“no one can depict Jesus as Lord but in the Holy Spirit.” Selling Out? Since the so-called Age of Enlightenment, the attitude towards art has shifted dramatically. Historically, artists have relied on commissions. A person or group commissions the artist to paint a particular subject. The artist completes the workContinue Reading
“as we travel the nave from west to east we are traveling through salvation history” The Gothic writ large In studying the Gothic style, with the aim of restoring it as a living tradition, we are sometimes faced with the challenge of finding liturgical examples. Byzantine iconography is relatively easyContinue Reading
The Novus Ordo/Ordinary Form/Usus Recentior can be celebrated with great beauty. This Mass was celebrated by Cardinal Pell at Saint Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park on June 30, 2022. I was honored to be asked to sing the Gospel (at around the 30 minute mark). The Mass was in Latin,Continue Reading
“It was apparent failures like these that ended up converting the entire Roman Empire to Christianity.” There are times when, despite our best efforts, we fail. Even though we know that our ministry is desperately needed, we are sometimes rejected. Jesus told us to work hard. He told us thatContinue Reading
“It is the type of knowledge characteristic of the good man in his judgments of moral questions, of the mystic with regard to divine things, of the artist with respect to his work.” Local Hero How do we know what we know? The 1983 film “Local Hero” takes place largelyContinue Reading
“No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God.” Along the way to Jerusalem, Jesus meets a man who promises to follow Him, after he first returns home to say goodbye to his family. Jesus tellsContinue Reading
“If the artist can perceive a ray of the supreme beauty among the many manifestations of the beautiful, then art becomes a way to God.” The Purpose of Art Why does the human person create? Why does the artist make art? On the surface, art seems unnecessary. It isContinue Reading
“The Apostles obey because it is Jesus who asks them.” G.K. Chesterton gives us a wonderful example of the freedom that comes with obedience to authority. “We might fancy some children playing on the flat grassy top of some tall island in the sea. So long as there was aContinue Reading
“…at the Last Supper, Jesus instituted the Sacrament of the Eucharist” The Mystical Supper The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, also known as Corpus Christi, was formalized in the 13th century. It commemorates the establishment of the sacrament of the Eucharist. But love for theContinue Reading
“success … takes a life time to achieve, it takes patience.” Think back to the best times of your life, those experiences you always carry with you. These are the memories you cherish. Were there other people there with you? Now think back to the worst times, those days whenContinue Reading