Stupendous news, fast-breaking this morning February 11, 2013. Benedict XVI has announced he will retire from the papacy! It will happen on February 28th, very prompt action on his part.
Amour
The current French film “Amour” ranks for me as one of the best I have ever seen. In the boldness of its subject matter, the beauty of its artistry, and the marvelous performances of its three main actors, Amour stands out for its excellence. As the Academy Awards celebration approaches, I hope for this film the prize as the best and that Emanuelle Riva, now 85 years old, will be honored as best actress.
Christine
Reading about cabaret shows in the arts section of the New York Times, I often feel frustrated in not being able to attend. I would love to see and hear in Manhattan some of the singers that are reviewed. Not a few of them, I have noticed, are highly experienced in show business, not to say no longer young or even middle-aged.
Joshua Ben Sirach Speaks
“My son, take care of your father when he is old; grieve him not as long as he lives.
Even if his mind fail, be considerate of him;
Revile him not all the days of his life;
Kindness to a father will not be forgotten.”
If you were asked the date of this instruction, what would you guess? You might possibly think it came from an advice book published in colonial America.
Redeeming the World
In a world where it’s so easy to find doers of evil, I take solace in heroes of the year just past. These are the women and men (and sometimes children) whose actions have given hope to others.
As we know to our shock and grief, some of them have died violent deaths. But they live on in the hearts of countless others. I like to think of them as redeemers of the world.
Love and Inspiration
The coming holidays and holy days are already looking good to me. That’s because a young neighbor has shared with me some wonderful news. And he has given me a fabulous photo that proves it.
He has gotten married! He and his beloved did the deed in her hometown a few weeks ago. To judge by the photo given me, it must have been a truly glorious event.
Myles/Miles
When I inquired, my student lifeguard at the swimming pool volunteered that his name is Myles. That set me thinking, during the next fifteen minutes, as I moved slowly up and down the lane.
On emerging from the water, I asked Myles if he had ever heard poetic lines that had been reverberating in my head. “And miles to go before I sleep. And miles to go before I sleep.”