High Tea & Sympathy

This afternoon I joined a friend for High Tea at the King Edward hotel in downtown Toronto. The day was wet and chilly - altogether lovely for sitting indoors, sipping Earl Grey tea, and munching a variety of delicate finger sandwiches. The sandwiches, scones with jam, and several light pastries were elegantly presented on a three-tiered platter. We sat comfortably for a couple of hours, enjoying the offerings and sharing our plans for the summer.

Looking around at the other tables, I observed that afternoon tea appears to be a "chick" thing. Not one man was visible in the vicinity, with the exception of the waiter who came by periodically to refill our teapots with hot water. All the tables were occupied by two or more women, earnestly engaged in conversation like ourselves.

The coffeeshop is a comfortable place one comes to think of as a "regular" hang-out, whereas the tea-room is more suited for special occasions. Well, catching up with an old friend was definitely a special occasion, and High Tea at the King Edward was a lovely treat. I'm glad we went.

Redemption comes through the Jews

An article defending the Catholic Church by Mr. Sam Miller, Jewish businessman.

Alleluia! He is Risen!

Christ is risen and the demons are cast down,
Christ is risen and the angels rejoice,
Christ is risen and life is freed,
Christ is risen and the tomb is emptied of the dead: for Christ, being risen from the dead, has become
the Leader and Reviver of those who had fallen asleep.
To Him be glory and power forever and ever.
Amen.

from St. John Chrysostom's Resurrection Homily (click link for full text)

A Great Silence reigns on earth

"Today a great silence reigns on earth, a great silence and a great stillness. A great silence because the King is asleep. The earth trembled and is still because God has fallen asleep in the flesh and he has raised up all who have slept ever since the world began. . . He has gone to search for Adam, our first father, as for a lost sheep. Greatly desiring to visit those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, he has gone to free from sorrow Adam in his bonds and Eve, captive with him - He who is both their God and the son of Eve. . . 'I am your God, who for your sake have become your son. . . I order you, O sleeper, to awake. I did not create you to be a prisoner in hell. Rise from the dead, for I am the life of the dead...' "
(Catechism of the Catholic Church, par. 635)

For the full text of this ancient homily for Holy Saturday, click here.

Good Friday

"But he was wounded for our iniquities, he was bruised for our sins: the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and by his bruises we are healed."

Isaiah 53:5