The Biochemistry of Thought While it is fascinating to view the generation of a thought through the lens of biochemistry, the icy, analytic world of science can leave us less than satisfied. The peculiar nature of a thought, which begins…
Glory to thee, who safe hast keptAnd hast refreshed me whilst I slept;Grant, Lord, when I from death shall wakeI may of endless light partake. Bishop Thomas Ken, English cleric, 1637-1711 In an oblique reference to Plato’s Parable of the…
“With you, O Lord, is the fountain of life, and in your light we see light.” Psalm 36 You may have read this Psalm many times over the years, but have you paused to question the last six words in…
Music is an integral part of worship in most societies, and it was certainly a vital part of worship for the Israelites. History is replete with examples, from the mellifluous music of Gregorian Chant, and later, polyphony, to J.S. Bach’s…
Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. (Genesis 1:3) The sperm on the edge of the egg, then entering it, and the brilliant illumination. Northwestern University. I am indebted to Fr. John Clote for sharing his…
On August 16, 1967, Louis Armstrong recorded this delightfully memorable song. As you listen to the song (link below), you will be calmed by his rich, sonorous voice, the slow-paced rhythm, and the simple but—as we will learn—deceptively spiritual lyrics.…
“Luck is the residue of design.” (John Milton, attrib.) When we experience the kind of luck that transforms our fortunes, we sense that God’s light of grace is upon us. It illuminates and clarifies the path ahead, the future seems…
In 1968, when singer and songwriter Paul Anka was on holiday in the south of France, he heard a song that touched him. He was so moved by it that he traveled to Paris and negotiated the rights for ownership.…
A pleasant church with an Altar-cloth, where Christ sits at the board,And a shining candle shedding its ray on the white words of the Lord.The Song of Manchan the Hermit, Anonymous, 9th century. The Repentant Magdalene, c. 1630, Georges de…
In November of 2024, I saw a woman, Becky, at the gym wearing a shirt with the inscription, “I Love This Life.” It caught my eye, and we talked briefly about her understanding of its meaning, which was how important…