Deus Misereatur

The Noonday Devil: Acedia, the Unnamed Evil of Our Times by Dom Jean-Charles Nault My rating: 4 of 5 stars This intriguing read on the subject of acedia is written primarily from within monasticism, and for monastics. It includes an interesting historical trek through Benedict, Evagrius, John Cassian, Gregory the Great and Aquinas; and stops at the dead-end concocted by William of Ockham. Acedia, that "Noonday Devil," of which I have written before , is a broad vice that shows itself in loss of heart and motivation, discouragement, despair, perpetual need for activity and change, and so forth. It affects people in the middle of the day and the middle of life. And the "chief remedy for acedia is found in the joy of the gift" (201), which is the joy of God himself. "The Noonday Devil" is a very Roman Catholic book written by the Abbot of Saint-Wandrille. It will not likely resonate with many, or most Protestants, Reformed or Evangelicals, though it s...

Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton My rating: 5 of 5 stars "Cry, the Beloved Country" is a sad story, a tale of brokenness, despair, fear, shame, and betrayal; but a tale holding surprising redemptions! The depth of the narrative as it chronicles a father's increasing loss of faith and heart-wrenching discoveries, along with genuine friendships and kindnesses coming out of unlooked for places and given with no sense of entitlement or repayment, touches the heart and warms the soul. It is a steady story that winds downward and then rises up in dawning hope. "Cry, the Beloved Country" is worth the read, and will rouse reflection for many days. Grab a copy, and read it as soon as you can! View all my reviews

Our Father, high and lofty One, who inhabits eternity; whose name is holy; you dwell in the high and holy place with those who have a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of contrite ones (Isaiah 57.15). We come and pray, not in our own strength, but in the Spirit and in the name of Jesus. For the downtrodden, the devastated, the worn out, the distraught of this world, and for these we pray…..look upon them with warm compassion, impart your peace, health and deliverance. And we also ask you to fortify the work of Project 66, the Hope Center, Anna’s House and Christian foster care organizations here in Oklahoma financially, with dedicated people, and with success. For those who do not believe and for those who have tripped or tromped away, we pray….may your Spirit apply to them the redemption purchased by Christ, working faith in them and uniting them to Christ in their effectual calling. For the peace of our trouble...