By the gazelles

July 20, 2026 Mark Brians

There is a warning in the Song of Solomon: “I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles and by the does of the field, do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires” (Songs 2:7).

If we are not careful it is easy to render these words of counsel from the bride as a warning, “be careful!… not too much love now… take it easy before you commit…. romantic desire is a hazardous thing… ‘kiss dating goodbye’” …etc.

And while there is certainly wisdom in not being reckless in romance…

Simeon's song and the generations of the Faith

February 2, 2026 Mark Brians

On Candlemas Simeon holds the infant Christ in his arms and, by the power of the Spirit, sees that God has been faithful to the promise given to him —that he would not die before he saw the Lord’s Christ (cf. Luke 2:22-40).

Having seen the Child, Simeon declares those famous lines “Master, now you can let your bondservant depart in peace according to your word, for my eyes have seen your Salvation….” you know the rest.

David's census: a brief lesson on rage and algorithmic governance

February 27, 2023 Mark Brians

When we hear the word “Rage” we think something loud and obvious; we think red-hot anger and raised voices; we think clenched fists and things being slammed. And that’s right —in part. Sometimes Rage looks like these things.

Sometimes, however, Rage takes other forms —forms to which we are blind because we inhabit them every day. Sometimes Rage looks like cold calculation, naked power, slow violence, and systemic control.

Da Blog