Yes, I know a seemingly odd title for a blog post, but I have my reasons for this update.
First off, Gabriella and I went to see the movie Avatar the other night. Let me say it was awesome. I wasnt too keen on going to see a cartoon type movie, but the movie had such Spiritual and political themes. I learned from a dear brother in the faith, that Avatar is basically embodiment, which if I played Wii or other gaming systems I would know that.
The citizens of Pandora were so creative and imaginative that I envied them - consider the faith and awe they had for their people, land, and mother goddess. I was filled with such awe when the whole community came together and laid hands on Jake to welcome him as a member of their community, it was so beautiful! These people where the Church, standing together in the midst of persecution! I saw so much we as the body of Christ could learn from this movie. The political aspect was defintely the rock that the "militant leaders" wanted to get from other the land of Pandora, sounds oddly familiar to a United States Agenda, doesnt it?
Throughout the whole movie, I just thought and related to the people of Pandora (Yes, even to the point of tears). We need to begin to look through the eyes of those standing in these crisis, (for example, the Native Americans, Iraqi's, Palestinians, etc). Fact of the matter is, as my favorite writer has said, "It is not about issues, but about people".
Well, not to make this too lengthy..For the month of January I delved into an understanding of Catholicism, which will not end with January. I have been praying the rosary (which I would like to say I was faithful every day but I wasnt) and attending Mass (which I only stated faithful 2 out of 4 Sundays). I learned many things from this experience, both to the credit of the Catholic teachings and some to say, Why?
AS far as the "Hail Mary" thing, agreed, I dont fully understand nor believe the whole mother of God thing, but I think God weighs the hearts not our misunderstandings, etc..They are going through the death, burial, and ressuection.
Praying the rosary, was exciting. I started out having to learn long prayers, which became repititious and void at times, but I strived to let the thoughts really sink in. I learned to use the rosary to benefit my personal prayers as I utilized the ACTS method. Sitting in prayer for 45 minutes a day was great, some of the words may be absent minded, but how much did you pray today? Once again, I trust that the Lord weighs the heart (Proverbs 21:2).
I am also looking forward to reading through and studying the Catholic Cathechism, which I wasnt able to do this month. But I trust even as an Orthodox Christian (which is February's study) I will have time to read the Catholic Cathechism.
Truthfully, I learned alot (more than I care to type, ask me about it). I hope that we as the body of Christ continue to learn and use our imagination in the process. To Christ Jesus be the glory!
