There is Another

Oh Luke, one more thing...

Pilgrimage is a virtuous activity, and I see many extra benefits to it in our North American context.  Ever see one of those pictures from an old country where there are thousands of people gathered?  Or the really long pilgrimage done every year in Kursk.  A pilgrimage also reminds us that we are part of a large group that has been called together for the salvific purposes of Christ's Holy Church.  In a group, we find support and we find camaraderie.  Fellow Star Wars fans, I have found a group that  shares our interests. 

Losing Hands

During today's service, I read the Gospel of Matthew 5.29-30:  

"If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.  And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.

Father's Day gift for your favorite blogger?

            Hands.  What an iconic image within our favorite franchise.  Lots of people lose their hands.  Anakin and Luke - but also Mace Windu in the magnificent showdown between the Jedi and Sith Orders.  There are also the losses suffered by Count Dooku, Panda Baba, Grievous and other beings.  Now that you have all of those images brought back to mind, let's move on.  They can lose power when a hand is cut off, or lose a bar fight, or lose an identity.  In all times, this loss has the potential to lead to a deeper understanding of the universe.

From Tatooine to the Force; From Earth to Heaven

Last Thursday was 40 days since Pascha, called Easter by most of our neighbors in the English speaking world.  On the 40th day, we celebrate the Ascension of Christ, from earth to Heaven.  Here is the account in the Acts of the Apostles.

     The work that Jesus had to do was completed, and it was time for the next step in salvation history.  When it was finished, as he had mentioned on the cross, he ascended back to sit at the right hand of the Father.  He went back from whence he came.  This was done for many reasons, among them being the salvation of all humankind.