Clarence Darrow v G.K. Chesterton - ACS Season IV

Pax et bonum

Mr. Monk and the Clerihew

With Adrian Monk
every case is a slam dunk.
He does, however, grow visibly grim
if after each one they don't disinfect the rim. 

Pax et bonum

Are we ready to die?

The report of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson going into the ICU due to the coronavirus got me to thinking.

He makes the news because he is a prominent public figure. Other famous individuals who have been stricken have also made the news.

But as of this morning in the world there are more than a million people who have been confirmed to have the virus, and more than 75,000 people have died. What about them? Are they any less important?

We need to pray for them all and for their families.

But then I had a further thought.

How many of those people were ready for death? Johnson, who has not died but whose condition is serious, has been living with his girlfriend, and gotten her pregnant. She also has tested positive. What happens if he dies? Will that child be born without a father? Will the girlfriend have to raise a child without a father? Given their irregular status, will she have financial security?

And then I thought even further.

What about the spiritual states of the people who died? Were they ready?

I can't judge that - that's up to God. But Johnson committed a mortal sin with his fiancé. How many other people suddenly stricken were in a state of sin?

Again, I don't know, and while I can judge their actions as right or wrong, it's not for me to judge the state of their souls. But the Bible gives us guidance about these matters.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSVCE):

⁹ Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither the immoral,(i.e. fornicators)  nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, ( not the tendency, but the indulgences of this tendency)  ¹⁰ nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor robbers will inherit the kingdom of God. 
How many people will face death without a chance to repent of such sins? How many people face sudden death separate from this virus?

Indeed, in Matthew there is a wedding feast to which many were invited, but many chose not to, and one who did show up was not properly dressed - not in the proper spiritual state - and was cast out. We also have the parable of the sower, with many of the seeds failing to grow, or being choked by the world. There is the narrow gate through which not all can enter. And there are more examples. But the point is that not all will enter heaven.

I am saddened by that. I pray for others that their eyes might be opened before it's too late.

And I must take care of my own soul, seek to avoid sin, and repent when I do fall.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

Pax et bonum

Cabin fever

Okay, after weeks of social distancing and teaching by computer, coupled with cold, wet weather on some days that prevented getting out in the yard, I'm developing cabin fever.

To follow the current trend - I have CF.

Or, if I want to get really official sounding, I have cameram febris

My legs and my gluteus maximus are sore. I feel stiff. Too much sitting. Not enough moving and fresh air.

But, we have a couple of days of sunshine in the forecast. So this morning, after EWTN Mass and before class "office hours," I went out in the yard, removed some young trees growing where they are not wanted, raked up some leaves and debris, and cleaned out the fireplace where I burn papers and yard debris. I tossed the ashes on an old garden bed that we're returning to lawn. The ashes will help to fertilize it, and provide some protection from the birds for the grass seed I'd scattered previously.

Tomorrow, I will rototill the garden (I've already put fertilizer and fresh garden soil on it).

Wednesday, rain returns ...and Friday there's a chance of snow.

But it got me out, and I got some stretching and exercising in, and inhaled fresh spring air.

I already feel better.

Now for some office hours.

Pax et bonum

Dale Ahlquist Clerihew

Dale Ahlquist
peered into the fog and mist.
He is certain that somewhere out there
is an undiscovered Chesterton text awaiting his care.

Pax et bonum

Any more school?

Several states have cancelled the rest of the school year. My state has not done that - we are closed to the end of April - but it could well do so.

If that is the case, I will not see my students again. That would sadden me. Hopefully, the school will plan some event where we can gather after it is all over. We would need to have graduation in some form.

But this also means that unless there is some drastic change in my plans, this will be the end of my teaching career - and my working life. Oh, I might pick up a part-time job later, but full-time work, full-time teaching will be over.

What a strange way to end my career.

I wait to hear what happens. Our governor says the virus outbreak will peak later in April than planned. At the very least it might push the closing of schools into mid May.

We will see.

Pax et bonum

April 1 And All Is Well

The last piece of my retirement funds came in, so it looks as if June is it.

I now have now transferred money from two funds - 403 Bs from previous jobs - and it's money that was floating out there separate from my IRAs and annuity. There's enough from the two of them to live for a year until Social Security can kick in after I turn 66. They amount to the same amount I'd earn from working, so why not make the same amount without all the work teaching involves?

Instead, I can get out there and volunteer - after we can get out again.

Certainly this coronavirus shutdown figures into the mix. It's meant a lot more work, without the compensation of being with the students. I'm burning out!

Now all I have to do is register for Medicare, and I'm all set.

Pax et bonum