Lenten Reflections

Dear Parishioners,

Fifty years ago the film Jesus of Nazareth was released. The filmmaker Franco Zeffirelli made this movie. It was on television when the “mini-series” was a popular event in our media. For several nights the movie was shown on network television. This was before cable television was popular, so most households gathered around the television to watch, and the series was a topic of conversation throughout the United States.

I was just getting ready to attend seminary at the time, and this movie had a profound impact on me. I would not say it was the reason for my vocation, but it affirmed my choice. I look back on the movie with fondness.

During the Wednesdays of Lent, we are showing parts of the film at our simple suppers after the Stations of the Cross. The parish council said they wanted to reflect on the whole idea of forgiveness during Lent. We will show scenes that depict major Gospel figures like Peter and Mary Magdalene and how they experienced forgiveness and absolution for their sins. Many of these scenes from the movie are extremely powerful.

If you have not attended any of the simple suppers yet, please come and join us.

Blessings,

Fr. Mark