Arroyo Grande, CA - Ellicott City, MD

October 24, 2024 Peace and Good, I finished my series of lectures at our novitiate in Arroyo Grande, CA. This is half way between Los Angeles and San Francisco. There are three novices this year, each from a different country (Germany, Great Britain, and India). This provided a wide background to add to the discussions on Biblical thopics. I presented the four Gospels in overview (especially as they intersect with Franciscan values) and the psalms. I do this presentation every year. What is nice is that I also do a presentation to the postulants each year, so by the time I arrive at the novitiate, I already know the novices from the previous year. I came back from California on Monday night on the redeye. I had messed up my schedule and had a full day of work on Tuesday, including Mass at the Shrine. I was able to get through the day without falling asleep on anyone. Yesterday I started a four week course on the Gospel of Luke, the gospel we will be using this coming year in our liturgy. I offer a two hour lecture in the morning and the same topic in the evening (which is also broudcast on the Companions website). We had a good, active crowd in both sessions. I do it twice because the morning session is for those who are retired and possibly hesitant to drive in the evening, while the other session is for those who work. I am giving a couple of days of recollection this weekend, one for a Bible Study group and one for the sisters at the rest home where I occasionally say Mass. The weather these days has been magnificent. It is not too hot, and all the leaves are changing color. I finished some books: Michelangelo and the Pope’s Ceiling by Ross King Ross King is an incredible expert at telling stories about art and history. I had actually read this book many years ago, but it was so good that I wanted to read it again. The book deals with the fact that Michelangelo was not trained to do fresco, his difficult relationship with Pope Julius II, the irascible personality, his family problems, his artistic choices on the ceiling, etc. I would recommend this and any other books he has written. Eiffel’s Tower by Jill Jonnes This is a very good book on the construction of the Eiffel Tower for the World Exhibition held to celebrate the centennial of the French Revolution. Jonnes speaks of the opposition before and even after the construction. She speaks of some of the major figures who visited the tower (e.g. Edison, the Shah of Persia, etc.). She speaks of other activities at the exhibition (the Wild West presentation with Wild Bill Cody, the art exhibitions, the cultural presentations, etc.). Vikings by History Nerds This is an overview of Viking history and culture. It speaks of their incredible geographic extension (from Russia to Sicily to North America). It deals with their languages, their mythologies, their reasons for plundering, etc. It is not an extensive treatment, but it gives a good outline on the topic. Operation Barbarosa by David Stahel This is a long treatment of the planning and execution of the invasion of the Soviet Union during World War II. The author’s thesis is that while the German army seemed to have sufficient forces to do this, they in fact did not have replacements (for soldiers or munitions or even trucks), they were poorly led, and they bled their strength away on pointless attacks which left them vulnerable when the Soviets were able to replace soldiers and arms that were lost in the early days of the invasion. Nature’s Mutiny by Philipp Blom This is about the little ice age that hit Europe from the beginning of the 14th century to the 19th century. The climate was significantly colder and wetter which destroyed many harvests, leaving people malnourished and susceptible to disease. Blom also speaks of the intellectual revolution occurring at the same time, as well as the growth of national movements. The only difficulty is to connect the dots in his theory – did these movements occur at the same time or were they caused by the climate change? Dust by Patricia Cornwall I think that this is the last book by Cornwall that I intend to read. He write about a medical examiner, but every book she writes is more and more about her difficult relationships with most of those around her (family, co-workers, etc.). I just don’t feel like reading a book where there is nothing but kvetching. The Echo of Greece by Edith Hamilton This is a short overview of some of the most important figures of Greek culture. Hamilton is a scholar of Greek and Roman history and art. She speaks of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Alexander the Great, etc. in this account. She has an interesting theory toward the end of the book that it would have been better if Christianity were more Greek (accepting more ideas and variety) and less Roman (legalistic). Yet, when you think about it, the Greek world has suffered long periods of violent controversy over that same variety. Guangzhou by Charles River Editors This is some of the history of the city of Guangzhou (Canton) in China. The author especially emphasizes the colonial era under the influence of the British empire. The Death Trade by Jack Higgins Sean Dillon, the hero of this series, tries to find a way to rescue an Iranian scientist who has been forced into doing research work on a nuclear device (his specialty was developing isotopes for medical purposes). The action a bit black and white, almost like a superhero story, but it is entertaining all the same. Karl Rahner: Theologian of Grace by Richard Lennan Rahner was an incredible theologian just before and during the Second Vatican Council. Many of the ideas found in the writings of the Council are found in his writings. He especially speaks of the fact that God has already revealed His grace in our lives and one of the most important tasks we can perform is to recognize that presence and embrace it. The Dispatcher by John Scalzi This is a very strange story of a dispatcher (someone who kills people at the point of death). Those people immediately appear in their homes as they were a few hours before their death. A detective is investigating the disappearance of one of the dispatcher’s co-workers. This leads to meetings with a billionaire whose wife had just died and an ex-Mafia organization. It is a strange, very good story. Prince of Fire by Daniel Silva This is one of the volumes of the series written by Silva on the secret service of Israel. His hero is Gabriel Allon, a painter and famous art restorer. He was also an assassin who killed members of the squad who attacked the Israelite at the Munich Olympics. In this volume, he kills a mysterious Palestinian mastermind who seeks revenge for the death of his father at the hands of the Israelis. He has been in hiding while he planned attacks on symbols of Israel (e.g. embassies). Have a good week. Shalom fr. Jude

Ellicott City, Md - Arroyo Grande, CA

September 13, 2024 Peace and Good, All is going well. I have been working quite a bit at the shrine in these days with confessions and Masses (as well as St. Joseph's nursing home nearby). I truly enjoy this work. I have also started to do quite a bit of spiritual direction. These past few days were great. On Thursday evening, I had a session with a men's group on Eschatology, what will happen after our death and the end of the world. The next morning I had a talk and Mass with a group of 80 second graders visiting our shrine. Saturday morning, I had Mass at the nursing home (for residents and for the sisters there). Talk about a rapid change of roles. I am now at our novitiate in Arroyo Grande, California to give a workshop to the novices on the Gospels and the psalms. I have een doing this every year for a long time. I enjoy this time to help our novices see these Sacred Scripture books in a Franciscan light. I will be here for a week, and then back to Ellicott City where I will begin a series of adult ed classes on the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Revelation. I finished some reading and listening: Jackson Pollock by Charles River Editors I have never liked the paintings of Jackson Pollock, but this short treatment of his life left me stunned. He came from a not so promising environment, and he seems to have suffered both some learning disabilities and emotional/psychological disabilities. He effectively drank himself to death at a relatively young age, a truly pathetic story. The Battleship Potemkin by Charles River Editors This is the story of the Russian battleship in the Black Sea that was the site of a mutiny during the uprising in 1905. The proximate cause of the turmoil was the lack of decent treatment of the crew (especially in terms of the food they were served). There was also a rebellious spirit in the air following the rapid industrialization of the country (with great social inequalities) and the loss of the war with Japan that left the country humiliated. Caravaggio by Francine Prose This is a very good overview of the life and art of this artist of realism and chiaroscuro art. His life was a mess, always getting in fights and drinking beyond measure. He was exiled for murder and died on his way back to Rome when he had received a pardon. His art was not always appreciated in his own days, but his style was often copied later. Prose gives tremendous insight to his choice of scenes and images used in his most famous paintings. Germany by Ralph Raico This is one of the history courses on various countries offered by Audible.com for free. It is a good overview of history from its earliest days to the modern times. A History of Ancient Greece by Eric Cline This is a Modern Scholar Course that gives a good outline of the history of ancient Greece. It is not very profound, but it does give a good review of the material. Tales of Troy and Greece by Andrew Lang This is a retelling of the story of the Trojan War and the events that preceded and followed it. It was done at the end of the 19th century, so it is a bit dated. Yet, it even throws in comments about archeological discoveries which is a useful addition to the story. It serve as a good intro to Greek legends. The Sacred Year by Michael Yankowski An Evangelical youth pastor has a crisis of whether he really believes and lives what he is sharing with the young people to whom he speaks. He goes to a Benedictine monastery and an elderly monk advises him to create a sacred year in which he goes back to the basis of his spirituality. The story is well told and very profound. The manner of narrative is filled with enthusiasm and a spirituality that is clearly not phony but is discerned and lived. Great Catholic Scientists by Michaelle Franci-Donnay and Guy Consolmagno This is a Learn25 course on Catholic scientists who over the centuries have shown that science and faith do not have to be two opposing forces in our world. The great majority of male scientists are Jesuits, which is to be expected because Consolmagno is a Jesuit brother, the official astronomer of the Vatican. The man/woman team work in tandem in the presentation. The most important insight is that in science, as in faith, one must be filled with a sense of wonder. Constantine the Emperor by David Potter This is a long but very good presentation of the life and career of the emperor Constantine. It deals with the confusing politics as he won control of the Roman Empire. It speaks of his role in the development of the Catholic Faith, especially in his sponsorship of the Council of Nicea. This political/religious role mirrored that which a Roman Emperor exercised in the Empire and with the official pagan religions. The book is well worth reading. The Sign of Jonas by Thomas Merton This is a journal written by Merton some years after he entered the monastery, while he was in formation for the priesthood until the time that he was called to be the Formation Director for theological and philosophical students in the monastery. The beginning comes across as if Merton knows he is writing for others, and he therefore feels he must write the correct edifying things. Later in the book one can sense that he becomes more real, especially as he delves into the mystery of God. The Best Short Stories of Mark Twain This is an anthology of Twain’s stories, especially his later ones. They display the naughty cleverness which challenged political and religious authorities whenever he sense a spirit of hypocrisy. Heretic Queen by Susan Ronald This is an account of the rapport of Queen Elizabeth I with the religious realities in her realm which were complicated for they included the official Anglican Church, the Puritanical Calvinist movement, and the recusant Catholic remnant. This became even more complicated when the Pope excommunicated Elizabeth as a heretic, and when Elizabeth had Queen Mary of Scotland put to death. Have a good week. Shalom fr. Jude

Ellicott City

September 29, 2024 Peace and Good, This has been a quiet couple of weeks. I am settling into my new rhythm of activities. I celebrate Mass at the shrine on the property and at St. Joseph's Nursing Home (about a half hour away). I listen to confessions at the Shrine. I am giving spiritual direction to an increasing number of people. I am taping my podcasts and writing articles in the free time. It is keeping me busy, but not too busy. There are a lot of people talking to me about the upcoming election. I keep speaking of the advise of Pope Francis, to choose the lesser of two evils. Yet, the spirit of the campaign leave a lot of people unsettled. I continue to do my immunotherapy, which is really not all that bad. I had a little problem this week with a sinus infection, but that is passing. The annual inundation of stink bugs has arrived. My roon looks like a scene from the Exorcist with all the bugs crawling around it. They are not troublesome, just creepy and stinky when one catches them. I have finished some reading and listening: Unseen Diversity: the World of Bacteria by Betsey Dyer This is a Modern Scholar course on bacteria. The professor loves her work, but she doesn’t come across as nerdy. I have to say I learned a lot. One example is that for all the thousands of types of bacteria, only about 50 are pathogenic. Furthermore, many bacteria and viruses are actually helpful. I would recommend listening to this course if you have a chance. Edward III: the Perfect King by Ian Mortimer This is a thorough biography of the life and deeds of King Edward III. His father had been overthrown by a usurper and Edward II’s queen. Edward had to seize power and once he did, he proved himself to be a good king (according to the definition of his times). The author is a bit fawning in his account, but he does tell a good story. The Anglo-Saxon World by Michael Drout This is a study of the Anglo-Saxon world from the arrival of these German invaders and settlers into the Celtic and by now Romano-Britain world until the arrival of the Vikings and the Norman invaders under William the Great. The author clearly loves his topic, and he presents the various lectures with enthusiasm and respect. It is a good course (Modern Scholar) to give an overview on the topic. Cassender of Macedon by Charles River Editors This is a short biography of one of the leaders of the Macedonians who ruled parts of Alexander’s empire after his death. The whole period is filled with wars and alliances and betrayals. Maybe that is the most important thing to remember. At the same time, even though most things were chaotic, Greek culture was being diffused throughout the vast empire that Alexander had conquered. A House Reunited: How America Survived the Civil War by Jay Winik I have read Winik’s account of April, 1865, the end of the Civil War and the beginning of the healing that needed to take place after that disastrous cataclysm. This course from Modern Scholar is similar to the material that he presented in his book. The People’s Dynasty: Culture and Society in Modern China by Robert Shepherd This is a very well done study of the culture of modern China. The author has lived and studied there. He especially shows how some of the facile judgments made about China could just as easily be applied to the US (e.g. the insatiable desire for possessions, government surveillance of the internet). He speaks of efforts of some at a grass roots level to address problems like corruption and pollution (without ever criticizing the government or the party). The course is quite insightful. The Life and Times of Mark Twain by Michael Shelden This is an account of the life and career of Mark Twain. It speaks of his various careers as he gradually found himself as a writer. He is presented as the first American author to really write in American idiom (and not in a version of British high-class expression). He is seen in his relationship with his society, with his family, etc. He is even seen in his genius as he published his works on a subscription basis, thus multiplying their appeal, and as a failure in most business enterprises, losing vast amount of money on investments. In Michelangelo’s Shadow: the Mystery of Modern Italy by Joseph Luzzi This Modern Scholar course has nothing to do with Michelangelo. It is about Italy, its culture, its language, its food, its families, its regions with their own personalities, etc. The course is taught by the son of an immigrant from Calabria, thus someone who knew the tension between Italy as a nation and the local version of being Italian in one of the provinces. I would not say that the presentation is profound. It is more heartwarming and for me, who lived in Italy so long, familiar. High Seas, High Stakes: Naval Battles that Changed History by Timothy Shutt This is an overview of some of the major naval battles throughout history. It is not all that technical a presentation, more of a nice anthology to entertain the listener with a bunch of stories. Understanding Democracy in America by Ken Masugi This is a critical reading and application of the book Democracy in America by Baron de Tocqueville. The presenter comes from a particular point of view (less government, more individual liberty, allowing religion and values guide the nation and its citizens). The presentation, though, was well done and enlightening. The Life and the Writings of John Milton by Seth Lerer This is a Teaching Company course on the writings of John Milton. A couple of years ago I read Paradise Lost, more so that I could say that I had read it than to enjoy it. I do not like Milton’s style nor often his Puritanical and Patriarchal message. I felt I owed it to him and myself to listen to this course. I can’t say I like Milton any more after finishing it. The professor presenting it is a bit too fawning upon Milton and his writings. From Spinning Wheels to Steam and Steel by Jennifer Popiel This is a Modern Scholar presentation on the industrial revolution. What I liked about the presentation was that it was not only from an engineering point of view, but it also dealt with the social and political repercussions of this massive change in how society was organized. The Giants of the British Novel, Part 1 by Timothy Shutt This is an overview of the British novel from its earliest days to the time of Jane Austin (this is the first part of a two part presentation). Shutt, whose other courses I have listened to, is an excellent presenter. He gives enough material about the author’s life and perspective and about the ambient in which he/she wrote to help one better understand the message being presented. Have a good week. Shalom fr. Jude

September 19 Peace and Good, Last Monday I had my six month CT scan, and it went very well. The mass in my lungs has shrunk even more from the three month scan. I am still on immunotherapy for the next six months, but that does not have such a big effect on me as chemo did. In these weeks I noticed one of the lasting effects of chemotherapy. I have developed curly hair. I call it a chemoperm. I am helping out more and more at the shrine, and I am now getting quite a few requests for days of recollection and retreats. I have to be careful because I tend to say yes to everything. I finished a writing project for one of our magazines in Assisi. I checked with the Padua friars about where I stand with finished articles, and they told me I am set until March of 2026. So these days I am trying to get ahead with the podcasts on the daily readings. I am also working on initial ideas for some Good News Notes. I spoke to one of our staff about the possibility of doing a "what do you want to know about the Bible" question site on our Companions web site. I finished some reading and listening: God Wills It: Understanding the Crusades by Thomas Madden This is an excellent course (Modern Scholar) on the crusades from both the Christian and the Muslim dimension. The professor does not try to take one side or the other. He points out the mistakes of both sides in the conflict, as well as their successes (e.g. how could the Christians expect to hold the Holy Land with most of the crusaders deciding to go home to Europe after their time of service). Creating Humans: Ethical Questions Where Reproduction and Science Collide by Alexander McCall Smith This is a very, very good treatment of reproduction questions including the difficult issues of in vitro fertilization, abortion, birth control, surrogacy, gene engineering, sex choices, etc. The professor organizing the course (Modern Scholar) is very balanced and respectful. He does not attack one position or another, but rather weighs them on the basis of human dignity. The Battle of Sekigahara by Charles River Editors This is a major battle fought between war lords in Japan at the beginning of the 17th century in which the Tokugawa dynasty won the role of daimyo and ruled Japan (along with a figurehead emperor) until the time of the Meiji restoration in the 19th century. The Battle of Lepanto by Charles River Editors This is a short account of the Battle of Lepanto. This was a battle fought between the forces of Christian Europe and the Turks whose fleets were endangering even the ports of the Western Mediterranean. The Christians won a monstrous victory. It did not really disable the Turkish empire, for within one year they had rebuilt their fleet. But it did protect most of the western Mediterranean from Turkish depredation. Greek Legacy: Understanding the Overwhelming Contribution of the Ancient Greeks by Timothy Shutt This is a Modern Scholar quick presentation of some of the most important values of Greek society, why these values developed, and how they were passed down in their society and ours. It also deals with questions of government, culture, etc. Again, Shutt is a good presenter and he presents enough information without overwhelming one with trivia. The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World by Jennifer Tobin This is a Modern Scholar course on the seven wonders of the ancient world. Tobin presents how these were built, why, what remains of them, etc. It is not a deep study as much as a pleasant overview. Fundamental Cases: The Twentieth Century Courtroom Battles that Changed our Nation by Alan Dershowitz I don’t especially like Alan Dershowitz, but this Modern Scholar course is tremendous for it gives good insights into various important American courtroom cases. He deals with the Scopes trial, the Rosenburgs, O.J. Simpson, the Gore/Bush election decision by the Supreme Court, etc. It is a wide range of topics, but Dershowitz’s original view of what occurred has made me reflect upon what I believed about the cases. Moby Dick: America’s Epic by Timothy Shutt This is an overview of this American classic from Modern Scholar. Shutt is one of the main presenters with this company, and even though his presentations have an extremely wide range of topic, he seems to do all of these courses well. One ends up with a tremendous insight into the personality of Melville and how it was expressed in the main characters of this novel. The Making of Martin Luther by Richard Rex The author of this book is not especially a fan of Martin Luther. He outlines the early days of his rebellion against Catholic authority and teaching. Luther does not come across as a very virtuous character. Touchy, self-righteous, argumentative, etc. would be adjectives to use for Luther according to this account. I think I enjoyed the account because it did not present Luther from a worshipful point of view, but showed what he really was like. The Iliad and Odessey of Homer by Timothy Shutt This is an overview of these two great sagas by Homer (if there was an historic Homer). He gives insight into what is playing out in the reaction of Achilles (pouting and all but betraying his fellow Greeks because of what he considers to be an insult) and the cleverness and scheming nature of Odysseus. This study is very helpful to more fully understand these works. The Dawn of Political History: Thucydides and the Peloponnesian War by Fred Baumann This course from Modern Scholar is not so much on the Peloponnesian War as the account of that war written by Thucydides. Why did he say things the way that he did? Why did this Athenian author write his account in Sparta? We see that, at heart, he still considers himself to be Athenian, but he is not above criticizing them for their failures to live up to their greater values. Vatican II by John O’Malley This is a Learn25 course on the Second Vatican Council. John O’Malley was a Jesuit professor at Catholic University. He is tremendous on history topics. This course gives one an inside view on the political/religious movements which guided the council. I strongly recommend this course and his other courses. Religions of the East: Paths to Enlightenment by Stephen Prothero This is a Modern Scholar course on the history and beliefs of some of the Eastern religions such as Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism, etc. It shows the differences between the beliefs and practices, including of the various form of Buddhism found in the countries where it became important. The professor knows his material and is able to communicate it well without being a proselytizer of any particular belief. Have a good week. Shalom fr. Jude

Ellicott City, MD - Castro Valley, CA - Seoul, Korea - Castro Valley, CA - Ellicott City, MD

September 5, 2024 Peace and Good, As you can see in the title of this blog, I have been travelling a bit. I went to South Korea to be with our friars during their pre-chapter assembly. Before I finished my role as Assistant General, I did a canonical visitation of that province. This means I spoke with every member of the province and produced a report on how I saw things going. They are now getting ready for their provincial chapter, and they discussed all of the reports (including mine) to get some ideas of the topic which they had to treat at the coming chapter. The trip is very long, so I broke it up a bit, coming into Castro Valley (Oakland) and staying a there on the way out and the way back. This was a very good idea, because the trip from SFO (San Francisco Airport) to Seoul was 12 1/2 hours on the way in and 11 hours on the way back. I am in the midst of jet lag right now. There is a 13 hour difference in time zones between here and there. Covid is breaking out badly there, but I don't think I have contracted it. The next couple of days will tell, but I did get a booster before I headed out. It was hot, hot, hot there as well as humid. I ended up doing most of my daily walks in the dining room in the retreat center where we met. The friars were great to me. I really like them and the work that they are doing. They have a good variety of work - parishes, retreat centers, school for handicapped children, home for mentally challenged men, home for the elderly, etc. I finished some reading and listening: Maimonides: the Life and World on One of Civilization’s Greatest Minds by Joel Kraemer This is a long and detailed account of the life and career (doctor, leader of the Jewish community in Egypt, compiler of the law of Israel, philosopher, etc.) of the Jewish sage who was born in Spain, fled to Morocco when there was a persecution against the Jews by some Muslim conquerors, and then to Egypt where he became one of the personal physicians to Saladin and other Muslim rulers and their families. The book is very informative but at times a bit technical when it comes to questions of Jewish law. Who was Jesus by N.T. Wright I think a better title for this book is “Who Jesus wasn’t.” The author examines a number of theories that have come out in recent years concerning Jesus, and he basically tears them to pieces. He is a middle road theologian who reasons very well both from the text and from what is logical. I would very much like to read some of his other books. A History of Ancient Israel: From the Patriarchs through the Romans by Eric Cline This is an overview of the archaeology and history of ancient Israel. It is a course from Modern Scholars. Cline is very respectful to the text of the Hebrew Bible, but he allows archaeological discoveries to question what is written (in a very respectful manner). This is a fine course for someone to better understand why things were written as they were and what probably actually happened in those days. Rome Last Citizen: the Life and Legacy of Cato by Rob Goodman This is a well written biography of Cato the Younger. He followed the example of Cato the Elder, his great grandfather. He was a Stoic, famous for his asceticism (and yet he was known to have been a significant drinker). He was the voice of ancient virtue, but he was incapable of compromise, so much of what he argued was lost by his intransigence. He was a sworn enemy first of Pompei, and then when he came to view Caesar as the more dangerous enemy, of him. Margaret Thatcher: A Modern Leader by Amy Edwards This is a short teaching company course on the life and career of Margaret Thatcher. She was a formidable woman. In fact, it was said of her government that she was the only true man in the cabinet. Some of her economic reforms in Great Britain were sorely needed, some were heartless and poorly planned. She did mark a turning point in the way the country was governed. The Ancient Lydians by Charles River Editors This is the story of a tribal unit from ancient Libya who threatened and eventually blended with the Egyptian land. Their story shows how complicated the determination of where one people began and the other left off could be. Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico by Charles River Editors This is the tragic story of a prince of the Holy Roman Empire who allowed himself to be talked into becoming emperor of Mexico by the Emperor of France, Napoleon III. He was told that he would be well accepted, but these were lies. After a couple years of civil war, he was overthrown and executed, while his empress, Carlotta, lost her mind for most of the rest of her rather long life. The Passover Haggadah by Vanessa Ochs The Haggadah is the book which is used for the celebration of Passover. Ochs gives a history of the book, especially when they came to be accompanied by artwork. She speaks of various Haggadahs that were produced for special purposes (e.g. to commemorate the Holocaust, for feminists, for gays, etc.). The book is OK but not much more than that. One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic: A History of the Church in the Middle Ages by Thomas Madden This is a Modern Scholar presentation of the Church from the time of the Roman until the 15th century. The professor gives a very balanced presentation, neither exaggerating the holiness of the Church nor letting it be seen as a constant cesspool of corruption. I would recommend this course. The Spanish Mystics: Ecstasy and Communion by Peter Tyler This is a relatively short presentation on the mystical theology of St. Theresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross. Rather than presenting them as people who were constantly in ecstasy, Tyler shows how they tied their experiences to a strong commitment to service (especially of the poor). Interesting is Tyler’s mention of the Muslim and Jewish belief of one’s spiritual life as a type of castle, an image used in Theresa own book. The World of George Orwell by Michael Shelden This is a tremendous presentation on the life and writings of George Orwell, the author of 1984 and Animal Farm. The professor teaching this course (from Modern Scholar) does not use stereotypic ideas about him, but carefully investigates his beliefs and how others twisted what he believed and wrote. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who is interested in Orwell. Viracocha by Charles River Editors This is a short presentation on the major god of the Inca people and how they caused the peoples they conquered to worship him (while they were allowed to keep their own deities. It speaks of the history of the Inca empire, from its earliest days as little more than a city state until it had become an enormous rich empire. Finally, it speaks about the Spanish conquest of the empire through the conquistador Pizzaro. Have a good week. Shalom fr. Jude

Ellicott City

August 18, 2024 Peace and Good, Things have begun to get a bit busy in the last couple of weeks. I have been asked to be available to spiritual direction, and I have been asked by a good number of people to do that. It has been a real joy to me. I get to share spiritual ideas with people dealing with their concrete circumstances. It is such a privilege. Likewise, I have been assigned to listen to confessions in the Shrine quite a bit in these days. Some of those confession periods are amongst the best I have ever celebrated since I was ordained. On the Assumption, I was the celebrant at the Shrine. After Mass, we had a break out session for those who wished to attend on the Life of Mary as seen in the New Testament. It was followed by a question and answer period. It very very, very well. I submitted a possible schedule for other adult ed sessions this fall on the Gospel of Luke (which is the Gospel for Sundays of this coming year), the concept of the Holy Year, and the Book of Revelation. I have also been participating in a Bible Study group (on the readings of the coming Sunday) with a group from Alexandria, VA (by zoom). I am with them about an hour. It has been great, especially considering the rich Gospels these weeks on the Bread of Life. This Tuesday I am heading to South Korea for a pre-chapter assembly. I had done a visitation of the province for our Minister General, and now they are meeting to prepare the work of their provincial chapter. It is always good to listen to the observations of an outsider to get perspective on what is going on. I will fly to Oakland and stay at one of our friaries for a day to give myself a bit of a rest, and then fly off to Seoul. I will follow the same pattern on the way back. My strength has largely returned, but I don't want to push it too much. I finished some reading and listening: The Difficult Words of Jesus by Amy-Jill Levine Amy-Jill Levine is a professor who is Jewish in her background, and this provides her with ample information concerning the Jewishness of Jesus. She attempts to study some of the more difficult sayings of Jesus. At times, her insights are very useful, but at other times it comes down to the phrase that she wouldn’t like God or Jesus to be like this or that. Dante and His Divine Comedy by Timothy Shutt This is an overview of the Divine Comedy. The author begins his presentation by speaking of the life, career, and exile of Dante from his native city of Florence. He then goes through Dante’s epic chapter by chapter. It is a complicated poem, and Shutt’s study is also complicated. The Divine Comedy is almost the sort of book that one would have to study with the most ample number of footnotes to explain the subtle references Dante is making to theology, this own society, individuals, and references to other classical works. 1774: the Long Year of Revolution by Mary Beth Norton This book is by an author who wrote of the point of the British loyalists in America at the start of the American Revolution. This is clear in her portrayal of the reaction of people to the growing tension between the colonies and the mother country. In spite of our foundation myth, there was considerable pressure to resolve the issue peacefully and to find a way to lessen the influence of the more radical movement in the country. Conflicts that Shaped Pharaonic Egypt by John Darnell This is a history of Egypt from its earliest days and the first Pharaoh of a united kingdom until the end of Pharaonic power under Cleopatra and the conquest of the Romans. The professor works hard to show how upper Egypt (southern Egypt) was more influential in the development of the country than was lower Egypt (especially the Delta). He sees the Delta as a source of difficulties for it was where foreign invaders could enter. Now I Know Geography by Max Lewis This is only a short but entertaining presentation of oddities of geography throughout the world. There are towns that appear on maps that don’t exist, there are island nations that are all but destitute and survive on payments to adopt certain positions at the UN, there are sites of one state that are enclaves completely surrounded by other states, etc. The Invention of Russia by Arkady Ostrovsky This is an account of the period between the fall of the Soviet Union and the rise of Vladimir Putin and how plutocrats who owned TV networks shaped the dialog between those who wanted to return to a more secure era (Communism), those who wanted to profit on the confusion, and those who wanted to create a new Russia. The Dead Sea Scrolls: the Truth Behind the Mystique by Lawrence Schiffman This is a Modern Scholar presentation on the Dead Sea Scrolls. Like any course on this topic, it speaks of the discovery of the scrolls after World War II. It presents information about the culture of the Jewish world at the time that these scrolls were produced and placed in the caves around Qumran. It asks what the background of the Qumran community was. It speaks of the relationship between the origins of Christianity and these scrolls. Finally, the professor speaks of the silly conspiratorial theories that he has heard concerning the scrolls. Mind, Brain, Behavior by Kevin Corcoran This is a study from Learn25 on the role of the brain and how it relates to the mind and the person. Corcoran speaks of oddities of how the brain works and what these tells us. It asks question of whether the mind is simply the functioning of the various complicated parts of the brain, or whether the person exists even without the mind, and also whether there is a possibility of the mind and person existing after death. The Giants of Irish Literature by George O’Brien This is a study of some of the major Irish authors of the 20th century: Oscar Wilde, W.B. Yeats, James Joyce and Samuel Beckett. If anything, the presentation, while very informative, guaranteed that I will not spend the time and effort to read these authors’ works. Their use of language and writing is so complicated that it almost becomes an experiment in obfuscation. The Battle of Flodden by Charles River Editors This is the story of the climatic battle between the Scots and the English at the beginning of the reign of Henry VIII. The king was actually in France at the time, and he made Catherine of Aragon his vicar and she organized the army that proved tremendously victorious over the Scots who were allies of France at the time. This battle was the beginning of the end for the independence of the Scots. How to Believe: John Donne by Roz Kaveney This is a short collection of reflections on the person and poetry of John Donne. The author admits that he is a non-believer, so his Holy Sonnets are difficult for him to understand. Yet, this short book has made me want to read a longer biography and study of Donne. Unearthing the Past: Paleontology and the History of Life by Jeffrey Martz This is a study of the science of paleontology and also of its findings about the various eras of life upon the world. It is packed with scientific information, so it would probably be good to listen to it more than once. Yet, I enjoyed the presentation very much. Islam and the West by Seyyed Hossein Nast This is a bit of an apologia showing the importance of the cultural contribution that followers of Islam have made throughout the centuries. The professor gives good information, but he is also very prejudiced in his presentation (showing how Islam was always the victim, showing how the followers of Islam were just and kind conquerors while Christians were cruel and ignorant, arguing that the problems in Islam are results of Western colonialization). It would be a much better presentation if he could be more impartial in his presentation. Have a good week. Shalom fr. Jude

Ellicott City

August 5, 2024 Peace and Good, I hope everyone is well. The big news here is the heat. It has been in the 90's for over a week now, and Baltimore tends to be very humid. It does cool off enough in the evenings for me to get my walk in. I have been taping a number of reflections for the scripture readings. I managed to finish a month's worth this past week, which means that I am well into October. That is good, because the friars in Assisi have asked me to write some meditations for them (which I did once before last year). I write them in English and they have them translated into Italian. I am helping up at the Shrine with confessions and the noon Mass, and at St. Joseph's Nursing Home with Mass about once a week. I really enjoy both of those assignments. Tomorrow we are having a meeting to speak about the future of the Shrine (how to improve its facilities, its program, etc.). I will bring up some suggestions that I have seen over the past months. fr. Gary, who is the director of the Shrine, is very open to new ideas. At the end of this month, I am flying to Korea for a meeting of the friars of that province. I did the canonical visitation of the friars, and they are now preparing for their provincial chapter. This will be the first really long trip since I was sick, so I am planning to break up the trip in San Francisco for a day going and coming back to rest up a bit. I finished some books (reading and listening): Bethlehem and Nazareth by Charles River Editors This is a short presentation of the two towns which were so important to the life and ministry of Jesus. It gives background historical information, what happened in the days of Jesus, and then what has happened to them throughout the centuries (e.g. under Rome, the Byzantines, the Ottoman Turks, the British, etc.). Shakespeare: The Seven Major Tragedies by Harold Bloom This is an overview presented by the Modern Scholar course on the seven tragedies of Shakespeare. The professor gives extensive examples of what he is trying to say with passages taken from the plays. He provides background information which helps one better understand the plays. At times, though, there is the feeling that he is quoting a bit too much, going on and on. Upon this Rock: A History of the Papacy from Peter to John Paul II by Thomas Madden This is a Modern Scholar course on the papacy. The professor is honest about the strengths and shortcomings of individual popes and eras in the history of the papacy, he does not use his information to attack anything. His presentation is straight forward and informative. Behold the Mighty Dinosaur by John Kricher This is a Modern Scholar presentation of dinosaurs, both in their historic and biological sense, but also in their impact upon culture with modern presentations of dinosaurs in forms that run from science fiction films to cartoons. The professor has a very, very good style of presentation, and I look forward to listening to some of his other courses. How Catholic Art Saved the Faith by Elizabeth Lev This is a study of how the Counter-Reformation used art in all of its forms to present its dogmatic message and to combat what it believed were heretical positions proposed by the Protestant reformers. The author speaks of the roles of particular artists, of their overall messages, of their techniques and of the end product of their efforts. 24 Hours in Ancient China by Dr. Yijie Zhuang This is part of a very good series which deals with the everyday life of people in a particular area at a particular time. It speaks of those in privileged positions, but also of those who are on the outskirts of society. These studies are very entertaining, but also incredibly informative. Scotland Yard by Charles River Editors This is the story of the foundation and development of Scotland Yard, the crack detective force in London. It gives an historic outline, but most of the material is the study of a few major cases, including the study of the Jack the Ripper murders. History Myths Exploded by Jeff Webb and Christopher Fee These two professors study the various set beliefs of people about individuals or history (e.g. that Lincoln set the slaves free, the role of JFK, etc.) and shows how they are either trustworthy or at other times more spin than reality. The pair prove to be equal opportunity challengers, never holding a set social or political agenda, but rather seeking for the truth as much as we can truly know it. Old Bones by Preston Douglas and Lincoln Child An archeologist seeks out the remains of a camp left by the Donner party (and a possible fortune in gold coins) while an FBI agent investigates the strange disappearance of bodily remains of the members of a certain family. While the two parties don’t especially like each other, they prove to be an inventive team for solving the mystery. From Augustine to Chesterton and Beyond by Michael Higgins This is a Learn25 course based on a series of autobiographical accounts of the spiritual life of important Christians from the time of Augustine (and his Confession) to the Second World War and the martyrs Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Jesuit Alfred Delp). The presenter is very respectful, although occasionally a bit too effusive in his praise of individuals and their teaching and actions. I would recommend this course highly. Blitzkrieg by Charles River Editors This is a short overview of the use of blitzkrieg by the Nazi’s during World War II, especially in Poland and France and Russia. The book speaks of the rearmament of Germany (often in violation of treaties established after World War I), of the governance of the army and Hitler’s growing control of it, of techniques of coordination during the battle between infantry, tanks and air forces, etc. The Sumerians by Charles River Editors This book speaks of one of the first civilizations to exist in Mesopotamia. They lead the cultural foundations for the cultures that succeeded them (Akkadian, Babylonian, Assyrian, etc.). They invented writing and operated an extensive system of irrigation. They were mostly governed as city states (or at times an amalgamation of city states). Have a good week. I will be praying for you all tomorrow on the Feast of the Transfiguration. Shalom fr. Jude