And this I pray, that your charity may more and more abound in knowledge, and in all understanding: that you may approve the better things. Philippians 1:9-10 In a profoundly pertinent and provocatively penetrating essay, Gary Saul Morrison explores the wise skepticism of Leo Tolstoy. Against those who believe that human affairs can be reducedContinue reading “Skepticism and Certainty”
Tag Archives: prudence
On Keeping One’s Head (Part II)
And if thy hand, or thy foot scandalize thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee. . . . And if thy eye scandalize thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee. Matthew 18:8-9 These words, metaphorical though they be, and no matter how one interprets them, are among the many hard sayingsContinue reading “On Keeping One’s Head (Part II)”
Purity and Play
Blessed are the pure of heart: for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8 Our Lord tells that, to be saved, we must become like little children (Mt. 18:3). Speaking as Divine Wisdom, he also tells us of that “When [the Lord] prepared the heavens, I was present”; “I was with him forming all things: andContinue reading “Purity and Play”
Upping the Ante
David Carlin is an old-time Democrat, dismayed by the depths to which his party has sunk. Pining for the days when his coalition of choice was dominated by politicians innocently seeking to channel benefits to supporters, he laments its capture by a band of ideologues more interested in promoting moral license, irreligion, and racial animosityContinue reading “Upping the Ante”
Radical Prudence
A dear friend who reads this blog, and professes to enjoy it, recently submitted a nomination for our Profiles in Meekness award. I could not agree more with his suggestion; except that I am torn between commending Robert Woodson’s meekness, or his hunger for justice. Woodson is a long-time civil rights activist, who parted waysContinue reading “Radical Prudence”
Growing in Civic Fortitude
As we contemplate the failure of our contemporary managerial class to fulfill its natural and constitutional duties, our own responsibility for securing the common good, and complicity in its neglect, demands that we ask a specific question. That question is: what are we going to do about it? The duty of our representatives is toContinue reading “Growing in Civic Fortitude”
Gaining Mastery of the World
St. Catherine of Sienna’s Dialogue with Christ begins with a question precisely opposed to the one most of us would think of asking: “What can I do to suffer for you?” In response, Jesus affirms the generosity of her desire, but proceeds to instruct the saint on the true nature and value of Christian suffering.Continue reading “Gaining Mastery of the World”
Pushing the Pendulum
Many Americans have been puzzled in recent months, as solemn-faced newsmen and women minimize and even defend the burning and ransacking of homes and businesses, and other malicious assaults against law abiding citizens. Meanwhile, a handful of weaponless rubes taking selfies in their crimson hats are said to constitute an insurrection, providing an honest-to-goodness justificationContinue reading “Pushing the Pendulum”
Broken to Pieces
No opposition to the prudence of the flesh is surer than the simplicity which eludes all the traps of worldly wisdom without thinking or even being aware of them. The divine action causes the soul to take such wise measures that she surprises those who are trying to make her stumble. She profits by allContinue reading “Broken to Pieces”
The Evil Eye of Envy
Is it not lawful for me to do what I will? Is thy eye evil because I am good? Matthew 20:15 Certain laborers have been laboring in vineyard since “early in the morning.” Having “borne the burden of the day and the heats,” they justly feel they have earned the penny that was promised them.Continue reading “The Evil Eye of Envy”
"His Tongue shall Speak Judgment" 