Monday, March 7, 2011

last-minute Lenten reading group?

Okay, this is totally last minute, but I was just journaling through my Lenten intentions, and as I was trying to answer the question, "Which virtue do I want to particularly work on?" I went and looked up the traditional vice/virtue pairings.

Which of course made me think of Dante. And I thought, "you know what would really help me think through all this? Rereading the Purgatorio."

So . . . is there anyone out there who'd be interested in an online Lenten read-through of the Purgatorio, that great Christian explication of the seven virtues?

It's probably a deficiency in me, but the Purgatorio always been my favorite part of the Divine Comedy, simply because it seems to be the part that correlates best with our life here on Earth, as we look towards Jesus, and try to follow in his footsteps, letting him take away our sins and help us learn how to walk righteously. Basically, as we ask him to "fit us for heaven to live with Thee there."

It's so meaty, but it's pretty short, really, and very beautiful (especially if you go with Dorothy Sayers' masterly translation). And oh-so-perfect for Lent.

If two or three of you were interested, I could start up a separate group blog for it (anyone participating would be added as a member, so we could all post), and we could make up a loose reading schedule (divide the number of cantos by the days in Lent, I guess - more details when my twins wake up and I can snag my copy from the bookshelf in the bedroom) and we could all post our reflections on each section as we finish them. Nothing more formal than that, I think, since everyone's pretty busy.

Ooh, now I really want to do it. If you're interested, leave me a note in the comments. The women (and men? I'm not sure there are any men, actually) who comment on this blog are so sharp, I know reading your reactions as you read through Dante would be just amazing.

Peace of Christ to you,

Jessica Snell

4 comments:

Emily (Laundry and Lullabies) said...

Not me; sorry Jessica. I'm over-committed as it is. But if you do it, can I have the link to the blog so that I can at least poke my nose in and read others' thoughts?

Kerry said...

Jessica - I started reading this and it got, literally and figuratively, put on the shelf after our move. I just never picked it back up. I'd love to join you in this - but I'm not sure I can keep it up. I will try.

However, look what just popped up in my google reader. I DO NOT remember subscribing to this, but I did, I guess. A blog devoted to reading through Dante in Lent!

http://dantedaily.wordpress.com/2011/03/08/join-us-in-purgatory/

And I think they are looking for some lady bloggers. :) Although I think blogging with them is a bit intimidating - to me. It shouldn't be to you - I think you can definitely hang with them!

lasselanta said...

I'll read through Purgatorio with you, Jess! I'm a little intimidated at the idea of regularly posting thoughts on a blog... but willing to try it. (And I have Sayers, Esolen, and Longfellow on hand, so certainly not lacking for translations.) :-)

Heather said...

Hi Jess,

I'm not sure I can actually post regularly (with a newborn and all), but I would love the incentive to actually read some Dante this Lent!