MILLION DOLLAR REVISITATION A reader of this blog, Nick, sent me a long detailed and different reading of the Eastwood film now up for Oscar glory. Nick saw a different film than I did, but some of his points are well-taken. He said I could post his message. Hi Barb– The Gospel can be spread in so many ways, and great art is art that can be discovered, rediscovered, and reinterpreted. I found this to be the case with …... Read more

CHRIST FIGURES IN THE MOVIES Whether they get Christ or not, Hollywood gets the Christ-figure. There are tons of wonderful films that are story-metaphors, ur…parables, for the Redemption, that would make great companions to your Lenten journey. The formula of the Christ-figure film is always that “a stranger” comes in to live with a people not his own, and makes them his own. There is always a journey for the character either actually, or implied. At some point in the... Read more

QUICK! POLLS ARE CLOSING! Last chance to vote for Church of the Masses in the 2005 Catholic Blog Awards! We were running a strong first in the “Best Social Commentary” category, but overnight, the forces of Southern appeal have mounted a last minute offensive. It’s down to 10 votes… How was it P. Diddy put it, “Vote or Die.” (Is he still alive, btw?) Read more

YOU SAY YOU WANT A RE-VO-O-LU-SHUN-UUN-UN? WEH-ELL, YOU KNO-O-O-W… I’m shocked! Shocked to read the latest statistics compiled by the Culture of Life Foundation about the devastating physical toll taken on the troops of the Sexual Revolution. Is it possible General Paul VI, overthrown in a sneering coup in the first wave of the uprising, could have been right after all in his admonition advocating the radical practice of “periodic continence.” Read it and weep, O revolutionaries. ”…we must accept... Read more

Got Lent? Penance. Just Do It. Almsgiving. Reach out and touch someone. Ashes. A little dab’ll do ya. Abstinence. Where’s the beef? Temptation. It’s everywhere you want to be. Confession. The quicker picker upper. Repentance. Because you’re worth it. Prayer. Can you hear me now? Good… The Rosary. You give us 22 minutes. We’ll give you the world. The Cross. Drivers wanted. Sacrifice. When You Care Enough to Send the Very Best. Retreat. The antidote to civilization. Hell. Snap. Cackle.... Read more

A BETTER BRITISH INVASION Act One is connected to a large group of Christians who work in entertainment and media in the UK. Their group is called Artisan, and they publish a small magazine in addition to hosting think-tanky and spirituality events. Towards building bridges and a better network between Christians in the media here and across the pond, they will be hosting a big prayer event in NYC in March. I can’t go because we will be having a... Read more

THE THRILL OF THE RACE! There are four days left to vote for the second annual St. Blog’s Awards. Astoundingly, this humble blog is the frontrunner in the category for “Best Social Commentary.” What a rush! We’re running a distant second to Amy the Great in the “Best Blog By a Woman” Category. Do your digital duty! Make your voice heard! Go here to let us feel the love! Read more

SNL STOMPING ALL OVER THE SEXUAL REVOLUTION “If these two were tired of having sex with each other, what hope is there for the rest of us? Tina Fey, about the Brad Pitt-Jennifer Aniston Separation on Saturday Night Live Eggzackly. Read more

2004 TOP “TEN” LIST I generally post my list of top ten movies of the year about now. The problem is, I can’t find ten movies from 2004 worth being on my list. In a discussion with some friends last night, we all ended up shrugging that 2004’s cinematic offerings were just pathetically thin. So, I put ten in quotes above, because my top ten is really a top six. 1. (Best Movie of the Year) The Passion of the... Read more

EMILY MONDAY #680 Each Life Converges to some Centre — Expressed — or still — Exists in every Human Nature A Goal — Embodied scarcely to itself — it may be — Too fair For Credibility’s presumption To mar — Adored with caution — as a Brittle Heaven — To reach Were hopeless, as the Rainbow’s Raiment To touch — Yet persevered toward — sure — for the Distance — How high — Unto the Saint’s slow diligence — The... Read more