One thing that I love in life is a good story. Whether it is in a book, a movie, a conversation with a friend or in conversation with a stranger in the store, I love listening to a good story. From an early age, movies and books have played an important part in my formation. It is no surprise then, that one of my favorite things to do is watch a wonderful movie at the theater, or to read a good book before going to bed. A good book or a good movie invites you into the story. It challenges, entertains and reveals to us something that will move us. Recently, I read the wonderful New York Times Op Ed by Martin Scorsese. In the piece he states the following:
“Some say that Hitchcock’s pictures had a sameness to them, and perhaps that’s true Hitchcock himself wondered about it. But the sameness of today’s franchise pictures is something else again. Many of the elements that define cinema as I know it are there in Marvel pictures. What’s not there is revelation, mystery or genuine emotional danger. Nothing is at risk.” Martin Scorsese
I found that his understanding of what is lacking in many films today challenging. Especially, when he states: “What’s not there is revelation, mystery or genuine emotional danger.” That really hit me when reflecting upon my life as a priest. I questioned myself, when it comes to the homilies that I give. Do people walk away from my homilies thinking the homily lacked “revelation, mystery or genuine emotional danger?” When I preach, when I live my life are people invited into the mystery of salvation, do they encounter revelation, and are they put in a place that allows them an emotional connection to God?
I share this, because I think it is a good question for all of us to ask ourselves on a daily basis. How is it that my living the Christian life stands as an invitation and witness of Jesus Christ? When was the last time that I invited someone to this relationship? Another question to consider is whether we know how to invite someone into the relationship with Jesus Christ? The old model of make a friend, be a friend and bring a friend to Christ stands as a decent beginning for such an invitation. Maybe this week it is a good time for us to consider such questions, and to ask God for the guidance needed concerning inviting others into relationship with Him.
