In a famous scene of a famous play, a semi-conscious Lady Macbeth wanders around the stage and feverishly rubs her hands together in an attempt to clean blood from them, blood which only she can see. Out of pride and … Continue reading
blood
The Seven Prayers of St. Gregory
A certain woman used to bring altar breads to Gregory every Sunday morning, and one Sunday, when the time came for receiving communion and he held out the Body of the Lord to her, saying “May the Body of our … Continue reading
The Bitter Cup
“You make the grass grow for the cattle and plants to serve man’s need, that he may bring forth bread from the earth and wine to cheer the heart” (Ps. 104:14-15). And again: “Then he took a cup, gave thanks, … Continue reading
Emmaus
At last.Here look!See Love.Ye who do go conversing sad.Ye who see nowYour Lord drawing nearAnd yet see Him not.Ye for whom LoveHad died upon the gibbetDrowned in blood that dread Friday afternoonAnd all was thought lost. At last.Here look!See Love.Ye … Continue reading
Unbeautiful Savior
At first glance, I was viscerally repulsed by the above painting. It was the eyes in particular, and the mouth, both of the same shade of red. Eyes shouldn’t be that red. It was hideous. The feeling of revulsion reminded … Continue reading
More Eloquent than the Blood of Abel
Growing up the third of four boys I have thought long and hard about the story of Cain and Abel. Beside pondering fraternal conflict and the effects of original sin, the story of the brothers intrigues me with regard to … Continue reading