Thursday, November 29, 2012

Of C. S. Lewis, Heaven and Hell

“There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, "Thy will be done," and those to whom God says, in the end, "Thy will be done." All that are in Hell, choose it. Without that self-choice there could be no Hell. No soul that seriously and constantly desires joy will ever miss it. Those who seek find. Those who knock it is opened. ” -- C. S. Lewis, The Great Divorce

Today is the 114th birthday of C. S. Lewis. Therefore, I have included one of my favorite theological quotes of his. It is a thought-provoking reflection on the implications of free will on salvation, and it is a quote I think of every time I hear someone talking about how Gandhi is roasting in Hell. Oh, and by the way? Stop that. Thanks!

Happy birthday, Mr. Lewis!


Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Prayer for Election Day, and Every Day


Almighty, Loving God: We thank you for the blessings you have given this nation. Help us, we pray, to live out the words of the motto of our Great Seal--E Pluribus Unum. Help us to truly become from many people, one people, united by love and concern for this country, but more importantly, love and care for each other, animated by charity and wisdom in all we do. Grant us, we pray, a sense of caritas and discernment on this day, and the willingness to exercise these gifts for the sake of our government and our leaders. Make them a blessing unto us, and more importantly to our world, which is a part of your glorious creation. We humbly ask this in Your Holy Name. Amen.