This documentary is so providential, so hope-filled, an answer to the misery that is now upon us!
To those who can hear me, I say, do not despair.
The misery that is now upon us is but the passing of greed ...*
... So begins the trailer of a powerful new offering by Grassroots Films called Outcasts. Excerpting a long soundbite from Charlie Chaplin’s classic speech from The Great Dictator, and juxtaposing these words against haunting modern images, we’re shown snippets of people’s lives in five countries where the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal work and live. The film promises to prick our consciences and to consider the radical message of the Gospel, which is rooted in God’s profound love for every person, and the call to kindness — to find humanity in everyone, especially the desperate and forgotten. - Aleteia via Badger
*Dialog 'Great Dictator' 1940, Charlie Chaplin, excerpted from Paolo Nutini's, Iron Sky.
You just got to hold on!
You just got to hold on!
I have had the grace to be on retreat with Father Stan Fortuna and the late great Father Benedict Groeshel. Father Andrew Apostoli has also Ben a retreat master with the Carmelites of the Sacred Heart.
ReplyDeleteA gift to the Church and to the world are the Franciscans Friars of the Renewal. The are in So. Calif. every September for the Southern California Charismatic Renewal convention. They set the place on fire with their preaching, song and praise.
I knew Fr. Benedict. They are a great bunch.
DeleteThis is a movie? I could barely watch 2 minutes of the trailer. I am not sure I could watch it - I think I would lose Hope even though these Franciscans embody it. Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us!
ReplyDeleteYeah - it's petty raw - so is Paolo's song - for me - I hope he sees it and realizes these guys break through that iron sky he sings about. There's a nostalgia in Nutini that hungers for this truth. I might be wrong.
DeleteLoved it. There are a lot of young orders/institutes/apostolates that are doing great work. There is good news out there, we just need so many more bodies on the ground.
ReplyDeleteI went to Mass this morning and they needed a reader for the first reading and psalm. I had read the first reading while preparing for Mass so I volunteered. All I could think of was how it perfectly meshed with that little video clip. During my post-Communion prayer I was getting very emotional as I thought of the people in the clip and prayed I would never be a sentimental Christian - one that cries when witnessing the suffering of others but does nothing but wring their hands over it. I can't say I heard a voice telling me to pray more for their salvation and sanctification but I certainly got a sense that I should. While driving home I thought about the many people I know who live ordinary lives without want or addiction. I thought about how easily they can think they don't need God. The addicted and homeless and prostitutes are already in a living hell - somewhere inside themselves they must know there has to be something better. The physically content are the lukewarm I suppose. Sorry Terry - just rambling this morning.
ReplyDeleteI can't stop thinking of these friars either - what they see, what they do - they are living what Pope Francis exhorts us to do. I can't express what I feel or think - but you are doing just fine. Thanks.
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ReplyDeleteMore good news: http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/these-61-cloistered-nuns-visited-a-prison-39377/
ReplyDeleteMaybe I should start blogging again instead of hijacking your blog, Terry lol!
Wow! That is certainly edifying. Thanks for letting me know. Imagine those women in prison how deeply affected they must have been - and the nuns as well. The Church is living and Christ is present. The worse things get - the greater graces that are poured out. I was reading Pope Francis' meditation in Magnificat for today's feast - everything is so clear to me ... I don't have words.
DeleteSo sad that that the Francis-haters can't seem to see, feel or know God's Mercy.
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