Yes, I had a longer post up on this. Yes, I deleted it. Why? I felt it could be taken the wrong way and was a bit sensationalist. I still like the essay, but will instead link to it without (too much anyway) my commentary:
The Century Ahead: Its the Demography Stupid by Mark Steyn (courtesy VirtueOnline)
Marie-Linda tagged me, so here goes!
What was your favorite movie in 2005?
This was a bit difficult since I don’t watch many movies. However, the best movie I saw in 2005 had to have been Babe: Pig in the City, the sequel to the original Babe movie.
What was your favorite book in 2005?
Since I am mainly into non-fiction books, I’d have to say Spirit of the Liturgy by Pope Benedict XVI. It gave me a new perspective on the mass and helped me to find a vision for the future of Catholic liturgy, architecture, and music that goes through the past, not just back to the 1970s.
What was your favorite music album in 2005?
Once again, my album buying is limited. I mainly download music from the internet now (legally of course!). However, I did buy a few albums and the best is Friendly Fire by the relatively but shouldn’t be unknown Bill Mallonee.
Richer or Poorer?
Richer, although not rich to be sure. I got a full-time teaching job this year, which has been a blessing in many ways, including a steady income.
Thinner or fatter?
The same, but still more weigh than I had in 2004. See my resolution!
What kept you sane this past year?
God, The Catholic Church, Carmel, and my family.
Which personal accomplishment in 2005 are you most pleased with?
Getting a full time job doing what I enjoy and living on my own for the first time ever. While it hasn’t always been easy I’m still here (see above question!).
What resolutions have you made for ‘06?
I didn’t really make too many, but I want to take off a few pounds, get in better shape, and get healthier. I also want to deepen my relationship with God and his Church and try to learn more about and experience mysticism. I’d also like to continue visiting Catholic shrines.
Which bad habit are you most motivated to break?
Hmmm, probably eating Dairy Queen blizzards. One habit I’m not motivated at all to break is my coffee drinking.
Which resolutions do you expect to keep?
All of them
What are you most looking forward to in 2006?
Getting married.
I supposed I should tag some people…how about Robb (although he’s done something similar already), Enbrethiliel, Jason, and anyone else who wants to do it!
is St. Matthew!
From: Catholic Online:
St. Matthew, one of the twelve Apostles, is the author of the first
Gospel. This has been the constant tradition of the Church and is
confirmed by the Gospel itself. He was the son of Alpheus and was
called to be an Apostle while sitting in the tax collectors place at
Capernaum. Before his conversion he was a publican, i.e., a tax
collector by profession. He is to be identified with the "Levi" of Mark
and Luke.
His apostolic activity was at first restricted to
the communities of Palestine. Nothing definite is known about his later
life. There is a tradition that points to Ethiopia as his field of
labor; other traditions mention of Parthia and Persia. It is uncertain
whether he died a natural death or received the crown of martyrdom.
Continue Reading About St. Matthew
If you are interested in reading more about the custom of getting a Saint for the year and getting a Saint chosen for you, please visit this blog entry from the blog A Catholic life.
I’m still trying to figure out the significance of St. Matthew in my life. Perhaps it has to do with the phrase, from the above CatholicOnline biography, "St. Matthew’s Gospel was written to fill a sorely-felt want for his fellow countrymen, both believers and unbelievers." Although I won’t be writing a Gospel, perhaps this year my calling will be to help Americans, Catholics and otherwise, find fulfillment and renewal in the Catholic Church. Or maybe St. Matthew has some surprises.
Thanks to Enbrethiliel for the link
Image of St. Matthew from St. Charles Borromeo Church Art Gallery
