Page 7 - St. Joseph Messenger November 2020

ing the quality of a myth but disguised as thrillers). “subcreation” helps man to understand the creation
Lewis used his favorite device, his “supposal,” to of the World. Man, he theorized, is endowed with
write his story. The “supposal” goes something gifts to create invisible realities in forms that make
like this: suppose there are rational creatures on them understandable. Magic (good magic) to him
other planets that are unfallen . . . And suppose we was actually a metaphor for grace and miracles. It
were to meet them. What would transpire? The is no wonder that the Lord of the Rings remains the
result of this thinking was Out of the Silent Planet, ultimate fairy story.
the first of a trilogy, about a planet called
Malacandra and a God called Maleldil. Legacy of the Inklings
It might be difficult for some of us to learn about
It was not long after, that Tolkien began to write the nature of reality through such disciplines as
what would become known as his greatest work, theology or philosophy, but through the language
The Lord of the Rings. The Inklings discussed this of parable such as those that found in the mytho-
work at length in their meetings. Tolkien felt that poeic tales of the Inklings we are able to have a
the human spirit is involved in subcreation” spiritual insight into Christian civilization and
whether it be in dreams or reality; and that this spiritual integrity. SJM

A Reading for All Souls Day

from the Book of Wisdom

The souls of the just are in the hand of God,
and no torment shall touch them.
They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead;
and their passing away was thought an affliction
and their going forth from us, utter destruction.
But they are in peace.
For if before men, indeed, they be punished,
yet is their hope full of immortality;
chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed,
because God tried them,
and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself.
In the time of their visitation they shall shine,
and shall dart about as sparks through stubble;
they shall judge nations and rule over peoples,
and the Lord shall be their King forever.
Those who trust in him shall understand truth,
and the faithful shall abide with him in love:
because grace and mercy are with his holy ones,
and his care is with his elect.

Wis 3: 1 - 9

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