Observation, Realization and Acquisition

Observation, Realization and Acquisition 

Lent is a time of abstinence and prayer, self-denial and fasting, devotion and focus; it is a time that we retreat from the routine to re-discover our spiritual center. Often this image is a depressing one in which we imagine self-denial akin to shame and ‘giving-up’ as punishment, this is an unfortunate and incorrect image that gets in the way of true reflection and growth.
 
Our spiritual journey mirrors the via dolorosa -- The Way of Grief (The Way of the Cross), through which we enter into a state of self-assessment in which we honestly address the true motivations and actions of our lives. In this we recognize and name the obstructions to our faith journey, grieve over our participation in them, and appeal to God for comfort in and renewal. But, while The Way of the Grief delivers us to the Tomb where we are buried in our sin and self-awareness, the via aevum --The Way of Life (The Way of Eternity) resurrects us to live anew a life free from the sins of the past. This freedom, while it is a gift from God, requires a process through which we are voluntarily transformed; Lent is not just a time to realize the past/present, it is time to prepare for the present/future.
 
Our Lenten Series this year is a quick, but deep dive into observation, realization and acquisition. We live in a media culture where film and video serve as a retreat from the hectic and pressured lives that we live. These films, both secular and religious, can provide us with valuable insights and the opportunity for renewal.  
 
In our Lenten Series we are watching Risen, the story of a Roman Tribune searching for the body of Jesus to disprove the resurrection, only to find the very much alive Jesus who calls him to account. We are learning a bit about Roman history, a bit about geography and tradition, and lot about belief and skepticism.
 
Our Lenten Series is skipping this week, but that does not mean you have to. If you were not able to join us for the first meeting, you could rent, buy, or check out from the library, the movie and watch it. Or, you could watch small bits of it on YouTube; they will be “highlights,” but there are a few that focus on the first half of the film and are useful for reflection.
 
If you are watching for the first time or you were with us last Wednesday night, we stopped at the 25-minute mark, and asked ourselves some questions. If you were there, these are worth going through again, and if you are watching now, these will get you started: 

1. What is Claudius really like?
2. What motivates him and what is his goal?
3. What is Pilates’ main concern?
4. What is most important to Pilate?
5. What are the circumstances that support the attitudes and actions of the Romans?
6. What part (parts) of the story is familiar to you from the Gospels?   
7. Are any of Claudius’ and Pilates’ attitudes and actions recognizable today?
8. Do I recognize any of these attitudes and actions in my own life?
9. Where do they come from?
10. What do I do with them?
11. How do I address them?

 We ask ourselves the questions, “What do we take from what I see,” and “can they be a source for deepening my awareness of God?” from every encounter we have. Whether on the internet, cable, or real-life, asking and answering these questions will deepen our faith and awareness of God.
I hope to see you next Wednesday night as we continue to observe (watch), realize (become aware), and acquire (own) ourselves on our Lenten journey.
 
Oh Most Holy God! Enable me to understand! For to truly embrace the New Dawn of Easter morning--I must know myself to be truly different from who I was on Friday night!
 
Observing, being aware, and taking responsibility in Christ,
Fr. Bill+