Fourth Joyous Mystery

 The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple is recounted in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 2:22-40). According to the Gospel, Mary and Joseph took the infant Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem 40 days after his birth, following the Jewish custom of presenting a firstborn son to the Lord. They also offered a pair of doves or two young pigeons as a sacrifice.

In the Temple, they encountered the righteous and devout Simeon, who had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah. When Simeon saw Jesus, he took the child in his arms and praised God, uttering the prayer known as the Nunc Dimittis. Simeon acknowledged Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promise and spoke of the child being a light for the revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of Israel.

The Fourth Joyful Mystery, the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, is a moment of both joy and solemnity as Mary and Joseph fulfill their religious duties and encounter the recognition of Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah by Simeon and the prophetess Anna. This mystery invites reflection on the themes of dedication, obedience, and the fulfillment of divine promises.

 

 

Brown Pelican Eyes Galveston

 

Brown Pelican Eyes Galveston

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Liz and I this shot this image last year on Galveston Seawall. The brown pelican is a common coastal bird in many parts of North and South America, including the Gulf of Mexico region where Galveston is located. They are known for their distinctive appearance, including a long bill and a large throat pouch. 

 

There is a long-standing and symbolic connection between pelicans and Christian religious imagery, including associations with the crucifixion of Christ. The symbolism describes in times of famine that a mother pelican would pierce her own breast with her beak to feed her chicks with her blood. This act of self-sacrifice was seen as a symbol of Christ's sacrifice on the cross, with the mother pelican representing Christ.

 

The symbolism is captured in the medieval hymn "Adoro Te Devote" attributed to St. Thomas Aquinas, which includes the lines:

 

"Like what tender tales tell of the Pelican;

Bathe me, Jesus Lord, in what Thy bosom ran—

Blood that but one drop of has the power to win

All the world forgiveness of its world of sin."

 

 

Temperance - The Fourth Cardinal Virtue

 

Temperance is not only concerned with the physical realm but also extends to emotional and psychological aspects of life. It involves managing emotions and impulses in a way that 

fosters inner peace, stability, and a healthy perspective on various situations.

 

The mixing of water and wine has deep historical and religious roots, particularly in Christianity. In the Catholic sacrament of the Eucharist (Holy Communion), it is common 

to mix a small amount of water with wine during the ritual. The wine represents the blood 

of Jesus Christ, while the water represents humanity. The combination signifies the unity of Christ with his followers.

 

In summary, temperance is the virtue of self-control and moderation that helps individuals develop a balanced and healthy approach to pleasures, desires, and emotions.It plays a 

crucial role in fostering personal growth, moral integrity, and a well-rounded and 

virtuous life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fortitude - The Third Cardinal Virtue

In Christian tradition, fortitude is closely related to trust in God's providence and divine strength. It is often invoked in prayers and reflections as a source of strength to face life's trials and tribulations. In art and iconography, fortitude is typically symbolized by a depiction of a person with a shield, armor, or other symbols of strength and protection.

 

Overall, fortitude is a virtue that encourages individuals to be courageous, steadfast, and resilient in the pursuit of moral excellence and the common good.

 

 

Justice - The Second Cardinal Virtue

 

Justice - The Second Cardinal Virtue.

 

Throughout history, philosophers from various cultures have explored the concept of justice and its role in human life. Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, and many others have discussed justice extensively in their works. In modern times, thinkers such as John Rawls and Martha Nussbaum have provided their own perspectives on justice and its implications for society.

 

Overall, justice as a cardinal virtue represents the moral foundation upon which societies seek to establish fair and harmonious interactions among individuals, institutions, and communities.

 

 

Sweethearts!

 

Who doesn't love Sweethearts? 

 

Valentine's is only 98 days away along with all the fun and friends!

 

Sweethearts candy, also known as conversation hearts, are a popular type of candy often associated with Valentine's Day. These small, heart-shaped candies are typically pastel-colored and have short, sweet messages or sayings printed on them. The sayings can be romantic, affectionate, or simply cheerful, making them a fun way to express affection and friendship on Valentine's Day or other occasions.

 

The sayings on Sweethearts have evolved over the years to keep up with changing times and cultural trends. They include messages like "Be Mine," "I Love You," "Hug Me," and even more contemporary phrases. Sweethearts have been a part of American candy culture for over a century, and they remain a nostalgic and beloved treat for many people during the Valentine's season.

 

 

Cubism 1

 

Cubism was an art movement that emerged in the early 20th century, pioneered by artists such as Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque. It sought to depict objects, including human figures, in a fragmented and abstracted manner. In the context of Cubist figure studies, artists would break down the human form into geometric shapes (often monochrome), such as cubes, spheres, and cones, and then rearrange these shapes to create a new, abstract representation of the figure.

 

Cubism had a profound impact on the development of modern art, influencing not only painting but also sculpture, architecture, and other art forms. It played a significant role in the evolution of abstract art.

 

 

Visitation - The Second Joyful Mystery

The Second Joyful Mystery in Catholic tradition refers to the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to her cousin Elizabeth. It is one of the events associated with the life of Jesus and Mary and is typically prayed as part of the Rosary.  The painting shows the moment of joy between the two cousins, with Mary represented by the purety of the white shawl, and the green shawl of Elizabeth represents peace, harmony and hope.

When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, her baby, John the Baptist, leaped in her womb and she was filled with the Holy Spirit. She greeted Mary with the words, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb."

The Second Joyous Mystery is a reminder of the humility, faith, and joy of Mary as she shared the news of her miraculous pregnancy with Elizabeth. 

 

 

Boliver Roads - Galveston

Bolivar Roads is a shipping lane with a depth of 45 feet and a width of 1.5 miles located between Galveston Island and the Bolivar Peninsula in Texas. The deepwater access provided by Bolivar Roads is vital for the Port of Galveston, which is one of the busiest ports along the Gulf Coast of the United States.

This East end of Galveston Island is home to seagulls and pelicans often soaring overhead, searching for food in the bay. And if you're lucky, you can stand on the rock groin and watch them stop for a rest. 

The Nativity - The Third Joyful Mystery

This is the Third in my series of the Joyful Mysteries. Enjoy!

 

The Nativity, as described in the Christian tradition, is indeed a significant and cherished story for Christians around the world. It represents the birth of Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God and the central figure of Christianity.

 

The traditional Nativity scene includes Mary, Joseph, and the Christ child in a manger. Mary was a young virgin who gave birth to Jesus, conceived through the Holy Spirit, and Joseph was her husband and the earthly guardian of Jesus. Above Jesus was a halo comprised of radiant circles of light or glory representing his holiness and divine nature.

 

The Star of Bethlehem: According to the Gospel of Matthew, “…a bright star appeared in the sky, leading the Wise Men to the birthplace of Jesus in Bethlehem.” The Star of Bethlehem is often depicted as a guiding light in Nativity scenes and symbolizes the divine nature of Jesus' birth.

 

The nativity scene is not only a religious symbol but also a symbol of hope, peace, and goodwill, which is why it holds such significance for Christians and many others during the Christmas season. It serves as a reminder of the story of Jesus' humble birth and the message of love and salvation that is associated with it.

 

 

 

Evening Storm - Galveston

This is a painting of the view from Galveston Texas, my childhood home.  From the expansive seawall you can see the granite rock groins, beach sand, and the Gulf of Mexico.  It is truly a sight to behold!

As the sun begins its descent toward the horizon, casting a golden hue across the sky, the Gulf of Mexico transforms into a realm of enchantment. The gentle waves lap against the shore, creating a soothing symphony that accompanies the fading daylight.

The horizon becomes a seamless blend of sea and sky, where it's hard to distinguish where one ends and the other begins. The last rays of sunlight kiss the water's surface, leaving a trail of glistening diamonds that dance in the fading light.

As the day transitions to night, the first stars begin to twinkle above, mirrored in the tranquil waters below. The scent of salt hangs in the air, carried by a gentle breeze that ruffles the surface of the Gulf. 

 

The Battleship Texas - Galveston

 Liz and I toured The Battleship Texas last weekend! Even though we we assumed that the tour would include the ship from top deck down to the lower decks with a detailed view of the massive gun turrets. As it turned out, our tour was limited to the drydock, which was initially a disappointment. However, the drydock was fascinating and the hull didn't fail to provide a great experience with awesome wheather and of course our home town. We were assured that the ship will continue to be worked upon and will ultimately be docked in Galveston!