This blog seeks out whatever is true in art, music, literature, film, and elsewhere in order to reveal the beauty of holiness on this journey towards the Good Life.
from Henry V
This setting of Psalm 115 is sung after the battle, serving as a reminder that any victory belongs to God - "not to us, O Lord, but to Your name give the glory." Even in times of seeming defeat, it is important to thank God for those blessings which He does bestow upon us.
Doctrine: gratitude, worship, humility
from Babette's Feast
This movie is replete with sacramental and Eucharistic imagery. However, the final scene offers a beautiful example of the greatness of art and its use by man as a reflection of the Creator. While a person's artwork - in any form - may go unacknowledged by others on earth, in heaven we will "enchant the angels!" Start this clip at 9:10 to see the final scene.
Doctrine: Art (Eighth Commandment), Vocation, Eternal Life
By Mumford & Sons
With allusions to Plato's cave and the journey of Odysseus, this song speaks of awakening to the reality of truth. Understanding his nature as creature allows the speaker to have hope in the freedom of a life lived "as it's meant to be" when he responds to the call of his name.
Doctrine: discernment, vocation, philosophy, freedom, hope
From the movie Elf
Although a grown man, Buddy the Elf maintains a childlike spirit as he takes Jovie on a date. Spending time with him, she realizes that he brings out the same childlike spirit in her.
Doctrine: Beatitudes - "Blessed are the pure in heart"
Buddy's pure heart enables him to live simply and love purely. This singleheartedness is different from immaturity.
from Les Miserables; performed by Philip Quast
This song portrays the philosophy of Javert, the policeman who devotes years of his life to tracking down the ex-convict Jean Valjean. While Valjean has discovered redemption through mercy, Javert knows only the justice of the law. He acts according to his conscience, but he cannot comprehend the possibility what he perceives as evil becoming good.
Doctrine: Morality - law and conscience; Church history - Jansenism
Fire! Fire! The angels' wings are burning, the swords of the seraphim are aflame!
The lights of heaven are burning, the depths of earth are burning rocks and yesterdays are all aflame!
The expectation of all creatures burns – the spirit burns in the darkness of high thought.
All has been taken from love, all must become love; sing "Holy, Holy, Holy!" rustling flames of the Seraphim!
Heart from which the heavens draw their glory,
Heart from which suns and constellations draw their beginning and their end,
Heart from which the souls of the blessed draw their blessedness.
World-ordering Heart, world-conquering Heart, Thou only Heart of hearts:
Amen. Amen. May the day of Thine infinite love come quickly.
While the traditional Litany of the Sacred Heart contains beautiful imagery, this poem also offers enchanting meditations on the "Heart which has so loved men."
Doctrine: Sacred Heart
Use: If the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart (Friday after the Second Sunday after Pentecost) falls after school ends, which it often does, Valentine's Day may provide another opportunity to teach students about the greatest love story.
