The only thing, I am convinced, that can sustain the study of classics in a living way is Christianity. At the time of Christ, the whole classical world was dying. The classical world had lost its metaphysical support. It is no surprise that it was the late classical authors such as Juvenal invented satire. There was nothing to sustain the classical world. Christians revived it, and transformed it.  Christ, the center of history and metaphysics, has proven strong enough to support the best instincts of the classical world. History has demonstrated this.

I have not noticed it as much among you students, but every so often adults say things like: “I need to recharge this weekend” or, “I don’t have the bandwidth for that now.” I want to say that this is a serious mistake. Why do we talk like we’re computers? We know on some level that we’re not machines but we talk like we are. The Christian answer is “I have a soul and a computer doesn’t.” While this is true, I want to think about this for a while with you. What does it mean to have a soul or a mind rather than be a brain or computer?

Let us seek the one who is to be found; let us seek the one who has been found. In order to seek the one who is to be found, he is hidden; in order that, once found, he be sought again, he is immeasurable.

Today Pope Leo XIV announced that St. John Henry Newman will be made the 38th Doctor of the Church!