic, pervasive, thorough transformation of the inner life of the human being.

Add to this the fact that the many “spiritualities” that have arisen in our day do not answer the question of how we can become a good person. Nor do they possess the power to make a person good. But genuine Christian Spiritual Formation does answer the question and does possess the power to bring it to pass. And it is an answer and a power that shines brightly throughout the pages of history. It is no accident that the blazing light and life of Christian faithfulness overcame and supplanted all the “spiritualities” of Rome in the early centuries of the Christian Era. They offered a life—a formed, conformed, transformed life—that the Roman spiritualities simply could not match.

Posted by Steven Riddle at 07:19 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

More on Dallas Willard

TSO commented about Dallas Willard and I hadn't thought about it, but I suppose because he doesn't do televangelism, he may be one of the lesser known names in protestant Philosophy and Theology. I can say that with Cornelius Plantinga (whose relative runs the CCEL site), Richard Foster, Charles Colson, and a few others, Dallas Willard has given me tremendous and powerful insights into the spiritual life. What he writes is profound, insightful, and beautiful. If acted upon it can be life-changing in a substantive Christian way.

For those who wish to see more of his work, this link will take you to an array of his articles.
Truncate it to visit his main site.

It appears that he has an article in a book coming out about Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ:

Jesus fully understood the limitations of what could be accomplished by power as understood among human beings. In fact, he had gone through all that with Satan in his famous "temptations"—to food, fame and governmental power—at the opening of his public life. (Matthew 4:3-11) When he now approached his "passion" there were no new issues for him to face. The "ruler of this world was coming upon him," as Jesus then told his closest friends (John 14:30), "but there is nothing in me for him to get a hold of." And that was the reality of the struggle in the Garden. Gibson's film does much to recapture the understanding of the early Church on this point. The Garden was Satan's last chance to keep him from the cross and to foil the execution of The Divine Plan for shutting down the kingdom of evil.

Unless you're just allergic to all protestant writing (I know that Erik, for one, is sneezing up a storm) Dallas Willard is one of several modern writers worthy of your time. I think of him and of Richard Foster in the "C.S. Lewis Mere Christianity Mode." Much of their writing is not about what is different between us, but what unites us all on our Christian Mission.

If you all are aware of others that I should add to my repetoire (this is for you Neil) please don't hesitate to suggest them in the comments box.

P.S. Here's an interesting interview of Dallas Willard by the remarkable contemporary Christian Poet Luci Shaw. Worth your attention.

Posted by Steven Riddle at 07:08 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Prayer and Praise--24 August 2004--Feast of St. Bartholomew, Apostle to India

It was clear through unlearned men that the cross was persuasive, in fact, it persuaded the whole world. Their discourse was not of unimportant matters but of God and true religion, of the Gospel way of life and future judgment, yet it turned plain, uneducated men into philosophers. How the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and his weakness stronger than men!

. . . For the good deeds which tax-collectors and fishermen were able to accomplilsh by God's grace, the philosophers, the rulers, the countless multitudes cannot even imagine. "Homily on the first Letter to the Corinthians"--St. John Chrysostom.


Praise and Thanksgiving

Davey's Mommy is now the mother of two sons--pray for her! And rejoice with her and her family in this new life. The young one is presently being watched for some signs of possible infection, so be certain to include them in your prayers. (All information courtesy of Peony at Two Sleepy Mommies)

Fiona has recovered nicely according to Katherine. Praise God for His infinite mercy and tender care.

Prayer Requests

SPECIAL URGENT REQUEST: For Jane P. that she weather her tests well and that they all come out negative.

For Samuel and his present concerns that we are able to comfort him and provide him with the reassurance that he needs to remain the happy guy that he is.

Pour out prayers on the people of Florida who have lost their homes, their livelinhoods, and their lives in this storm.

For Johnny and Layla and family who recently lost a fourteen month-old child, that the family be mended and able to continue in the face of this terrible loss.

Please continue to pray for Dylan

For a deeper understanding of and commitment to the strengthening grace of the sacrament of marriage, especially for those who are presently undergoing trials.

Please storm heaven for my friends in Louisiana, they've had a long string of misfortune and could do with some good news.

For the people of the Sudan that they may know peace and security and that they might learn to live together.

For a dear friend who is undergoing a troubling period in her life, beset with a number of problems, physical, financial, emotional. May God hold her close to His heart.

For a St. Blog's parishioner in need of work to forestall financial catastrophe, that the Lord provide all that is needed in both material and spiritual blessings.

For those struggling against self to attain holiness, that the Good Lord will raise up new Saints for our times, visible beacons that draw all people toward Christ.

A special request from two gentleman battling particularly troublesome and besetting sins for grace and help as they continue forward.

For all those in the process of discerning vocations to the religious life, for guidance, prudence and good counsel

For our children, that they grow up in security, comfort, and the certain knowledge that they are loved and that they be released from any bonds of darkness, fear, anger, or sadness that bind and threaten them

For all those living under the curse of generational sins, that they may have protection and the inheritance of the past may be made void in their lives.

For all who are suffering from marital problems, most particularly those in our own families or communities, that the Lord may intervene and remind them that a marriage is of three persons.

For mothers and families that struggle with autism and autistic-related disabilities: particularly for M'Lynn, Melissa, Christine, and Betty.

For families that desire more children

For the conversion or return of spouses and loved ones to the Catholic Church, most particularly for Amanda's husband

For the men and women of the American Armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan and for their families, may the Good Lord provide sustenance, support, compassion, and love that these separated families might continue to grow in strength and love.


Special Prayer Projects:


(1) For Katherine and Franklin, Gordon and Christine, Peter Kucera, and for all who are seeking employment and suffering through difficult times as they wait.

(2)Healthy Pregnancies and good and safe deliveries: For Suki, for a healthy pregancy and a safe delivery. For JCecil3 and Wife. For Pansy Moss. For Mrs. White and child. For Katherine and her friend Corren. Our Lady of La Leche, pray for us. Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us. St. Gerard Majella, pray for us. Blessed Gianna, pray for us.

Posted by Steven Riddle at 06:55 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

August 23, 2004

Reading List

Time of the Ghost Diana Wynne Jones
Queen of the South Arturo Perez-Reverte
In the Spirit of Happiness The Monks of New Skete
Lancelot Walker Percy

On deck:

Lilves of the Mind: The Use and Abuse of Intelligence from Hegel to Wodehouse Roger Kimball
Vile Bodies Evelyn Waugh
God's Secretaries: the Making of the King James Bible Adam Nicolson
The Other Nineteenth Century Avram Davidson
Renovation of the Heart Dallas Willard
Supper of the Lamb: A Culinary Reflection Robert Farrar Capon

And I'd like to get to something by Robertson Davies over the next couple of weeks. I remembering reading something in the dim mists of the past, but I can't recall it very clearly and it come very highly recommended.

Posted by Steven Riddle at 07:47 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack

St. Augustine on Judgment

In the chapter on contemplative prayer in The Holy Way, Ms. Huston discusses St. Augustine's opinion about judging.

from The Holy Way
Paula Huston

St. Augustine believe that one of our most important tasks as human beings is to clean that lamp so that our perceptions are as clear as they can possibly be this side of heaven. In their book Purity of Heart in Early Ascetic and Monastic Literature, Harriet A. Luckman and Llinda Kulzer talk about what he meant. For Augstine, the say, love of one's neighbor "purifies the mind to an incredible degree." They quote his own words on the subject: "When he [the seeker of tranquility] arrives at the love of his enemy he ascends to the sixth step where he cleanses the eye through which God may be seen in so far as he can be seen by those who die in the world as much as they are able."

Augustine, however, believed that to truly see clearly we must go quite a bit further: We must actually embrace a paradox, then try to live in the company of two antithetical notions. . . . [H]e tells us that to see well, we must stop judging our neighbor and ourselves "in the light of the truth." How can we know anything if we stop judging? Isn't it our ability to discriminate that allows us to become wise? Augustine goes on to say, "On this step he so cleanses the eye of his heart that he neither prefers his neighbor to the Truth nor compares him with it." "This state," Luckman and Kulzer add, "brings about peace and tranquility." . . .

This is not merely a restatement of the Gold Rule; apparently our vision is seriously distorted by our habit of passing judgment. We tend to exaggerate the bad in other people and minimize it is ourselves, a practice which Jesus seems to have been fully aware. . .

Though I could not fathom how one stopped judging--we evaluate everything and everybody a hundred times a day, after all--there seemed to be a rock-bottom truth buried here somewhere.

My judgment of others serves only to clutter mental space better used for other purposes. When my eye strays to the sins of my neighbor, it is no longer focused as sharply on the Glory of God. It may be that the Holy Spirit is leading me to reprove and correct; but far more often, it seems like the interference of the Evil One. Distract the person intent on God by showing him clearly the ungodly and the wickedness of the world.

The world is undoubtedly wicked, but for most of us reproving the wickedness leads neither to tranquility nor to deeper love of God. It proves a byway in which we are too easily trapped. We make a short pit stop in judgment and then decide to spend the week there. Next thing you know, we're building a condo near the beach. This is the chief danger of judgment--that it distracts us from more noble and more worthwhile pursuits. After all, isn't a life lead in perfect obedience to God reproof enough of much of the evil we encounter? Did St. Maria Goretti spend her time judging her murderer? Did Pope John Paul II with his would-be assassin? Their unconditional forgiveness served to heap burning coals on the heads of their attackers. Whether it brought about any change or not is not up to the saints, but to the working of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of the culprits.

So busying ourselves with judging others is a distraction from the one thing necessary. It's yet another example of being Marthas in a world that needs more Marys. We don't need to judge and it disequilibrates us, making it nearly impossible to continue in peace and tranquility toward God. In a sense our prophetic mission is caught up in our vocation to Holiness. For most of us (those not granted the charism of Prophecy as vocation) it is the most powerful expression of the action of God in our lives, the most visible demonstration of presence and sovereignty, and the most powerful condemnation of wickedness possible. If our lives are rightly adjusted and lived they will serve as the chief instruments of the conversion of sinners--judgment is both unnecessary and draining.

Posted by Steven Riddle at 07:31 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

Book Review--The Holy Way Paula Huston

I have not reflected much on this book as I read it because many of my thoughts were entirely too personal to be relevant to much of an audience. However, having finished the book, I must say that it was a marvelous journey. If Ms. Huston can do for other readers what she managed to do for me, you will be richly rewarded for spending the time with this book. Each of the first ten chapters focuses both on a particular discipline and on a Saint who particularly exemplified the perfect practice of that discipline. For example, in the chapter on poverty, Ms. Huston uses St. Francis of Assisi

The subtitle is Practices for a Simple Life. Throughout the book Ms. Huston introduces us to a number of ancient practices that have served the servants of the church well throughout the ages. In the course of discussion, she give practical tips and hints through her own discovery of how the practice works. With everything except the final chapter, her story is a useful insight into how one might go about putting some of the practices to work.

Let's look for a moment at the one serious weakness of the book--the last chapter on "Contemplative Prayer." There are a number of errors in this chapter that make it less that perfect, while still rewarding. For example, Ms. Huston confuses meditation with contemplation. Moreover, using Bede Griffiths as her model, she appears to fall into an error regarding precisely what meditation is. It seems that she goes through a great deal of stress and strain to achieve the right "meditative position" and location. She then spends time regulating her breathing and holding her hands "just so." Perhaps this is more indicative of her personal needs than of the needs of the meditator. One need not bend like a pretzel or "breathe through the belly" or engage in esoteric practices to have access to the King's throne room through meditation. But this may be more indicative of how the spirit moved Ms. Huston than a suggestion for a general practice--above all, one must meditate in a way that encourages one to continue the practice.

Overall there are some splendid and frightening insights. The chapters on Celibacy (St. Augustine) and Poverty (St. Francis) pack a powerful punch in today's society.

I benefited tremendously from the time I spent reading this wonderful work and I think any serious seeker will do likewise. Highly recommended--but be warned, rather strong stuff (spiritually speaking).

Posted by Steven Riddle at 07:09 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

For Those Who Would Too Readily Criticize Our Bishops

From this morning's Office of Readings:

from An Exposition on John
St. Thomas Aquinas

The Good Shepherd does not demand that shepherds lay down their lives for a real flock of sheep. But every spiritual shepherd must endure the loss of his bodily life for the salvation of the flock, since the spiritual good of the flock is more important than the bodily life of the shepherd, when danger threatens the salvation of the flock. This is why the Lord says: The good shepherd lays down his life, that is, his physical life for his sheep: this he does because of his authority and love. Both, in fact, are required: that they should be ruled by him, and that he should love them. The first without the second is not enough.


It intrigues me that our shepherds part with their lives in solidarity with the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross. As Paul says, "Making up what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ." If this is so, with what a great and tremendous office they are invested--no matter how weak the vessel. One would do well to think twice about what one might wish to say regarding a person whose death contributes to the life of all in some mysterious capacity.

Posted by Steven Riddle at 06:57 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Prayer and Praise 23 August 2004--Memorial of St. Rose of Lima

"If only mortals would learn how great it is to possess divine grace, how beautiful, how noble, how precious. How many riches it hides within itself, how many joys and delights!" from St. Rose of Lima

Praise and Thanksgiving

Davey's Mommy is now the mother of two sons--pray for her! And rejoice with her and her family in this new life. The young one is presently being watched for some signs of possible infection, so be certain to include them in your prayers. (All information courtesy of Peony at Two Sleepy Mommies)

Fiona has recovered nicely according to Katherine. Praise God for His infinite mercy and tender care.

Prayer Requests

SPECIAL URGENT REQUEST: For Jane P. that she weather her tests well and that they all come out negative.

Pour out prayers on the people of Florida who have lost their homes, their livelinhoods, and their lives in this storm.

For Johnny and Layla and family who recently lost a fourteen month-old child, that the family be mended and able to continue in the face of this terrible loss.

Please continue to pray for Dylan

For a deeper understanding of and commitment to the strengthening grace of the sacrament of marriage, especially for those who are presently undergoing trials.

Please storm heaven for my friends in Louisiana, they've had a long string of misfortune and could do with some good news.

For the people of the Sudan that they may know peace and security and that they might learn to live together.

For a dear friend who is undergoing a troubling period in her life, beset with a number of problems, physical, financial, emotional. May God hold her close to His heart.

For a St. Blog's parishioner in need of work to forestall financial catastrophe, that the Lord provide all that is needed in both material and spiritual blessings.

For those struggling against self to attain holiness, that the Good Lord will raise up new Saints for our times, visible beacons that draw all people toward Christ.

A special request from two gentleman battling particularly troublesome and besetting sins for grace and help as they continue forward.

For all those in the process of discerning vocations to the religious life, for guidance, prudence and good counsel

For our children, that they grow up in security, comfort, and the certain knowledge that they are loved and that they be released from any bonds of darkness, fear, anger, or sadness that bind and threaten them

For all those living under the curse of generational sins, that they may have protection and the inheritance of the past may be made void in their lives.

For all who are suffering from marital problems, most particularly those in our own families or communities, that the Lord may intervene and remind them that a marriage is of three persons.

For mothers and families that struggle with autism and autistic-related disabilities: particularly for M'Lynn, Melissa, Christine, and Betty.

For families that desire more children

For the conversion or return of spouses and loved ones to the Catholic Church, most particularly for Amanda's husband

For the men and women of the American Armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan and for their families, may the Good Lord provide sustenance, support, compassion, and love that these separated families might continue to grow in strength and love.


Special Prayer Projects:


(1) For Katherine and Franklin, Gordon and Christine, Peter Kucera, and for all who are seeking employment and suffering through difficult times as they wait.

(2)Healthy Pregnancies and good and safe deliveries: For Suki, for a healthy pregancy and a safe delivery. For JCecil3 and Wife. For Pansy Moss. For Mrs. White and child. For Katherine and her friend Corren. Our Lady of La Leche, pray for us. Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us. St. Gerard Majella, pray for us. Blessed Gianna, pray for us.

Posted by Steven Riddle at 06:48 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

August 22, 2004

The Tanka Psalter

PSALMS AS HAIKU


I don't quite know what to make of this, but some of the interpretations are quite, quite lovely. Perhaps it would a good way to turn my own poetic endeavor.

Posted by Steven Riddle at 06:03 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

An Orthodox Psalter

POMOG - Daily Psalter Readings

Posted by Steven Riddle at 06:01 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

More Than You Ever Dreamed You Wanted To Know (or Didn't) about North Carolina

North Carolina History and Fiction Digital Library

Posted by Steven Riddle at 11:41 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

I Delight in the New Voices

joining St. Blog's at every turn--the one I found this morning (thanks to a comment) Scribblins. Joining us from that most Catholic of States--Alabama. Don't snicker, both Mother Angelica and Lee Ann are there--it's Catholic enough for me, and now I am certain of at least three more (I saw Mr. Jennings, his Sponsor Mr. Smith, and a Priest in photographs--so I know there's at least three!)

Thank you sir for leaving a comment, sometimes it's the only way I get out and about.

Go and enjoy.

Posted by Steven Riddle at 07:11 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack