There are good movies with high production quality & deep messages. A film may highlight key aspects of faith, glimpse a timeless truth in its story, or become a window to essentials we need to give color, sound & voice to that which is invisible to the eye, yet is basic to understanding how to live the Christian life.
Here are just a few over several decades that may have done just that...
Entertaining Angels; Thérèse;
The Dorothy Day Story; Molokai: The Story of Father Damien;
There Be Dragons Josemaría Escrivá, founder of Opus Dei;
Babette's Feast; The Mission;
Of Gods & Men;
Song of Bernadette
Have a favorite. send it to [email protected].
“Speak Lord, Your Servant is Listening”
Choose a Word or Phrase of the Scriptures you wish to pray. It makes no difference which text is chosen, as long as one has no set goal of “covering” a certain amount of text. The amount of text covered is in God’s hands, not yours.
Read. Turn to the text and read it slowly, gently. Savor each portion of the reading, constantly listening for the “still, small voice” of a word or phrase that somehow says, “I am for you today.” Do not expect lightning or ecstasies. In lectio divina, God is teaching us to listen to him, to seek him in silence. He does not reach out and grab us; rather, he gently invites us ever more deeply into his presence.
Ponder. Take the word or phrase into yourself. Memorize it and slowly repeat it to yourself, allowing it to interact with your inner world of concerns, memories, and ideas. Do not be afraid of distractions. Memories or thoughts are simply parts of yourself that, when they rise during lectio divina, are asking to be given to God along with the rest of your inner self. Allow this inner pondering, this rumination, to invite you into dialogue with God.
Pray. Whether you use words, ideas, or images–or all three–is not important. Interact with God as you would with one who you know loves and accepts you. Give to him what you have discovered during your experience of meditation. Give to God what you have found within your heart.
It is not necessary to assess the quality of your lectio divina anxiously, as if you were “performing” or seeking some goal. Lectio divina has no goal other than that of being in the presence of God by praying the Scriptures.
If you alone had existed in the world, if I had found no one other than you
When I humbled myself in my Incarnation, Yes, for you alone I would have prepared this Banquet Feast, and for you alone I would have offered myself. I am your Food and I am your Drink. My burning desire makes me give Myself At the table where Love is given, surrendered and offered completely. I am there. I am waiting for you.