A Carpe Diem Snapshot:
My book babies have finally arrived! When I gleefully ripped open the package last night my sarcastic teenager said to me, "Are you a stoic, Mom? Because stoics are supposed to be pretty emotionless...". Obviously, he hasn't yet read his mother's book, or else he would be aware of this quote from Seneca: "The wise man feels his troubles but overcomes them." Stoicism, as with all schools of practical philosophy, seeks eudaimonia, or human flourishing. Emotions are not the problem (and we wouldn't be human without them). Rather, it's what we do with the emotions that can cause us some trouble in life. In our overly emotive age, is it any wonder that stoicism is enjoying a revival today? Beyond providing life-hacks and coping strategies, stoicism presents a realistic view of human nature and what to expect in life in general that is refreshingly opposed to modern subjectivism. Another reason the principles of stoicism are resonating with so many today is because it has been characterized as a "crisis philosophy," having been developed by long-suffering souls in the midst of devastating loss, plague, and war. There is not a single corner of the planet that hasn't been affected by one of these evils in recent history, some corners more than others.
Two things I ask of you, deny them not to me before I die: Put falsehood and lying far from me, give me neither poverty nor riches; provide me only with the food I need; Lest, being full, I deny you, saying, "Who is the LORD?" Or, being in want, I steal, and profane the name of my God.
Bishop Barron's Gospel reflections today.
Sanctoral: The Roman Martyrology commemorates St. Finbarr (550-623), bishop (and patron) of Cork, Ireland. He was a native of Connaught, and instituted a monastery or school at Lough Eirc, to which such numbers of disciples flocked, that it changed a desert into a large city. This was the origin of the city of Cork, which was built chiefly upon stakes, in marshy little islands formed by the river Lea. His baptismal name was Lochan; the surname Finbarr, or Barr the White, was given to him after. He was Bishop of Cork seventeen years, and died in the midst of his friends at Cloyne, fifteen miles from Cork. His body was buried in his own cathedral at Cork, and his relics, some years after, were put in a silver shrine, and kept there, this great church bearing his name to this day. St. Finbarr's cave or hermitage was shown in a monastery which seems to have been begun by our Saint, and stood to the west of Cork.
Historically today is the commemoration of Blessed Herman the Cripple (also known as Hermannus Contractus, or Herman of Reichenau, 1013-1054), monk, 11th century scholar, composer, musical theorist, mathematician, and astronomer. Blessed Herman composed the Marian prayers Alma Redemptoris Mater, and the Salve Regina (also known as the “Hail Holy Queen”) which we pray each time we pray the Holy Rosary. Despite significant physical limitations and suffering, the bright and contemplative mind of Blessed Herman advanced not only our understanding of the physical world, but furthered our devotion to Our Blessed Mother. His contributions to both science and faith remind us that regardless of appearance or apparent physical abilities, we each possess immense God-given gifts and talents! He was called "The Wonder of His Age."
Human: On this date in 1789, the First Federal Congress of the United States approved 12 amendments to the recently ratified Constitution. Ten of them would eventually become the Bill of Rights that we know today.
The Writer's Almanac today.
Today is National Daughter's Day! And National "Open the Magic Day" (reading picture books)! Obviously, I'm combining the two and reading picture books to my duo of delightful daughters still at home. Happy Daughter Day to our college girl, Maya!
Natural: How many days does it take to form a new healthy habit? According to studies, 66 days. But, since today marks exactly one month to my next birthday, I've decided to give myself an early birthday present and have created a 30 day habit tracker chart, listing all the things I forget to do on a daily basis that will help me reach my holistic health goals faster.
Italian: Starnuto (sneeze)
Quote: "Let us go to our sleep with joy and gladness; let us say: I have lived; And, if God is pleased to add another day, we should welcome it with glad hearts. When a man has said: 'I have lived!', every morning he arises he receives a bonus."
--Seneca
Comments