What is a Pharisee?

I’ve seen this term thrown around frequently on social media, and usually with the same shallow judgement that pharisees themselves use. Knowing the full content and connotation of a word is important before using it, especially to avoid using a condemnatory term frivolously. The term does fit many people, but it takes careful and thorough… Continue reading What is a Pharisee?

Five Days of Wisdom. Day 4: Contemplation

 ‘My name is Contemplation,’ she said, ‘and I am one of the daughters of Wisdom.  You must rise and follow me.’  …    John felt no doubt of her and gathered himself together and leaped.  His leap carried him further than he had intended–though he felt no suprise…and the Lady was there by his side. …… Continue reading Five Days of Wisdom. Day 4: Contemplation

Five Days of Wisdom. Day 3: Dante and Mary

And further do I pray thee, heavenly Queen      With thy protection render him secure   From human impulse; for this boon the saints,   With Beatrice, thronging fold hands and implore.                                    -Paradiso Canto XXXIII, 34-39     Mary, “the handmaiden of the LORD,” is the figure of Lady Wisdom in the culminating stanzas of the Commedia,… Continue reading Five Days of Wisdom. Day 3: Dante and Mary