Sunday, May 31, 2009

Haydn Anniversary


Today marks the 200 anniversary of the death of Joseph Haydn. Damian Thompson writes a sympathetic and compelling argument for re-exploring the work of this oft overlooked composer.

Pentecost 2009

One of my favorite hymns for Pentecost is "Come Down, O Love Divine" by Bi­an­co of Si­ena (?-1434) (Di­scen­di, Amor san­to). What a stately and sincere exploration of the indwelling work of the Spirit.


Come down, O love divine, seek Thou this soul of mine,
And visit it with Thine own ardor glowing.
O Comforter, draw near, within my heart appear,
And kindle it, Thy holy flame bestowing.

O let it freely burn, til earthly passions turn
To dust and ashes in its heat consuming;
And let Thy glorious light shine ever on my sight,
And clothe me round, the while my path illuming.

Let holy charity mine outward vesture be,
And lowliness become mine inner clothing;
True lowliness of heart, which takes the humbler part,
And o’er its own shortcomings weeps with loathing.

And so the yearning strong, with which the soul will long,
Shall far outpass the power of human telling;
For none can guess its grace, till he become the place
Wherein the Holy Spirit makes His dwelling.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Shame on Judy

Children's author Judy Bloom is actively soliciting funds for pro-death organization, Planned Parenthood. In a prepared statement for Mother's Day she wrote:

"Say thanks this Mother's Day with a gift that honors her courage by making a donation to Planned Parenthood in her name. I guarantee you that she'll be pleased. I know I would be."

None so blind as those who cannot see. What tragic irony.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Doodles and Drivel


Doddle for Google is a scholarship contest for students to sketch a Google home design with the theme of “What I Wish for the World.” Some of the drawings are quite interesting; some seem to be very advanced for their age. Unfortunately, almost all of them are political messages of gay rights, health care coverage, rebirth in peace and harmony, acceptance of public art (i.e. graffiti), and lots of world peace and tolerance. As one 8 year old put it, “One World One God—I wish religious harmony for the world. We all are equal under one God! Our world will be a better place, if we love and respect each other irrespective of our religion. With respectful coexistence of different religions, peace will prevail in the world.”

It reminds me of all of the graduation speeches at this time of year. “Who knows but in our midst might be someone who finds the cure for cancer (or AIDS or the global fever).” All of the high minded, good intentions and humanist ideals fall flat in the face of sinful man. It makes me fearful of the future generations and their conception of the world.

What do I wish for the world? Jesus.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Horton Foote Tribute


Texan playwright Horton Foote died in March of this year. Yesterday, friends and family gathered to pay tribute to this quiet man and his remarkable talent.

“Horton Foote wrote tough, serious plays about people to whom nothing happened, except that they lived their lives. Horton never wrote a character in any of his plays. Horton only wrote people.”

Potential Artifact Hoax

Martin Gayford writes a commentary that questions the age and origin of the famous statue and likeness of Egyptian Queen Nefertiti.

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