The Sacrament of Reconciliation loomed large in my mind today. Not just because I went to confession, but
because it was backed up by seeing Les Miserables with Alicia tonight. I asked Marilyn if she wanted to go, but she
said she doesn’t want to see such a sad movie.
She has seen the play, so she knows what she’s talking about. I happen to agree with her that it is sad,
but the sadness of the story only makes the triumph of the hero over sin that
much more joyful.
Alicia has wanted to see the movie for months, but every time she
made plans, they fell through for one reason or another. When I found out I would have the weekend
off, I decided to ask Alicia if she would like to see it with me; sort of a
father/daughter night out. The only stipulation
would be that Lily would have to already be in bed so her feelings would not be
hurt by being left home. Alicia had to
work all day today anyway, so our choice as to the showing was limited. In fact, there was only one showing we could
go to—at 10:10 PM! The sacrifices we
make for our children! Sigh. Lol
Anyway, the good news about a movie at the theater at that time of
night is that the parking was free and close, the lines at the concession stand
were non-existent, and the distraction of children and their antics were
nil. I think there were only 3 to 5
other people in the theater with us for the movie, too, which was kind of
cool. It felt like we were given a
private screening. As Alicia and I walked out the door at the end of the movie,
the lights were turned off. We were the
last ones there! That’s never happened
to me before. Again, that was pretty
cool.
I will admit I knew nothing of the story of Jean Val Jean other
that what I read or heard about in reviews of the movie. It is a pretty moving message of recognizing
Christ in everyone we meet—whether friend or enemy—and realizing the value of
God’s graces of mercy and forgiveness. Oh,
and by the way—Russell Crowe’s performance is not as bad as the reviews say it
is. I wish I could hit all the notes!
I didn’t cry during the movie (although I’ll admit I thought I
would), but I did after I got home and started to write this account. I am reminded of my confession earlier today
(yesterday—it’s 2 AM right now). I confessed
to what I consider some pretty serious sins and I was taken aback a little by
the penance I was given. I was told to
say one “Our Father”. I thought to
myself “That’s it? Wasn’t Father
listening?” Then I was relieved that it
was only saying a prayer and not something like I’ve had in the past like
pulling out the prayer of St. Francis when I get angry at others . (That was actually one of the hardest
penances I’ve ever received—Do you realize how hard it is to remember to pull
up a prayer on the smart phone or out of a wallet when you’re focused on
anger? Let’s just say I had to confess
to not completing my previous penance once.
Reflecting on my penance today—coupled with the movie—drove home
the fact that we can all share in the same mercy and forgiveness earned for us
by Christ on the Cross. We just have to
ask for it and act on it.
I’m sorry if it seems I prattled on here. It’s pretty hard to concentrate on writing
something coherent at this time of the morning.
I just wanted to write about it while it was still fresh in my
mind. Good night and God Bless you.
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