Sep

28

Reflection on Marcus Aurelius

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Reading through Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations was quite different than any other reading we have done in Honors this semester in the respect that it was not written by a Christian author. In spite of this stark difference, it was a fascinating read. While it was quite repetitive and disorganized, it came across as a very authoritative text on the ideas and lifestyle of Stoicism.
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Sep

9

Reflection on Ignatius of Antioch

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Ignatius’ Epistles was a gripping read for many reasons. First, I was very intrigued by the way he wrote his epistles with such strong conviction while refraining from the use of his ecclesial authority. In doing so, he bore great witness by his common humanity. He also used curious phrases throughout his letters suggesting a strong sense of merit. Phrases such as “win my way to God” and “achieving greatness” seemed initially arrogant, but he was quick to clarify how, though he might make progress in discipleship, the progress does not justify him. It also became apparent that discipleship was quite a demanding thing for Ignatius, seeing as he considers martyrdom as the “first stage” of true discipleship.
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Sep

7

Reflection on the Didache and Clement of Rome

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As the first two works of this semester, both the Didache and the Epistle of Clement were a great source of encouragement for me. Their subject matter, themes, and concerns are very near to my own thoughts and musings as a Christian. It is especially inspiring to see how grounded and universal the doctrines of the Church were at the time of the apostles and shortly thereafter during the time of Clement.
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Sep

5

“Ladies, and Gentlemen…”

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A new improved John Brodeur
What exactly does this mean?
A look behind the straw tin man
Into the things unseen

Weakness, shame and sin are there
And darkness does abound
But where these are and where they hide
My Lord, the Light, is found
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