So True

Vice is a monster of so frightful mien,
As to be hated needs but to be seen;
Yet seen too oft, familiar with her face,
We first endure, then pity, then embrace.
~ Alexander Pope

Gleaned from this great article over on Not Quite Catholic But Still Enjoying It!. This quote is the quintessense of "sophistication" which comes from "sophistry" as Tom Howard reminds us. Foolishness. I'm reminded of Galatea.

I just came back from De-Lovely. Despite the fact that Hollywood still doesn't know how to film musical numbers (why don't they study the greats? Oy!), and despite the fact that it ended with a rather silly glorification-o-Cole rendition of the great "Blow, Gabriel, Blow" - I really liked the film and recommend it to others. It's been panned by the critics because, I think, it actually takes an honest look at the relationship between a man living a homosexual lifestyle married to a heterosexual woman. I was reminded of so many friends of mine who more or less live similar relationships. Entertainment Weekly panned the movie saying that the movie didn't explain Linda Porter's reasons for staying or even beginning such a relationship - but I believe EW is more upset that the movie allows a sense of mystery rather than clear-cut answers to answer itself. If anything, why did they stay together? Because they did love one another - with that love that is more than sex, more than attraction, but which is actually sacramental grace. Did they always live up to that grace? Hardly. Both Linda AND Cole are to blame for their own unhappiness: Cole because he never controlled himself enough to give himself WHOLLY to Linda; Linda because she spoiled Cole and allowed him his promiscuous lifestyle. There is no "love" in Cole's liasons (the use of "Love for Sale" during one section of such pandering is especially effective) - there is no self-sacrifice, only selfishness. The moments of true happiness for the Porters comes when they're completely honest with one another, when they apologize, when they think of the other first before their own needs. No, this isn't a perfect picture, but it is one of the better ones I've seen in a long time.

Mood: Taking a mini-retreat! :)
Music: De-Lovely - GOOD album!
Thought: I am so grateful for a particular e-mail. Thank You, God.