"There was enslavement of men whose tribes came not from Rome, disdain for those who did not have the familiar visage. And most of all, there was everywhere a contempt for human life. What, to the strong, was one man more or less in a crowded world?
Then, of a sudden, there was a light in the world, and a man from Galilee. So the light came into the world and the men who lived in darkness were afraid, and they tried to lower a curtain so that man would still believe salvation lay with the leaders. But it came to pass for a while in divers places that the truth did set man free, although the men of darkness were offended and they tried to put out the light.
Along the road to Damascus the light shone brightly. But afterward Paul of Tarsus, too, was sore afraid. He feared that other Caesars, other prophets, might one day persuade men that man was nothing save a servant unto them, that men might yield up their birthright from God for pottage and walk no more in freedom.
Then might it come to pass that darkness would settle again over the lands and there would be a burning of books and men would think only of what they should eat and what they should wear, and would give heed only to new Caesars and to false prophets. Then might it come to pass that men would not look upward to see even a winter's star in the East, and once more, there would be no light at all in the darkness."
Vermont C. Royster, In Hoc Anno Domini, Wall St Journal, December 24, 1949
"What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to deprive us? We know who you are—the Holy One of God.”
Mark 1:24
"They will be moved, to the sound of beautiful music, at Jesus’s sufferings, but His Cross, the reality of His Cross, will horrify them. They want it all out of gold, bathed in light, costly and of little weight; pleasant to see, hanging from a woman’s beautiful throat."
Léon Bloy
The market is just treading water here, waiting for the CPI report on Friday.
There are some technical moves going on and a few responses to singular events, but trying to read trends here is like trying to predict the future from chicken bones.
You my see what you wish to see.
I am struck by how many live relatively empty lives, seeking to stuff the vacuum left by their hardened hearts with things and childish emotions.
Well, it keeps some web sites that cater to trolls in business. It gives them something to do.
If you feel the impulse to waste your time with unproductive nonsense, try to fill it by doing something fruitful, some random act of kindness for someone else, even and especially if they are undeserving.
Have a pleasant evening.
