#888: Ch. 10, Europe and the Faith by Hilaire Belloc

Europe and the Faith concludes with Hilaire Belloc’s take on modern Europe and its future.

Chapter 10

28:17.

#887: Chs. 24-25, Bk. 2, The Dark Night of the Soul by St. John of the Cross

The Dark Night of the Soul concludes with a brief explanation of the rest of the second and third stanzas of the poem.

The concept of becoming closer to God at precisely those times when He seems absent, and of becoming taught during stretches when nothing is explained, is something very difficult for our culture of emotion to understand. We can see that in how strongly people have reacted to the “revelation” (announced years ago, but never mind) that Mother Teresa did not spend her whole life of service cuddled in a blanket of happy feelings and celestial light. Those who follow Jesus well are granted in this life the chance to drink from His cup: pain, abandonment, sorrow. But those who become more like Christ in this life will also be more like Him in the life to come.

Book 2, Chapters 24-25.

9:11.

#886: Ch. 23, Bk. 2, The Dark Night of the Soul by St. John of the Cross

The Dark Night of the Soul continues, with a chapter about how the dark night “hides” and protects the soul from the influence of the Devil.

Book 2, Chapter 23

20:50.

#885: Part 4 of “The Yillian Way” by Keith Laumer

“The Yillian Way” concludes, as Retief faces the horrible consequences of his shocking actions.

Part 4

12:24.

#884: Part 3 of “The Yillian Way” by Keith Laumer

“The Yillian Way” continues, as Retief accepts an invitation to dance.

Part 3

9:06.

#883: Part 2 of “The Yillian Way” by Keith Laumer

“The Yillian Way” continues, as Retief goes to a banquet.

Part 2

11:42.

#882: Part 1 of “The Yillian Way” by Keith Laumer

“The Yillian Way” is a short story starring Terran diplomat Jame Retief — which pretty much says it all, if you’re fond of Retief. If you’ve never met the gentleman before, suffice it to say that he gets to do what a lot of junior diplomats and military attaches would like to do. Heh. Fun stuff, and often insightful, to boot.

So off we go to negotiate with the Yillian Empire….

Part 1

10:07.

#881: “Arson Plus” by Dashiell Hammett

“Arson Plus” was Dashiell Hammett’s first Continental Op story. I think you’ll find it pretty interesting, even though it comes so early in Hammett’s career (1923, to be exact).

“Arson Plus”

40:01.

#880: Ch. 6, On the Incarnation by St. Athanasius

On the Incarnation continues. In an amusing consonance, this chapter (which I recorded outside during this morning’s total lunar eclipse) talks a lot about “the witness of the Sun and Moon” to Christ’s death and of the Christmas star to the Messiah’s birth. These and other amazing events prophesied of the Messiah in the Scriptures  were fulfilled by Jesus, and not by anybody else.

Chapter 6: Refutation of the Jews

26:24.

#879: Chs. 13-14, Bk. 5, Against Heresies by St. Irenaeus of Lyons

Against Heresies continues, as St. Irenaeus continues his defense of the body, and bodily resurrection, and salvation of the whole person. He points out that Jesus’ resurrection of Lazarus and others proves that bodily resurrection can and will occur. Also, he points out that if the flesh weren’t going be saved, there’d be no point in Jesus becoming flesh and  there’d also be no reason for him to die or for us to have been saved by him.

(Since doubting the resurrection of the body and life everlasting is popular just now, these chapters are bound to come in handy.)

Book 5, Chapters 13-14

20:18.

#878: Ch. 9B, The Worm Ouroboros by E.R. Eddison

The Worm Ouroboros continues, as Lord Juss tries to free the condottiere Zeldornius from an ensorcelment of nine years standing.  (Or rather, circling.)

Chapter 9B

30:21.

I’m sorry that Mivarsh Faz’s big song didn’t come out sounding as spooky as it should have. I think I was too happy about discovering the congruency between Herrick’s lyrics and the old Playford dance tune “Devil’s Nag”. Also, I didn’t have a harp about the place!

#877: Ch. 9A, The Worm Ouroboros by E.R. Eddison

The Worm Ouroboros continues, as bad luck continues to pursue Lord Juss and his people. So it’s no surprise that the expedition to Impland meets with a few small problems….

Chapter 9: Salapanta Hills

20:01.

#876: Ch. 4B, The Girl of the Golden West by David Belasco

The Girl of the Golden West continues, as Ramerrez’ plans unfold, and a former ally manifests a tad bit of disgruntlement.

Chapter 4B

23:07.

#875: Ch. 4A, The Girl of the Golden West by David Belasco

The Girl of the Golden West continues, as Ramerrez attempts to multitask: personnel relations and personal relations.

Chapter 4A

22:07.

#874: Part 3 of Introduction, Europe and the Faith by Hilaire Belloc

Europe and the Faith’s Introduction continues, as it examines what the heck was going on with Thomas a Becket that puzzles some historians so much.

Introduction, Part 3

21:30.