Oct

31

Standing with Armor Upon the Rock

Filed Under Mass Readings, Men, Reflection, Scripture, Spiritual Warfare | Leave a Comment

My eyes flickered open for the third time this morning. I looked at the wall clock: 11:30.

It was the first day of Fall break and my roommate had already up and left back to his family. For the first time in a long time, I was able to sleep with the window closed and the fan off; an especially nice comfort considering the temperature outside was now well below freezing. (My roommate has a thing for sleeping in a ridiculously cold environment.) Yes, indeed, it had been a long comfortable night, and I was relishing every moment of it. I looked at the clock again: 11:33. I couldn’t help but laugh at myself a little. I knew getting up for 6:30 Mass was difficult, but not being able to get up for 12:05 Mass was just… ridiculous.
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Oct

27

From Pitch to Priesthood

Filed Under Catholicism, Guest Writer, Priesthood | Leave a Comment

If there is one thing in my life that remains awe-inspiring after all these years, it’s the fidelity and self-sacrificial character of the Catholic Priesthood. Despite its blemishes, I cannot help but stand in awe of those priests who both recognize and value their priesthood for what it is. These are the men who are truer men than any of us; men who lay down their lives, their careers, and even their comforts to bring us into communion with Christ’s sacramental presence. Below is the inspiring story of Chase Hilgenbrinck, a professional soccer player who has left his career to become a Roman Catholic priest. Even ESPN knows a good story when it sees one. I am convinced that this is precisely why the Catholic priesthood will continue to inspire deep sentiments of awe and gratitude throughout every generation:

Oct

3

The Determinacy of Age in Homer’s Iliad

Filed Under Franciscan University, Literature | Leave a Comment

In Homer’s epic poem The Iliad, there exists an intriguing and important relationship between the characters of Diomedes and Nestor. While both are quite different characters by far, they each share certain traits which help express Homer’s underlying ideas concerning the importance of age and wisdom in the life of a Greek hero. In the relationship between Nestor and Diomedes, Homer shows his audience how age and the wisdom that grows alongside it supersede physical ability by establishing heroic traits such as authority and right judgment. As is the case with Nestor and the hope of Diomedes, these traits can ultimately outlast a soldier’s fighting years and work to endow a hero with perpetual honor.
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