I’ve changed the banner on the blog yet again. It’s an obsession. I feel a need to update the look (or at least, the banner) with every change of my focus or interest, no matter how slight. The latest shift of focus is not really a shift in kind but in degree. I’ve been watching the rising tide of atheism and the accompanying tide of immoral “morality” for many years. But lately my concern has grown to a state of alarm. I see what has happened to friends and acquaintances; I see how destructive these ideas can be, this notion that faith and reason are somehow opposed and that one must choose one over the other. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Why would anyone choose to see out of one eye instead of two, closing one and relying on the other for the rest of their days? A recipe for disaster, as we can see happening in the world around us right now.

The background of stars and stellar gases in space came from a collection of Hubble and Spitzer photos I downloaded long ago. Since I acknowledge God as the Creator and Christ as the Eternal Word, the Logos, by Whom all things were created, and since this is a blog about His teachings (my understanding of them, at least), I wanted this to be evident to each and every visitor to the blog. What better way to show the unity of faith and reason than to display an image of space on a banner on my blog? The photo, the banner and the blog all made possible by science and technology and combined by my own human ingenuity and talent. What a wonderful world we live in. God is so good. And I am very grateful for all the blessings I have received.

1 The heavens shew forth the glory of God, and the firmament declareth the work of his hands. 2 Day to day uttereth speech, and night to night sheweth knowledge. 3 There are no speeches nor languages, where their voices are not heard. 4 Their sound hath gone forth into all the earth: and their words unto the ends of the world.

5 He hath set his tabernacle in the sun: and he, as a bridegroom coming out of his bride chamber, Hath rejoiced as a giant to run the way: 6 His going out is from the end of heaven, And his circuit even to the end thereof: and there is no one that can hide himself from his heat.

7 The law of the Lord is unspotted, converting souls: the testimony of the Lord is faithful, giving wisdom to little ones. 8 The justices of the Lord are right, rejoicing hearts: the commandment of the Lord is lightsome, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the Lord is holy, enduring for ever and ever: the judgments of the Lord are true, justified in themselves. 10 More to be desired than gold and many precious stones: and sweeter than honey and the honeycomb.

11 For thy servant keepeth them, and in keeping them there is a great reward. 12 Who can understand sins? from my secret ones cleanse me, O Lord: 13 and from those of others spare thy servant. If they shall have no dominion over me, then shall I be without spot: and I shall be cleansed from the greatest sin.

14 And the words of my mouth shall be such as may please: and the meditation of my heart always in thy sight. O Lord, my helper, and my redeemer.

—Psalm 19, Douay-Rheims translation.