Love and Duty

The Painted Veil with Naomi Watts and Edward Norton is a powerful story of love unreturned, love betrayed, love rejected, love scorned, love demonstrated, love made, and love lost. Kitty (Naomi Watts) opts to marry Dr. Walter Fane (Edward Norton), even though she doesn't love him, just to get as far away from her mother as she can. The new bride far from home in China has an affair with an Englishman. When their secret is discovered, her husband gives the ultimatum to join him in the heart of a cholera epidemic deep in China or immediate divorce for adultery. Rejected by her lover she finds herself cut off from the rest of the world in the midst of enormous human suffering where their relationship is tested to the breaking point.

I find the parallels between romantic love and religous devotion unending. Consider the following exchange between the head of the convent and Mrs. Fane (Naomi Watts):

Mother Superior: Dr. Fane told me he wanted you to leave but you would not.
Mrs. Fane: I didn't want to leave you.
Mother Superior: Yes, and we appreciate it, dear child, but I think you did not want to leave him either.
Mrs. Fane: Well, it's my duty.
Mother Superior: Duty is only washing your hands when they are dirty.

Mother Superior: I fell in love when I was 17... with God. A foolish girl with romantic notions about the life of a religious, but my love was passionate. Over the years my feelings have changed. He's disappointed me. Ignored me. We've settled into a life of peaceful indifference. The old husband and wife who sit side by side on the sofa, but rarely speak. He knows I'll never leave Him. This is my duty. But when love and duty are one, then grace is within you.

Many people stay married for no better reason than they have for going to church, a sense of duty or obligation. Obligatory church attendance holds about as much passion as an arranged marriage. I have also lost respect for people who stay married till "death do us part." I respect most those who stay in love, who work at love, who make love. I know many people who just live under the same roof, though they merit some recognition for not killing each other, but their love is unspoken, unexpressed, and maybe absent altogether. Those are not the kinds of relationships we should aspire to nor settle for.

The Bible is not a rule book, nor a list of doctrines. It is above all else a love story between the Creator and the created. While God's love may be the one constant in the universe, we are reminded throughout that our love is frail. We must "catch the little foxes that ruin the vineyards," for "the love of many will grow cold." We must be passionate in our love making and our praying.

We make an effort to grow in love every day not because we have to, but because we want to. This is not a place we have to be. It is the place that we want to be and this is the one we want to be with. Then love and duty are one, and there we find grace.

AFI's Top 100 Movies

I'm a bit overwhelmed by the number of movies I haven't seen on the list, so I'm starting with the goal of seeing the top 10 and working my way down the list. Surely I can do it. A few may take some extra effort, but I'm going to get it done.

AFI's Top 10 of Top 100 Movies, 100 Years:
1. Citizen Kane (1941)
2. Casablanca (1942)
3. The Godfather (1972)
4. Gone With the Wind (1939)
5. Lawerence Of Arabia (1962)
6. The Wizard Of Oz (1939)
7. The Graduate (1967)
8. On the Waterfront (1954)
9. Schindler's List (1993)
10. Singin' In the Rain (1952)

The Sopranos Shocker

What the ?

The funny thing is that I had T.S. Elliot's "The Hollow Men" running through my head this afternoon,

This is the way the world ends.
This is the way the world ends.
This is the way the world ends.
Not with a bang but a whimper.

Ok, so Phil got whacked then unfortunately had his crushed by his own car. That was pretty cool. Paulie and the cat cracked me up. The cat staring at Christopher's picture was freakin hilarious.

I thought I forgot to pay my cable bill when the ending happened, or I should say didn't happen. I guess it ends the way you imagine it does. Definitely will have people talking. For what its worth I don't think Tony would have gotten whacked in the diner with his family. He made his peace with NY and Little Carmine. I think the meeting with Junior foreshadowed Tony's own impending trial.

All in all, I think the ending was appropriate. It left the door wide open for a come back or a movie. Moreover, it left the imagination to decide the ending. One hell of a ride, T.

********************************************************

Update: David Chase breaks silence on end of The Sopranos

Farce of the Penguins

WARNING: NOT FOR KIDS!!!
BUT FREAKIN' HILARIOUS

By far one of the funniest movies I've seen in a while. If you're easily offended, don't even bother. This is The Aristocrats meets Animal Planet. It's written and produced by Bob Saget who is, contrary to nice guy TV Land image, a real sick puppy. It's narrated by Samuel L. Jackson and features voice overs by some of the best comics in the business. Lewis Black is Bob Saget's penguin buddy and freakin nuts. I can't even quote much of the movie without violating some FCC regulation I'm sure, so just watch it.

Don Corleone

I have a very difficult and personal confession to make. As a self-proclaimed movie junkie, I must admit that I have never seen The Godfather till today. In the interest of full disclosure I did see the last 30 minutes on cable last year. Although I think I've seen just about every other mob movie known to man, I just could not live in the dark any longer. I had to see the Don.

The movie did not disappoint. It's like watching stars being born before your very eyes. Without question it set the gold standard for mob flicks. I've been a Sopranos fan for a while now, but while I'm confessing my toenails, I must say I've never seen the first three seasons. I've been waiting to get the box set and watch them in a marathon.

Ok. I feel like I've arrived now. I'm a grown up, like I'm part of a circle of insiders, those in the know, but, somehow, I don't think the Don would approve of blogging.

Never let anyone outside the family know what you're thinking. ~ Don Corleone

Man In the Moon

Without a doubt, one of the best movies I've seen in a while is Man In the Moon (1991) with Reese Witherspoon, Jason Landon, and Sam Waterston. I didn't know the movie existed and only watched it because my wife picked it out. I learned that it was filmed not far from here in Natchitoches, LA. It appears to be the first major motion picture for Reese Witherspoon who, I also just learned, was born in New Orleans. This was not the typical cheesy southern movie. It is a heartwarming and heartbreaking drama delivered by a stellar cast. Witherspoon was destined for a great career after this debut. She had to be about 15 years old at the time of filming, which made her nude scene shocking, although very innocent. The feel, quality, and setting of the movie is similar to The Notebook, although it is a coming-of-age film. I highly encourage you to see this great movie from Louisiana.

Movie Round Up

I've seen quite a few movies the last few days between the Blockbuster movie program and HBO. I thought I should share a few thoughts on them:

Johnny Cash: The Man, His World, His Music documentary by Robert Elfstrom
I love all things Johnny Cash. I've read several biographies, including one by Rolling Stone magazine which was an amazing photo journey. This documentary was not an all encompassing birth to death, rags to riches epic. It was filmed by British filmmaker Robert Elfstrom in the late 1960's as he traveled with Johnny and June. Johnny was so impressed with Elfstrom's work that he later asked him to produce his film about Jesus Christ, The Gospel Road. This movie is archival footage from live concerts, recording sessions, Johnny's return visit to his hometown, and rare personal moments and reflections. Fantastic!

Conversations With God with Henry Czerny
I had this movie in my queue but moved it up after my friend commented on it on his blog. I thought the movie provided a very human portrayal of a man who fell upon hard times and into homelessness and struggled to climb his way back out. I did not buy into the spirituality. It seemed to lack substance and drive book sales or something. Overall, I was glad I watched it.

Take the Lead with Antonio Banderas
Ok, how many movies have there been about courageous teachers who transform the lives of inner city kids? I didn't rent this one, but when I started watching the beginning I had to stay up to watch the whole movie. I'm not a big Antonio Banderas fan, but he did an excellent job of acting in the movie. I guess the whole ballroom dancing thing was a large enough curiosity hook to separate it from the other movies about troubled inner city kids. Definately worth watching!

Proof with Gweneth Paltrow, Anthony Hopkins, & Jake Gyllenhaal
I missed the first few minutes of this one, but it was really good. It's a little similar to A Beautiful Mind but definately stands apart. Gweneth Paltrow was amazing in this movie. Jake Gyllenhaal was ok. Anthony Hopkins' appearances are limited but he's old, heavy, and going crazy in the film, so he provides some depth. He's Paltrow's aging mathematical genius father who is losing his mind. Paltrow's scenes jump back and forth to her time of caring for him and moving forward after he dies. In the process she's wrestling with her own sanity and genius. A very good drama. I recommend it.

Skeleton Key with Kate Hudson and Gena Rowlands
I saw this one over a year ago and just watched it again today. I enjoy movies filmed in or set in Louisiana, especially if they're good. This is a darker movie about old New Orleans and voodoo, and it has some amazing plot twists. It's not a horror film but a great suspense thriller. It's grade A entertainment that will keep you hooked.

Rocky Balboa

Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It is a very mean and nasty place and it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't how hard you hit; it's about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. How much you can take, and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done. Now, if you know what you're worth, then go out and get what you're worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hit, and not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you are because of him, or her, or anybody. Cowards do that and that ain't you. You're better than that! - Rocky Balboa

Wow! What an absolutely great movie! I was impressed to learn that Sly wrote and directed this film himself. He is just terriffic in this film. He is a seasoned professional that you cannot help but love. There are so many throw backs being released lately, you never know what to expect, but this was a real class act. I also enjoyed the Rocky movies when I was younger, but this one is quite different. With the exception of the final fight, which was filmed brilliantly, it wasn't really a "boxing" movie. It is a story of a man coming to terms with the death of the love of his life, the twilight years of his own life, and strengthening a fractured relationship with his only son. Sly was heartwarming in the movie. It was impossible not to feel for his character and want to know someone just like him. From a technical perspective the cinematography of the big fight was an amazing combination of a real fight on HBO and filming techniques akin to Sin City. It's really something to see. Overall, it's just a really good quality film that has a powerful message about the worth of every person and finding the courage to never give up. Five Stars, all the way!

Casino Royale

I have seen many but not all James Bond movies over the years and generally have enjoyed them, at least up until Pierce Brosan, so I was a bit skeptical about a new Bond franchise featuring Daniel Craig, but I thoroughly enjoyed Casino Royale. The movie is a bit of a marathon; I think it was over 3 hours long but definately a must see. I think Daniel Craig is a slightly darker character than his predecessors and comes across more believable when interacting with the opposite sex. The first half hour is one of the most action packed I've seen, especially when you consider it's mostly acrobatic physical action without a bunch of explosions and hi-tech gadgets. The plot is very engaging, but just when you think the movie is over another twist develops. I think I anticipated the ending at least three different times after the first hour and a half. You definately get your money's worth out of this one. There are some major defining moments in the end that alter the Bond character and complicate him even further, which makes you anticipate a sequel. I'll be waiting.

The Prestige

I highly recommend the movie The Prestige, if only for the star-studded cast: Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Michael Crane, Piper Perabo, Scarlett Johansson, David Bowie, and Andy Serkis. I recently saw Andy Serkis in Longford, and he's slated to appear in several more upcoming movies. It's sort of become a Where's Waldo? fascination of mine to spot him in other movies since LOTR. Who in the world thought of pairing Andy Serkis and David Bowie as the "mad scientists" in the secluded forest? How cool is that? How could you not enjoy a movie about magicians, even if it follows closely on the heels of The Illusionist (I'm also a big Edward Norton fan). I also enjoyed the movie for the amazing plot twists. It's definately worth adding to your Blockbuster queue.

Jim Carrey on Life

"Success is a really good thing to attain, so you can cross it off the list of things that will make you happy."

"I think we are here to be a witness to creation."

Jim Carrey on The Today Show on NBC, February 20, 2007

Who knew that Jim Carrey could deliver such pearls of wisdom. This is a fascinating interview that says alot of the power of intention and motivation. I encourage you to watch it.

Into Great Silence

I encourage you to watch the trailer for this amazing movie soon to be released, Into Great Silence, a film about the Carthusian monks. Here is a description from Zeitgeist Films:

Nestled deep in the postcard-perfect French Alps, the Grande Chartreuse is considered one of the world’s most ascetic monasteries. In 1984, German filmmaker Philip Gröning wrote to the Carthusian order for permission to make a documentary about them. They said they would get back to him. Sixteen years later, they were ready. Gröning, sans crew or artificial lighting, lived in the monks’ quarters for six months—filming their daily prayers, tasks, rituals and rare outdoor excursions. This transcendent, closely observed film seeks to embody a monastery, rather than simply depict one—it has no score, no voiceover and no archival footage. What remains is stunningly elemental: time, space and light. One of the most mesmerizing and poetic chronicles of spirituality ever created, INTO GREAT SILENCE dissolves the border between screen and audience with a total immersion into the hush of monastic life. More meditation than documentary, it’s a rare, transformative theatrical experience for all.

2007 Grammy Music Awards

This has to be one of the most amazing performances I've seen. I'm a huge John Mayer fan but Corrine Bailey Rae and John Legend are brilliant! I always love John Mayer best when he's live. Seeing him do tribute songs to other artists or join others on stage is always magical. Hope you enjoy!

Memorable Quotes

I've been watching a ridiculous amount of movies lately since joining the Blockbuster Total Access program. There were a few quotes too good not to share from a few movies I've seen recently:

"The Universe will expand, then it will collapse back on itself, then it will expand again. It will repeat this process forever. What you don't know is that when the Universe expands again, everything will be as it is now. Whatever mistakes you make this time around, you will live through on your next pass. Every mistake you make you will live through again and again forever. So my advice to you is to get it right this time around because this time is all you have."
Prot (Kevin Spacey), from K-PAX

"I do not know what the theme of my homily today ought to be. Do I want to talk about the miracle of our Lord's divine transformation? Not really, no. I don't want to talk about His divinity. I'd rather talk about His humanity. I mean, you know, how He lived His life here on earth. His kindness, His tolerance...Listen, here's what I think. I think we can't go 'round measuring our goodness by what we don't do, what we deny ourselves, what we resist, and who we exclude. I think we've got to measure goodness by what we embrace, what we create, and who we include."
Young Priest Peri Henri (Hugh O'Conor), from Chocolat

What Would You Do?

I finally watched The Davinci Code recently long after all the fuss died down. I thought it was a great movie. The plot was amazing and Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, and Ian McKellan were phenomenal. I liked the movie most for what it was, a movie. It is great entertainment, but I appreciate the courage to ask questions. No reasonable person I know believes The Davinci Code is anything more than a skillful compilation of myth and hypothetical theories assembled by the craftsman Dan Brown. No matter whether you fall on the side of "for" or "against," faith or science, the truth that is indisputable is that there are huge volumes of information about the birth, life, death, and possible lineage of Jesus that we do not know. In fact there is more that we don't know about Jesus than we do know, but that does not in any way diminish His impact upon the world and upon individuals. I'll save my summarizing and critiquing. I'd rather you watch the movie or read the book for yourself and make up your own mind. I personally found the most moving and transcendent part of the movie to be the final conversation between Robert and Sophie, which raises the most important question of the film, "What would you do?"

Sophie: What would you do, Robert?

Robert: Ok, maybe there is no proof. Maybe the grail is lost forever, but, Sophie, the only thing that matters is what you believe. History shows us Jesus was an extraordinary man, a human inspiration. That’s it. That’s all the evidence has ever proved, but when I was a boy… when I was down in that well Teabing told you about, I thought I was going to die, Sophie. What I did… I prayed. I prayed to Jesus to keep me alive so I could see my parents again, so I could go to school again, so I could play with my dog. Sometimes I wonder if I wasn’t alone down there. Why does it have to be human or divine? Maybe human is divine. Why couldn’t Jesus have been a father and still been capable of all those miracles?

Sophie: Like turning water into wine?

Robert: Well, who knows? His blood is your blood. Maybe that junkie in the park will never touch a drug again. Maybe you healed my phobia with your hands.

Sophie: And maybe you’re a knight in the grail quest.

Robert: Well, here’s the question. You’re a living descendant of Jesus Christ. Would she destroy faith, or would she renew it? So, I say again, what matters is what you believe.

Sophie: Thank you for bringing me here, for letting Him choose you, Sir Robert.

Another Pair of Socks

I haven't blogged much the past two weeks. Life is good. All is well. Nothing to get excited about. I've just been enjoying my favorite shows, reading great books, and playing lots of poker. I am still shocked that there are only 3 new episodes of The Sopranos left. It seems like the season just started, and by all accounts this will probably be the last one.

Last night in the episode, "The Ride," Tony was seeing his shrink Dr. Melfi, and she asked him if he was bored. He paused and reminded her that since he was shot he sees every day as a gift, then quipped "but does it have to be a pair of socks?"

I guess it could be worse. It could be underwear.

A Symphony of Significance

I watched Mr. Holland's Opus again last night for about the fifth time. I love the movie most because it's about purpose and significance in life. I see most of life differently these days than I used to, so even watching a familiar movie can be a new experience.

Near the end of the film upon Mr. Holland's forced retirement he says, "You work for 30 years because you think that what you do makes a difference, you think it matters to people, but then you wake up one morning and find out, well no, you've made a little error there, you're expendable. I should be laughing." That struck a nerve in me because it verbalizes how I felt after seven years of pastoral ministry.

In real life seldom do we walk into an auditorium filled with friends and acquaintances cheering in gratitude for the difference we've made in their lives. Maybe we'll never really know the measure of our contribution, but God knows. His opinion is the only one we should be concerned about.

You see, everyday I wake up to two little boys shouting my name. God gave them to me, and everyday presents me with an opportunity to make an imprint on their lives deeper and more lasting than anyone else can ever make, one I pray that bears a resemblance to Him. Because they matter, I matter. So we discover that we find our significance most in helping others find their own.

Saddle Up

My friend, Sim Church Planter, and I were in east Texas today at a Hastings video/bookstore killing time during lunch drinking espresso and reading books for free. While in line for our espresso, a small, irate woman with heavy hillbilly twang stormed into the store and handed her three video rental returns to the clerk with the exclamation, "This is sick! I want my money back!" The clerk was puzzled and questioned what she meant. She said, "I tried to watch this movie, but this is sick. I want my money back!" The clerk calmly replied, "Maam, we can't return your money if you rent a movie and don't like it. Didn't you read the back of the case to see what it was about?" The firecracker popped back, "I didn't have my glasses!" When the clerk repeated her apology that the store would not return her money, the woman huffed out the door. As soon as she left, the clerk nearby asked which movie was in question. The clerk said, "Brokeback Mountain." Those of us privileged to the encounter erupted in laughter. For the next hour you could hear spontaneous outbursts of laughter coming from the front of the store as different employees and customers heard the saga.

Can you imagine the poor woman's shock? She picked up what she hoped was a good western with two good looking cowboys on the front of the box, only to discover those two in the throws of passion within the first few minutes of the movie. I bet she swallowed her snuff. I'd like to thank her for making our six hour round trip worthwhile. Oh, what a small world some choose to live in.

Eccumenical Message on Easter

I don't know how many of you were able to watch TV Easter Sunday morning, but Tim Russert hosted an interfaith dialogue on his Sunday morning news show, Meet the Press. His special guests were"

Sister Joan Chittister of the Order of St. Benedict and author, “Called to Question: A Spiritual Memoir”
Rabbi Michael Lerner of the Beyt Tikkun Synagogue in California and author, “The Left Hand Of God: Taking Back Our Country From the Religious Right”
Jon Meacham, managing editor, Newsweek magazine, and author, “American Gospel: God, the Founding Fathers and the Making of a Nation”
Sayyed Hossein Nasr, professor of Islamic Studies, George Washington University and author, “The Heart of Islam: Enduring Values for Humanity”
Reverend Richard John Neuhaus, editor, First Things, and author, “Catholic Matters: Confusion, Controversy and the Splendor of Truth”
Joel Osteen, senior pastor, Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, and author, “Your Best Life Now; 7 Steps To Living At Your Full Potential.”

The discussion was riveting. Anyone with emerging interests would genuinely appreciate the content and tone of their dialogue. I encourage you to read the full transcript for yourself. I found Sister Chittister, Father Neuhaus, and Sayyed Hossein Nasr to be the most intriguing guests. Sister Chittister in particular had several things to say that left me seriously re-evaluating my thought process on several important social issues. I appreciate the challenge.

On the home front, let me also recognize the Interfaith Symposiums recently held in Cenla by Rabbi Arnold Task of the Congregation Gemiluth Chassodim, Pastor Leem Weems of Emmanuel Baptist Church, and Majed Sabke, former Imam of the Islamic Center, all of Alexandria. While I was unable to attend the events, I appreciate the message they conveyed to our community about the importance of respectful civil discourse in the pursuit of common ground.

All You Need to Know

The only consolation I have when the weekend ends is that Tuesday night is only a day away. Boston Legal boasts some of the most brilliant and talented writers and actors of any show on television, and like sharing a nightcap with an old friend on a balcony overlooking the Boston skyline, the show is even better when sipping a merlot with my friend on Tuesday night cackling at James Spader and William Shatner.

The show began this past week with Alan Shore's secretary Melissa being arrested for tax evasion because she returned a tax notice to the IRS with a post-it note bearing the direction to "Stick It!" While assessing the merits of her defense Alan asked her why she would do such a thing. She responded matter of factly that she did it "for my grandfather." Alan quipped back, "I suppose you thought you told me everything I need to know."

While working in Florida the last two weeks with my friend and business partner, Sim Church Planter, we came to the conclusion that Pensacola has an obscene number of churches. There is almost one on every street corner, if not a pair of them, each blinding the public with religious graffiti to sell their special niche in "Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show." It's enough to make you nauseous or at least run through on Sunday morning turning over tables and sending turtledoves flying.

One particular church edifice was particularly inviting. Smyrna Baptist Church on Pensacola Blvd. boasted a massive white-washed brick facade on a busy street corner proudly displaying the church name and two descriptive signs on the left and right:

Fundamental
Missional
Doctrinal
KJV - 1611

and

Fundamental
Premillenial
Traditional
KJV - 1611

I thought it impressive that they listed fundamental and KJV 1611 on both signs . If they are trying to reach unchurched people, they might as well be speaking Martian, because those religious buzzwords mean jack to the general public. They do however preach loudly to the choir of the converted and brainwashed. "If you don't measure up, you need not apply."

If that's you, take heart and be not discouraged, because there is "A Church with a Choice," at least that's what their gigantic interstate billboard says on I-110. On opposing sides there are pictures of a guitar and a violin with the consoling words "Contemporary" or "Traditional." As my astute friend pointed out, they only offer the illusion of a choice because no matter how you spin it, it's still the same old song and dance.

I suppose both churches thought they told us all we needed to know. It begs the questions for something of substance. Surely, there is more to being a follower of Jesus Christ than clever puns, fundraising ads, and program promotions convey. If you only had a few seconds to make an impact upon thousands of people a day, what would you do? Evangelism is not a marketing strategy; it is a lifestyle.