Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

The summer season offers a unique opportunity for reflection and celebration, marking the halfway point of the Jubilee Year pilgrimage. Bishop James Conley explores this theme through various cultural and artistic lenses in his "Humanities Syllabus" for June, titled "Midsummer Merriment."

Bishop Conley reflects on Midsummer Eve, traditionally observed with bonfires on June 23 to commemorate the Nativity of John the Baptist. This time was historically linked to the summer solstice when days began to shorten, symbolizing John’s prophecy that he must decrease as the Messiah increases.

During a visit to the Benedictine Abbey of Clear Creek in Oklahoma, Bishop Conley witnessed monks participating in Rogation Days rituals. These included processions and blessings for land and crops, reflecting an integration of spirituality with natural cycles.

In literature, G.K. Chesterton's views on fairy tales highlight their educational value. According to Chesterton, fairy stories engage our childlike amazement and offer deeper insights into reality.

The syllabus suggests exploring summer merriment through poetry by Rainer Maria Rilke, specifically his poem "Entrance," which encourages seeing reality anew. In music, Edvard Grieg's compositions like “Morning Mood” from "Peer Gynt Suites" provide an auditory experience akin to observing nature’s wonders.

William Shakespeare's play “Midsummer Night’s Dream” is recommended reading for its exploration of love's complexities within the realm of Faerie. It presents both delights and challenges associated with human emotions.

In visual art, “The Lady and the Unicorn” tapestry series at Musée de Cluny depicts themes of earthly and heavenly desires through intricate imagery involving unicorns symbolizing chastity.

For film enthusiasts, Roberto Rossellini’s “The Flowers of St. Francis” captures St. Francis' joyful abandonment to God through vignettes acted by Franciscan friars themselves.

Concluding his syllabus for June underlines how humanities foster communal joy while encouraging reflection on truthfulness—aligning with Philippians 4:8 urging focus on what is true or worthy of praise throughout this summer journey ahead.