Stones

I have been thinking about a recent reading from church this Sunday, one of my favorites. It's about the elders who bring the adulteress to Christ and ask what they should do. He is so calm. He does not respond immediately, but writes in the dust. Finally, He suggests that the one among them without sin, throw the first stone. The crowd fades away leaving Christ with the woman. "Where are they: he asks and then He says he will not condemn her.

I begin to realize that this resonates with me because it is not about the adulteress but me. Christ does this for me, for us, everyday. We are with Him in His silence, a palpable presence, who looks at us and says that He will not condemn us and the we should go and sin no more. Of course, we do, and, again, He is with us and repeats His forgiveness. He will not condemn us - we are the ones who condemn.

Saint Joseph Cathedral

I'm in the beginning stages of writing a paper on the cathedral. I have always been intrigued by the building. At first, I thought it was out of place, even ugly. But then I walked inside and was enthralled - it really is a building of contradictions. I found a quote by Wilson Faude to the effect that the architects spent more time on the interior than on the exterior - ouch! My comment in the paper is that this is reflective of the Churches teaching - what is inside matters more than what is outside.

I have been to the Archdiocese's archives several times and I've come to realize I could easily become a recluse, hanging in archives, libraries and living in the past. I also realize I love being a student more than a teacher. If I win the lottery or when I retire, I'd like to be a student, researching, learning and writing.

Guys and Dolls

Sam was Skye Masterson for the last 48 hours. He did a wonderful job, as did the entire cast at Stage East. He said to me afterward that when he came out and everyone was slapping him on his back and saying what a great job he did, he almost cried. That's one of the many things I love about Sam - he is so not full of himself, but surprised by his own success. I pray he stays that way. He is so unassuming that you can't help but love him.

REI

Went to the REI Cranston store opening - what a great store and great people. It made me realize I would enjoy that aspect of development work. I like meeting new people and learning new things. I also enjoy the hunt aspect of selling and developing. REI was impressive, not just the store, but the corporate culture. The CFPA Board meeting the evening before was also interesting. I think the Pinchot/Muir play is a real opportunity to promote out mission of saving open space and trails.

After REI, I went to Gallery Night at Cathy's. It was fun. I forget how impressive she is and how wonderful her gallery has become. Why do we take our siblings for granted? Auntie Ev and Baka were there and it was so pleasant sitting and visiting. It is so wonderful to have people like Auntie Ev in my life. I see her once or twice a year but it's as if we had just visited the day before. The sense of belonging is great - I realize I'll never stop being a Rhode Islander. Baka and Pop looked great - I'm blessed to have them.

Henriette DeLille

When I read about people like Henriette DeLille, I realize how selfish I am. I also think that her type of generosity and love must be inspired by God. He does reach and touch a special few. I am more inspired by this type of love than I am the pomp of the Church. She is what Catholicism is all about.

I think it is also interesting that controversy and racism are still a part of her life as there are differences of opinions as to how she should be classified. Is the Church painting her darker than she was to speed the canonization process? It is ironic but looking at her portrait I would not know she was black. How strong she must have been to embrace that part of her bloodline rather than hiding from it.

Phi Beta Kappa

Cal called to say he was nominated, to his surprise. It is ironic that now as he is entering the Dominicans this honor will have a different meaning. I used to see it as a stepping stone to some material benefit. Now it is what is originally meant, recognition of academic achievement.

Viet Nam redux

I'm starting The Things They Carried this week with C Block. I plan on starting by reviewing the facts of the war, which are so vivid to me, but unknown to them. As I start this unit, my frustration with Iraq grows. As I look at the pictures of young men in battle, I grow sad. We will forever repeat history and the grief it brings. The false patriotism kills me just as it kills thousands of innocents. So it goes.

New Britain Museum

We went on a private tour, bought by a friend at a charity auction, of the New Britain Museum of American Art. The new building opened just last April and it is a real gem. What I love about the museum is the quality of the collection and the museum's intimacy. Doug Hyland gave us a wonderful tour. He is very knowledgeable and, once you get past the museum demeanor, a pleasant person.

The Benton murals are still moving after the many times I've seen them. The collection is diverse and well mounted - you flow easily and feel contented even after only an hour.

It was great to see Susan, Jim, Debbie and Jim, again. We are really an odd set of couples, but somehow it works.