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01.06.09
Posted in Production at 12:52 pm by Mary Rose Bacani
After a Christmas hiatus, we resume The World I Know: Virtues in Action series. This week we look at Respect.
In the first segment of this show, Akheem Isaac introduces us to basketball, dance and all the other ways students can show respect in school. I remember when I was trying to find the perfect host for “Respect”, and more than one teacher at Cardinal Newman School told me that they know the perfect student for it – Akheem Isaac. Akheem and his school are certainly special. And what made it special is the relationship that staff and students have. I remember interviewing the principal at the time, Fred Albi, and seeing two students rush into his office and talk about how they needed lunch money. I heard stories from students about how their teachers would make the sacrifice after school to make sure they are involved in activities that teach them how to relate to others and cultivate their own talents.
The student of the day is Merwyn Rosario. Merwyn has multiple sclerosis, but that’s not what he wants you to remember or notice about him. He talks about loving sports, loving his friends, being independent. What I remember about Merwyn is his gentleness and love of life. He talked about respect that went beyond respecting people around you. He talked about how he struggled with learning to respect the people who bullied him!
The saint of the day, or blessed, shall we say, is Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta. In Mother Teresa’s eyes, everyone deserves respect as a child of God. Even if you are a leper or a murderer, it doesn’t matter. Sr. Antoniana Maria Macapagal, a Sister of Life, speaks about Mother Teresa also as someone who had a deep love for the Eucharist, and how it is this Eucharistic love that enables her to have this sense of respect. Sr. Antoniana carries on this respect in her ministry to the unborn, in her respect for the life of those who are most vulnerable.
The Respect episode airs at 8pm ET on Tuesday, the ninth episode of The World I Know: Virtues in Action. For more information on this series, check the Virtues webpage on our website by clicking HERE. And remember, if you miss the 8pm ET broadcast, you can still catch it at midnight, or during your lunch break (12:30 pm ET) the next day via live streaming!
And don’t forget to tune in next week for the tenth AND final episode of the series. Don’t miss our season finale with “Love”, the queen of all virtues. See you then!
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01.05.09
Posted in Production at 5:28 pm by David Naglieri
This past Christmas I watched the classic film It’s a Wonderful Life for the umpteenth time. It’s a film I have never grown tired of just like I never grow tired of Christmas turkey, presents under the tree and Panettone.
I have always been inspired by Jimmy Stewart’s gripping portrayal of George Bailey, the down on his luck family man who represents the best qualities of our human nature while also showing us the temptation to despair that exists in each and every person.
This year after taking in the film I felt inspired to learn more about the man behind George Bailey. I often wondered how Jimmy Stewart could be so convincing in the role. In one of the most gripping scenes in the movie Bailey stands at the edge of a bridge contemplating suicide as he cries out in prayer “God … God … Dear Father in heaven, I’m not a praying man, but if you’re up there and you can hear me, show me the way. I’m at the end of my rope. Show me the way…?”
Stewart is beyond convincing in the scene and perhaps that stems in part from his days as a World War II fighter pilot. It’s a Wonderful Life was Stewart’s first film after serving for four years in Europe where he flew more than 20 combat missions over Nazi Germany. The death rates of fighter pilots were among the highest of all combatants and Stewart was forced to confront his mortality time and time again. The source of his sustenance and hope came in a special letter from his father which included a Bible verse. Stewart kept the letter on him at all times, especially while flying on his dangerous missions.
The letter from his Dad read:
“My dear Jim boy. Soon after you read this letter, you will be on your way to the worst sort of danger. Jim, I’m banking on the enclosed copy of the 91st Psalm. The thing that takes the place of fear and worry is the promise of these words. I am staking my faith in these words. I feel sure that God will lead you through this mad experience. I can say no more. I only continue to pray. Goodbye, my dear. God bless you and keep you. I love you more than I can tell you.” Dad.
Psalm 91:1 has often been called God’s 911. It reads, “”He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’”
Psalm 91 encouraged and strengthened Jimmy Stewart as he served his country in war. When he returned home he told his Dad, “What a promise for an airman. I placed in His hands the squadron I would be leading. And, as the Psalmist promised, I felt myself borne up.”
Ironically one of the most famous depictions of Psalm 91 is that of God covering the frightened with wings. Whether it’s trusting in the Lord during the darkest hour of battle or being saved by the “wings” of Clarence, sometimes art does indeed imitate life.
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01.02.09
Posted in Production at 12:07 pm by Father Thomas Rosica
What “stirring” readings we hear in the Epiphany liturgy! Consider the scene from Isaiah’s prophecy (60:1-6). Gentiles come from distant places, attracted by the splendor of Jerusalem, bringing gifts and tenderly carrying the sons and daughters of the Holy City! Though darkness may have surrounded the people, the glory of the Lord allows the light to burst forth and shine like a bright new dawn. What a fitting way to describe what we have just celebrated at Christmas!
Matthew’s Gospel story of the Magi [2:1-12] reveals to us the inevitable struggle that God’s manifestation in Christ implies for the world. If we read the story carefully, we realize that far from being a children’s tale, it is a tragic adult story. The battle lines are drawn and the forces are being marshaled. A child is born at the same time as a death-dealing power rules. Jesus was a threat to Herod and to them: to the throne of one, to the religious empire of the others.
At home in their distant, foreign lands, the Magi had all the comfort of princely living, but something was missing– they were restless and unsatisfied. They were willing to risk everything to find the reality their vision promised. Unlike the poor shepherds, the Magi had to travel a long road; they had to face adversity to reach their goal. The shepherds also knew adversity, and it had prepared them to accept the angels’ message. But once they overcame their fright, they simply “crossed over to Bethlehem” to meet the Christ child.
The Magi, on their other hand, had a much more difficult journey to Bethlehem. It was anything but a romantic, sentimental pilgrimage that we often see in our manger scenes! The Magi were not just holy visionaries or whimsical religious figures; they were willing to wager their money, their time and their energy, and perhaps even their lives to seek out someone who would bring true peace.
The Magi were not completely lost upon their arrival in Jerusalem – the city did not stop their pilgrimage. In fact, in Jerusalem, they were redirected to Bethlehem. These men of the East, foreigners in every sense of the word, were guided not only by their own wisdom and knowledge of the stars, but were aided by the Hebrew Scriptures that now form the Old Testament. The meaning of this is important – Christ calls all peoples of all nations, Gentiles as well as Jews, to follow Him. We could say that Jerusalem and the Old Testament serve as a new starting point for these Gentile pilgrims on their road to faith in Jesus. The people of the big city, indeed even Herod himself, were instrumental in leading the Magi back to Christ.
What could this mean for our own pilgrimages to the truth today? More than the obvious fact that the Old Testament must be a central part of our path to Christ, might it not also mean that our own cities, with all of their confusion and ambiguity, may also serve as a starting point for our journey of faith?
At the centre of this whole Gospel story of striking contrasts lies a baby, Jesus of Bethlehem, who is joy. Herod is afraid of this “great joy for all the people.” From Matthew’s Gospel, we do not know what happened to the Magi when they returned to their native lands, but we can be sure that they were changed men. They discovered in Jerusalem and in Bethlehem that there is no longer a God of this or that country, nor an oracle uttered in some distant place, but a God and Savior who has become flesh and blood for of all humanity. And the Savior is joy.
In the end, the Magi went their own way, and because they refused to be seduced by cynicism, because they allowed themselves to be surprised by this great joy, the star to which they had committed themselves appeared again. This is not only the description of the times into which Jesus was born, but also our times. When we have found our lasting joy in the midst of the encircling gloom, cynicism, despair, indifference and meaninglessness, the only thing to do is to kneel and adore.
Gaspar, Melchior and Balthasar, bless our hearts and our homes with your peace and humility! When we hear the voices of old kings of death and fear and cynicism, may we have the courage to go our own way… rejoicing, because we, too, have seen and experienced the glory of the coming of the Lord.
I conclude with the words of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein), that great Carmelite mystic and lover of the Cross, who wrote so beautifully about the Christmas mysteries:
“Those kneeling around the crib are figures of light: the tender innocent children, the trustful shepherds, the humble kings, Stephen, the enthusiastic disciple, and John the apostle of love, all those who have followed the call of the Lord. They are opposed by the night of incomprehensible obstinacy and blindness: the scribes, who know indeed when and where the Savior of the world is to be born, but who will not draw the conclusion: “Let us go to Bethlehem.” King Herod, who would kill the Lord of Life. Ways part before the Child in the manger….”
Some will choose the path of life, others will choose the path of death. Today as we move away from the manger of our newborn King and Lord, let us recommit ourselves to the cause of life that is the heart and the joy of Christmas.
Fr. Thomas Rosica, C.S.B.,
C.E.O., Salt and Light Catholic Television Network
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01.01.09
Posted in Production at 12:14 am by Matthew Harrison
“A light will shine on us this day, the Lord is born for us: he shall be called Wonderful God, Prince of Peace, Father of the world to come; and his kingdom will never end.” (Isaiah 9:2, 6)
Happy new year!
2009 is just minutes old — at least in Toronto — and though celebrations are at a fever pitch, I can only think of peace.
A calm.
A quietness.
Christmas is the season of peace. Regardless of one’s confession or creed, this time of year brings about a desire for goodwill, for generosity, for the coming together with one’s neighbour, for establishing peace. It seems appropriate then that on this the first day of 2009, the Church recognizes a World Day of Peace. It’s a reminder for us to extend the goodwill we felt just a week ago into the new year. To sustain it, to foster it. After all, we just experienced the celebration of the birth of the Prince of Peace Himself!
And it’s also at this time that we turn to the Queen of Peace, as on this day the Church celebrates the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. She is the Mother of God, the Mother of Peace. I always think of our Blessed Mother as an exemplar of peace — as I turn to Sacred Scripture and consider the Annunciation, the Wedding Feast of Cana, our Lord’s Passion, and other events involving Our Mother, I think of a quiet strength, a humble trust, a faithful love. Not only a peaceful exterior, but a peaceful interior as well.
Every year brings a handful of resolutions. Rather than committing to shedding 10 pounds or giving up some awful habit, perhaps we should take something up? Perhaps we should make a better effort to take up peace. It sounds like an odd thing to do — how do you take 
up peace? — but how can we expect to bring peace to the world on a large scale, in our communities, in our country, in our world, if we don’t first start with ourselves. Peace does not have to do with weapons or violence. Peace means not shaking your fist at a person when they cut you off in traffic. Not yelling at your child when he makes a mess. Not gossiping about a co-worker. Forgiving someone who has done us wrong.
It is this way that we welcome peace into our lives this new year. It is in this way that we welcome the Child Jesus more fully our lives, in this way that we become bearers of the Prince of Peace.
From all of us at Salt + Light, have a blessed, healthy, and peaceful new year. May Mary, the Queen of Peace, the Mother of God draw you ever closer to her Son.
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12.30.08
Posted in Production at 3:17 am by Alicia Ambrosio
There’s a saying in Italian, “Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi.” It means: “Christmas with your family, Easter with who ever you want”…which is why I am in Vancouver.
Being home after a year away - probably more like four years away, if I count all my experiences abroad, is a surreal experience. Nothing and everything has changed. On the one hand time has passed, parents age, hearing gets impaired, hair gets grey, childhood friends get married (ack!), children grow, people move, and buildings go up where there were no buildings before. On the one hand people expect that you are exactly as you were when you left… but living on one’s own, fending for one’s self in the big city, working in one’s chosen profession, acts like water rushing over the rocks at the bottom of a river. It’s still the same rock, but subtly changed, the rough edges are smoothed out, and shape subtly changed. It’s challenging to realize that no matter where I’ve lived and what I’ve done, once the plane touches the runway at YVR I am still someone’s child, someone’s niece, someone’s little cousin, someone’s big cousin, or “that kid who used to…”. At the same time though, it’s like slipping on a favourite fuzzy sweater. In that fuzzy sweater time stands still… or at least, doesn’t matter quite so much, the hassles of everyday life, deadlines, work projects, life worries, are suspended, defenses drop, and rest happens. Reconnecting with old friends gives me the sensation of being in a safe haven, and making new ones at the same time reminds me that one should never allow oneself to stagnate. The unique sensation of time being suspended gives me the sensation that anything is possible — that magic can happen. And indeed, magic does happen… with time and everyday life suspended I feel like I’m getting a chance to enter into the hush that surrounds Christmas, that speaks more than any Christmas carols or TV specials, or even any homily. Not to mention, it’s a good chance to take a more objective look than usual at all the different elements that have come together over the years to make me who I am today… and figure out if any of those need some work.
Being home in Vancouver also reminds me that I’m spoiled, and not just with attention from loving family members. I was born and grew up in a city that is so naturally, spectacularly beautiful, nothing else will ever quite compare. Being home for the holidays reminds me that although you can’t go back in time, you can always go home again.
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12.29.08
Posted in Production at 1:35 am by Matthew Harrison
If you caught our Catholic Focus Christmas episode you may recall Fr. Rosica referring to the wood of the manger and the wood of the cross. I’ve found myself thinking of that point this past weekend after visiting the local Church’s Nativity scene. The Christmas mystery, mingling with the Passion and the Easter mystery.
Curiously, the Agony in the Garden came to mind – not Christ’s suffering, but his sleeping disciples (Matthew 26:36-46). “So, could you not watch with me one hour?” our Lord asked Peter (40).
Christmas day has come and gone (for most Christians; our brothers in the East will be celebrating shortly!). We’re moving on to the next thing. Our eyes are heavy not with sleep, but with Boxing ‘Week’ specials, with New Year’s plans, and any other host of distractions.
But it occurred to me, that in these distractions I’m missing the peace and joy of Bethlehem. The Christ Child, in the manger, there, to be adored by all nations!
It doesn’t have to be an hour, but why not take some time to consider Jesus in the crèche? Pop into your parish for a moment sometime this week and ‘say hello,’ spend a few extra minutes after Mass, watch with the Holy Family, with the Shepherds. Hold this helpless Child, God made man, in your arms beyond Christmas day.
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12.26.08
Posted in Production at 12:06 pm by Father Thomas Rosica
In the afterglow of Christmas, the Church celebrates the feast of the Holy Family. This weekend we are invited to reflect on the gift and mystery of life and the blessing of family life in particular. In Luke’s Gospel scene of the Presentation of the Child Jesus in the Temple in Jerusalem, we encounter four individuals who embrace the new life of Jesus held in their arms: the elderly and faithful Simeon, the old, wise prophetess Anna, and the young couple, Mary and Joseph, who in faithful obedience offer their child to the Lord. Simeon’s beautiful prayer is nothing more than an anthology of the prayer of ancient Israel:
“Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” [Luke 2:29-32]
The whole scene of the Presentation, and the carefully chosen words of Simeon’s prayer raise several questions for us: How do I see God’s glory in my life? Do I thirst for justice and peace? What are the new situations and who are the new people who have entered my life in the last little while? How am I light and salvation for other people?
Zooming in on Joseph
Today I would like to borrow from my new profession of television production and zoom in on Joseph, one of the characters found in this most touching Gospel scene of the Presentation. To “zoom” in on the foster father of the Lord gives us some profound insights into the family background of our Savior.
Joseph is often overshadowed by the glory of Christ and the purity of Mary. But he, too, waited for God to speak to him and then responded with obedience. Luke and Matthew both mark Joseph’s descent from David, the greatest king of Israel (Matthew 1:1-16 and Luke 3:23-38). Scripture has left us with the most important knowledge about him: he was “a righteous man” (Matthew 1:18).
Joseph was a compassionate, caring man. When he discovered Mary was pregnant after they had been engaged, he knew the child was not his but was as yet unaware that she was carrying the Son of God. He planned to divorce Mary according to the law but he was concerned for her suffering and safety. Joseph was also a man of faith, obedient to whatever God asked of him without knowing the outcome. When the angel came to Joseph in a dream and told him the truth about the child Mary was carrying, Joseph immediately and without question or concern for gossip, took Mary as his wife. When the angel came again to tell him that his family was in danger, he immediately left everything he owned, all his family and friends, and fled to a strange country with his young wife and the baby. He waited in Egypt until the angel told him it was safe to go back (Matthew 2:13-23).
We are told that Joseph was a carpenter, (more likely a builder), a man who worked to provide for his family. Joseph wasn’t a wealthy man, for when he took Jesus to the Temple to be circumcised and Mary to be purified he offered the sacrifice of two turtledoves or a pair of pigeons, allowed only for those who could not afford a lamb.
Joseph revealed in his humanity the unique role of fathers to proclaim God’s truth by word and deed. His paradoxical situation of “foster father to Jesus” draws attention to the truth about fatherhood, which is more than a mere fact of biological generation. A man is a father most when he invests himself in the spiritual and moral formation of his children. He was keenly aware, as every father should be, that he served as the representative of God the Father.
Joseph protected and provided for Jesus and Mary. He named Jesus, taught him how to pray, how to work, how to be a man. While no words or texts are attributed to him, we can be sure that Joseph pronounced two of the most important words that could ever be spoken when he named his son “Jesus” and called him “Emmanuel.” When the child stayed behind in the Temple we are told Joseph (along with Mary) searched with great anxiety for three days for him (Luke 2:48).
Joseph’s life reminds us that a home or community is not built on power and possessions but goodness; not on riches and wealth, but on faith, fidelity, purity and mutual love.
The present challenges to fatherhood and masculinity cannot be understood in isolation from the culture in which we live. The effect of fatherlessness on children is deeply alarming. How many young people today have been affected by the crisis of fatherhood and paternity! How many have been deprived of a father or grandfather in their life?
It is not for naught that St. Joseph is patron of the Universal Church and principal patron of Canada. If there was ever a time when we needed a strong, saintly male role model who is a father, it is our time. And the Feast of the Holy Family is a very significant day to go to Joseph and beg him to send us good fathers who will head families.
Joseph and Mary, more than anyone else, were the first to behold the glory of their One and Only who came from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14). May St. Joseph make of us good priests, religious and laymen who will imitate the humble worker from Nazareth who listened to the Lord, treasured a gift that was not his, all the while modeling to Jesus how the Word becomes flesh and lives among us.
Fr. Thomas Rosica, C.S.B.,
C.E.O., Salt and Light Catholic Television Network
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12.25.08
Posted in Production at 10:57 pm by Kris Dmytrenko
Few of the S+L hosts and writers remain in Toronto for Christmas. Among others, one is in Vancouver, a few are with relatives in New York State, and I’m in the northern Ontario town of Deep River.
The pace here is a little slower, allowing a little more time to get reacquainted with old friends after church. Rather than speed-reading the Vatican news releases as I would on a busy workday, I instead watched the Pope’s Midnight Mass homily and Ubi et Orbi address in front of a real fireplace. (For real, that’s how my family’s house is still heated–just a few logs separating us from winter’s hypothermic grip.)
I hope you also do things more slowly this season, whether it’s driving safer on icy roads or deepening the conversations in your customary phone calls to relatives.
Though I’d like to stay in Deep River longer, I must return to Toronto for an upcoming shoot. S+L will be on location at Rise Up, the national conference of Catholic Christian Outreach. Encouraged by the presence of Archbishop Thomas Collins, over 500 university students will gather to learn who Jesus is for “Yesterday, Today and Forever“. Check the blog in the coming days for our report on the conference, plus more Christmas-season biblical reflections from Father Thomas Rosica.
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Posted in Production at 12:10 am by Pedro Guevara-Mann
The night was still, the stars shinning bright.
My friends and I lie awake, the fire gives us light.
We watch our sheep and pray God hears our plight.
How will we ever escape the painful lives we lead?
Israel is held captive; we long to be freed,
so we lie in silence and pray for what we need.
When all of a sudden, a light ripped through the darkness
“Do not be afraid, I bring news of great joy:
To you is born this day in the city of David
the Saviour, the Messiah, the Christ, the Lord.”
Then the sky was filled with angels singing and praising God:
“Peace on earth and glory be to God!”
Then the angels disappeared, we were left in the cold.
They had said there’d be a sign. That’s what we were told:
“A babe lies in a manger, go and behold.”
I would not believe until I saw this king,
So we ran into town and right behind the Inn
A star pointed to the stable and we went in.
And all of a sudden our fears melted into hope;
our confusion into peace. Our sorrows turned to joy!
Because to us is born this day in the city of David
our Saviour, the Messiah, the Christ, our Lord.
So we fell unto our knees and we lifted hands up high
Come let us adore…
So we fell unto our knees and we lifted hands up high
Come let us adore…
O Come, let us adore:
Behold, behold the wood of the crib
On which is sleeping our Salvation
O Come let us adore…
-
Painting: Adoration of the Shepherds, Gerrit van Honthorst
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12.24.08
Posted in Production at 2:03 pm by Matthew Harrison
As I sit here typing this on Christmas Eve, there’s a sense of excitement in the air. Christmas is almost upon us! This has me thinking about our Christmas Focus episode this year.
When I was preparing for the show I had a very simple first question for you — What is Christmas for you?
I was surprised to find that I really struggled with the question. I could think of words to describe Christmas: excitement, generosity, surprise, rebirth. I could think of events: Mass, family dinner. I could think of images: a shining star over the outline of a manger.
But perhaps my greatest struggle was the fact that I was not truly getting to what Christmas is. I wasn’t digging deep enough, maybe complicating what it is. It is many things for many people, but ultimately it is a celebration of the birth of our Saviour. It is the Word becoming flesh, and dwelling among us. It is God becoming man; who gives Himself not only in the manger, but also on the cross — all because of his unfathomable love for us.
We’ve wound our way through four weeks of Advent, and this idea is finally penetrating my heart.
God is the gift — He gave Himself to us 2000 years ago, in the manger, then on the cross.
… and God is the gift today — in the Eucharist… giving Himself on altars throughout the world in the celebration of Holy Mass. (Quebec City’s International Eucharistic Congress’ theme “Gift of God for the life of the world” comes to mind)
A constant giving. An endless giving. An eternal giving. A never-ending gift.
I’ll be thinking about this over the coming hours and days.
This is the gift that I will unwrap this Christmas.
I invite you to as well.
God bless, and merry Christmas.
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