The word “art” refers to something that has been produced, something that requires artifice. In that sense, we can judge its merits based on the product itself, rather than the subjective disposition of the producer. You can be a good painter and a bad person, for instance. We do not Read more…
When evaluating the art of the twentieth century, more than Picasso or brutalist concrete structures, we should think about film. Its use of technology and its popularity makes it more representative of modern culture than any other medium. Great art has always spoken to the common person and interpreted the Read more…
James and John make a bold request in Mark 10: “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory” (Mark 10:37). Jesus invites them to follow him into his Passion but essentially says “no” to this request, because: “to sit at my Read more…
Lenten penance pertains to more than simply fasting from food and drink. It also entails curtailing the “delight of the eye” and pleasing sounds, which gratify our senses. Mortification means dying to ourselves and devoting more time to prayer and penance. This effort could be undone by continued immersion in Read more…
This year we celebrate the Year of Dante, marking 700 years since the poet’s death on September 14, 1321. It is fitting that Dante died on the day when we commemorate the triumph of the Holy Cross, as he narrates the drama of salvation as it plays out concretely over Read more…
Rarely do I find myself looking to modern Hollywood for morality tales, either on screen or in headlines. And yet, every once in a while, a film is released that draws on truths incorruptible by CGI and modern mores.The latest film to do so is The Green Knight, in theaters Read more…
On the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Pope Francis gave remarks to artists on the importance of beauty, particularly “on art and its role at this critical moment in our history.” He notes three movements of beauty and its role in our current crisis, while citing the example of Read more…
The four gigantic minarets surrounding Hagia Sophia serve as a constant reminder of the Turkish triumph in 1453 over the holy city founded by the emperor Constantine. The church, turned mosque, turned museum, and now reverted to a mosque stands undoubtedly among the greatest architectural accomplishments in human history. Its Read more…
Every Sunday we proclaim our belief the Risen Lord in the Creed: “And rose again on the third day, according to the Scriptures.” The phrase “according to the Scriptures” builds directly upon Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians: For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also Read more…
I stumbled across the pilgrim plague survivor, St. Rocco, when I was 15. It was my first time in Europe, visiting my aunt who was studying at the University of Montpellier (founded c. 1292) in southern France. I hadn’t heard of Rocco before, but I found myself praying in his Read more…