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Since I am not a high-tech kind of person and haven't figured out how to do several things that I would like to do with this blog, i.e. post links, create a way for people to subscribe or be notified with a new post appears, etc) the least I could do is post an email address. Write me at cereed@earthlink.net.

Sunshine and milder weather this week end means outdoor activity! For me it means finally getting a chance to winterize my boat. I know it sounds a little late to be doing such things, but better late than never.

Movie Time

Film is, I suppose, the most powerful art form that presently exists. Gibson wields that form in a way to draw his viewers into an experiential encounter with Jesus--the dying, suffering Christ. To state that the movie is an attempt to present a historical reenactment of the last hours of Jesus life fails to adequately account for Gibson's vision. Though the movie succeeds in presenting the biblical story with historical detail and commitments, the movie's real purpose is to create for the viewer a series of meditations on the Jesus' self-sacrifical dying.

Gibson wants to facilitate the viewer into an intimate connection with the story. He does so with everything at his disposal--camera angles, music, color, light, flashbacks into Jesus' memory, and of course, the well-documented physical cruelty and violence. As I experienced (one does not merely watch) the film, I came into the story through the eyes of Judas, Peter, Pilate, Simon, Roman soldiers, and Jewish leaders. Perhaps most moving was to encounter the story though Mary's point of view. At each turn of the story, I was drawn to see myself in many places--a betrayer, a doubter, the existential raising issues about truth, and one guilty of driving nails. Particularly redemptive is the moment when I stood with the soldier who thrust a spear into the side of the dead Jesus.

As a Catholic, steeped in a tradition that honors the experiential and the intimate through symbol and ritual, Gibson provides a form--a new form--for believers to connect with Jesus. To engage the film from that point of view opens up the mystery of God's self-giving act to our senses. One does not explain or define the crucifixion; precise theology fails. God, the Creator, becomes a human, suffers the pain and degradation of merciless abuse and death on behalf of all humans. Mel Gibson's film is a powerful entry point into that mystery.

Hoops

I know that it was only Golden State and I know that the Pacers played the second team all of the second quarter, but watching Jermaine O'Neal put on a clinic last night at Conseco was pure pleasure! With 34 points, many of them short jump shots, O'Neal made it all look easy last night.

Of course, almost as amazing was watching my son, William, eat. A big meal (grilled salmon) at the Ram downtown, a hot dog and candy bars at the game, and then polished off the leftover brownies at the house at the end of the evening. I watch with nostalgia (thinking about a time not so long ago) when I could do the same thing!

Isaiah's Perspective

From Isaiah 42:
Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen, in whom my soul delights;
I have put my spirit upon him;
he will bring forth justice to the nations.
he will not cry or lift up his voice,
or make it heard in the street;
a bruised reed he will not break,
and a dimly burning wick he will not quench;
he will faithfully bring forth justice.

In light of the tomorrow's release of The Passion, I find it sobering to think that from Isaiah's point of view, as well as Matthew's (who quotes this text in Matt 12), that the suffering Messiah will not take up his task in ways of power and politics. In fact, if you want to really hear him, you won't be able to hear in the street.

What ever comes from the release of this significant cinematic vision of Christ's suffering, I am thinking the best place to really hear Jesus' voice won't be in the newspapers or media. My bet is finding the voice of Jesus in those who continue Jesus' vision of justice and compassion for others.

In any event, I plan to see the movie tomorrow afternoon. I wish Isaiah could watch it with me.

CT

Christianity Today (CT) carries several stories on Gibson's film. Notable is an essay by Michael Medved that addresses the wackiness surrounding the cries of anti-semitism. As an observant Jew, Medved confesses his own uneasiness with some parts of the film; however, he finds the cry of some Jewish critics to be totally unfounded.

According to Medved, if the film accomplishes Gibson's goal, then it would promote a much desired end--new understandings of love and forgiveness. Sounds like the starting place for healthy conversations!

It's A Miracle

Name aside, the new movie release, which chronicles what Sports Illustrated called the sports event of the 20th century, is worth watching. Herb Brooks, the celebrated coach demonstrates an uncommon persistance and vision. I am particularly moved by his focus on forming a team--not just a collection of All-Stars.

Even though the the Soviets could beat NHL All-Stars they couldn't beat Brooks Olympic Team. They played with heart, soul, and a passion that was rooted in conditioning and training. Nothing fancy here. Just a group of guys who paid attention to the small things with--an uncommon persistance.

Maybe that is what makes for miracles.

Quote du jour

"If anyone makes himself his own master in the spritual life he makes himself scholar to a fool." --Bernard of Clairvaux

Growing spiritually requires the help of others. I guess that isn't surprising since one of the core convictions of the Christian faith is that it took God's decisive act through Jesus to get things started. Without God's initiative we would still be trying to make things work on our own--and failing.

So to understand spiritual formation as a solitary act goes counter to Christian faith. Isolation is the seedbed for faltering faith. And thinking that you can do it without the help and direction of others leaves you prey to either false pride or inordinate dispair.

Praise God for the great cloud of witnesses (Hebrews 11-12), for saints both dead and alive, for a Thursday morning study group, for a monthly Covenant group. Praise God for good friends!

Got to stay connected!

Movie Time

Gathered with ministers from 5 different churches today at lunch. Everyone is buying tickets for the big show. Folks are going from Westlake as well. I'm planning to have a team of discussion leaders ready to go for a series of dialogues after the movie opens. Anticipation and expectations are high--too high perhaps.

Can a single movie become a religious experience significant enough to change the course of a human life? Frankly, I've always believed that the gospel could bring about that kind of change. So if Mel's vision of the Passion can lead folk into hearing and embracing good news, then we are on to something really big.

Otherwise, the movie will generate more controversy about anti-semitism, give believers something to be moved by for a while, and then find its way unto the shelf with Charlton Heston and the Ten Commandments.

A Note

In the current Christian Century, William Willimon writes about affirming and agreeing with others and perhaps, in particular, with the culture. Then he notes that early Christians were persecuted not for what they believed (Jesus Christ is Lord) but for what they refused to believe (Caesar is Lord).

The courage to say "no" is the underdeveloped side of discipleship.

Awash with Sentimentality

The Royal Theatre hosted its monthly cinema classic last night--Casa Blanca. Of course, the movie has many fans, as evidenced by the crowd. However, what I found particularly interesting was the the introductory commentary by one of the hosts that the end of the story had not been written until the very end. It was Claudette Raines flat comment "Round up the usual suspects" that prompted the conclusion. Bogey was on a limb until that moment. Would he be arrested and thrown in jail? There was no "Frenchie, this is the start of a wonderful friendship." There was no talking of running away and joining the free French legion until Raines made his statement.

Life is full of surprises. I particularly like the surprises that speak of hope. Now, if only I knew what was for dinner tonight!

Over two weeks travel and no posts! So much unsaid! Spending time with students at OC was a great experience. Talking about C. S. Lewis with students was even better. Lewis' critique of modernity or, if you prefer, his pre-modern approach to Christianity is a delightful place to think about faith in a postmodern context. His use of literature and his playful imagination gives rise to poignant, powerful explorations of Christian understanding.

Thanks to Dr. L. for letting me play!