Hildegard
Posts: 2716
Joined: 8/30/2006
From: Chicago
Status: online
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Joe, there is much truth in what you say, but, I believe, you underestimate the need for beauty. The soul needs feeding. After World War II, the people of Vienna, Austria, wanted the heavily damaged St. Stephen's Cathedral and the burnt-out Opera House restored, willing to give money they might have used for food, even if it was just enough to buy one tile. It is not a question of either/ or, but a balance in providing for material needs and those things that nourish the soul. There will always be a variety of opinions on this subject. Yes, Jesus, Buddha and other religious founders might find much wrong today, but I am reminded of the story in St. John's Gospel where Mary anointed Jesus with costly perfume. Judas Iscariot felt that it should have been sold and the money given to the poor, but Jesus told him to leave her alone. "You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me." (John 12:8) Much love, Edda
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Peace and joy!
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