A Character Study (Spoiler Alert: This piece contains some major character/plot giveaways from the book, David Copperfield. I definitely recommend reading that novel before this essay on it.) As a teacher I appreciate the difference between merely giving a student … Continue reading
Part Two of the “Children — Blessings or Burdens?” Series In part one of this series I wrote about a common misunderstanding concerning children — namely that they are a blessing (or a good thing) only insofar as they are … Continue reading
Part One of the “Children — Blessings or Burdens?” Series The unspoken message effectively communicated by birth control, abortion, and even other more “polite” methods of child prevention is that not every life is a good thing. We are given … Continue reading
“Bodhran — b-o-b-h-r-a-n — bodhran.” “That is incorrect. The correct spelling is b-o-d-h-r-a-n.” Almost before Mr. O’Neil was finished speaking, Daniel cut in, “Excuse me, Sir, but that’s what I said. That is exactly how I spelled bodhran.” Mr. O’Neil … Continue reading
What is — the mind was made to understand, For nothings nurture not the nascent thought. While sums are simply cookies in each hand, Subtraction makes much less sense to a tot. They think of darkness, ugliness, and sin As … Continue reading
When understanding’s wanting, set your sight On likenesses, and clues you can procure. A look at manly men may shed some light On Joseph’s noble heart and motives pure. The sensitive, protective sort of man Will always feel it keenly … Continue reading
Once upon a time there was a wretched, little soul, covered with the dirtiness of sin and clothed in the rags of fallen human nature. Her wicked step-angels despised her and laughed at her miserable condition. They sought by their name calling … Continue reading
This lighthearted poem is based, in its poetic structure, on “The Yak,” by Hilaire Belloc. As a help to all souls, let me recommend chant —Specific’ly Gregory’s kind. It will order your ardor and surely implant The seedlings of peace … Continue reading
If you haven’t already noticed, our culture is becoming increasingly “monstra-fied.” Is this a sign of our broad-mindedness and growth in compassion? Are there good qualities to be found in monsters? Do they have a few noble motives and desires? … Continue reading
A priest friend shared with me this writing prompt that he used to give to his high school students. It sounded too deliciously challenging to pass up. So here is my letter to the blind man. Dear poor Blind Man, … Continue reading
The time He saw you by your brother’s tomb, I think it was your tears that made Him weep. Perhaps they stirred a mem’ry of perfume, Which, in its turn, evoked emotion deep. He could not be indifferent to your … Continue reading
The Resurrection Blessed Be God! Our Sweet Savior is risen from the dead! Happily, I believe this, St. Joseph. Theological Faith makes it possible for me to know all those truths which are beyond the capacity of my senses. I … Continue reading
The Agony in the Garden St. Joseph, as dear Jesus saw all the sins, hatred, betrayal, and selfishness of men in the Garden of Gethsemane, He did not see you. When His Sacred Heart was weighed down by the thought … Continue reading
The Annunciation When Mary was asked to be the Mother of God, she must have thought of you, dear St. Joseph. I think she probably admired God’s great providence in giving her such a husband — one in whom she … Continue reading
Don’t take the biggest cookie; just take the one that is closest to you on the plate. — Mom NOTWITHSTANDING this seemingly sage advice from my mother, it is my considered opinion that the cookie one ought to reach for … Continue reading
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