Towards a Culture of Beauty

In this article, Artist-in-Residence of Thomas More College of the Liberal Arts, David Clayton, describes how beauty, the liturgy, and the recognition of man's true nature can renew Catholic culture.
Clayton explains that man is body, soul, and spirit. He distinguishes between soul and spirit, referencing the medievals. The spirit, aka nous or intellectus, is the "mind's eye", the faculty by which we are open to beauty.
PS - make sure to check out the linked article "Beauty, Contemplation and the Virgin Mary" by Sister Thomas Mary McBride, OP.

Here are some snippets:

"A true Catholic culture is one that not only reflects the liturgy, but through its compelling beauty, is so powerful that it overcomes other cultures and dominates the profane (ie the wider culture outside the domain of religious practice)."

"Equating it with the intellectus of the Western medievals or the nous of the Eastern Church in the tradition of Church Fathers, the spirit is the spiritual receptive knowing power of the human mind. This is the aspect that ‘sees’, so to speak, God and is receptive to grace."

"Our participation in the liturgy is the primary educator in the Faith at all levels. A true conformity of body, soul and spirit is what is desired."

TJTM,
V

Mumford, Shakespeare, and Christianity

I just had to post this article by Sophie Caldecott on Mumford and Sons, Shakespeare, and Christianity. It's a delightful read; please enjoy!

While you're at it, check out Second Spring: A Journal of Faith and Culture. A wonderful contribution to the New Evangelization.

TJTM,
V

Quotes to Keep You Going -->

"You are here for a reason, and your life testifies to MORE than you have imagined. Don't be afraid to offer yourself completely to God."

"Don't waste your life in doubts and fears: spend yourself on the work before you, well assured that the right performance of this hour's duties will be the best preparation for the hours or ages that follow it."

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Whatever your work is, put your HEART into it...it is CHRIST THE LORD that you are serving."

- Colossians 3:23-24


Persevere in prudence.
TJTM,
V

It's a New Day.

I quite like haikus.
Here: I'll share a few with you.
Won't you write one, too?

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Tis a pleasant day -
chai tea, poetry, papers -
pitter pat, Rain Drops.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

new day approaches -
look out now, world - here she comes!
Beauty is calling.

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It's never too late to be creative.
Share Beauty with the world.

TJTM,

V

In God We Trust

On Tuesday, November 1, the House passed a resolution to reaffirm our nation's motto, "In God We Trust", with an overwhelming majority.

This is good news, but difficult news. A motto identifies its subject. It's meant to be something that sticks with you, something you remember. Something you live by.

The motto of the United States of America presents a challenge to all American citizens.

"In God We Trust": are we living it, America?


TJTM, 
V

Motion is a Sign of Life

During the first week of my semester abroad in Austria, I visited Stift Melk, a famous Benedictine abbey, with my classmates. I discovered the reflection below posted in one of the exposition rooms. It helps to reassure me when I'm feeling restless or uncertain of the Lord's will.

Motion is a Sign of Life
When I am in motion I see only one side, one aspect. Some things are unclear; I see only parts, not the whole.

When I am in motion, on my way, I am continually reaching new shores, getting to know the world, other people, and myself. I always have a new goal.

Being on the move causes unrest, but this unrest enables me to move, lets my heart grow wide.

Being on the move has a great destination. As long as I am moving towards this destination I am looking in a mirror and see only a dim reflection. When I arrive at my destination I shall be seeing face to face. "Now I only perceive incompletely, but then I will realize through and through, as I will also be realized through and through." (as per 1 Cor 13:12)

Although I do not perceive the whole truth when I am on the way, this very lack of perfection is a sign that I am still alive.

My staying in motion brings God's spirit to me: The spirit is what brings life.
____________________

Time does not stop. It keeps moving forward. We can choose to be carried aimlessly through the passing moments, or we can move confidently onward in the direction of our destination.
As Christians, our ultimate destination is heaven, God, the beatific vision. If we keep our eyes fixed on this goal, this final reward, we shall not be lost. Of course, we may certainly wander, for life is a journey, and "not all who wander are lost" (J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings).

TJTM,
V

Just a Bite

I discovered this wonderful poem while reading some posts in Dr. Daniel McInerny's blog, High Concepts, and I simply must share it with you.

"Artichoke" - by Joseph Hutchison

O heart weighed down by so many wings.

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Yes, ladies and gentlemen; a one-line poem.

We could all use a bit more clarity and simplicity in our lives. Not all expressions of beauty require a long explanation. Sometimes, words can be superfluous. Silence, a word, a phrase; these are perfectly proper value responses.

TJTM, 
V


[Citation, as per Joseph Hutchison's website:
“Artichoke” in The Poetry Home Repair Manual: Practical Advice for Beginning Poets, Ted Kooser ed. (University of Nebraska Press, 2005).]