Sacraments according to Thomas Aquinas

I think this writing by Thomas Aquinas gives a clear understanding of why we use sacraments in church:

‘Since it is connatural to a human person to acquire knowledge through the senses, and since it is most difficult to arise above sensible things, divine providence has appointed sensible things as a reminder to the human of things divine, so that human intention might the more readily be recalled to divine things, not excluding the one whose mind is not equal to the contemplation of divine things in themselves.... Again, sensible things are employed for human sanctification, in the shape of washing, anointings, meat and drink, and the uttering of sensible words, as signifying to the human that one receives intelligible gifts from an external source, and from God whose name is expressed by sensible words. Moreover a human performs certain sensible actions, not to arouse God, but to arouse oneself to things divine: such as prostrations, genuflexions, raising of the voice and singing. Such things are not done as though God needed them ... but we do them for our own sake, that by them our intention may be fixed on God, and our hearts inflamed.’

Summa contra Gentiles, III 119

Tele Nostalgia

Dan Ward, Jade and I watched the first few episodes of this into the early hours the other day. It was great fun. This theme song is so great. I'm pretty sure it was only this that kept me hooked for four episodes in a row. It brought back memories of when my group at school was addicted to the show, to the point that Logan, Rich and I watched it together because the girls were having their own exclusive screening. We even had home made scones that night! In my defence, I'm fairly sure that was the only episode I ever watched! Surely it's indie to watch it now.

Lana Del Ray, Video Games

Empty Space

I just read this:

‘Empty space tends to create fear. As long as our minds, hearts and hands are occupied we can avoid confronting the painful questions, to which we never give much attention and which we do not want to surface. ‘Being busy’ has become a status symbol, and most people keep encouraging each other to keep their body and mind in constant motion’ (Henri J. B. Nouwen, Reaching Out, 70).

That was written at the start of the 80s, prior to texting and social media. How much more true would this be today? Certainly I identify strongly with it. Clutter tends to dominate my world. I want to start creating empty space for myself, time just to enjoy solitude, reflecting, pondering, resting. 

I went for an hour long walk last night, fairly aimlessly to the beach. It was so great, in the dark, overcast and spitting a little, and hardly a soul on the road, just scuffing along the roads themselves, musing to myself and having a little God-time. I'm so glad of the time and space to do that! It wasn't really lonely or depressing at all, just peaceful, and a good reminder of God's perspective. Even though at times things are confusing and I have no idea what the point is, and difficult things like that can be on my mind, bogging me down, it's good to feel comfortable amidst it all. Having space brings these things to the surface, but as I hold them before God I get the peace and trust that God is good and he loves me. Verrrry encouraging!