VIENNA, January 21

Walked to St. Stephen’s to get some organ tickets, but they were sold out. I will have to act more quickly in the future. Walked back and strolled through a department store. We were headed to the Naschmarkt to get some lamb kebabs for a late lunch—we really like them. On the way walked under the Ring where you can catch some of the underground lines, but there are also many small shops. It is adjacent to the Staatoper. I don’t want to dwell on toilet facilities, but I did see (actually I heard it first) a toilet facility where you could hear arias from Don Giovanni or maybe from some other opera while you were using the facilities. I didn’t go in so can’t say exactly how the music is supposed to work in such a facility. Went into a chocolate shop and got some hazelnut and peppermint chocolate—made with typical Austrian care and perfection. Oh, oh. . .the -20 in Moscow is headed this way.

Went to the Schottenkirche this evening. I thought we would hear a Gregorian choral, but I misread the date. We did sit through an evening mass with beautiful organ music and some solo singing. I don’t think there is anything more beautiful in a large cathedral than organ music and Gregorian singing. It is conducive to praying and meditating. Some reflections: First, while it was not frigid out, the church was cold. Everyone had on their coats—quite a contrast from home where people complain if it is too hot or too cold in church. Second, after going to the Jewish museum and the Roman Catholic mass, I believe evangelicals/fundamentalists/pentecostals have lost a sense of the holiness of God. Our services are noisy, folksy, and maybe focused more on the people than God. Certainly quiet reflection is not encouraged. Obviously both Jewish and Roman Catholic services can end up with a mechanical legalism. From skimming through the Roman Catholic liturgy book the phrase that stood out was: “Wir sind nur Gast auf Erden. . .”(We are only guests on this earth). I need to remember that I am here by the grace of God.