André Gide takes the story of the Prodigal Son and sees it a parable of unconventional exploring and spiritual hunger. Returning home, as Gide sees it, is a defeat, yet the message is Christian nonetheless.
Tag Archives: Lent
We Feel Closest to God in the Desert
Posted in Uncategorized Also tagged "Return of the Prodigal Son", André Gide, Of Gods and Men, Spirituality Comments closed
During Lent, Don’t Avoid the Knife
To use a horticultural analogy, Lent is a time to nurture the insights, to prune the tree, that come with Epiphany. This wonderful Rumi poem captures what is at stake.
From the Dark, Cold Grime a Flower Comes
Mary Ann Bernard shows spring coming only with difficulty–but being all the more meaningful because of that.
Posted in Uncategorized Also tagged "Spring", Mary Ann Bernard, Resurrection, Spirituality, Winter Comments closed
O’Connor’s Christianity and Racism
“Artificial Nigger” can be read two ways–either as a story of sin and redemption or as a story of Whites finding unity by scapegoating Blacks. A definitive interpretation may depend on readers’ reactions.
Posted in Uncategorized Also tagged Artificial Nigger, Flannery O'Connor, forgiveness, Good Man Is Hard to Find, Grace, racism, salvation Comments closed
A Good Faith Is Hard To Find
Flannery O’Connor’s “A Good Man Is Hard To Find” is a profound meditation on doubt and faith.
Posted in Uncategorized Also tagged Catholicism, Doubt, existential despair, Faith, Flannery O'Connor, Good Man Is Hard to Find, Grace, Sin Comments closed
Tracking Eliot’s Spiritual Journey for Lent
My Lenten discipline is to better understand T. S. Eliot’s religious poetry.
Learning to Love the Desert
In “Ash Wednesday,” T. S. Eliot turns the despair of “Hollow Men” on its head, seeing it not as the end of hope but as the beginning of faith.
Posted in Uncategorized Also tagged "Ash Wednesday", Meditation, Prayer, repentance, T. S. Eliot Comments closed
the dance of Jesus music holds the air
These Lucille Clifton poems usher us from Lent into Easter.
Posted in Uncategorized Also tagged "raising of lazarus", "spring song", Christianity, Easter, Good Friday, Lucille Clifton, Palm Sunday Comments closed
“Jane Eyre” as Lenten Meditation
In Jane’s battle with St. John Rivers, we have material that helps us understand the true meaning of Lent.
Posted in Uncategorized Also tagged Calvinism, Charlotte Bronte, Christianity, Jane Eyre Comments closed
