A new take to "Keep Christ in Christmas," that corny slogan you see so much at this time of year. I'm not sure that I support everything in the article, but I definitely support how much it makes me laugh!
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
The Hunger Games
On to the next work of fiction.... I am filling my break time quite well. The Hunger Games hold the remarkable distinction of being one of the few works of fiction that Wendy and I both love.
SPOILER ALERT: Please stop reading here if you do not want to know about what happens in any of the three Hunger Games books.
Shelly lent me the series at the end of exam time, thus taking away the two excuses I had not to read them. Within two pages, I thought, "I am Katniss Everdeen." Then I decided this was just my projecting myself on the main character, which meant she was well-written. When Wendy and I chatted about the books, she was 150 pages from the end; I was 50 pages. And she told me that she basically thought Katniss was me. At that moment, I knew Katniss and Peeta were going to end up together, although I'd been rooting for Gale. Though, quite frankly, her eternally rationalized issues with authority are stronger evidence for our similarity than her romances.
Before I picked them up, I was worried that The Hunger Games would be another Harry Potter -- decent enough books, but not worth the hype; maybe even a little annoying. Or worse, another Twilight -- four weekends of my life I will never get back from the land of poor writing, underdeveloped characters I don't like, and misplaced value systems (the value systems of Harry Potter are an entirely different discussion). Instead, I found three new favorite books.
Reasons Why The Hunger Games Are Awesome: They are well written. They are young adult fiction and not the type of literature that will be taught in English classes in years to come, but the writing is good.
The characters are realistic. They are complex and don't behave as you want or expect. I especially loved seeing into Katniss's head. She has a great combination of selfless and loving on one hand, and selfish and self-focused on the other. And she can't sort out the two. Another way in which I had fellow feeling for her. She also had a wonderful mix of being incredibly aware and oblivious of other characters' actions, feeling, and motivations.
The books ask big questions. About right and wrong in terms of individual actions and societal structures. About personal responsibility and culpability. The answers aren't simple, so the books make the reader think.
And finally, any book that can combine a heroine carrying a bow and arrow and the principles of MAD cannot but be awesome.
SPOILER ALERT: Please stop reading here if you do not want to know about what happens in any of the three Hunger Games books.
Shelly lent me the series at the end of exam time, thus taking away the two excuses I had not to read them. Within two pages, I thought, "I am Katniss Everdeen." Then I decided this was just my projecting myself on the main character, which meant she was well-written. When Wendy and I chatted about the books, she was 150 pages from the end; I was 50 pages. And she told me that she basically thought Katniss was me. At that moment, I knew Katniss and Peeta were going to end up together, although I'd been rooting for Gale. Though, quite frankly, her eternally rationalized issues with authority are stronger evidence for our similarity than her romances.
Before I picked them up, I was worried that The Hunger Games would be another Harry Potter -- decent enough books, but not worth the hype; maybe even a little annoying. Or worse, another Twilight -- four weekends of my life I will never get back from the land of poor writing, underdeveloped characters I don't like, and misplaced value systems (the value systems of Harry Potter are an entirely different discussion). Instead, I found three new favorite books.
Reasons Why The Hunger Games Are Awesome: They are well written. They are young adult fiction and not the type of literature that will be taught in English classes in years to come, but the writing is good.
The characters are realistic. They are complex and don't behave as you want or expect. I especially loved seeing into Katniss's head. She has a great combination of selfless and loving on one hand, and selfish and self-focused on the other. And she can't sort out the two. Another way in which I had fellow feeling for her. She also had a wonderful mix of being incredibly aware and oblivious of other characters' actions, feeling, and motivations.
The books ask big questions. About right and wrong in terms of individual actions and societal structures. About personal responsibility and culpability. The answers aren't simple, so the books make the reader think.
And finally, any book that can combine a heroine carrying a bow and arrow and the principles of MAD cannot but be awesome.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Happy Christmas Adam!
When I was a small child, I needed a quicker way to say, "the day after Christmas." I also liked a good word play and associated Christmas Eve with Eve of Genesis. So the day after Christmas became Christmas Adam. Happy Christmas Adam, and keep spreading the joy!
Merry Christmas, faithful readers! Thanks to my Theology of Christ class, I have a new appreciation for the mystery of the Incarnation that we now celebrate. I hope, in the midst of whatever celebrations you enjoy, you have a chance to meditate on the awe-inspiring reality of the Infinite God becoming finite man.
Merry Christmas, faithful readers! Thanks to my Theology of Christ class, I have a new appreciation for the mystery of the Incarnation that we now celebrate. I hope, in the midst of whatever celebrations you enjoy, you have a chance to meditate on the awe-inspiring reality of the Infinite God becoming finite man.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Lord of the Rings
SPOILER ALERT: If you do not want to read about what happens in Lord of the Rings or How To Train Your Dragon, read no further!
After finals ended, my study break group embarked upon a Lord of the Rings marathon. Somehow, I got blessed enough to have a group of friends who are also nerds and possess more Lord of the Rings knowledge than I do (I'm no LOTR expert). And who like to talk through movies. So we sprawled over my couches and floor, spread chips and chocolate throughout the room, and drank copious amounts of tea for the duration of three extended version films (11ish hours, over 2 days).
In addition to enjoying the movies themselves, I enjoyed watching people watch the movies. Especially the guys, who picked up on different parts than the ladies did. The epic battles, glittering swords, embattled heroes moments. For the last 3/4 of the final film, I started asking myself, "What is it that makes these movies so powerful?"
I came up with three answers -- three things these movies show that our society lacks and longs for. Actually, the movies don't just show these three things. They are the driving themes of the films. These three themes: Objectivism, Virtue, and Intimacy.
Objectivism: For the most part, watching LOTR, we don't wonder who's the good guy and who's the bad guy. Sauron is evil. His army of Orcs is evil. The ring is evil. (Shelly pointed out that it presents metaphysical problems if it has a will... but that's a different discussion.) The quest to destroy it is good. The fellowship is good. Sure, some of the characters are complicated and have to make difficult, heart-wrenching decisions. But it is a story of Good versus Evil.
At one point, as an army of Orcs marched against the united peoples of Middle Earth, I found myself thinking about How To Train Your Dragon. Percy and I saw it over the summer and he pointed out the irony of the message of tolerance (the dragons aren't evil -- they are misunderstood) in light of the ultimate climax of the movie (destroy the truly Evil Monster). What is the message to take home there? We find no such confusion in LOTR. And it's a relief to find an evil we are allowed to name and to fight, especially in the midst of the confusing relativism that plagues our world.
Virtue: In an age of relativism, we often seek and praise values. Where values guide one person's behavior, virtues provide guiding light for everyone. When we can sort Good from Evil, we discover that some people act in accordance with good. Some do not. Some, like Saruman who desired power of his own, act out of evil motives. Others act out of weakness. Some characters -- the main characters (Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin, Aragorn, Gandalf, Gimli, and Legolas to start with, along with many others) and a host of minor characters -- exhibit a conviction toward good, in spite of hardship. Whether for the greater good of society or the personal good of a friend, these people ignore themselves and act heroically.
I found myself riveted by Sam's unquenchable loyalty, even after Frodo rejects him. By Pippin's determination to save Faramir from his father. By basically everything about the character of Aragorn. By the way each powerful character stood against temptation and turned down the chance to take the Ring. By the ways that characters, again and again, proved themselves loyal, selfless, honest, courageous, virtuous.
Intimacy: Partway into the third movie, I mentioned aloud something I had noticed in the previous one that was still going on: There was so much face-touching! Everyone was touching everyone else's face. It actually made me uncomfortable, because the people who were touching each other's faces were not close enough to be doing that. The face-touching was the physical dimension of the theme of intimacy that fueled the film.
Most of the intimacy was not romantic. Indeed, the Aragorn/Arwen story formed only a side tangent. Instead, the intimacy was between friends, families, companions, and comrades. Sam and Frodo exemplify this the best, although Merry and Pippin were the ones who nearly made me cry when, for the first time, they were separated. Our society tends to view romance as the only locus for intimacy. Tolkien reminds us that love runs deep and pure in other places.
These three forces are especially poignant considering that the books were written during WWII, when Good and Evil were clashing in Europe. But I think they are things that we yearn for today as well.
After finals ended, my study break group embarked upon a Lord of the Rings marathon. Somehow, I got blessed enough to have a group of friends who are also nerds and possess more Lord of the Rings knowledge than I do (I'm no LOTR expert). And who like to talk through movies. So we sprawled over my couches and floor, spread chips and chocolate throughout the room, and drank copious amounts of tea for the duration of three extended version films (11ish hours, over 2 days).
In addition to enjoying the movies themselves, I enjoyed watching people watch the movies. Especially the guys, who picked up on different parts than the ladies did. The epic battles, glittering swords, embattled heroes moments. For the last 3/4 of the final film, I started asking myself, "What is it that makes these movies so powerful?"
I came up with three answers -- three things these movies show that our society lacks and longs for. Actually, the movies don't just show these three things. They are the driving themes of the films. These three themes: Objectivism, Virtue, and Intimacy.
Objectivism: For the most part, watching LOTR, we don't wonder who's the good guy and who's the bad guy. Sauron is evil. His army of Orcs is evil. The ring is evil. (Shelly pointed out that it presents metaphysical problems if it has a will... but that's a different discussion.) The quest to destroy it is good. The fellowship is good. Sure, some of the characters are complicated and have to make difficult, heart-wrenching decisions. But it is a story of Good versus Evil.
At one point, as an army of Orcs marched against the united peoples of Middle Earth, I found myself thinking about How To Train Your Dragon. Percy and I saw it over the summer and he pointed out the irony of the message of tolerance (the dragons aren't evil -- they are misunderstood) in light of the ultimate climax of the movie (destroy the truly Evil Monster). What is the message to take home there? We find no such confusion in LOTR. And it's a relief to find an evil we are allowed to name and to fight, especially in the midst of the confusing relativism that plagues our world.
Virtue: In an age of relativism, we often seek and praise values. Where values guide one person's behavior, virtues provide guiding light for everyone. When we can sort Good from Evil, we discover that some people act in accordance with good. Some do not. Some, like Saruman who desired power of his own, act out of evil motives. Others act out of weakness. Some characters -- the main characters (Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin, Aragorn, Gandalf, Gimli, and Legolas to start with, along with many others) and a host of minor characters -- exhibit a conviction toward good, in spite of hardship. Whether for the greater good of society or the personal good of a friend, these people ignore themselves and act heroically.
I found myself riveted by Sam's unquenchable loyalty, even after Frodo rejects him. By Pippin's determination to save Faramir from his father. By basically everything about the character of Aragorn. By the way each powerful character stood against temptation and turned down the chance to take the Ring. By the ways that characters, again and again, proved themselves loyal, selfless, honest, courageous, virtuous.
Intimacy: Partway into the third movie, I mentioned aloud something I had noticed in the previous one that was still going on: There was so much face-touching! Everyone was touching everyone else's face. It actually made me uncomfortable, because the people who were touching each other's faces were not close enough to be doing that. The face-touching was the physical dimension of the theme of intimacy that fueled the film.
Most of the intimacy was not romantic. Indeed, the Aragorn/Arwen story formed only a side tangent. Instead, the intimacy was between friends, families, companions, and comrades. Sam and Frodo exemplify this the best, although Merry and Pippin were the ones who nearly made me cry when, for the first time, they were separated. Our society tends to view romance as the only locus for intimacy. Tolkien reminds us that love runs deep and pure in other places.
These three forces are especially poignant considering that the books were written during WWII, when Good and Evil were clashing in Europe. But I think they are things that we yearn for today as well.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Prayer Segment #7: Friends in High Places
Another member of the Grad/Non-Trad women's group once shared her belief that the saints fight over us. Over who gets to be each person's patron. I came into the year with two and found saints clamoring left and right to be included in my litany. I offer you this litany in thanksgiving to them, because these wonderful men, women, and angels have gotten me through the first semester of grad school and I'm sure will have my back for the second!
St. Michael, defend us in battle.
St. Anthony, pray for us.
St. Paul, pray for us.
Holy Father Francis, pray for us.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, pray for us.
St. Cecilia, pray for us.
St. Catherine Laboure, pray for us.
St. Elizabeth of Hungary, pray for us.
St. Catherine of Sienna, pray for us.
St. Therese Liseaux, pray for us.
St. Teresa of Avila, pray for us.
Bl. John Paul the Second, pray for us.
Bl. Frederic Ozanam, pray for us.
St. Raphael, pray for us.
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.
St. Michael, defend us in battle.
St. Anthony, pray for us.
St. Paul, pray for us.
Holy Father Francis, pray for us.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, pray for us.
St. Cecilia, pray for us.
St. Catherine Laboure, pray for us.
St. Elizabeth of Hungary, pray for us.
St. Catherine of Sienna, pray for us.
St. Therese Liseaux, pray for us.
St. Teresa of Avila, pray for us.
Bl. John Paul the Second, pray for us.
Bl. Frederic Ozanam, pray for us.
St. Raphael, pray for us.
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.
Monday, December 19, 2011
I Came, I Saw...
I have finished 1/4 of my Steubenville education! I am judging this by semesters, not by credits. (I haven't bothered to do the math involving my prereq classes.) Papers are turned in, exams are taken, grades are posted! It turns out I'm still good at being a student. Which is something of a comfort, even if it will do me no good once I actually reach the goal of my efforts. Stay posted for my summary of the semester, but this past week, I've been recuperating. Tuesday I finally got past the SLEEP FOREVER stage and started taking responsibility for life again, so I'll be back blogging regularly again.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Chemistry Question
Okay, science-minded friends, I have a question for you about the world around us. I experienced an interesting phenomenon yesterday.
I have had a water bottle (of the plastic, disposable variety... I know, awful) in my car for a few days. I have observed it with curiosity as I scrape ice off my car each morning, because it remained half-full (I'm an optimist) of liquid water, despite sitting outside for hours in freezing temperatures. (We get into the 20s at night.)
Yesterday morning, I was thirsty, so I decided to drink it. I opened it -- and watched a whiteness spread from the top of the water through all the liquid as it froze into a soft slush. I have no idea how this happened. Why did the water not freeze over the past few nights? Was it exposure to the air or a change in pressure that caused the freezing, or something else entirely?
I have had a water bottle (of the plastic, disposable variety... I know, awful) in my car for a few days. I have observed it with curiosity as I scrape ice off my car each morning, because it remained half-full (I'm an optimist) of liquid water, despite sitting outside for hours in freezing temperatures. (We get into the 20s at night.)
Yesterday morning, I was thirsty, so I decided to drink it. I opened it -- and watched a whiteness spread from the top of the water through all the liquid as it froze into a soft slush. I have no idea how this happened. Why did the water not freeze over the past few nights? Was it exposure to the air or a change in pressure that caused the freezing, or something else entirely?
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Day-Maker #53
A spreadsheet created by a friend to figure out the optimal time for TWAMPy Christmas break.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Making God Laugh, Part II
I posted not too long ago about God's sense of humor. I've encountered it again.
I start praying for some virtues lately, because, let's face it, I'm in need of some virtues. Plus I've heard that they are good thing for which to pray. Here's the thing though: virtues aren't commodities. They're habits. So when I started praying for virtues, God didn't snap His fingers and make me virtuous. Instead He did this sneaky thing where He gave me the occasion to practice the virtues. Unfortunately, since I do not yet have them, can you guess what's the first thing that I do?
That's right: complain to God about it.
I hope it makes Him laugh, because I, at least, can see the humor in it. I'm asking for an "A" on the test, and God's giving me a study guide. Which I don't like, because it means I have to work! He's answering my prayer, just being sneaky about it. As Sister Helen Prejean once said, "We need to seriously dwell on the sneakiness of God." Amen, Sister!
I start praying for some virtues lately, because, let's face it, I'm in need of some virtues. Plus I've heard that they are good thing for which to pray. Here's the thing though: virtues aren't commodities. They're habits. So when I started praying for virtues, God didn't snap His fingers and make me virtuous. Instead He did this sneaky thing where He gave me the occasion to practice the virtues. Unfortunately, since I do not yet have them, can you guess what's the first thing that I do?
That's right: complain to God about it.
I hope it makes Him laugh, because I, at least, can see the humor in it. I'm asking for an "A" on the test, and God's giving me a study guide. Which I don't like, because it means I have to work! He's answering my prayer, just being sneaky about it. As Sister Helen Prejean once said, "We need to seriously dwell on the sneakiness of God." Amen, Sister!
Friday, December 2, 2011
More Ways to Procrastinate
I had a fun (for me at least) idea of a new way to procrastinate as I write my paper! I am going to "live blog" my paper (by length, not time). I have banished myself from Facebook between breakfast and dinner, so this is my alternative to obnoxious status updates every 10 minutes as I write.
The Topic: Jesus as the Lamb of God. I wanted to write about covenant curses; then I could write about women eating their children and other such cheery topics. However, that topic was rejected. There is not enough scholarship on it: evidently few scholars are as morbid as I am.
Blank page: My topic is too facile. I should change it. I don't have time to change it! I fail at life!
3/4 of a page: You know how when you look at a word for too long...? I'm already starting to pronounce it "lam-B" in my head.
One page down: Am I proving myself wrong? My thesis doesn't have any support! How can an idea be self-evident and wrong? Can an idea be self-evident and wrong?
1 1/4 pages: Googling names that appear in other books, to make sure I am not quoting heretics. Good news: I am quoting saints.
2 pages: Realizing I can type without looking at the keyboard OR the screen. I didn't believe it when they told me in elementary school computer class that this was actually possible.
Just over 4 pages: I MADE IT ONTO THE FIFTH PAGE! I'VE WRITTEN SO MUCH! .... I still have so much to write....
4 1/2 pages: This is circular logic. I wonder if I should point it out. Or maybe I can just hide it. Does circular logic invalidate my argument if no one notices its existence?
5 pages: I begin considering the fact that I am rewarding myself for paper-writing with housework. Question: Which is a bigger problem -- that I think this is a good idea, or that it works?
6 pages: I am so over this paper. Why did I give up Facebook during the day? Google + has never looked so appealing.
6 1/2 pages: Spell check wants me to change "Eucharistically" to "Eucharistic ally." Which is wrong, but an interesting concept.
6 3/4 pages: People really need to use Google + more.
7 pages: I HAVE A GOOGLE + NOTIFICATION!
8 pages: Holy crow! I made it to 8 pages!
8 1/4 pages: The excitement runs out. I start researching what food group mushrooms are in.
8 3/8 pages: My sticky-note tore a thin layer off a page, removing the words I need to quote. I didn't know that was even possible.
8 1/2 pages: I have a love-hate relationship with Taylor Swift, Scott Hahn, and myself.
8 3/4 pages: I miss sociology papers. At least if I was wrong there, I would just be an idiot, not an idiot and a heretic.
9 pages: I got to use "penultimate" in a sentence! That's awesome!
9 1/2 pages: I give up and go to a study party at Tim Horton's (think Dunkin' Donuts of Ohio), that appears to be more party than study. Coffee at 11pm!
10 pages: I have developed a thumb twitch. I think this is a variation of the TWAMP eye-twitch.
11 pages: Coffee finished and "Taylor the Latte Boy" appears.
12 pages: I hit the word limit! I still have so much to do. THANK YOU, JESUS, that Dr. Hahn will let us go over!
At this point, however, the bulk of my paper is "done"!
The Topic: Jesus as the Lamb of God. I wanted to write about covenant curses; then I could write about women eating their children and other such cheery topics. However, that topic was rejected. There is not enough scholarship on it: evidently few scholars are as morbid as I am.
Blank page: My topic is too facile. I should change it. I don't have time to change it! I fail at life!
3/4 of a page: You know how when you look at a word for too long...? I'm already starting to pronounce it "lam-B" in my head.
One page down: Am I proving myself wrong? My thesis doesn't have any support! How can an idea be self-evident and wrong? Can an idea be self-evident and wrong?
1 1/4 pages: Googling names that appear in other books, to make sure I am not quoting heretics. Good news: I am quoting saints.
2 pages: Realizing I can type without looking at the keyboard OR the screen. I didn't believe it when they told me in elementary school computer class that this was actually possible.
Just over 4 pages: I MADE IT ONTO THE FIFTH PAGE! I'VE WRITTEN SO MUCH! .... I still have so much to write....
4 1/2 pages: This is circular logic. I wonder if I should point it out. Or maybe I can just hide it. Does circular logic invalidate my argument if no one notices its existence?
5 pages: I begin considering the fact that I am rewarding myself for paper-writing with housework. Question: Which is a bigger problem -- that I think this is a good idea, or that it works?
6 pages: I am so over this paper. Why did I give up Facebook during the day? Google + has never looked so appealing.
6 1/2 pages: Spell check wants me to change "Eucharistically" to "Eucharistic ally." Which is wrong, but an interesting concept.
6 3/4 pages: People really need to use Google + more.
7 pages: I HAVE A GOOGLE + NOTIFICATION!
8 pages: Holy crow! I made it to 8 pages!
8 1/4 pages: The excitement runs out. I start researching what food group mushrooms are in.
8 3/8 pages: My sticky-note tore a thin layer off a page, removing the words I need to quote. I didn't know that was even possible.
8 1/2 pages: I have a love-hate relationship with Taylor Swift, Scott Hahn, and myself.
8 3/4 pages: I miss sociology papers. At least if I was wrong there, I would just be an idiot, not an idiot and a heretic.
9 pages: I got to use "penultimate" in a sentence! That's awesome!
9 1/2 pages: I give up and go to a study party at Tim Horton's (think Dunkin' Donuts of Ohio), that appears to be more party than study. Coffee at 11pm!
10 pages: I have developed a thumb twitch. I think this is a variation of the TWAMP eye-twitch.
11 pages: Coffee finished and "Taylor the Latte Boy" appears.
12 pages: I hit the word limit! I still have so much to do. THANK YOU, JESUS, that Dr. Hahn will let us go over!
At this point, however, the bulk of my paper is "done"!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
You Know You're Too Tired When...
... flipping through a stack of notebooks, you discover a 20-page paper that was due before Thanksgiving and have a five-second panic attack because you can't figure out how you didn't turn it in. Before you realize that you did turn it in and have already gotten it back, graded.
I am currently swamped by papers and exams as the end of the semester draws suddenly near. So I've been contemplating this statement, from the Building Cathedrals blog:
I am currently swamped by papers and exams as the end of the semester draws suddenly near. So I've been contemplating this statement, from the Building Cathedrals blog:
Women aren’t wired simply. When our mental, physical and emotional tanks are drained, they don’t just stay dry until we find rest. They immediately begin refilling themselves with all kinds of poison–first impatience and anxiety or sadness which quickly give way to self-doubt, guilt, blame, jealousy, irrationality, hysteria and panic, hatred. Rest is the solution...
The good news: I get rest in less than two weeks! The bad news: everything that needs to be done in less than two weeks!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Paper-Writing
One o'clock till 3 o'clock is two hours. Not three. In case you were wondering. Which is why I'm blogging instead of researching. It makes perfect sense I tell you!
On a related note, I just found the section in the library where they keep the Greatest Adventure videos. We borrowed them from the church basement when I was a kid, and they were pretty much the best thing ever: three archaeologists go back in time and meet Biblical figures. (The female lead was a blonde feminist. What could be better?) Now I just need someone with a VCR...
In the meantime, here's my favorite one on YouTube. If nothing else, watch the intro... it's classic!
On a related note, I just found the section in the library where they keep the Greatest Adventure videos. We borrowed them from the church basement when I was a kid, and they were pretty much the best thing ever: three archaeologists go back in time and meet Biblical figures. (The female lead was a blonde feminist. What could be better?) Now I just need someone with a VCR...
In the meantime, here's my favorite one on YouTube. If nothing else, watch the intro... it's classic!
Monday, November 28, 2011
Day-Maker #52
Coming back to Steubenville to three birthday cards from far-away friends and an exclamation of "It'll be a birthday meat cake!" from a near-by friend.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
On Matilda
In the book by Roald Dahl, rather than the movie, Matilda's gifts are caused by an excess of brain power. So, in the end, when she is challenged in the classroom, her ability to send erasers and china dolls flying through the room goes away.
I'm like Matilda. Except my excess brain-power flowed into a blog. I figured out the reason my posts have felt forced and uncreative lately: now that I am being mentally challenged in school again, my energy goes elsewhere and does not need an outlet. With this pseudo-apology, I offer a Cliff's Notes version of adventures of the past few weeks:
Part I: The Crazy Weekend
*A few Fridays ago, right before the faith study that Victoria is leading, I got a text from Percy, asking if I wanted to travel to PA the next day. So the next morning, I went to western PA to hang out with him and Mama and Papa Percy.
* While there, I visited the Croatian Club with a cousin of Papa Percy. It reminded me of the Lodge in Everybody Loves Raymond or the Loyal Order of the Water Buffalo in The Flintstones. I didn't know places like that existed. I played the Percy cousin in a brief game of Boccie on their indoor court. (I won.)
* The Percy cousin is dating his high school sweetheart, fifty years after the fact. It's adorable -- I didn't know things like that happened outside The Baby-Sitters Club!
* I, like the Magi, returned by a different route. Not because Herod was following me, but to avoid tolls. I decided that when I am traveling through the middle of nowhere, I prefer state routes and back roads to highways.
* That night, I was supposed to see A Midsummer Night's Dream on campus, but they were sold out. Instead, Thom (Are you keeping track of new characters? This is his intro.) grabbed his pipe and we all went out star-gazing, then watched A Few Good Men. The conversation after turned to the Penn State football sex-abuse scandal; the two are arguably related.
* The next day we visited the largest statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which is two hours north of Steubes. She is 33 feet tall; with her base and sunbeams, she stands 50 feet above the ground.
* The story of how she came to be there is full of miracles. If you want to hear, ask me!
* I left a few petitions of my own with her; I'll let you know if I add to her stories.
Part II: The In-Between
* I met a group of students starting a social justice group on campus, focusing on the fact that justice goes beyond partisan politics. I went to their first meeting and I'm excited to see where we go!
* Shelly and I found the one place in Steubenville open 24 hours! Tim Horton's is the Dunkin' Donuts of Ohio. Because Shelly is a die-hard Michigan fan, she got into some friendly banter with Ohio State fans, which resulted in our order expanding free of charge.
* Sunday with the day of "hypo-allergenic cake-pops." Translation: egg-free, lactose-free, gluten-free chocolate-covered deliciousness.
Part III: Home Again
* I made it back to NoVA for Thanksgiving, despite the entire Atlantic Ocean dumping itself over my car for 8 hours of mountain driving. I picked up my sister from her school on my way down, which added a little bit of time to my travels.
* I was blessed enough to have Julia and LB at my house that evening for birthday festivities! And I saw Wendy the next day for the same purpose.
*Thanksgiving happened with all the family home! We haven't been all together for years, so it was a momentous occasion.
* I brought home a mountain of books, but haven't done enough work. Something I predicted, but which will make the next week challenging.
I'm like Matilda. Except my excess brain-power flowed into a blog. I figured out the reason my posts have felt forced and uncreative lately: now that I am being mentally challenged in school again, my energy goes elsewhere and does not need an outlet. With this pseudo-apology, I offer a Cliff's Notes version of adventures of the past few weeks:
Part I: The Crazy Weekend
*A few Fridays ago, right before the faith study that Victoria is leading, I got a text from Percy, asking if I wanted to travel to PA the next day. So the next morning, I went to western PA to hang out with him and Mama and Papa Percy.
* While there, I visited the Croatian Club with a cousin of Papa Percy. It reminded me of the Lodge in Everybody Loves Raymond or the Loyal Order of the Water Buffalo in The Flintstones. I didn't know places like that existed. I played the Percy cousin in a brief game of Boccie on their indoor court. (I won.)
* The Percy cousin is dating his high school sweetheart, fifty years after the fact. It's adorable -- I didn't know things like that happened outside The Baby-Sitters Club!
* I, like the Magi, returned by a different route. Not because Herod was following me, but to avoid tolls. I decided that when I am traveling through the middle of nowhere, I prefer state routes and back roads to highways.
* That night, I was supposed to see A Midsummer Night's Dream on campus, but they were sold out. Instead, Thom (Are you keeping track of new characters? This is his intro.) grabbed his pipe and we all went out star-gazing, then watched A Few Good Men. The conversation after turned to the Penn State football sex-abuse scandal; the two are arguably related.
* The next day we visited the largest statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which is two hours north of Steubes. She is 33 feet tall; with her base and sunbeams, she stands 50 feet above the ground.
* The story of how she came to be there is full of miracles. If you want to hear, ask me!
* I left a few petitions of my own with her; I'll let you know if I add to her stories.
Part II: The In-Between
* I met a group of students starting a social justice group on campus, focusing on the fact that justice goes beyond partisan politics. I went to their first meeting and I'm excited to see where we go!
* Shelly and I found the one place in Steubenville open 24 hours! Tim Horton's is the Dunkin' Donuts of Ohio. Because Shelly is a die-hard Michigan fan, she got into some friendly banter with Ohio State fans, which resulted in our order expanding free of charge.
* Sunday with the day of "hypo-allergenic cake-pops." Translation: egg-free, lactose-free, gluten-free chocolate-covered deliciousness.
Part III: Home Again
* I made it back to NoVA for Thanksgiving, despite the entire Atlantic Ocean dumping itself over my car for 8 hours of mountain driving. I picked up my sister from her school on my way down, which added a little bit of time to my travels.
* I was blessed enough to have Julia and LB at my house that evening for birthday festivities! And I saw Wendy the next day for the same purpose.
*Thanksgiving happened with all the family home! We haven't been all together for years, so it was a momentous occasion.
* I brought home a mountain of books, but haven't done enough work. Something I predicted, but which will make the next week challenging.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Making God Laugh
You do that by telling Him your plans. After getting excited about the last week of the old translation and Christ the King, I walked into church to discover the altar set backwards and a surprise Latin Mass. No English and, according to the old calendar, no Christ the King. A beautiful Tridentine liturgy, but I'm sure God was cracking up.
Call to Action
A "friend" posted this article on Facebook, and since it's about Obama and Catholicism, how could I not click? (Also, being from the Washington Post, I felt it could not be completely ridiculous.)
Michael Gerdon summarizes recent actions of the Obama administration that he calls its "War on Catholicism." Perhaps it seems extreme, but he's alluding to a quote from Sebelius. His case rests on two main incidents: 1) the decision to cut funding to a Catholic Charities program that helps victim of human trafficking and 2) a policy mandating the coverage of birth control in insurance policies, including those of Catholic institutions that are not "churches."
(Side Note: It amused me a little that Gerdon thinks "Catholics were reassured" by Obama's rhetorical at Notre Dame. It did not reassure those who were upset about his invitation.)
I'm sure you can imagine my internal rant about HHS's decision to stop funding a program that has been proven effective at helping trafficking victims, simply because they don't refer for abortions. (If you can't imagine it begins: "I'm sorry, are you saying that abortion is the solution to human trafficking?") So I won't subject you to that.
I hope for policy changes because, as Gerdon states, the victims of these policies are not the bishops: they are the poor and vulnerable about whom (*gasp!*) the Church cares. More than that, I realize the importance of Catholics being involved in the political process to change them, because Obama and Sebelius won't on their own.
However, right now, policies are what they are and there is a distinct possibility that Catholic Charities won't get the grant back. What happens then? Does a lack of funding mean that Catholics stop caring for the poor and vulnerable?
Quite the opposite. If Catholic charitable organizations aren't getting funding from the government, this serves as a wake-up call for Catholics in the pew. We care about people: our next door-neighbors, our next world neighbors, and everyone in between. So if the government doesn't fund effective aid organizations, we must. (Not that we should stop giving if the government starts. The wake-up call is to a duty that has always existed.) It's something politically conservative Catholics have been saying for a while: It is not the government's job to love our neighbor. It's ours.
Michael Gerdon summarizes recent actions of the Obama administration that he calls its "War on Catholicism." Perhaps it seems extreme, but he's alluding to a quote from Sebelius. His case rests on two main incidents: 1) the decision to cut funding to a Catholic Charities program that helps victim of human trafficking and 2) a policy mandating the coverage of birth control in insurance policies, including those of Catholic institutions that are not "churches."
(Side Note: It amused me a little that Gerdon thinks "Catholics were reassured" by Obama's rhetorical at Notre Dame. It did not reassure those who were upset about his invitation.)
I'm sure you can imagine my internal rant about HHS's decision to stop funding a program that has been proven effective at helping trafficking victims, simply because they don't refer for abortions. (If you can't imagine it begins: "I'm sorry, are you saying that abortion is the solution to human trafficking?") So I won't subject you to that.
I hope for policy changes because, as Gerdon states, the victims of these policies are not the bishops: they are the poor and vulnerable about whom (*gasp!*) the Church cares. More than that, I realize the importance of Catholics being involved in the political process to change them, because Obama and Sebelius won't on their own.
However, right now, policies are what they are and there is a distinct possibility that Catholic Charities won't get the grant back. What happens then? Does a lack of funding mean that Catholics stop caring for the poor and vulnerable?
Quite the opposite. If Catholic charitable organizations aren't getting funding from the government, this serves as a wake-up call for Catholics in the pew. We care about people: our next door-neighbors, our next world neighbors, and everyone in between. So if the government doesn't fund effective aid organizations, we must. (Not that we should stop giving if the government starts. The wake-up call is to a duty that has always existed.) It's something politically conservative Catholics have been saying for a while: It is not the government's job to love our neighbor. It's ours.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Quotables
It's been a while since I've posted some of the fun little gems my professors have said. Never fear! They are still as awesome as ever:
Substitute professor for my morning class, at almost the end of class: "I was going to tell you that I don't teach 8:00 classes and so if I fall asleep, I'd ask you to wake me up, and I'd do the same for you."
Father Pattee:
On metaphysics: "It's a tell-tale sign of plagiarism when the effect is greater than the cause."
"It's not bad, necessarily, to suffer a little bit when you write a paper."
Dr. Bergsma:
On Paul's Letter to the Romans: "He still hasn't put in a period. And I'm having to take breaths... get a cup of coffee... and a snack..."
On re-writing papers: "I'd prefer to give everyone an A on the first edition... It's more efficient."
"Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana." (If you don't get it, wait a minute and try again. Then phone a friend.)
Dr. Sirilla:
"Your author's didn't just make this up!"
"Yes, the guy's name is Bozo. It's funny. Because of Bozo the Clown."
"It better be a loving act for me to send my kids to the corner... and that's not the same as hell."
"My duck can quack and all this stuff, but my duck can't do calculus."
"Unless you talk like Yoda, you're not going to get it. Unless you're used to word order out of place being."
"That's a huge no-no, rewriting Scripture. Even back then. You wouldn't have had a council: they would have run you out of town."
And one profound one from Dr. Hahn:
"I'm quaking in terror, feeling totally inadequate... which is almost a sure sign that God's calling me to do it."
Substitute professor for my morning class, at almost the end of class: "I was going to tell you that I don't teach 8:00 classes and so if I fall asleep, I'd ask you to wake me up, and I'd do the same for you."
Father Pattee:
On metaphysics: "It's a tell-tale sign of plagiarism when the effect is greater than the cause."
"It's not bad, necessarily, to suffer a little bit when you write a paper."
Dr. Bergsma:
On Paul's Letter to the Romans: "He still hasn't put in a period. And I'm having to take breaths... get a cup of coffee... and a snack..."
On re-writing papers: "I'd prefer to give everyone an A on the first edition... It's more efficient."
"Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana." (If you don't get it, wait a minute and try again. Then phone a friend.)
Dr. Sirilla:
"Your author's didn't just make this up!"
"Yes, the guy's name is Bozo. It's funny. Because of Bozo the Clown."
"It better be a loving act for me to send my kids to the corner... and that's not the same as hell."
"My duck can quack and all this stuff, but my duck can't do calculus."
"Unless you talk like Yoda, you're not going to get it. Unless you're used to word order out of place being."
"That's a huge no-no, rewriting Scripture. Even back then. You wouldn't have had a council: they would have run you out of town."
And one profound one from Dr. Hahn:
"I'm quaking in terror, feeling totally inadequate... which is almost a sure sign that God's calling me to do it."
Friday, November 18, 2011
Put Your Listening Ears On
If you haven't been to Mass in a while (or if you haven't been to a Catholic Mass ever) you should go this weekend! It is a historic moment: the last Sunday Mass will sound like it does now! Starting the first Sunday of Advent (the Sunday after Thanksgiving), the English Mass in the US will adopt a new translation of the Mass. The same Mass, just closer to the real meaning of the Latin.
I have a feeling it will be like one of those children's games, where you have to find what's different in the two pictures. Except that there is an answer key. So you should come and listen. (If you're geographically near me, you should come with me!) Or, if you are a regular Mass-goer, listen harder. Cherish the words this week, and get excited next week.
I'm sure I'll have more to say about the new translation. (Let's be honest: I have too much opinion about most things.) However, I wanted to get this message out, short and sweet, before Sunday: Listen hard!
I have a feeling it will be like one of those children's games, where you have to find what's different in the two pictures. Except that there is an answer key. So you should come and listen. (If you're geographically near me, you should come with me!) Or, if you are a regular Mass-goer, listen harder. Cherish the words this week, and get excited next week.
I'm sure I'll have more to say about the new translation. (Let's be honest: I have too much opinion about most things.) However, I wanted to get this message out, short and sweet, before Sunday: Listen hard!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
The Death Penalty and Excommunication
A few weeks ago, when I posted about the death penalty, a friend sent me this article. The author draws a parallel between the death penalty and abortion, and concludes that if a politician can be denied communion for supporting abortion, shouldn't the same apply to politicians (or Supreme Court justices) who uphold the death penalty?
The short answer is no. In brief, the Church teaches that some actions are always wrong: intrinsically evil. These actions cannot ever be morally justified. Period. Other actions are made wrong because of surrounding circumstances, either internal or external to the actor.
Example: Adultery is always wrong. Period. Marital sexual relations can be wrong (think of spousal rape), but are not so by nature.
According to the Church, abortion is always wrong. Period. Therefore, supporting it in a public and effective way separates you from the Church; a politician who does so excommunicates him/herself. Because a state has the duty to protect its citizens, sometimes the death penalty is permissible. (The Church's position against it comes from modern circumstances, which render it unnecessary.) Thus a politician is not supporting an intrinsic evil, but rather going against the prudential judgement of the Church. And therefore not excommunicating him/herself.
The US bishops released a statement to this effect during the 2004 campaign, according to my Christian Moral Principles professor. If I can track down the document, I'll share.
The short answer is no. In brief, the Church teaches that some actions are always wrong: intrinsically evil. These actions cannot ever be morally justified. Period. Other actions are made wrong because of surrounding circumstances, either internal or external to the actor.
Example: Adultery is always wrong. Period. Marital sexual relations can be wrong (think of spousal rape), but are not so by nature.
According to the Church, abortion is always wrong. Period. Therefore, supporting it in a public and effective way separates you from the Church; a politician who does so excommunicates him/herself. Because a state has the duty to protect its citizens, sometimes the death penalty is permissible. (The Church's position against it comes from modern circumstances, which render it unnecessary.) Thus a politician is not supporting an intrinsic evil, but rather going against the prudential judgement of the Church. And therefore not excommunicating him/herself.
The US bishops released a statement to this effect during the 2004 campaign, according to my Christian Moral Principles professor. If I can track down the document, I'll share.
Day-Maker #51
Thanksgiving Dinner at the Caf got changed from my birthday to commuter Wednesday, so today I had Thanksgiving, Part One.
A significant part of the Day-Maker: the excitement of Shelly, a fellow GNT, who was literally bouncing for joy at this delicious occasion.
A significant part of the Day-Maker: the excitement of Shelly, a fellow GNT, who was literally bouncing for joy at this delicious occasion.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Day-Maker #50
The installation of an "Air Blade" hand-dryer in the lady's room at the student center.
Pray Segment #6: Meditations on Communion
From St. Francis de Sales, Introduction to the Devout Life:
When worldly people question you about your receiving Communion so frequently, answer them that it is to learn to love God, to be purified from your faults, to be freed from your miseries, to be comforted in your troubles, to be strengthened in your weaknesses. Tell them that two sorts of persons are to receive Communion often: those who are perfect because, being well disposed, they would be very wrong if they did not draw near to the source and spring of perfection; and those who are imperfect, that they may be able to rightly to seek perfection; the strong, that they may not become weak, and the weak, that they become strong; the sick that they may become well and the healthy that they may not become sick. Say about yourself, that being imperfect, weak, and sick it is necessary that you have frequent contact with him who is your perfection, your strength and your doctor.
Also tell them that those who do not have many worldly concerns should receive Communion often since they have the opportunity; and that those who have many worldly concerns should do the same because they need it; and that he who works very hard and is loaded with troubles must eat nourishing food frequently. Let them know that you receive the Holy Sacrament to learn to receive it well, since we rarely do an action well unless we practise it often.
Receive Communion frequently, Philothea. With the advice of your spiritual Father, receive as often as you can.... I assure you that similarly by repeatedly adoring and feeding in this divine Sacrament, on him who is beauty, goodness and purity, you will become completely beautiful, completely good and completely pure.
When worldly people question you about your receiving Communion so frequently, answer them that it is to learn to love God, to be purified from your faults, to be freed from your miseries, to be comforted in your troubles, to be strengthened in your weaknesses. Tell them that two sorts of persons are to receive Communion often: those who are perfect because, being well disposed, they would be very wrong if they did not draw near to the source and spring of perfection; and those who are imperfect, that they may be able to rightly to seek perfection; the strong, that they may not become weak, and the weak, that they become strong; the sick that they may become well and the healthy that they may not become sick. Say about yourself, that being imperfect, weak, and sick it is necessary that you have frequent contact with him who is your perfection, your strength and your doctor.
Also tell them that those who do not have many worldly concerns should receive Communion often since they have the opportunity; and that those who have many worldly concerns should do the same because they need it; and that he who works very hard and is loaded with troubles must eat nourishing food frequently. Let them know that you receive the Holy Sacrament to learn to receive it well, since we rarely do an action well unless we practise it often.
Receive Communion frequently, Philothea. With the advice of your spiritual Father, receive as often as you can.... I assure you that similarly by repeatedly adoring and feeding in this divine Sacrament, on him who is beauty, goodness and purity, you will become completely beautiful, completely good and completely pure.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
On Being Lost and Found
Last weekend, the GNT group hosted a bonfire. What more incentive do I need to leave the house on a cold night than the promise of a roaring fire, s'mores, and a place where I can see stars?
Answer: a friend to make the trip with me! Ginny and I made plans to go together. When I found out that she was going to be significantly late, I considered driving myself and meeting her there, but decided against it. I think God infused my mind with a bit of wisdom...
We first typed in the address to Ginny's GPS. "Address unknown." Next, we tried to put in the name of the state forest. Still no luck. We browsed "Camping," "Recreation," "Parks," and even "Tourism"... nothing. Next we availed ourselves of Google. At last we found the forest, though not the specific address we'd been given. Writing down directions and mileage (a lesson I've learned about hand-written directions), we set out into the night. (Last weekend, clocks changed -- this was the first night of early darkness.)
We found the first turn as we drove past the road -- there had been no street sign coming from our direction and the one the other way was mostly hidden by a pedestrian crossing sign. Pulling a u-turn in a "do not enter" driveway, we continued on what seemed to be our way.
But we couldn't find the next turn. We drove past neighborhoods... into the middle of nowhere... past some forest, past some water, past some fields, into some sketchy looking areas. Eventually, Ginny pointed out that we'd gone way past the distance we should have, and we spun around in someone's driveway. We drove back up the road, looking intently for our street sign, until we made it back up to the original intersection. Frustrated and hungry, we stopped into a gas station in hopes of finding a map.
We found no maps, but did find a very helpful young man behind the counter, who gave us directions, something along the lines of: "Drive through a neighborhood and down a hill and turn at the church. Go through fields and forests and past a county airport and around a corner until you come to a fork. Watch out for deer. Go right and over train tracks until you come to a left. Watch out for deer. Go over a bridge and up a hill and you're there. Watch out for deer."
We set off again and his directions were perfect! (We didn't see any deer.) Until... we reached the end of the direction and were at the state forest, but not the bonfire. So we called a few people until someone picked up and then passed the phone to five other people before someone finally gave us directions to the actual fire. We felt ridiculous as we poked our way down dirt roads with dust flying around us.
However, everyone else at the bonfire told us that they had to call for directions as well, and we got three phone calls after we got there to help others find us. The fire, s'mores, and stars were everything I could hope for. I even got to teach a GNT from Malaysia how to make his first s'more. We also managed to find our way home with no troubles at all.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Life's Questions Answered
In today's Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day, I learned the answer to an age-old question that has puzzled America's youth ever since Bianca Stratford's best friend asked it in Ten Things I Hate About You.
"I know you can be overwhelmed, and you can be underwhelmed, but can you ever just be whelmed?"
Wonder no more, young people of America! According to Merriam-Webster:
"I know you can be overwhelmed, and you can be underwhelmed, but can you ever just be whelmed?"
Wonder no more, young people of America! According to Merriam-Webster:
You could say that the introduction of "overwhelm" to the English language was a bit redundant. The word, which originally meant "to overturn or upset," was formed in Middle English by combining the prefix "over-" with the verb "whelmen," which also meant "to overturn." "Whelmen" has survived in English as "whelm," a verb which is largely synonymous with "overwhelm." Over the last 600 years, however, "overwhelm" has won over English speakers who have come to largely prefer it to "whelm," despite the latter's brevity. Perhaps the emphatic redundancy of "overwhelm" makes it seem like the more fitting word for describing the experience of being overcome by powerful forces or feelings.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Day-Maker #49
Sitting behind a favorite professor's family in church and trying not to be a creeper while watching his small children play and pray.
Fall Break Adventures
True to a Catholic school, we had All Saints Day off of school. As did a friend at Dusquene University. Remember that time I was at Yosemite National Park, with A Christian Ministry in the National Parks? This is an old teammate from California! She's from Pittsburgh, so I got a tour from a native.
We started at the top of a hill. Pittsburgh is built in, over, around, and on top of hills and over and around rivers. One hill, Mount Washington, gives a gorgeous overlook of the city. I'm not a fan of most cityscapes, but I love being on top of the world. Plus, it helped me get a feel for the city. You can ride up the huge hill in a rickety little cable car, but we skipped that for time's sake.
Next we went to Pamani Brothers in Southside. They are known for their sandwiches which have: meat, tomato, cheese, coleslaw, and french fries. Yes, I did actually eat an entire Pamani Brothers' sandwich. I still don't know how I feel about this.
Then came the "Cathedral of Learning," a building at the University of Pittsburgh. It's a state school that got around a building ordinance declaring that the highest building in the city had to be a church with creative naming. Then, partway through the thirty-six story Gothic structure, they ran out of money. So they got countries to sponsor rooms (I heard the story from my ACMNP friend, so I don't have all the details) -- and now a bunch of the classrooms are decorated with traditional art, screens, fixtures, etc. from various nations. If you are seeing a Babel parallel here, you are on my wavelength.
Right next door, we visited the Heinz Memorial Chapel, another not-quite-religious building. It was made to look like a Gothic church and had a gold cross on the altar and saints in the stained glass. However, Abraham Lincoln, Benjamin Franklin, "the Pioneer Woman," and other such figures kept them company. The First Thanksgiving appeared next to the First Christmas: labeled "1620."
After that I got a lightening tour of Dusquene and then our time was up -- she had the day off school, but not work. I still have a lot left to see in Pittsburgh, and will keep you up to date when I do!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Day-Maker #48
As a group of trick-or-treaters came to our door, I realized we were running low on candy. I dropped a few pieces in every child's bag. One small child looked at me worriedly, which confused me. I'm not used to being a grown-up -- had I messed up on some part of Halloween etiquette? All the other children ran back to the street, but not this tiny boy. Instead, he said to me, as if this were the gravest problem in the world: "You're almost out of candy."
He left content when I told him I would refill my bowl.
He left content when I told him I would refill my bowl.
Unplanned
This weekend is Fall Break or All Saints Break or Four-Day, depending upon who is speaking. Either way, we have no classes today or tomorrow and most of the undergrads (along with a good chunk of grads) are gone away. Due to the lack of undergrads, the GNT (graduate and non-traditional) community decided to hold down fort at the abortion facility in Pittsburgh.
There was no 6am Mass on campus, so we went to the Franciscan Third Order Religious motherhouse at 7:15. By the time we got out of Mass, got a blessing, and hit up McDonalds for coffee (an anonymous donor covered breakfast for us!) we were way behind the normal time of arrival. In fact, we arrived at the abortion facility not long before, on normal weekends, we'd be leaving.
I wasn't very happy about this. I get frustrated when things move slowly and tend to judge myself for not being a more intense person. God tends to teach me lessons in these moments, but I forget them with unfortunate speed.
We settled into our prayer pod and commenced praying. Our sidewalk counselors kept their more lonely vigil in the frigid weather. After we had been there a couple hours, we decided to recite rather than sing a final chaplet, so we could head back in a timely manner.
As we started the chaplet, an ambulance pulled up to the front of the abortion facility.
We switched to singing the chaplet, which lasted us as the paramedics went inside. As they came back out and pulled out a stretcher. As they went back in and helped a woman out of the door and onto the stretcher and whisked her away in the ambulance. And as the ambulance pulled off down the street, our chaplet ended.
I tell this story here for two reasons. One: I (obviously) have no idea what went wrong for the woman, but please keep her in your prayers this week. Two: God has funny timing, in that it always works for His perfect will. More often than not, I don't realize this, but this Saturday was an affirmation of His faithfulness in the when of His plans.
There was no 6am Mass on campus, so we went to the Franciscan Third Order Religious motherhouse at 7:15. By the time we got out of Mass, got a blessing, and hit up McDonalds for coffee (an anonymous donor covered breakfast for us!) we were way behind the normal time of arrival. In fact, we arrived at the abortion facility not long before, on normal weekends, we'd be leaving.
I wasn't very happy about this. I get frustrated when things move slowly and tend to judge myself for not being a more intense person. God tends to teach me lessons in these moments, but I forget them with unfortunate speed.
We settled into our prayer pod and commenced praying. Our sidewalk counselors kept their more lonely vigil in the frigid weather. After we had been there a couple hours, we decided to recite rather than sing a final chaplet, so we could head back in a timely manner.
As we started the chaplet, an ambulance pulled up to the front of the abortion facility.
We switched to singing the chaplet, which lasted us as the paramedics went inside. As they came back out and pulled out a stretcher. As they went back in and helped a woman out of the door and onto the stretcher and whisked her away in the ambulance. And as the ambulance pulled off down the street, our chaplet ended.
I tell this story here for two reasons. One: I (obviously) have no idea what went wrong for the woman, but please keep her in your prayers this week. Two: God has funny timing, in that it always works for His perfect will. More often than not, I don't realize this, but this Saturday was an affirmation of His faithfulness in the when of His plans.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Every Little Miracle
At the gym the past couple days, someone has left the TV on TLC's "A Baby Story." Unsurprisingly, a Pampers commercial came on. The content of the commercial surprised and delighted me. Take a look-see:
I thought I was watching a pro-life ad at first! I've been tearing up at the littlest thing lately, but still, it's not every day a commercial nearly makes me cry!
I thought I was watching a pro-life ad at first! I've been tearing up at the littlest thing lately, but still, it's not every day a commercial nearly makes me cry!
Hark Upon the Gale
I promised a blog on homecoming and, a week after the fact, here it is! There's so much that can be said and (to be perfectly honest) so much that can't be said about that weekend, but I will do my best to crystallize most of the former here.
I left Steubie well before the sun arose, parked at the airport, and left my suitcase in my car. I realized this promptly upon getting onto the airport shuttle. The very kind shuttle driver backed up to my car, I hopped off, grabbed my suitcase, and hopped back on, thoroughly embarrassed.
My first plane ride was gorgeous. We took off in dark, cloudy Pittsburgh... and rose above the clouds into the most stunning sunrise I have ever seen. The sky shone in shades of pink, red, and salmon to the east and pink and blue-grey to the west. Below us, the clouds formed an expanse of unending grey and white, shot through with reflections of light. It reminded me of descriptions of creation, just after the fiat lux: the earth was without form and empty, but pure light shone over it. Then the sun rose -- at first the tiniest silver of piercing salmon light, then too bright to look at, gleaming off cloud waves. Right before we began descent, the sheet of clouds ended, so it looked as if we were about to fly off the edge of the world.
We stopped at BWI; my layover and second flight were uneventful. Percy met me at Norfolk and we headed toward the 'burg. There began my whirlwind tour of people and places I sorely miss.
Some highlights include:
* Brigit's daughter marched in the colonial fife and drum! I saw her in training all last year, so it was wonderful to watch her march! We followed the fife and drum down DoG street like crazed colonial paparazzi.
* Hot cider in free-cider mugs. I gave mine away to a dear friend when I left (seeing her was a highlight too!) so I stole Percy's for the day.
* Visiting the ladies' Lodge (seven-person on-campus house). I colored a picture for their coloring wall to leave my mark on the place. People kept dropping by, so I got to see amazing people and get lots of hugs.
* Seeing a group of friends I've known since freshmen year. I love those people and don't see them enough!
* The CCM Alumni Wine and Cheese. I got to see Marianne again as well as a ton of alum and current students.
* Staying with Julia. I miss that girl like madness and it makes me sad that she is not constantly on my couch this year.
* Dinner at Sal's, breakfast and coffee at Aroma's, dinner at the Baker's Crust, and an afternoon at the Green Leafe. All with awesome people of course.
*Chatting with Ariel, the current YACM. It's good to know my desk is in good hands.
*Mass with CCM. I can't begin to describe it, but I think it was (literally) a foretaste of heaven. The Folk Group was approximately 8 times its normal size and complete with trumpet, violins, mandolin, and a ton of guitars. And it was followed by a delicious reception.
These are only some highlights -- if I describe the whole weekend this post will be so long that no one will read it. Leaving Julia's apartment to hop into Percy's car at an hour that was more late night than early morning was so hard.
I had a bonding moment with the TSA on my way through security in Norfolk. He recognized my NoVA town on my license and commented that not many people from there fly through Norkfolk. After I explained homecoming, he told me that his sister teaches at a school right up the road from me.
I arrived back in Steubie, safe and sound, and mysteriously unable to nap.
I left Steubie well before the sun arose, parked at the airport, and left my suitcase in my car. I realized this promptly upon getting onto the airport shuttle. The very kind shuttle driver backed up to my car, I hopped off, grabbed my suitcase, and hopped back on, thoroughly embarrassed.
My first plane ride was gorgeous. We took off in dark, cloudy Pittsburgh... and rose above the clouds into the most stunning sunrise I have ever seen. The sky shone in shades of pink, red, and salmon to the east and pink and blue-grey to the west. Below us, the clouds formed an expanse of unending grey and white, shot through with reflections of light. It reminded me of descriptions of creation, just after the fiat lux: the earth was without form and empty, but pure light shone over it. Then the sun rose -- at first the tiniest silver of piercing salmon light, then too bright to look at, gleaming off cloud waves. Right before we began descent, the sheet of clouds ended, so it looked as if we were about to fly off the edge of the world.
We stopped at BWI; my layover and second flight were uneventful. Percy met me at Norfolk and we headed toward the 'burg. There began my whirlwind tour of people and places I sorely miss.
Some highlights include:
* Brigit's daughter marched in the colonial fife and drum! I saw her in training all last year, so it was wonderful to watch her march! We followed the fife and drum down DoG street like crazed colonial paparazzi.
* Hot cider in free-cider mugs. I gave mine away to a dear friend when I left (seeing her was a highlight too!) so I stole Percy's for the day.
* Visiting the ladies' Lodge (seven-person on-campus house). I colored a picture for their coloring wall to leave my mark on the place. People kept dropping by, so I got to see amazing people and get lots of hugs.
* Seeing a group of friends I've known since freshmen year. I love those people and don't see them enough!
* The CCM Alumni Wine and Cheese. I got to see Marianne again as well as a ton of alum and current students.
* Staying with Julia. I miss that girl like madness and it makes me sad that she is not constantly on my couch this year.
* Dinner at Sal's, breakfast and coffee at Aroma's, dinner at the Baker's Crust, and an afternoon at the Green Leafe. All with awesome people of course.
*Chatting with Ariel, the current YACM. It's good to know my desk is in good hands.
*Mass with CCM. I can't begin to describe it, but I think it was (literally) a foretaste of heaven. The Folk Group was approximately 8 times its normal size and complete with trumpet, violins, mandolin, and a ton of guitars. And it was followed by a delicious reception.
These are only some highlights -- if I describe the whole weekend this post will be so long that no one will read it. Leaving Julia's apartment to hop into Percy's car at an hour that was more late night than early morning was so hard.
I had a bonding moment with the TSA on my way through security in Norfolk. He recognized my NoVA town on my license and commented that not many people from there fly through Norkfolk. After I explained homecoming, he told me that his sister teaches at a school right up the road from me.
I arrived back in Steubie, safe and sound, and mysteriously unable to nap.
Monday, October 24, 2011
The Laugh Track
Homecoming happened this weekend and will make it up here soon, but for now, it's easier to quote Dr. Bergsma. He was on a role tonight:
[Bonus points if you know the Biblical book we were reading without clicking any of the links. Extra bonus points if you know what decision Peter made in the 4th quote.]
"Christ says, 'Go to the ends of the earth.' Are we supposed to go to Tierra del Fuego? 'Repent ... penguins!' "
Reading about Stephen's martyrdom: "Now Stephen has obviously not studies the principles of Dale Carnegie. A persuasive speech should not end in a rounding condemnation of your listeners."
On a Biblical woman: " 'Tabitha, which means Dorcas, or Gazelle'... If I were her, I'd stick with Tabitha."
On a decision of Peter's: "This is the decision. If you have an issue with it, you can line up behind Ananias and Sapphira."
"If you can raise all the casualties of your homilies, you can preach as long as you want."
[Bonus points if you know the Biblical book we were reading without clicking any of the links. Extra bonus points if you know what decision Peter made in the 4th quote.]
"Christ says, 'Go to the ends of the earth.' Are we supposed to go to Tierra del Fuego? 'Repent ... penguins!' "
Reading about Stephen's martyrdom: "Now Stephen has obviously not studies the principles of Dale Carnegie. A persuasive speech should not end in a rounding condemnation of your listeners."
On a Biblical woman: " 'Tabitha, which means Dorcas, or Gazelle'... If I were her, I'd stick with Tabitha."
On a decision of Peter's: "This is the decision. If you have an issue with it, you can line up behind Ananias and Sapphira."
"If you can raise all the casualties of your homilies, you can preach as long as you want."
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Friend of a Friend
My Facebook world just got strange: in one (very short) week, I received friend requests from both a former teacher (my first grade teacher!) and a former student. My mind is blown and I no longer know how I fit in to the universe.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Shout-Out
This is a shout-out to the three law students I know who took the bar in July. Two are friends from W&M Law and one is my cousin. All three can now add "Esquire" after their names! Congrats, guys!
To those of you still in law school -- hang in there! You can do it!
To those of you still in law school -- hang in there! You can do it!
Day-Maker #47
The most adorable small child ran through the student center, past our study cluster. She wore a shirt that read, "Little Sis." Ten seconds later, the second most adorable small child ran after her, wearing a shirt saying, "Big Sis." Guess who got distract from their studies for the next 10 minutes? If you guessed all 3 of us, males and females, you would be correct.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Poll of Men
Frank commented on my second Boys from Men post. He disagreed with the main points of the article (as have other of my male friends). However, he posted another article about behavioral norms and societal pressures -- how sexism hurts men. (To my three loyal readers: you should read the comments on posts; your fellow readers have awesome things to say!) Obviously, I don't experience this aspect of sexism the same way I experience its effects on women.
So I'm asking you, any men reading this: Has sexism affected your life? Do you find that there are "stupid, unfair, and sexist" expectations of you?
Also, how do you feel about the label "feminist man"? The author Frank cites uses the phrase to describe men who support the feminist agenda of general equality of rights and an end of sexism.
So I'm asking you, any men reading this: Has sexism affected your life? Do you find that there are "stupid, unfair, and sexist" expectations of you?
Also, how do you feel about the label "feminist man"? The author Frank cites uses the phrase to describe men who support the feminist agenda of general equality of rights and an end of sexism.
Monday, October 10, 2011
"But for the Grace of God..."
A week ago, Victoria came into Pittsburgh with the pro-life ministry. She and I were running behind the rest of the group, so we approached the abortion facility alone, two young women walking down the sidewalk... so it was understandable when the "Pro-Choice Escorts," in their bright yellow vests, asked us if we were here for the clinic. Before we had to answer, one of the other escorts pulled them away. I've been in the situation before when, as I approach an abortion facility to pray, someone tries to talk me out of having an abortion, but I've never gotten it from the pro-choice side.
Earlier that week, I was in downtown Steubenville with the homeless ministry, chatting with a couple guys outside the shelter. Another student, whom I didn't know very well, came out and began to introduce herself around, chatting up the crowd. She, like a lot of us in the ministry (I pray to combat this in my own self), had the tone and inflection of charity in her voice as she asked me my name and if I was from around here. It was clear that she didn't realize I had come in with the college crowd. I laughed inside when it happened, but later caught myself thinking, Why did she think that? Do I look too old to be at school? Do I look homeless? What about me made me look homeless? Why did she think I was homeless?
The next week, I made a similar faux-pas at the Unity Kitchen, a food ministry downtown. I sat at a table where a woman my age-ish was sitting alone and started chatting. She very quickly assured me that she worked for a job evaluation agency and she was here observing someone, not to benefit from the services of the Unity Kitchen. Her Lunchables gave proof of this.
These three incidents stuck with me. There's a country song (I like this version better) that comes from, I believe, an old saying, "But for the grace of God go I." Recently, CVN had a video contest to answer the question : "Why do you serve?" This line is a common answer to that question. "I serve because not everyone has the blessings that I have. Because, but for the luck of my birth, there go I."
It is a beautiful, generous sentiment, but I think it misses the mark. If I look into the eyes of another person and see what I could be, I lose something. We should look into the eyes of another and see what we are. (Not who we are, a unique and unrepeatable person, but what we are, a child of God, created in his image and likeness, with infinite value and worth.) In that glimpse, when the eyes of another mirror the image of God in me, I come one step closer to understanding the way in which we are all one -- as John Donne put it, the way in which "no man is an island... any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind."
This truth issues to us an incredible challenge, and, as my discomfort with these situations shows, I am far from rising to it. But when it boils down to it, that is the reason to serve (and, on my good days, why I serve): not so much because others lack what I have, but because others have what I have -- the imprint of God in their very being and an indelible connection to the rest of humanity.
This truth issues to us an incredible challenge, and, as my discomfort with these situations shows, I am far from rising to it. But when it boils down to it, that is the reason to serve (and, on my good days, why I serve): not so much because others lack what I have, but because others have what I have -- the imprint of God in their very being and an indelible connection to the rest of humanity.
Misunderstandings
Being pro-life to me means a consistent ethic of life. When I hear rhetoric about "the sanctity of life from conception to natural death," I take it at face-value. All life is valuable and no human being has the right to take that life away. I admit tough cases: self-defense or the protection of others/society. However, the death penalty, in most cases in modern America, falls very clearly on one side of this line. It is no longer about self-defense or defense of society, but rather about retribution, couched in language of "justice."
Hopefully, I don't need to point out the ways in which this pastor is wrong. Asher shared this article with me a few weeks ago; give it a read-through. A Southern Baptist seminary president makes the case that the death penalty supports the sanctity of life. Why? Because it affirms the value of life. The article does not make clear in its quote exactly how Albert Mohler supports this claim by any logic, probably because no valid logic really can support his position.
Let me be clear: when we decide as a society that we can kill someone who has committed a crime, we act from revenge and retribution, not justice or self-defense. And most assuredly not from a desire to affirm the sanctity of all life.
Hopefully, I don't need to point out the ways in which this pastor is wrong. Asher shared this article with me a few weeks ago; give it a read-through. A Southern Baptist seminary president makes the case that the death penalty supports the sanctity of life. Why? Because it affirms the value of life. The article does not make clear in its quote exactly how Albert Mohler supports this claim by any logic, probably because no valid logic really can support his position.
Let me be clear: when we decide as a society that we can kill someone who has committed a crime, we act from revenge and retribution, not justice or self-defense. And most assuredly not from a desire to affirm the sanctity of all life.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Things I Learned in Christology Last Night
"When you're being attacked by barbarians, you don't have time for leisure."
"Salt is neither explosive, nor is it a neurotoxin."
"Salt is neither explosive, nor is it a neurotoxin."
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Cliff Notes on Life
My last bout of posts have been more about things and idea than about my life. So in case you are wondering here's the bullets:
- All the fun things in my life lately have revolved around food, it seems. Adventures making pumpkin cheese cake and beef wellington with Ginny and Will (new characters!), a successful red velvet cake for St. Michael and St. Vincent, Victoria's spaghetti sauce. Even non-food adventures have revolved around food: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
- Not helping this idea: the highlights of my week are the ministries I've joined through the Works of Mercy. The Unity Kitchen, where we serve food and eat with people; and "Hang Out with the Homeless." While it's heartbreaking that there are kids at a homeless shelter, last night I got to be a T-Rex and eat a pterodactyl (and be a mommy pterodactyl), as well as learn about Cleopatria.
- Shakespeare Live brought A Winter's Tale to campus last night. While I couldn't stay for the whole thing, I got to see the vast majority of my favorite Shakespearean play. The group was hilarious.
- Two of my houseplants died during the major moves at the end of the summer. My third plant, however, the spider from my VSC year, though extremely traumatized by the moves, is still alive. Not only is it still alive, but it is growing new tentacles and reaching toward the window... reminding me that even in the gloomy, rainy weather, someone sees sunshine!
- I can't believe it's October! Where did September go?!
Boys From Men, Part II
Here's another perspective on femininity and masculinity. I think it's a facile treatment of complicated social trends, but I have a hunch not much research has been done to figure out what is going on, let alone why. However, these ideas are coming out more and more in the media...
I'm especially curious to hear a male reaction to this opinion piece about "Why Men Are in Trouble."
I'm especially curious to hear a male reaction to this opinion piece about "Why Men Are in Trouble."
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Separating the Men from the Boys
I posted this article on Facebook Sunday to complete an earlier conversation. It generated a lot of conversation, so apparently it has more value than simply inspiring a feminist rant. I use the term "value" loosely -- it inspires conversation, not just Beth-rants, which are a dime a dozen.
So first, read here: "Do Men Think Smart Girls Are Unattractive?" It has a provocative title and is a quick, easy read.
I've heard praise and critique for various parts of the article but here is the Cliffs-Notes version:
1) It should be satire. (Thanks, Julia! I agree!)
2) Some men are intimidated by the challenge to a better self that smart girls pose.
3) While some smart women want to be full-time mothers, even conservative women get upset at his overarching generalizations.
4) Buono doesn't even answer his own question. (Read carefully. It's true.)
5) General expressions of overall disgust and fury.
It's easy to see where Buono starts to go wrong: the title. Men shouldn't be pursuing smart girls. That makes them pedophiles. They should be pursuing smart women. Let's start by setting the genders on equal footing. You are men. We are women. If you are boys and we are girls, we need to start by talking about how to grow up.
He then shifts the question. It's no longer about "smart girls." The problem isn't intelligence. It's that women are successful, driven, and pursuing a career, which Buono assumes happens because they can't find a man who's grown up and decide it's the next best option. But really, they are only "career single women" because they have "no incentive to be otherwise." Not, heaven forbid, because she actually likes engineering or public relations or teaching or computer programming.
He does have a few good lines. I've had a small sampling of masculine support for his claim that smart women intimidate men with the challenge of what they could be. And it is true that "a woman will give the world to a man she knows loves her, respects her, and accepts her for who she is." But sometimes a part of that love, respect, and acceptance is realizing that she really is a person with passions and pursuits outside her family in the public realm.
On the flip side, as a classmate pointed out, women need to stop effacing themselves in pursuit of men. I think women face a voice whispering to them: "You're not good enough." (I don't know if men encounter the same problem.) When we don't believe that our best is good enough, it's hard to put forth our best. It will fail and the backlash will hurt. So we hide ourselves and offer only little pieces shaped into what we believe society wants. (That's a drastic picture; it happens on small levels.) It's scary how subtle and pervasive these influences are. Even smart, confident women hear them and react.
Okay -- end rant. Please comment! Disagree, correct, clarify, and especially enlighten me! I only have the experience of myself and a few others to go on -- and the world is bigger!
So first, read here: "Do Men Think Smart Girls Are Unattractive?" It has a provocative title and is a quick, easy read.
I've heard praise and critique for various parts of the article but here is the Cliffs-Notes version:
1) It should be satire. (Thanks, Julia! I agree!)
2) Some men are intimidated by the challenge to a better self that smart girls pose.
3) While some smart women want to be full-time mothers, even conservative women get upset at his overarching generalizations.
4) Buono doesn't even answer his own question. (Read carefully. It's true.)
5) General expressions of overall disgust and fury.
It's easy to see where Buono starts to go wrong: the title. Men shouldn't be pursuing smart girls. That makes them pedophiles. They should be pursuing smart women. Let's start by setting the genders on equal footing. You are men. We are women. If you are boys and we are girls, we need to start by talking about how to grow up.
He then shifts the question. It's no longer about "smart girls." The problem isn't intelligence. It's that women are successful, driven, and pursuing a career, which Buono assumes happens because they can't find a man who's grown up and decide it's the next best option. But really, they are only "career single women" because they have "no incentive to be otherwise." Not, heaven forbid, because she actually likes engineering or public relations or teaching or computer programming.
He does have a few good lines. I've had a small sampling of masculine support for his claim that smart women intimidate men with the challenge of what they could be. And it is true that "a woman will give the world to a man she knows loves her, respects her, and accepts her for who she is." But sometimes a part of that love, respect, and acceptance is realizing that she really is a person with passions and pursuits outside her family in the public realm.
On the flip side, as a classmate pointed out, women need to stop effacing themselves in pursuit of men. I think women face a voice whispering to them: "You're not good enough." (I don't know if men encounter the same problem.) When we don't believe that our best is good enough, it's hard to put forth our best. It will fail and the backlash will hurt. So we hide ourselves and offer only little pieces shaped into what we believe society wants. (That's a drastic picture; it happens on small levels.) It's scary how subtle and pervasive these influences are. Even smart, confident women hear them and react.
Okay -- end rant. Please comment! Disagree, correct, clarify, and especially enlighten me! I only have the experience of myself and a few others to go on -- and the world is bigger!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Prayer, Segment 5: Defend Us in Battle
In honor of the feast of the Archangels. St. Michael and I are getting close... or at least, he has been a sort of heavenly body guard for me. I've prayed his prayer at the end of Mass for years now, but only in the very recent past have I grown to appreciate his guardianship. Or maybe he's been watching over me a little more intensely lately.
I had a moment with him when taking an exam for one of my distance classes. My mind was wandering in negative circles, and I thought, "This is ridiculous. It is absurd to fail a test because I can't make my mind focus." Then it occurred to me that someone has a vested interest in people failing in their contemplation of God. So I prayed the St. Michael prayer and finished the test. Since then, I have started calling on Michael so often that most of the time, I only have time for a quick invocation: "St. Michael, defend me!"
I say all this to give a shout-out to the angel who has been constantly with me for the past six weeks or so, and thank him for it! Here's his prayer as my home parish prays it; you find all sorts of variations, depending on where you go:
St. Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of Heavenly Hosts, by the divine power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the other evil spirits who roam throughout the world, seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Thy Kingdom Come
"In Christian lives, the scriptures are actualized, and that is how the kingdom comes to earth. Actualization is infinitely more than a private act of piety. It is transformative, not just of the believer, but of the world."
~Scott Hahn, Letter & Spirit
~Scott Hahn, Letter & Spirit
Monday, September 26, 2011
Why I Need a Catholic Husband
(In the event that I am called to the married life.)
Dr. Bergsma mentioned in passing, after quoting St. Ignatius of Antioch, that we could name a child Ignatius and call him Nate. Immediately, I started pairing names in my head. To keep my mind focused on holy matters during class, I started compiling a list of names. Male name pairing has always been hard for me and working with Ignatius was a nice challenge.
I ended up with 6 names, so I need a family of 3 girls and 3 boys. The Catholic husband is necessary because... well, read the names and you'll understand.
Francis Paul "Paul" (St. Francis Assisi and Paul the Apostle)
Michael Ignatius "Nate" (St. Michael the Archangel and either St. Ignastius)
Stephen Dominic "Stephen" (St. Stephen the Martyr and St. Dominic)
Anna Perpetua "Anna" (Anna the Prophetess and St. Perpetua)
Cecilia Elizabeth "Cecy" (St. Cecilia and Elizabeths, the cousin of Mary and Ann Seton)
Teresa Marie "Teresa" (Bl. Mother Teresa and of Avila and Our Lady)
In the event that 1) God does not call me to the married life or 2) does not grant me such a family as to use these names, I hereby grant permission to my friends to use these names, on the condition that I be the child's godmother. I know some of these are unusual names but there are some strong people behind them!
Dr. Bergsma mentioned in passing, after quoting St. Ignatius of Antioch, that we could name a child Ignatius and call him Nate. Immediately, I started pairing names in my head. To keep my mind focused on holy matters during class, I started compiling a list of names. Male name pairing has always been hard for me and working with Ignatius was a nice challenge.
I ended up with 6 names, so I need a family of 3 girls and 3 boys. The Catholic husband is necessary because... well, read the names and you'll understand.
Francis Paul "Paul" (St. Francis Assisi and Paul the Apostle)
Michael Ignatius "Nate" (St. Michael the Archangel and either St. Ignastius)
Stephen Dominic "Stephen" (St. Stephen the Martyr and St. Dominic)
Anna Perpetua "Anna" (Anna the Prophetess and St. Perpetua)
Cecilia Elizabeth "Cecy" (St. Cecilia and Elizabeths, the cousin of Mary and Ann Seton)
Teresa Marie "Teresa" (Bl. Mother Teresa and of Avila and Our Lady)
In the event that 1) God does not call me to the married life or 2) does not grant me such a family as to use these names, I hereby grant permission to my friends to use these names, on the condition that I be the child's godmother. I know some of these are unusual names but there are some strong people behind them!
Prayer, Segment 4: Sojourners
Sometimes it's helpful to remember that we are only sojourners and aliens in this world, seeking another home. As much as we are called to invest in the people of this world, they, not it, matter, because people have the capacity for immortality; the world is fleeting.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Day-Maker #46
At the beginning of class we (as a collective whole) noticed a sheet of paper half-hanging from the ceiling. On it was printed a single word: Gullible.
Prayer, Segment 3: Wait Upon the Lord
A couple weeks ago, a friend mentioned as part of a story, how she had prayed the first few verses of Psalm 25 when discerning the next step God had for her, quoting a line from it that intrigued me: "I wait upon the Lord." Since I am currently in the process of discerning many things about life, I decided to open my Bible to that page that night. I prayed the verses she mentioned... and then kept reading. The whole Psalm is a lovely prayer for someone who is waiting for her call while actively seeking what the Lord wants right now, so I give it here to you:
To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul,
my God, in you I trust;
do not let me be disgraced
do not let my enemies gloat over me.
No one is disgraced who waits for you,
but only those who are treacherous without cause.
Make known to me your ways, LORD;
teach me your paths.
Guide me by your fidelity and teach me,
for you are God my savior,
for you I wait all the day long.
Remember your compassion and your mercy, O LORD,
for they are ages old.
Remember no more the sins of my youth;
remember me according to your mercy,
because of your goodness, LORD.
Good and upright is the LORD,
therefore he shows sinners the way,
He guides the humble in righteousness,
and teaches the humble his way.
All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth
toward those who honor his covenant and decrees.
For the sake of your name, LORD,
pardon my guilt, though it is great.
Who is the one who fears the LORD?
God shows him the way he should choose.
He will abide in prosperity,
and his descendants will inherit the land.
The counsel of the LORD belongs to those who fear him;
and his covenant instructs them.
My eyes are ever upon the LORD,
who frees my feet from the snare.
Look upon me, have pity on me,
for I am alone and afflicted.
Relieve the troubles of my heart;
bring me out of my distress.
Look upon my affliction and suffering;
take away all my sins.
See how many are my enemies,
see how fiercely they hate me.
Preserve my soul and rescue me;
do not let me be disgraced, for in you I seek refuge.
Let integrity and uprightness preserve me;
I wait for you, O LORD.
Redeem Israel, O God,
from all its distress!
Psalm 25
my God, in you I trust;
do not let me be disgraced
do not let my enemies gloat over me.
No one is disgraced who waits for you,
but only those who are treacherous without cause.
Make known to me your ways, LORD;
teach me your paths.
Guide me by your fidelity and teach me,
for you are God my savior,
for you I wait all the day long.
Remember your compassion and your mercy, O LORD,
for they are ages old.
Remember no more the sins of my youth;
remember me according to your mercy,
because of your goodness, LORD.
Good and upright is the LORD,
therefore he shows sinners the way,
He guides the humble in righteousness,
and teaches the humble his way.
All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth
toward those who honor his covenant and decrees.
For the sake of your name, LORD,
pardon my guilt, though it is great.
Who is the one who fears the LORD?
God shows him the way he should choose.
He will abide in prosperity,
and his descendants will inherit the land.
The counsel of the LORD belongs to those who fear him;
and his covenant instructs them.
My eyes are ever upon the LORD,
who frees my feet from the snare.
Look upon me, have pity on me,
for I am alone and afflicted.
Relieve the troubles of my heart;
bring me out of my distress.
Look upon my affliction and suffering;
take away all my sins.
See how many are my enemies,
see how fiercely they hate me.
Preserve my soul and rescue me;
do not let me be disgraced, for in you I seek refuge.
Let integrity and uprightness preserve me;
I wait for you, O LORD.
Redeem Israel, O God,
from all its distress!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Day-Maker #45
There was an ancient priest (and invalidly ordained "bishop") called Maximus the Cynic. (Yes, I know it's a school of philosophy. But still -- an awesome name!)
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Likewise You Wives
Sunday evening marked the commencement of a graduate Theology of the Body group. There, I rediscovered the fact that as a Catholic feminist, I exist sometimes in an odd sort of tension. After all, my God chose to portray Himself as Father, to become incarnate as Son, to pass on His authority in 12 men, in place of the kings of old. In a way, this pattern has probably done me some good: keeping me from becoming a man-hating feminist. After all, how can you had the group to which your Savior belongs?
Some things are harder for me than others. I've gotten over the male hierarchy thing. But when it comes to certain parts of the Bible... "Likewise, you wives, be submissive to your husbands" (1 Peter 3:1). Similar lines appear in other places in the Epistles. I live my life most of the time blissfully ignoring these passages. But I don't exactly get to pick and choose and events like a TOB group bring gender roles to the forefront. I'm not so good at submission -- if you know me, I hope you are laughing now. Submission to God -- sure that makes sense. Submission to a valid and respected authority who has reason to be above me -- I'll do that. Submission to a potential future husband -- problematic.
I've heard a few explanations of this passage, most of which either explain why the passage is temporally specific and therefore ignorable now (problem!) or why women should submit (another problem!). So when I found this article, I expected to be underwhelmed. Instead, I found the sentiment behind it vaguely attractive and worthy of more thought. As I learn more about Biblical interpretation, I'm not convinced of this article as sound interpretation. More prayer and research are needed before I fully ascribe to this way of resolving the difficult passage, but it makes for an interesting start.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Liar Liar
Stephen Colbert recently interviewed magician David Copperfield. While I spent the entire interview thinking of Dickens, I also enjoyed what he had to say about lying. It's like fear in amusement parks. When we control how it enters our life, there's something okay about it.
| The Colbert Report | Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c | |||
| David Copperfield | ||||
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Saturday, September 17, 2011
Friday, September 16, 2011
Day-Maker #43
Full-body camo underarmor. Worn beneath shorts and a tee-shirt. Olive green t-shirt, khaki shorts, so matching the entire outfit matches. Duly impressed.
On Seminarians
CBS did a brief segment on seminarians: as they called it, "Becoming a modern day priest." I'm not sure if they think that men could choose to become ancient priests (the title implies a contrast to some priesthood of old), but they did a decent job portraying these men and the priesthood.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
To Rocks and Mountains
When Victoria asked me if I wanted to go kayaking, how could I respond in any way other than an enthusiastic "YES!"? Afterward, I discovered that our destination was three hours away, but that couldn't be a deterrent : I had all the time in the world on Sunday.
So Sunday morning after the 8am Mass, five girls transformed from skirted church-goers into rugged outdoorswomen and headed west, deeper into Ohio. The lovely scenery and a CD of talks on Mulieris Dignitatem helped pass the time, along with good conversation and a rousing game of Cows and Graveyards. When we arrived at the kayaking outpost, we decided against the kayaks and for the hike.
Given directions and a map from a very helpful Ohioan, we found our way to Hocking Hills State Park, where we would discover Old Man's Cave, Cedar Falls, and Ash Cave. I wanted to hike from site to site, but thunder in this distance and dark clouds overhead prompted a consensus that we should drive, since each wonder had a parking lot placed conveniently near.
Somehow, central Ohio got blessed with a magical park full of beautiful hidden waterfalls and rocky overhangs and tunnel-like caves. Water and wind ate away at limestone to create artwork along the rock of the mountains. Paths worn by water and footsteps follow along, around, and over the river, carrying hikers through the green of moss and trees, the red of the cliffs, and the bright colors of their fellow visitors.
Some of the rocks have names. Not the way landmarks are names : no, hikers past have felt the need to leave their mark in bold letters scrawled across nature's wall. And where one person left her mark, others followed, so that a specific rock or group of rocks holds hundreds of names, proclaiming to us that we were not the first here. We were not the first to gasp in awe and marvel at these places. We were not the first to hear our breath catch, to admire the view, to rush to the beauty, to linger in it. We were not the first to form friendships or memories here.
I touched the names. I let my hand linger on the letters, as if that could give me some share in the happiness or heartache, the awe or anger these people brought. And it made me happy to know that I am traveling in the footprints of others. And others will follow me.
So Sunday morning after the 8am Mass, five girls transformed from skirted church-goers into rugged outdoorswomen and headed west, deeper into Ohio. The lovely scenery and a CD of talks on Mulieris Dignitatem helped pass the time, along with good conversation and a rousing game of Cows and Graveyards. When we arrived at the kayaking outpost, we decided against the kayaks and for the hike.
Given directions and a map from a very helpful Ohioan, we found our way to Hocking Hills State Park, where we would discover Old Man's Cave, Cedar Falls, and Ash Cave. I wanted to hike from site to site, but thunder in this distance and dark clouds overhead prompted a consensus that we should drive, since each wonder had a parking lot placed conveniently near.
Somehow, central Ohio got blessed with a magical park full of beautiful hidden waterfalls and rocky overhangs and tunnel-like caves. Water and wind ate away at limestone to create artwork along the rock of the mountains. Paths worn by water and footsteps follow along, around, and over the river, carrying hikers through the green of moss and trees, the red of the cliffs, and the bright colors of their fellow visitors.
Some of the rocks have names. Not the way landmarks are names : no, hikers past have felt the need to leave their mark in bold letters scrawled across nature's wall. And where one person left her mark, others followed, so that a specific rock or group of rocks holds hundreds of names, proclaiming to us that we were not the first here. We were not the first to gasp in awe and marvel at these places. We were not the first to hear our breath catch, to admire the view, to rush to the beauty, to linger in it. We were not the first to form friendships or memories here.
I touched the names. I let my hand linger on the letters, as if that could give me some share in the happiness or heartache, the awe or anger these people brought. And it made me happy to know that I am traveling in the footprints of others. And others will follow me.
On Chalk
On the sudden discovery of a white board hanging next to the blackboard: "Chalk it up to modernization." ~Dr. Hahn
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Day-Maker #42
Mail in my mailbox. From friends and family is best, but even Amazon packages make me smile. Mail in my mailbox means this is home.
Life Lessons from the Classroom
Yesterday, my favorite quotes were humorous. Here are some from today that stuck with me for other reasons...
"The only thing worse than feeling inadequate is feeling adequate." ~Dr. Hahn
"The Cross is God's unrequited love for us." ~Fr. Pattee
"The only thing worse than feeling inadequate is feeling adequate." ~Dr. Hahn
"The Cross is God's unrequited love for us." ~Fr. Pattee
Monday, September 5, 2011
Words of Wisdom from a Theologian
From my first Principles of Biblical Studies II (The New Testament) class with Dr. Bergsma:
"The last time you could sleep in the woods safely was Eden. People do do it these days, but it is a foolish thing. They ought to be at home in their beds."
"God forbade them to eat meat from a pig. This was probably a good thing. Pig's meat is gross, if you ever put it under a microscope. Of course, they didn't have microscopes then... This is all irrelevant."
Evening classes are excruciatingly long during a time of day when I am less than my best, but at least my professors are entertaining. Dr. Bergsma has a fan club of undergraduate girls that form his own personal laugh track.
"The last time you could sleep in the woods safely was Eden. People do do it these days, but it is a foolish thing. They ought to be at home in their beds."
"God forbade them to eat meat from a pig. This was probably a good thing. Pig's meat is gross, if you ever put it under a microscope. Of course, they didn't have microscopes then... This is all irrelevant."
Evening classes are excruciatingly long during a time of day when I am less than my best, but at least my professors are entertaining. Dr. Bergsma has a fan club of undergraduate girls that form his own personal laugh track.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Settling In
In the mornings, fog covers the hills and a smell covers the ground. A particularly blunt grad student describes it in the same breath as urine and sulphur, but neither of these quite capture it. One of our orientation speakers explains that it comes across the river from a plant in West Virginia. The odor and the fog have burned off by nine or ten and (at least on weekdays) the campus has come alive.
Made-up girls in skirts and flip-flops and clean-cut guys in polo shirts amble to their destination, normally one of the two academic buildings or the two-floor library. They stop and chat with friends on the pathways, because on a campus this size, you can't help but run into someone you know. Some people wear their marks of loyalty in the form of t-shirts that claim Household allegiance: Greek life meets intentional community.
Inside the buildings, doorways and hallways catch and clog as students stop to mingle, buy drinks, and chat. Guys have a tendency to hold doors and send women through doorways first, a touching display of chivalry that doesn't help the traffic flow. A surprising minority of men carry a breviary or another prayer book, a material testimony to that morning's activities. An unsurprising number of wrists, necks, and fingers support scapulars, rosaries, and crucifixes. These tools of prayer apparently get good use : there is no place to pray hidden and alone here, where sacred places attract crowds at all hours of the day and into the night.
Religious habits speckle the ranks of students and faculty and Roman collars pop up more frequently than spaghetti straps, even when the temperature springs into the 90s. Those men and women who wear their order rarely walk or stand alone. They appear to be in constant conversation with students, conversations governed at times by gravity and at times by levity.
This is the place that somehow, someone has seem fit to drop me for the next two years. Part school, part Catholic Disneyland; a city on a hill in the middle of nowhere in depressed Ohio... The place in which I will learn and grow and discern God's dreams for me.
Made-up girls in skirts and flip-flops and clean-cut guys in polo shirts amble to their destination, normally one of the two academic buildings or the two-floor library. They stop and chat with friends on the pathways, because on a campus this size, you can't help but run into someone you know. Some people wear their marks of loyalty in the form of t-shirts that claim Household allegiance: Greek life meets intentional community.
Inside the buildings, doorways and hallways catch and clog as students stop to mingle, buy drinks, and chat. Guys have a tendency to hold doors and send women through doorways first, a touching display of chivalry that doesn't help the traffic flow. A surprising minority of men carry a breviary or another prayer book, a material testimony to that morning's activities. An unsurprising number of wrists, necks, and fingers support scapulars, rosaries, and crucifixes. These tools of prayer apparently get good use : there is no place to pray hidden and alone here, where sacred places attract crowds at all hours of the day and into the night.
Religious habits speckle the ranks of students and faculty and Roman collars pop up more frequently than spaghetti straps, even when the temperature springs into the 90s. Those men and women who wear their order rarely walk or stand alone. They appear to be in constant conversation with students, conversations governed at times by gravity and at times by levity.
This is the place that somehow, someone has seem fit to drop me for the next two years. Part school, part Catholic Disneyland; a city on a hill in the middle of nowhere in depressed Ohio... The place in which I will learn and grow and discern God's dreams for me.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Classes, Parts 1-3
Thus far I have begun work for 3 of my five courses. I sat in the second row in my 8am class and watched as it filled up ten minutes before class started. Lest you think this a first-day-of-class fluke -- the same thing happened today. The class fell to silent attention two minutes before 8, ready to begin.
That course (Sacraments) is taught by a Franciscan priest, who is hilarious, alive, and chipper at 8 in the morning, engaging us from the get-go. My next course (Christian Moral Principles) is taught by an adjunct professor who checked his cell phone for the time and told us to use his Gmail address. Judging by these facts and some dates he gave us, I figure he can't be much over 30, if at all. In another realm, he'd be my peer rather than professor. It was bizarre and gave me insight into Percy's experience teaching at a community college.
Both of these courses had priceless lines in the syllabi, including: "Computer use will not be baby-sat by the professor, since the student already bears the penalty of ineptitude in him or herself," and "Students should not leave the classroom unless they become seriously ill, or for some other good reason (e.g. incontinence)."
Finally, I have class with the one, the only Scott Hahn. Remember that time I stood outside his office? Now I sat in the second row and listened in unabashed admiration as he soliloquized about the course objectives. And referenced Princess Bride. His course, Biblical Foundations, is the only graduate level course I'm attempting this semester. The rest are undergrad prereqs. And the workload, difficulty of reading, and course expectations show it. In other words, his course will be amazing!
That course (Sacraments) is taught by a Franciscan priest, who is hilarious, alive, and chipper at 8 in the morning, engaging us from the get-go. My next course (Christian Moral Principles) is taught by an adjunct professor who checked his cell phone for the time and told us to use his Gmail address. Judging by these facts and some dates he gave us, I figure he can't be much over 30, if at all. In another realm, he'd be my peer rather than professor. It was bizarre and gave me insight into Percy's experience teaching at a community college.
Both of these courses had priceless lines in the syllabi, including: "Computer use will not be baby-sat by the professor, since the student already bears the penalty of ineptitude in him or herself," and "Students should not leave the classroom unless they become seriously ill, or for some other good reason (e.g. incontinence)."
Finally, I have class with the one, the only Scott Hahn. Remember that time I stood outside his office? Now I sat in the second row and listened in unabashed admiration as he soliloquized about the course objectives. And referenced Princess Bride. His course, Biblical Foundations, is the only graduate level course I'm attempting this semester. The rest are undergrad prereqs. And the workload, difficulty of reading, and course expectations show it. In other words, his course will be amazing!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
From Ages Past....
Last night, I was sorting through my email "draft" folder, looking for writing samples from my past to send out with a job application. I found a ton of work that reminded me how much I'd put into my VSC school, and this surprise from immediately after graduation.
I wrote this piece more than two years ago for a group of women praying and fasting together. The boy in question has gone out of my life with all my Hail Marys and I have more questions, doubts, and grudges than I did then. I'm still seeking God's plan in my life, and perhaps I need to learn wisdom from my younger self : Give up my need for knowing and let God run my dreams.
A couple weeks ago, I was at a pub. It was the last of the Theology on Tap series for the Diocese of Arlington, and the priest speaking focused on forgiveness. I had just finished with commencement weekend, three days filled with speakers and times when I had to appear attentive. Perhaps another speaker was not the best idea at the time, and anyway, while the priest was a good speaker, he did not speak to where I was in terms of forgiveness. But he did say something that stuck with me:
A priest had told him not to give anyone else free rent in his head. When we refuse to forgive someone, they have permission to stomp all over inside our heads, and what do we get from it? Nothing.
I have my own vices, but holding grudges is not one of them. So at first I thought, "There's no one with free rent in my head." Then I thought again, and realized that wasn't true. A certain boy had open-ended permission to be wherever in my mind, whenever. Not only is that not healthy, but it also isn't exactly letting God work freely in me.
It can be hard to let things go, especially dreams. But how can I ask God to work in me, when I don't leave myself open to Him?
Modifying the priest's suggestion, I began to pray a Hail Mary for the boy who lives in my head whenever I think of him. Not for me, not that he gets out of my head, but simply for him. For some reason, I find it easier to accept that God might have amazing, never-dreamed-of plans for him than for me. Praying for where God is taking him not only gives him more Hail Marys than he could dream he's getting; it also makes it easier to accept that fact that God is taking me unknown places too.
I have a hard time being okay with the unknown and the unknowable; it's the struggle I have in this fast, because the unknown takes the center stage: this unknown vocation, for which I offer its merits. And that's how God often works in my life: the beauty of the unknown.
Today, I will pray for grace in giving up the desire to know. To know the who, the what, the when of my future vocation. I will offer the graces of this fast to a man whom I do not know, but whom God does know. And the rest, I will work on leaving to God.
A priest had told him not to give anyone else free rent in his head. When we refuse to forgive someone, they have permission to stomp all over inside our heads, and what do we get from it? Nothing.
I have my own vices, but holding grudges is not one of them. So at first I thought, "There's no one with free rent in my head." Then I thought again, and realized that wasn't true. A certain boy had open-ended permission to be wherever in my mind, whenever. Not only is that not healthy, but it also isn't exactly letting God work freely in me.
It can be hard to let things go, especially dreams. But how can I ask God to work in me, when I don't leave myself open to Him?
Modifying the priest's suggestion, I began to pray a Hail Mary for the boy who lives in my head whenever I think of him. Not for me, not that he gets out of my head, but simply for him. For some reason, I find it easier to accept that God might have amazing, never-dreamed-of plans for him than for me. Praying for where God is taking him not only gives him more Hail Marys than he could dream he's getting; it also makes it easier to accept that fact that God is taking me unknown places too.
I have a hard time being okay with the unknown and the unknowable; it's the struggle I have in this fast, because the unknown takes the center stage: this unknown vocation, for which I offer its merits. And that's how God often works in my life: the beauty of the unknown.
Today, I will pray for grace in giving up the desire to know. To know the who, the what, the when of my future vocation. I will offer the graces of this fast to a man whom I do not know, but whom God does know. And the rest, I will work on leaving to God.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Orienteering
I am officially orientated to Steubenville. I am starting to pick up on the lingo, and I almost have the campus down-pat. Grad students are a good deal less Facebook obsessed than undergrads, but I am officially Facebook friends with fellow GNTs (Graduate/Non-Traditional students). I know enough names and faces to wave to people as I walk across campus. I have heard the Alma Mater, though I am not sure I can sing it. (W&M's still wins; no worries there.) I have been to Mass with the school community and heard the president of the university quote Chesterton -- which apparently is a big joke here. Orientation meal plans have run out and I am cooking in my own kitchen once again.
All this adds up to one terrifying fact : classes start tomorrow at 8am! My patrons for the year are St. Anthony and St. Paul; if you have a moment, please ask them to pray for me!
Day-Maker #41
As I left the dining hall (we got fed during orientation!), I held the door open for the kid behind me. "A girl holding the door for a guy!" he said. "That's unheard of at Franciscan!"
Apparently, I am creating minor gender-based scandals. Win!
Friday, August 26, 2011
Elect Jesus For President
They had signs all over the town of Hurley, VA suggesting just that. I really wanted one of those purple signs, but alas, I never got one.
However, my mom shared this comic with me. It needs no commentary : enjoy!
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