Literary Criticism, "Sorrow" by Edna St. Vincent Millay

Thus begins my venture into Literary Criticism, one of my favorite classes in college. I have always enjoyed doing a close reading of the text. My first love is the study of the Bible. Herein lies the first of what I hope will be many more. Sorrow by Edna St. Vincent Millay Sorrow like a ceaseless rain Beats upon my heart. People twist and scream in pain,— Dawn will find them still again; This has neither wax nor wane, Neither stop nor start. People dress and go to town; I sit in my chair. All my thoughts are slow and brown: Standing up or sitting down Little matters, or what gown Or what shoes I wear. A close reading of the text reveals that the poem, "Sorrow" is a very sad and tragic one. Sadness is the emotion on display. And it is tragic in that the sadness only gets deeper. The reader gets a vivid sense of darkness and gloom, "a ceaseless rain." And the writer tells us that life is passing her by and she does not care, to her it is only, "slow and brown." That is the way sorrow is. There is a sense of numbness to reality. Nothing touches her soul. For her, there is no dawn (one which brings the light) but only the others who "scream in pain" are afforded it. And even this does not matter to her. I do suspect if Edna read the poem to herself time and time again, the tears would come and sorrow for that moment at least, would be done.(Edna St. Vincent Millay is related to me through my paternal grandfather Alton Orion Pease's side of the family).

Literary Criticism, "Jesus, The Wine, And The First Miracle"

“Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it” (Mark 15:23). People try to infer that Jesus drank wine. When his mother says to him at a wedding at Cana in Galilee that they need wine, Jesus replies, “Dear woman, why do you involve me?" Jesus replied, "My time has not yet come” (John 2:4). Jesus uses this reference to “time” to mean when he would go to the cross and die for the sins of the world. And then he performs the first miracle of turning water into wine. The reason that he says to the bridegroom, "Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now" (John 2:10) is because wine is a sacred symbol for the meaning of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. The reader is not told what was in the “cup” when Jesus and His disciples were gathered around the table for the last supper. The Bible says, “Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's kingdom." (Matthew 26:27-29). When we take communion we remember the sacrifice that Jesus paid on the cross when he died for our sins. All the more reason to keep it sacred and for its purpose. To drink wine casually takes away the meaning for which Jesus intended it: to be in remembrance of Him and the sacrifice he paid when he died on the cross. If one drinks wine anytime and then receives it at church during communion it loses its sacredness. Like the pretty white linens that grace the church altar on Sunday would not be used on a dinner table at the parsonage when the preacher and his wife have guests, they are special, set aside for the church sanctuary. In the same way, wine is symbolic of Bible times and needs to be kept in a special cupboard until it is time to partake in communion with Jesus, just like He did with His disciples 2,000 years ago. What Jesus touches is sacred, even water being turned into wine. Note: The Lord revealed to me these things that are written in this essay. It is not intended to offend anyone, but with the intent to honor Jesus Christ.

Literary Criticism, "Jesus Walks On The Water" The Holy Bible

"When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed three or three and a half miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were terrified. But he said to them, "It is I; don't be afraid." Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading” (John 6:16-21 New International Version). The disciples had rowed out 3-3 ½ miles in the dark, in rough waters and strong winds. The scripture tells us that Jesus brought them in immediately. Only Jesus can calm the waters and rescue us, even at many miles of separation. Are you in rough waters? Jesus is there to help you, immediately. A close reading of the text reveals that they went out in the evening when it is dark. And Jesus was not with them yet. Jesus was testing their faith. They had rowed 3-3 ½ miles which is exhausting at best. It was dark when they saw Jesus approaching the boat. Jesus is the light. His light always shines, even in the darkness. The disciples were terrified, even though they knew it was Jesus. He had to reassure them. He had to give them a word., “It is I.” The spoken word is powerful. When God spoke, he created all things. Why do we always have to be reassured before we trust Jesus to pilot our boat? Jesus's own disciples’ faith was being tested. They needed to learn to take Jesus at his word. Jesus was teaching them to trust Him. And as soon as they did, he brought them in. There is no distance, no miles of separation when you are in Jesus's hands. Won’t you place your trust in him today? He’ll bring you safely to shore.