Recently, I had a fascinating experience in one of my classes at St. John’s University. The class may have been the outstanding class of the fall semester. I had read that a contemporary Catholic philosopher wondered if poetry might be a good way for people in our very secular society to experience the transcendent, to discover a sense of the mystery of being human, a mystery often overlooked or even denied in contemporary society.
I would describe Victor Frankl’s philosophy as a combination of existentialism and personalism.
Viktor E. Frankl’s excellent book, “Man’s Search for Meaning,” challenges readers to make choices that matter.
In the philosophy courses that I teach at St. John’s University, in trying to convince the students of the importance of philosophy, I stress that to be a human person is to be involved in a number of relationships.
Reflecting on the power of the Holy Spirit within us has encouraged me to believe that we can make a real difference in our culture. We are never alone, and we need not rely entirely on our own talents and efforts. The gift of the Spirit should inspire confidence and courage, and mitigate against discouragement.
As I reflect on my vocation as a priest-professor of philosophy, I realize how fortunate I am. What a privilege it is to work with young students and to serve them! I hope I never stop being grateful.
I have come to believe that teaching a course in philosophy is analogous to preaching a homily. In both the classroom and at a Sunday Eucharist, I am inviting my listeners to accept a vision of reality. In each situation, I believe that the vision I am presenting is both beautiful and true.
It took me some time before I decided to attend one of the “No Kings” protests. I do not make important decisions easily, and whether to attend one of the protests seemed to me like a very important decision.
I am not sure how many times I have read St. Augustine’s “Confessions,” but because our new Holy Father is a member of the Augustinian order, I thought it would be interesting and spiritually beneficial to re-read some sections of the “Confessions,” to appreciate what Leo emphasizes in his talks and writings.
I found, and still find, the insight that we must allow ourselves to be open and receptive to the mystery that each person is a wonderful Idea and ideal. We are called to live our lives as self-gifts and persons ready to receive the self-gift of others.
