So David arose from the ground, washed and anointed himself, and changed his clothes. And he went into the house of God and worshiped Him.
II Kingdoms 13:5 (Septuagint; II Samuel 13:5 in KJV and others) Continue reading “Arose .. and worshiped”
Category: Attitude
Simeon
From W. H. Auden’s For the Time Being: A Christmas Oratorio, musings of the Righteous Simeon, who held the Christ child at the temple and then prayed the Nunc Dimitis: “Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word; for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people, a light to enlighten the gentiles, and the glory of Thy people, Israel. Continue reading “Simeon”
Inflict Thy promises …
From W. H. Auden’s For the Time Being: A Christmas Oratorio, excerpts from further into the poem than prior days’ excerpts:
The Star and the Wise Men
From W. H. Auden’s For the Time Being: A Christmas Oratorio, excerpts from a section on The Nativity Star and the Three Wise Men: Continue reading “The Star and the Wise Men”
Annunciation
From W. H. Auden’s For the Time Being: A Christmas Oratorio, excerpts from a section on the Annunciation. This is not a hack writing sentimental doggerel; the poetry deeply probes this foundational mystery of the Faith, and the indispensable role a young Jewish maiden, with terror and rejoicing, played in our redemption.
We who must die demand a miracle …
We who must die demand a miracle.
How could the Eternal do a temporal act,
The Infinite become a finite fact?
Nothing can save us that is possible.
We who must die demand a miracle.
W.H. Auden, For the Time Being: A Christmas Oratorio.
Legislation by Litigation
If coverage of the California Proposition 8 litigation hasn’t left you a little crazed, you’re either (a) a space alien or (b) not paying attention. Or maybe (c) the “bloodless lobotomy” of law school truly has left me unlike other humans (i.e., I’m the space alien). Continue reading “Legislation by Litigation”
Orthodox Economics (with a shame-faced eucharistic postscript)
I’m unlikely for years, if ever, to compose a better introductionto Distributism for Orthodox Christians (or others) than this article from the Orthodox Peace Fellowship . All the following quotes, accordingly, are from it unless otherwise noted.
“Capitalism immediately appeals to Americans, who value freedom above just about everything,” the article acknowledges But don’t expect me to bite my tongue about what I see of Emperor Capital’s new clothes. Continue reading “Orthodox Economics (with a shame-faced eucharistic postscript)”
Seductive power
I think it was Henry Kissinger (but maybe it was one of his girlfriends, or maybe I’m all wet) who said “power is the ultimate aphrodisiac.” Modulate that up a few steps and I’ve experienced it recently. Continue reading “Seductive power”
Is Peggy Noonan’s ear good or not?
I look forward to Peggy Noonan’s Friday columns in the Wall Street Journal. The former Reagan speechwriter has a sharp mind and a good ear. Occasionally she fails to say something useful, in my estimation, but not often.
Today’s column is the first time I think I’ve understood the Tea Party’s motivation. Is she right, or is she wrong (and I misled by thinking she’s got it)?
Tipsy Teetotaler ن 