Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said, an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one as well. – Matthew 5:38-39 Rooster Cogburn never turned the other cheek. When we watch True Grit and meet Cogburn, … [Read more...]
This dark Lenten journey will soon end in the Light
I am alone. I walk along a shadowed path, a dark Lenten journey into self-consideration. Night has fallen early; I can barely see the way ahead. I stumble and fall, many times, for I am weak and unsure of my way. Where should I turn? The black forest closes around me, tall trees of sins surround me: mighty redwoods of past transgressions … [Read more...]
“The Passion” helps us remember Jesus’s suffering and love for us
Though I enjoy watching new movies, I love to watch certain movies again and again, depending on the calendar. In the fall I imagine I am sitting in Notre Dame Stadium, chanting with the crowd “Rudy, Rudy.” At Christmas I am shopping in Bedford Falls and discussing my wonderful life with George Bailey. As spring approaches, I am helping Ray … [Read more...]
With God’s love, even the small can do marvelous deeds
I am alone again, walking with quiet prayers at the beginning of Lent. Trees tower over me, man-made planes glide above me and prehistoric stars shine upon me. Here on earth, amidst all manner of beings, I realize that I am just one small person. Where do I fit in? What good can I do? I am Scott Carey at the end of The Incredible Shrinking … [Read more...]
Despite our sins, we are all saved by God’s amazing grace
The single scarlet candle burns brightly in the corner; an "Open" sign for wayward souls. No one remains in the darkened sanctuary except this solitary visitor, returning for a few minutes of peace before addressing the tasks at hand. Yet I am not alone, for Our Lord is present in the holy tabernacles - the one across the room and the other … [Read more...]
Kneeling, listening, praying, seeing, feeling, living in Lent
The darkened sanctuary was still, very quiet, yet inviting to this late night traveler. “I’ll just drop the music off and head home,” I thought. But the opportunity to spend time alone with God was before me, so I put aside one need for another. The candle flame next to the tabernacle flickered behind the scarlet glass, a beacon for all … [Read more...]