Frodo offers the Ring to Aragorn and asks, “Would you destroy it?” As Aragorn considers the gift, the Ring calls out to him. “Aragorn. Elessar.” He kneels down and closes Frodo’s hand around the Ring. It is time to let the Ringbearer go. – Description from The Fellowship of the Ring 2:43 Blessed is the man who perseveres in temptation, for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life. – James 1:12 There are many times when taking a shortcut … [Read more...]

Sam believes Gollum shouldn’t be trusted. “There’s naught left in him but lies and deceit.” “I want to help him Sam,” says Frodo, “because I have to believe he could come back.” – The Two Towers 1:28 You shall love your neighbor as yourself. – Leviticus 19:18 There are many obvious examples of good and evil in The Lord of the Rings films, especially in The Two Towers. For one, consider the colors. The goodness of the Elves glows through their … [Read more...]

Hobbits are an unobtrusive but very ancient people…they love peace and quiet and good tilled earth. – The Fellowship of the Ring 1:2 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. – Matthew 5:8 There are moments in life when you must take action, even if it is beyond what is comfortable and routine. You may be leaving for college, walking into a job interview or buying a new home. You could be faced with forgiving someone you don’t like, or … [Read more...]

Like many of our readers, I watched countless hours of TV in 2005 -- first with the vigil for Pope John Paul II, the magnificent funeral services and finally the thrilling announcement of the selection of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger – Pope Benedict XVI. It has been a great opportunity to learn more of our Church’s history and the personal stories of the men who lead it. What I didn’t see in any of the listings, however, were classic films about the pope. While … [Read more...]