Kingdom of Heaven

during the initial onset and home stage of our labor this week, i popped in kingdom of heaven to be playing in the background.

when this movie came out in 2005, i ignorantly wrote it off as propaganda for the war already being fought in iraq. i couldn't have been more wrong. the entire movie balances on the premise that the kingdom of heaven is to be 'a kingdom of conscience (lived in the heart and mind of humanity) or no kingdom at all"... as balian's dying father expressed to him. this is his father's, godfrey of ibilis, exact words when turning over his title and estate just before his death...

"Be without fear in the face of your enemies. Be brave and upright that God may love thee. Speak the truth always, even if it leads to your death. Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong. That is your oath."

if picked apart theologically, here written down, it seems to lack something. but spoken by liam neeson's character in the midst of the story...with the backdrop of evil and greedy 'christians' and 'muslims'... it seems like godfrey is one of a kind...trying to raise a man to be one of a kind too.

jamie aprin-ricci has posted some insightful reflections on the crusades in the latest installment of 'fridays with francis'. i love how obvious it is that jamie has been wrestling through these delicate and complicated issues.

"It was into this world that Francis emerged with his message and example of peace, poverty and love... Saint Francis is an example that we often cite, rightfully looking to him as an example of faithfulness and missionality. However, if we truly want to live in such a way, we must recognize that we will face the same unpopular choices as those before us, choices that will find us rejected, judged and even condemned, often by those within the church. We will be charged as heretics, turn-coats, communists and traitors. We will have to resist fiery retorts, not matter how right we may be, leading by example- a living and loving alternative."

it's well worth your time. great post jamie!