Death, Dog & Ritual

The Eucharist of Nature

[Unscripted Episode]. In this episode, we set out on a new path for the intentions of The Pilgrim Star Podcast. We'll "vent" a bit about the Eucharist of nature, recent miraculous events, and the burgeoning of a new apostolate inspired by both. Our new journey seems insurmountable, but we can do it with God's help! For more information on Pilgrims of the Holy Leaf, please visit theeruditepress.blog

Death, Dog & Ritual

[Unscripted Episode]. In this episode, I take a detour from our theme on neo-Confucian metaphysics and ethics to discuss recent experiences with the passing of my beloved dog, Dennis. Warning: it gets emotional!

The Stillness of the Word

[Scripted Episode]. In this episode, we discuss the moral energy of water - in relation to the concept of "floodlike qi" - as stillness of the Word. From thoughts on the river, to an invitation of the Word to "come", to a fuller appreciation of the need to be "a man of desire," we discuss the stillness of the Word as a way assigned to us to move beyond the constraints and limitations of a noisy, social-media-ridden world.

The Flame of Divine Justice

[Scripted Episode]. "All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle." ~ S. Francis of Assisi.  In this episode, we continue our analysis and development of the five-agent metaphysics. Our focus is on fire as affection for divine justice. Our discussion includes: justice in the writings of Bl. John Dun Scotus; the relevance of the affectio iustitiae along with what some scriptural passages have to say about it; "complete conflagration" and the "seraphic vision" of S. Francis of Assisi, and other things. You'll even hear Lance sing a hymn!

A Pattern of the Stars

[Unscripted Episode]. In this episode, we base our discussion of the pilgrim star by reading about what Neo-Confucian metaphysics and ethics has to say about the five metaphysical agents of "the star" as a pattern for the moral life. These five agents include: fire, water, wood, earth, and metal, which are sometimes thought of in terms of moral principles. We then attribute to them some adjusted moral principles/terms, which include: fire (affection for divine justice); water (recognition of charity); wood (the ethic of almsgiving); earth (gratitude for creation); and metal (evangelical poverty).