A Carpe Diem Snapshot:
When visitors come to Rome, we have a good excuse to play tourist and see some sites we wouldn't normally have the time to explore. This occurred today when we went to see the stunning collection at the Villa Borghese museum per my sister's request. The piece I was most excited to see in person was that of Aeneas, Anchises, and Ascanius by Bernini. This sculptural arrangement represents Rome's foundation myth. Aeneas is fleeing a burning Troy carrying his father on his back, who is carrying their household gods on his shoulders, while holding the hand of his small son. In one image the survival of the entire family tree is depicted, as well as the Roman theme of pietas. Eventually Aeneas makes his way to Latium, where his descendants, Remus and Romulus, will found the city of Rome. And the rest is history!
Liturgical: Friday of the Third Week of Advent
Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word."
Bishop Barron's Gospel reflections today.
Today is the Fourth of the O Antiphons, O Clavis David (O Key of David). O sublime majesty of the coming Redeemer! To Him has been delivered the key, the government of the house of David (Is 22:22). Boundless is His power over the graces and privileges of the Church, over the souls and hearts and the wills of men. He holds the destiny of the Church in the palm of His hand. He is Master of the storms that arise to destroy the Church and the souls committed to her. He is capable of dealing with the false principles and the errors that threaten her doctrines. He has overcome the devil and his associates, the world, the flesh and its tribulations. To Him all power is given (Matt. 28:18). "He shall open and none shall shut" (Is 22:22). Against the power that is His all other forces are powerless. The destiny of souls and the government of the Church are placed in His hand. He is the Lord of all. O Key of David, I believe in Thy power; and in the many difficult situations that confront the Church and my own soul, I place my trust in Thee.
Sanctoral: The Roman Martyrology commemorates St. Dominic of Silos (1000-1073), a Benedictine abbot who lived in Spain in the 11th century.
Also commemorated is St. Zephyrinus (d. 217), the fifteenth pope whose reign was from 199-217. His long pontificate was a period marked by the persecution of Septimus Severus, the struggle against heresy, and the organization of the Christian community in Rome. In the person of the Pope, the Roman Church asserted her claim as the appointed guardian of the true faith.
Human: On this day in 1803, the Louisiana Purchase was completed for $15 million, which was roughly three cents an acre. The land, which spanned from Montana to the port of New Orleans, doubled the size of the United States.
The Writer's Almanac edition today.
Natural: Temperatures in central Illinois dropped from 40 to 0 degrees F in a sudden cold snap that was said to freeze chickens in their tracks – 1836
Italian: Angelo (angel)
Quote:
When everyone had gone
I sat in the library
With the small silent tree,
She and I alone.
How softly she shone!
And for the first time then
For the first time this year,
I felt reborn again,
I knew love's presence near.
Love distant, love detached
And strangely without weight,
Was with me in the night
When everyone had gone
And the garland of pure light
Stayed on, stayed on.
"Christmas Light" by May Sarton from Collected Poems.
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