Categories: cinema, spiritual-writings
Date: 08 January 2005 14:30:52
Yes, I've just returned from seeing The Phantom of the Opera. And I spent the entire time at the café afterwards singing to people rather than speaking. It was very hard to get he tunes out of one's head! The movie was a very enjoyable romp, if not a tad annoying given the Phantom seemed to want to yell rather than sing. I enjoyed the book greatly, and while the movie / musical departed a bit, I found it a feast for the senses and a few hours spent well.
Tonight at Vespers I was surprised with an icon of St John the Forerunner. Two parishioners bought it for me, given my name is the Scottish Gaelic form of John and yesterday was his feast day. I had tears as Vespers started: I am truly blessed with loving brothers and sisters. God is good. It sits atop my desk with the icon of Christ the Pantocrator and the icon of the Resurrection. Maybe one day I can re-live High School Industrial Arts and create an icon corner as Huw has done here and here.
Currently reading: Spiritual Counsels of the Saint [St Seraphim of Sarov]
#3 - On Love for God
He who has achieved perfect love exists in this world as though he does not exist in it, for he considers himself a stranger to what is visible, and patiently awaits the invisible. He is wholly turned away from it towards love for God and forgetful of every other love ... The soul, full of love for God, then leaves the body; it has no fear of the unsubstantial power of this world, but flies off with angels as though from a foreign land to a land of its own.