Luther

Saw Luther last night. It finally came to Santa Barbara. I have to say, I was impressed with how they handled it. Yes, there was a lot of oversimplication, but that is what one expects with movies that attempt to deal with historical events. I didn't expect a thorough treatise on indulgences, but I did expect to see how prevalent abuses were and why something had to be done about them. I expected a movie that sought to fairly present the Lutheran understanding of particular events and the internal struggles of the man, Luther, and it did just that. I don't necessarily agree with how a lot of Catholics have reviewed this film. The film did not shy away from presenting authentically Catholic characters who stood solidly on their faith. The film presented the dichotomy between those Christians who sought authentic Catholic reform without leaving the Church, and those who went to the other extreme to reform the Church by attempting to destroy it. It showed Luther's struggle with finding a median between the two.

Would I have loved to see a more balanced handling on the theology of indulgences and purgatory? Or perhaps what led into the Council of Trent? Sure, but then they probably wouldn't have called the film Luther.

The Legend Beautiful

Fr. Benedict Groeschel, of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, describes this poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow as being an inspiration for him joining the Franciscans in his vocation.

Many things...

Many things going on this week. A woman was legally murdered in Florida. Our beloved Pope celebrates 25 years. Quite a contrast. Read his apostolic exhortation Pastores Gregis.

Thank God for the Holy Father. He is the only pope I have ever known. Well, I was born in June, 1978, and he walked into my life in October, so as far as I can remember, it's true. Most of my memory of him comes from well before I entered the Church, and I find that funny. I remember the young, energetic pope on television when I was a young child. I remembered him most of all because of his big hat. In all of those early years, I don't remember ever hearing him speak. Interesting what sticks with you. I now observe a different energy and enthusiasm in him. One that gives life to his speech, and in contrast to my early years, that is one thing that I will never forget.

We have a new governor-elect out here in California. Work has been busy and stable. We must keep praying...