Pardon Me! We pardon scooters all the time as they zoom by us on the sidewalks of life. Why not this scooter? I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby was found guilty on Tuesday by a reportedly saddened grand jury on four of the five charges for lying to investigators during the Plame leak case. It would be a political move of varied motives for the President to pardon Libby, but wouldn't it be nice for the fall guy to get some justice, too?
Success in Iraq is counted sweetest by those who ne'er succeed. General David Petraeus, US Army commander in Iraq commented recently that it will take more than military might to end the violence in that war-torn country. Gen. Petraeus hinted that resolution in Iraq would need political negotiations to create peace. Political negotiations, eh? I think it's time for the US President to pardon Iraq.
"I beg your pardon, I never promised you a rose garden." would likely be a hummed tune for the fired Maj. Gen. George Weightman and Lt. Gen. Kevin Kiley were singing before the bad press came out for the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Sure, military service is tough. However, we are talking about our injured soldiers here. I think we can lay off the tough guy act in a hospital, can't we? Just think what these vets will say to their grandkids: Yeah, it was difficult fighting off those rats and cockroaches, but the moldy stench was the worst. I survived Iraq because they gave me a gun and ammo, but surviving Walter Reed was the biggest battle I faced. No guns, no ammo. Not even rodent bombs or roach motels. Conditions were deplorable. I needed to raise the black flag, but the Army didn't supply us with any. So, we had to use our crutches and wheelchairs to squish the enemy! No pardons likely here. No matter how hard they beg.
"Mamma Mia, Here We Go Again!" I don't know if Pierce Brosnan will need a pardon after this one, but he is slated to sing, yes I said SING... ::LOL:: Sing ABBA tunes... ::ROFL:: With, get this... Meryl Streep! ::LMAO:: Okay, okay, Brosnan is a handsome actor, a remarkable artist, but I don't recall any singing scenes in the Bond movies. The big question now is, will I be walking out of the theater singing S.O.S. out of desperation or under a euphoric state of enjoyment? By the way, Pierce, I'll pardon you in advance on this one.
No Pardons for Captain America! I was completely saddened by the news that our superhero, Captain America, ::sob:: is dead. Captain America is dead apparently due to his resistance to register with the federal Super Hero Registration Act? Is this a sobering reflection of the state of affairs in our country? What will our country do without Captain America? Is this the end? Will Tek Jansen be able to fill such big shoes?
Well, if there are pardons to make, lent is a good time to make them, as we forgive others and forgive ourselves for all the blunders and ignorantly foolish things we do and forget to do. I hope you have it in your heart to pardon me, as well. I promise I will pardon you, too.
Showing posts with label lent. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lent. Show all posts
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Monday, February 26, 2007
Spiritual Space and Architecture
In the summer of 1999, I experienced the full effect of architecture on physical, mental and spiritual notions. Made possible by a restored kiva on the property of Kelly Place, a bed and breakfast near Mesa Verde National Park, I became even more aware of the intricate relationship between the physical and the spiritual.
This Sunday's homily at mass was about spending more spiritual time in our lives. Recently, I have been doing a little research on prayer gardens and labyrinths, and specifically about the labyrinth at the Chartres Cathedral in France.
http://www.lessons4living.com/chartres_labyrinth.htm
http://www.johnjames.com.au/chartres-thelabyrinth.shtml
http://www.crystalinks.com/labyrinths.html
http://www.greatdreams.com/sacred/triple-doors.htm (scroll down to Chartres)
http://members.aol.com/Lambdom3/Chartes.html
Several websites have led me to wonder about the extreme thought put into architecture and buildings in the past. Many experts believe that these buildings were built to honor God or gods, take your pick. As I ponder this, I realize that this type of powerful architecture is more of an outer expression of an inner spiritual movement, if you will. Could it be a reflection of the internal dwelling of God?
Being born into a world pre-established with external buildings, institutions and societies, it is easy for us to think that the world is material, and that buildings are material. We know it exists in a physical sense, and we tend to assume that these external things are only external in nature and existence. We continue the assumption that these external existences have no foundation internally, exist solely in the physical realm and have no relation to the internal spirituality.
What about those truly inspirational buildings, places, and spaces that invoke a sense of amazement and wonder of something much more significant and ethereal than our own humanity? What about the spaces that transform our our thinking, our perception and our conscience to an entirely different realm?
A building, regardless how elaborate in form and function, effectively changes the physical space around it. It displaces air and molecules around it, and makes a footprint in the ground, interacting with all physical elements that surround it. The design of the building has a direct effect on how each physical element reacts to the building's imposition on that element.
I have believed for several years that undefined energies can be created within an architectural design, as physical elements react to the existence of this object in space. It is an extension of several trains of thought: The art thought that people are drawn to tension in an art piece (note the David sculpture and the twisting position of the torso among the tension points); and the concept of tension in design and construction of a building.
With this thinking, I began to be drawn to spaces that seemed to have this tension. A tension point in architecture could be defined as the location where two or more building materials are attached together with pressing force in its architectural design. (I'm sure there is a bona fide architect out there that knows the actual term for this. I, however, am not a bona fide architect.)
I noticed that ghost hunters would invariably sense the presence of ghosts in these same building tension point areas, as stairways and doorways are physical stress and tension points in a building. I noticed that in historical architecture altars and sacred places of distinction were located directly under these major architectural tension points in a building. Coincidence? I think not.
It is the outer expression of an inner spirit.
I look at new churches recently built and see a grave lack of major tension points in its building. Is this a reflection of the lack of spiritual energy within today's architect? Is it the denial of healthy and appealing tension in our external world because we don't want that tension and stress, and that feeling in society of don't offend anybody tolerance? (I digress.)
Yes, it is an outer expression of an inner spirit. A spirit created and designed before the first building ever stood. A spirit existing before the first stroke of pigment touched a cave wall. A spirit of succession that dwells in those who continue to use it to light the torch of their souls.
This same spirit beckons us to light our torches and see beauty and intricate simplicity.
Romans 10:8
But what does it say? The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart (that is, the word of faith which we preach)...
Psalm 91: 1-2
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, who abides in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust."
Luke 4:1
And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan, and was led by the Spirit...
This was Jesus' 40 days and nights of temptation by the devil. Not even the Son of God had smooth sailing on earth. There is tension and stress. It is in this tension and stress that we see the work of God. As it is so for those who feel the tension and stress in architecture.
In the restored kiva near Mesa Verde, I felt an odd sense as I descended down the small hole in the earth on a hand-hewn ladder, not knowing what space this ladder was leading me into. It was a bit of fear and trepidation, also wonder and anticipation of exploration. I began to see a series of huge log beams radiating out from the center that held up the earth. I set my feet on the ground. I felt a sense of being safe and secure in this underground sanctuary.
I looked around in awe that a people so many years ago could build such a secluded, secure place. I sat down on the earthened bench and felt a calm come over me. I felt a need to reflect on my inner spirit, as if the external space was capturing and focusing my spiritual energies. I sat for a moment or two within the silence of the kiva. It felt peaceful and spiritually nurturing.
I heard a hum in my ear. A perfectly tuned hum that did not waver. I stood up and walked around the space to see if it would change or disappear. It stayed constant. My husband, who accompanied me into the kiva, stood on the other side of the circular kiva. I asked if he heard the hum. Although he had not initially noticed the hum, he confirmed that the hum seemed to be external and not something I was just hearing in my head. It was as if the structure of the kiva emitted this perfect audible and stable frequency.
These historic architects knew the power of the structure and its manipulative abilities on our environments. I cannot fathom how these ancient builders attained such knowledge, unless it was their own spiritual journeys that led them to understand the physical and spiritual nature that surrounds us.
I believe we all are architects of our physical, mental and spiritual realms. Our physical, mental and spiritual realms do not exist separately. We all have the internal spirit with us, to guide us, and to use the stress and tension before us to be used for good. We are challenged in our journey to stop, listen, and sense that spirit. And we are encouraged to bring that internal spirit into our world, and share that spirit so others can find it and experience the constant, conforting, and unchanging hum of that same spirit.
This Sunday's homily at mass was about spending more spiritual time in our lives. Recently, I have been doing a little research on prayer gardens and labyrinths, and specifically about the labyrinth at the Chartres Cathedral in France.
http://www.lessons4living.com/chartres_labyrinth.htm
http://www.johnjames.com.au/chartres-thelabyrinth.shtml
http://www.crystalinks.com/labyrinths.html
http://www.greatdreams.com/sacred/triple-doors.htm (scroll down to Chartres)
http://members.aol.com/Lambdom3/Chartes.html
Several websites have led me to wonder about the extreme thought put into architecture and buildings in the past. Many experts believe that these buildings were built to honor God or gods, take your pick. As I ponder this, I realize that this type of powerful architecture is more of an outer expression of an inner spiritual movement, if you will. Could it be a reflection of the internal dwelling of God?
Being born into a world pre-established with external buildings, institutions and societies, it is easy for us to think that the world is material, and that buildings are material. We know it exists in a physical sense, and we tend to assume that these external things are only external in nature and existence. We continue the assumption that these external existences have no foundation internally, exist solely in the physical realm and have no relation to the internal spirituality.
What about those truly inspirational buildings, places, and spaces that invoke a sense of amazement and wonder of something much more significant and ethereal than our own humanity? What about the spaces that transform our our thinking, our perception and our conscience to an entirely different realm?
A building, regardless how elaborate in form and function, effectively changes the physical space around it. It displaces air and molecules around it, and makes a footprint in the ground, interacting with all physical elements that surround it. The design of the building has a direct effect on how each physical element reacts to the building's imposition on that element.
I have believed for several years that undefined energies can be created within an architectural design, as physical elements react to the existence of this object in space. It is an extension of several trains of thought: The art thought that people are drawn to tension in an art piece (note the David sculpture and the twisting position of the torso among the tension points); and the concept of tension in design and construction of a building.
With this thinking, I began to be drawn to spaces that seemed to have this tension. A tension point in architecture could be defined as the location where two or more building materials are attached together with pressing force in its architectural design. (I'm sure there is a bona fide architect out there that knows the actual term for this. I, however, am not a bona fide architect.)
I noticed that ghost hunters would invariably sense the presence of ghosts in these same building tension point areas, as stairways and doorways are physical stress and tension points in a building. I noticed that in historical architecture altars and sacred places of distinction were located directly under these major architectural tension points in a building. Coincidence? I think not.
It is the outer expression of an inner spirit.
I look at new churches recently built and see a grave lack of major tension points in its building. Is this a reflection of the lack of spiritual energy within today's architect? Is it the denial of healthy and appealing tension in our external world because we don't want that tension and stress, and that feeling in society of don't offend anybody tolerance? (I digress.)
Yes, it is an outer expression of an inner spirit. A spirit created and designed before the first building ever stood. A spirit existing before the first stroke of pigment touched a cave wall. A spirit of succession that dwells in those who continue to use it to light the torch of their souls.
This same spirit beckons us to light our torches and see beauty and intricate simplicity.
Romans 10:8
But what does it say? The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart (that is, the word of faith which we preach)...
Psalm 91: 1-2
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, who abides in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust."
Luke 4:1
And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan, and was led by the Spirit...
This was Jesus' 40 days and nights of temptation by the devil. Not even the Son of God had smooth sailing on earth. There is tension and stress. It is in this tension and stress that we see the work of God. As it is so for those who feel the tension and stress in architecture.
In the restored kiva near Mesa Verde, I felt an odd sense as I descended down the small hole in the earth on a hand-hewn ladder, not knowing what space this ladder was leading me into. It was a bit of fear and trepidation, also wonder and anticipation of exploration. I began to see a series of huge log beams radiating out from the center that held up the earth. I set my feet on the ground. I felt a sense of being safe and secure in this underground sanctuary.
I looked around in awe that a people so many years ago could build such a secluded, secure place. I sat down on the earthened bench and felt a calm come over me. I felt a need to reflect on my inner spirit, as if the external space was capturing and focusing my spiritual energies. I sat for a moment or two within the silence of the kiva. It felt peaceful and spiritually nurturing.
I heard a hum in my ear. A perfectly tuned hum that did not waver. I stood up and walked around the space to see if it would change or disappear. It stayed constant. My husband, who accompanied me into the kiva, stood on the other side of the circular kiva. I asked if he heard the hum. Although he had not initially noticed the hum, he confirmed that the hum seemed to be external and not something I was just hearing in my head. It was as if the structure of the kiva emitted this perfect audible and stable frequency.
These historic architects knew the power of the structure and its manipulative abilities on our environments. I cannot fathom how these ancient builders attained such knowledge, unless it was their own spiritual journeys that led them to understand the physical and spiritual nature that surrounds us.
I believe we all are architects of our physical, mental and spiritual realms. Our physical, mental and spiritual realms do not exist separately. We all have the internal spirit with us, to guide us, and to use the stress and tension before us to be used for good. We are challenged in our journey to stop, listen, and sense that spirit. And we are encouraged to bring that internal spirit into our world, and share that spirit so others can find it and experience the constant, conforting, and unchanging hum of that same spirit.
Whoever you are, if you seek to fathom the good in these doors
Then marvel not at the gold or the cost, but find the aim of the artist.
This noble art has a hidden light that can lift the mind in an inward way
It warms the heart, to turn from daily concern to heaven within,
And opens the door to truth in each of us.
Such art can show how the spirit within can be found in this world:
The dull mind rises to truth through material things,
And seeing this light escapes its former submersion.
--Abbot Suger of St Denis
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Love Thy Enemy?!
Sunday's homily at our church was on the gospel lesson of "loving your enemy" and our priest made me think a bit more on this concept. He asked how many of us go around saying "I have no enemies"? How many of us go around and say we get along with so and so, and if there's any issues with them that we do not confront it and just go on with life? How many of us deny the existence of our enemies because we think we are doing the right thing then?
Jesus said, "love your enemy." It is difficult to love our enemies and do as Jesus commands in the scripture if our enemy doesn't exist in our minds. Jesus did not command us to change our enemies into our friends. In life we will have enemies, and we cannot change our enemies into our friends. They will be our enemies, and we have to accept that. Not change it.
"You have heard that it was said, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.'
"But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
"For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?
"If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?" (Matthew 5:43-47)
In effect, to change our relationship with our enemies to think they are friends is to change our view of our enemy just in our own mind. It seems this type of conversion is not what Jesus had in mind. No, the more I consider these thoughts the more I believe that I have been fooling myself in many situations and in the end becoming a victim because I had changed the relationship with an enemy in my mind to a friend and making myself more vulnerable to them.
Enemies are enemies, and likely will not make a conversion to a friend, regardless how kind and courteous we are to them. And we should not beat ourselves up because they have not given any kindness in return, because it is not love that is the issue. It is the lack of love in our enemies that created them, and until they decide to truly accept it and share it, they will not have it.
We must be constantly at guard with our enemies, even if they show gestures of friendship. That is the point we are most vulnerable and the point where their enemy colors can shine. I, myself, have learned this the hard way. I now know that when I spot an enemy in my midst that I love my enemy, and accept them as my enemy.
The final word: An enemy is not a friend. Ever. Love your enemy.
Jesus said, "love your enemy." It is difficult to love our enemies and do as Jesus commands in the scripture if our enemy doesn't exist in our minds. Jesus did not command us to change our enemies into our friends. In life we will have enemies, and we cannot change our enemies into our friends. They will be our enemies, and we have to accept that. Not change it.
"You have heard that it was said, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.'
"But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
"For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?
"If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?" (Matthew 5:43-47)
In effect, to change our relationship with our enemies to think they are friends is to change our view of our enemy just in our own mind. It seems this type of conversion is not what Jesus had in mind. No, the more I consider these thoughts the more I believe that I have been fooling myself in many situations and in the end becoming a victim because I had changed the relationship with an enemy in my mind to a friend and making myself more vulnerable to them.
Enemies are enemies, and likely will not make a conversion to a friend, regardless how kind and courteous we are to them. And we should not beat ourselves up because they have not given any kindness in return, because it is not love that is the issue. It is the lack of love in our enemies that created them, and until they decide to truly accept it and share it, they will not have it.
We must be constantly at guard with our enemies, even if they show gestures of friendship. That is the point we are most vulnerable and the point where their enemy colors can shine. I, myself, have learned this the hard way. I now know that when I spot an enemy in my midst that I love my enemy, and accept them as my enemy.
The final word: An enemy is not a friend. Ever. Love your enemy.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Prepare Ye The Way...
"Pre - - - pare Ye, The Way Of The Lord, Pre - - - pare Ye, The Way Of The Lord." PREPARE YOU, THE WAY OF THE LORD. FOR THE TIME IS NEAR WHEN OUR SAVIOR WILL DWELL AMONG US. Again.
40 Days of Preparation... Starting Now! Have a wonderfully introspective Ash Wednesday!!
40 Days of Preparation... Starting Now! Have a wonderfully introspective Ash Wednesday!!
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Headlines: What is this World Coming To?
"Blast destroys dome of Shiite shrine in Iraq", says the headline from MSNBC. Revenge, thy name is apparently Muslim, as many protesters shout "Rise up Shiites! Shiites take revenge!" I guess they don't want to listen to clerics who are asking their Shiite and Sunni followers NOT to follow up with violent attacks and protests. But this hit a raw nerve in the Muslim world. How raw? Just look at raw backwards... Civil war come to mind? (Speaking of civil war, isn't that an oxymoron? What's so civil about any war, anyway?)"3 Charged with Planning to Attack Troups," declares Forbes. But read on, and find out that these suspects are just ordinary U.S./Jordanian citizens. One man was attending college to learn how to be a computer guru, another was a car salesman, and the third liked to play with his children in his yard. But the headline says they allegedly were planning an attack on our troups. I know, a paradox of sorts, and so is the article, too. Because after the first paragraph, there's no mention of attacking troups. The list of charges are a bit interesting, and could possibly be innocently explained away. Let me try. 1) They went to a shooting range together regularly and tried to get government funding for their training. Easy, they have had several incidents with car/deer accidents on the road and know the dangers posed by deer overpopulation, so they wanted to get people to train and be able to hunt deer better. 2) They were apparently distributing information on how to make a bomb out of household items. Uh, well, not really a bomb, per se... do you know what Meth is? 3) Suicide bomb vest? Oh, no, that was his Simplicity pattern he was converting to make a computer techie vest out of. 4) One man is accused of wanting to kill President Bush... I can't explain away that one. Another surprising tidbit from the article is that after police officials ransacked their places, they found money, two pieces of paper and a paintball gun. That's hard evidence for ya. The only piece of evidence that I think might convict them (not necessarily of the current charges): "Whenever he goes out at night, he always calls my mom to let her know where he's at and what he's doing," a 14-year-old sister of one of the accused said. Sounds like someone paranoid about getting taken out.
"Brosnan sympathy for new Bond", says RTE Entertainment. When I first read this, I thought the new Bond, Daniel Craig, died. Maybe Brosnan will come back?? But, nopers. The new James Bond got banged up pretty bad in a stunt scene, loosing a few teeth in the process. Hey, what's wrong with the new Bond looking like a hockey player? In actuality, the article was more a plug for what the old Bond is up to nowadays. A bit of a distasteful publicity stunt. Shame on Brosnan's PR people. By the way, Pierce Brosnan, are you looking for a better PR staff?
"Make your own Mardi Gras", encourages Mercury News. Yes, Lent is just around the corner and we are less than a week from Fat Tuesday, the Super Bowl of overindulgence. Who's going to win this year's overindulgence feast? Probably not New Orleans. Hey, that means your community could step up and take over for New Orleans. Just rename your town Newer Orleans and ham it up!
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