The Gospel, disguised as it may be.

Growing up in the age I did, I've seen my share of movies. Growing up, I was quite the Star Trek fanatic. And, as a seminarian once pointed out to me, they're no longer called trekkies but trekkers. My older brothers were quite fond of Star Wars and I initially could not quite get into them--they were just too long. However, as I aged (my brothers are 10 and 4.5 years my senior) I finally was able to appreciate the films a bit more.

Having been hooked on the films, I was more than pleased when the newer ones came out. However, the last one, Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, bears quite the message. I went to view the film with my brother Eric who is 10 years older than I and I was laughing throughout the film because it so perfectly captures formation of conscience, the working of the Father of Lies through human instruments and ultimately, to necessity of obedience to legitimate superiors. This is particularly captured in the scene where Chancellor Palpatine reveals himself as the Dark Sith Lord. All right, enough geekiness, or so my brothers are telling me who are listening to me narrate this post as I type.

One last film that I would mention is Finding Neverland. Though some of the situations and choices in the film are not morally acceptable as Catholics (disregard for one's marriage, for one), it bears a truth which we Christians ought to keep in mind. The main character continually returns to his imagined worldview in which everything takes on grandiose import. For example, when he enters his bedroom, he not only goes into a room all his own, but he enters a sanctuary, full of light, life and activity. We too, as Christians, do not always see the realities which underlie the choices and the activities in which we engage. It depends upon us to accept God's grace and realize that everything we do can be as important as the salvation of the whole world! Something as simple as the Sign of the Cross is no small thing: demons tremble at the sight of the Cross and the invocation of the Blessed Trinity! Quite significant in this regard, also, is paragraph 1085 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Now, if I could always realize the full significance of all moments throughout life. Lord, grant attentiveness.