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February 27, 2004
For Better or for Worse?
I had the privilege of hearing Mary Ann Glendon speak a few years back. She's an intelligent and faithful woman. She recently wrote an excellent article entitled: For Better or for Worse? The Federal Marriage Amendment Would Strike A Blow for Freedom. It addresses those that ask: 'Why should I care whether same-sex couples can get married?' 'How will that affect me or my family?' 'Why not just live and let live?'
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Mel's Gonna Lose His Shirt, Eh?
"Passion" Nails $26.6 Million on First Day
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February 26, 2004
Do You Recognize This Jesus?
A friend forwarded to me an excellent article from the NY Times Op-Ed. Here are a few of the key points:
"Watching 'The Passion of the Christ,' Mel Gibson's new movie, I kept thinking the following: it is Christians, not Jews, who should be shocked by this film. Mr. Gibson's raw images invade our religious comfort zone, which has long since been cleansed of the Gospels' harsher edges. Most Americans worship in churches where the bloodied body of Jesus is absent from sanctuary crosses or else styled in ways so abstract that there is no hint of suffering. In sermons, too, the emphasis all too often is on the smoothly therapeutic: what Jesus can do for me....""Indeed, Mr. Gibson's film leaves out most of the elements of the Jesus story that contemporary Christianity now emphasizes. His Jesus does not demand a "born again" experience, as most evangelists do, in order to gain salvation. He does not heal the sick or exorcise demons, as Pentecostals emphasize. He doesn't promote social causes, as liberal denominations do. He certainly doesn't crusade against gender discrimination, as some feminists believe he did, nor does he teach that we all possess an inner divinity, as today's nouveau Gnostics believe. One cannot imagine this Jesus joining a New Age sunrise Easter service overlooking the Pacific..."
"It is easy, of course, to contrast third-millennium Christian mores with the story of Christ's Passion. Like other Americans, Christians want desperately to know that they are loved, in the words of the old Protestant hymn, "just as I am." But the love of God, as Dorothy Day liked to put it, "is a harsh and dangerous love" that requires real transformation. It is not the sort imagined by today's spiritual seekers who are "into" Asian religions..."
"Were we a nation of Bible readers, not just Bible owners, I don't think a film like Mr. Gibson's would cause much fuss. While I do not think that "The Passion of the Christ" is anti-Semitic, I do think it presents Christians with a "teaching moment." But the lessons have more to do with forgotten Christian basics than with who killed Jesus."
You can read the full article here.
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February 25, 2004
The Way of the Cross
A post from Brian: Lent is here! For the next forty days we will be walking in the shadow of Christ as we make our way toward Calvary. Jesus said, “…whoever does not take up his cross and follows after me is not worthy of me.” (Mt. 10:38).
Every time I reflect or meditate upon the crucifixion I am always drawn to the outstretched arms of Our Lord. His outstretched arms remind me of what someone looks like right before they give a hug. A hug or embrace is not only a symbol of friendship, but also one of intimacy. It is an expression that invites and calls us into personal contact with another.
Our Lord’s outstretched arms on the cross reflect the depth of His love for each of us. He pines and yearns for every heart and soul throughout the world to come to Him. And yet with hands fastened to the cross, He will never force Himself upon us. Jesus only invites and waits patiently for someone to respond to His call of love and intimacy.
With outstretched arms Jesus perfectly demonstrates how each one of us is called to respond to our neighbor. Our arms are not to be lowered resting at our sides, nor are they to be crossed over resting upon our chest. Our arms are to be stretched out ready and willing to welcome and to embrace. As Christ welcomes the stranger, the sinner, the saint and the unbeliever we too are called to welcome them, with arms OUTSTRETCHED.
I believe Lent is a time to make sacrifices, but it also is a time to grow in love. Perhaps we can use this Lent to focus on Jesus crucified and recognize our call to love our neighbor. I pray that the crucifixion will inspire you to grow in charity and reach out to others, no matter who they are, with a loving embrace.
Have a blessed Lent!
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February 24, 2004
Get Out the Big Prayer Guns for this one.
The Pres isn't perfect (who is?) but we need to continue praying for him, especially that he'll have the strength to continue things like this: Bush to Back Gay Marriage Ban Ammendment. It was especially interesting when it stated:
Last week, he [Bush] met with 13 Roman Catholic conservatives. They included Deal Hudson, the publisher of Crisis magazine and a friend of Bush political adviser Karl Rove; William Donohue, president of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights; Wall Street Journal columnist Peggy Noonan, former speechwriter for President Reagan; and Kathryn Jean Lopez, associate editor of National Review magazine.I'm sure my sis in DC was happy to hear about that since Deal Hudson is her boss.
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February 23, 2004
Live Lightly for Lent
Here's an excellent article from the Guardian Unlimited about Lent and finding something appropriate to "give up". Live Lightly for Lent: Emulating a 40-day fast by forgoing cakes is pointless. Instead try showing the world a sweeter disposition."
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The Making of The Passion on PAX
Last night I watched a great 1 hour show on PAX called The Making of The Passion of the Christ. There were interviews and footage from the film not seen on the trailers. I especially liked the little clip with Mary motherly chiding Jesus about something and Jesus affectionately playing along with her. It brought out a different dimension in their relationship as Mother and Son. I was also intrigued at the personification of the devil - both strangely attractive and evil. If you didn't see it Sunday night there will be a encore presentation Tues night Feb. 24 at 9PM ET/PT.