The Life of Virtue

"For from the greatness and beauty of created things comes a corresponding perception of their Creator."  So states the fifth verse of the thirteenth chapter of the book of Wisdom in the Old Testament.  The author of this sentence, and the sentences that precede it in the chapter, wants to remind his audience that the grandeur of natural creation is supposed to elicit thoughts and awareness of the One who has created.  That grandeur, however, ought not to be deified.  How much better is the Lord, he exclaims, "the author of beauty" ( Wisdom 13:3 )! Blowing Rock, NC Photo Credit: Wife Family and I were blessed to experience this for ourselves during the past weekend.  We took a day-long pilgrimage to a nearby mountain range to gaze upon ancient and rugged peaks, see autumn foliage that is perhaps unparalleled on earth, and share each other's company.  There is no doubt in my mind that we were successful on all three accounts.  And, there is ...

I have recently been blessed to experience beautiful weather along with magnificent sunrises and sunset.  Such moments of aesthetic appeal call to my mind other instances of natural beauty that I have been blessed to see.  I am reminded of a return flight from Australia during which I viewed the most captivating burnt orange aura encircling the earth as the sun set over the earth's horizon.  I also recall many late summer evenings when everything around seemed to radiate in an extraordinary way.  The sunrise that I witnessed this morning was no different.  In every case, these glimpses of beauty have brought me to ponder God more deeply. Romano Guardini is the author of a book whose final pages capture this reality as well.   The Living God concludes with a reflection on the "gentle and powerful beauty [that] reigns over all."  This is the reason that natural events (sunrises, sunsets, schools of fish swimming, etc.) and natural forms (mountain...

Recently, my family and I took a long road trip.  Along the way, a couple of bumper stickers caused me to take a second look.  These weren't the average automobile decor, such as "Honor Student at _____ Elementary School" or "[Insert Favorite Sports Team Here]" or "I'd Rather Be [insert favorite hobby]."  I realized in just a split second that these bumper stickers were trying to say something profound.  Immediately, I also realized that they were quite wrong, and that bumper sticker theology can lead people far astray in their thought processes.  For brevity's sake, one example of bad bumper sticker theology will suffice. Imagine my angst when I saw the following: A quick search on Google Images reveals that this quote, or some similar version of it, is attributed to a Catholic priest.  Not only is this simply wrong, but it is quite disconcerting that a Catholic priest might say something akin.  This quote flies directly in the face of ...

On Friday, Pope Benedict XVI will no longer be the supreme pastor of the Church.  The Church and I will move forward, but we will never forget the blessings of having been part of the flock led by this spiritual shepherd.  So many individuals have been influenced and formed greatly by this holy and erudite man.  It has been a pleasure to hear his prayers and spiritual direction as well as to read his catechetical and theological works.  He has been a teacher, mentor, and something of a spiritual grandfather to many, including myself. Derek & his wife shake hands with Pope Benedict XVI (Feb. 22, 2006) It was seven years ago today that I returned from my honeymoon and pilgrimage to Italy.  During those travels, I had the great fortune to attend a papal audience, to look into the eyes of Pope Benedict XVI, and to shake his hand.  When my wife and I clasped our hands with his, we felt as though we were communicating with him.  Silently, underne...

One of the greatest privileges that this author had while on pilgrimage in the Land Down Under was visiting, and worshiping in, St. Mary's Cathedral.  To be in the vicinity of this building was fascinating and inspiring.  To be inside its walls was to lift one's mind and heart toward the Eternal.  Quite surely, this building, which is now 140 years old, will bring awe and inspiration to visitors for many more generations.   The building's exterior was enough to make any pilgrim fall in love with Gothic architecture and wish that more churches were still built with such delicate intricacies.  As the spires stretched toward Heaven, it was impossible to focus on anything near the ground.  Surely, that must have been one of the reason for the use of Gothic architecture during this project.  It draws our eyes and hearts away from earthly cares and toward the Almighty, in whom we have our existence. Such an idea was equally true while this...

In recent days, this author has encountered much difficulty in trying to find the "perfect" opportunity to write about Pope Benedict XVI's messages during the World Youth Day celebration.  Alas, the Holy Spirit has moved, and the hours of this day are passing more slowly than usual.  Thus, there is ample time and motivation to opine about the pontiff's clairvoyance. Within the second reading of today's Mass (the Feast of the Transfiguration), two sentences provided the important link that had been missing from this over-exerted mind.  "Moreover, we possess the prophetic message that is altogether reliable.  You will do well to be attentive to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts."   The connection became so clear: Pope Benedict, who is the successor of the man who first articulated this truth (St. Peter), proclaimed a prophetic message to the world's young people;...

It is good to be stateside once again!  Do not misunderstand: I enjoyed myself thoroughly, and the Holy Spirit lifted my heart toward the Eternal.  However, two weeks away from my wife and son created in me a grave desire to be at home.  So, I am pleased to write from the living room of my humble abode. In the days since my return, many people have inquired about my recent pilgrimage.  Some want to know about the scenery and sightseeing opportunities in Australia, some want to know about the World Youth Day events, some want to know about the youth who accompanied me on the pilgrimage.  "How was it?," everybody asks.  My replies have seemed inadequate; I cannot seem to find words to properly express the immensity and intensity of a pilgrimage to Sydney, Australia for World Youth Day 2008.  Alas, I will try to articulate two weeks worth of experiences and points of personal revelation into this post and ones to follow in the next days. Indee...