Wednesday, February 28, 2007

"Titanic" Hoax

Most of you have already heard about this supposed finding of Jesus' tomb and that of his family. Mary Magdalene's tomb also buried along with their child.


At first, to tell you the truth I didn't pay that much attention to this "Titanic" hoax finding of the director of the movie with the same title, James Cameron. Much has already been said about this over at Evangelical Catholic as well as Steve Ray's Blog and I'm sure a lot more will be said once it airs on the Discovery Channel on Sunday night.


But I began to think about it in another way as I started to prepare for a mini-retreat for the parish ministers at my church (I've been involved with the Men's Fellowship group). Our pastor gave a brief homily on Sunday evening (5:00pm youth mass) about the Gospel reading for Sunday. You probably remember it was about the temptations of Jesus in the desert (Luke 4:1-13).


Father introduced a book titled "In the Name of Jesus" by Henri J. M. Nouwen. The book is a little over 100 pages with some reflection questions at the end. A short book packed with some very good insights.



The book is based on a talk given by Fr. Nouwen on this same reading from the Gospel of Luke. The theme of the talk being a "Minister of the 21st century".



The book brings to light the 3 temptations of Jesus and interprets them in today's obstacles: 1) The temptation: To be Relevant, 2) The temptation: To Be Spectacular, 3) The temptation: To Be Powerful.


In comparison to Jesus' temptations, 1) "Turn these stones to bread". Satan's temptation to Jesus to show his relevance. 2) "Throw yourself off the parapet...". Satan's temptation to Jesus to do something spectacular. 3) "I'll give you the keys to these kingdoms if you worship me...". Satan's temptation to Jesus to be powerful.


These same temptations circle us today, everyday.

A change to be relevant. I am important at my job, church, among friends.


A chance to do something spectacular. I saved the day with some decision I made and now I'm the hero. I discovered something that will change the world.


A change to be powerful. I am the most important person in the world...or at least my world.


Without judging James Cameron or the Oscar crowd of Hollywood, because I can't read their hearts (only God can); from their actions it sure seems they could read this little book and learn something from it.


I know I certainly can and I hope you too get a chance to read it.

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