JR. Forasteros - April 8, 2018
A Defense of the Faith
Does the idea of fighting about religion make you nervous? Of course it does! But we’re so often taught that we have to defend our faith against people who don’t believe. After all, Jesus himself said, “I am the Way”. But what if Jesus’ words weren’t a line in the sand, but an invitation to life? How can we find a better way to engage our non-believing neighbors with vulnerability and love?
More From "Monday Messiah"
Powered by Series Engine
You might have heard that the actor James Caan died this last week. He was famous for a lot of roles – like the dad in Elf!, but maybe his most famous was his role as Sonny in Francis Ford Coppola’s masterpiece The Godfather. That movie turns 50 this year!
I know we’re talking about Encanto this summer, but bear with me. The Godfather opens at the wedding of Sonny’s sister. Their father is the titular Godfather, Vito Corleone, played by Marlon Brando. The movie spends quite a lot of time moving through the elaborate, lavish wedding ceremony but the Godfather is nowhere to be found.
Why? Because he’s in his office, receiving petitioners.
It’s (apparently) Sicilian tradition that, on his daughter’s wedding day, the Godfather grants favors to those who ask. He gifts gifts, of a sort, on the day of his daughter’s wedding.
Of course, the Godfather’s gifts aren’t really gifts. The people asking for his help understand that his gifts come with strings attached. His ‘gifts’ are what make him the Godfather.
I can’t prove it, but I wonder if Vito Corleone was an Enneagram Two.
Twos are known as Helpers – they’ll do anything for anyone. But unless 2s are really healthy, their help comes with strings attached. Helping others is how they feel valuable, how they feel loved.
And I started with an unhealthy, manipulative two because la familia Madrigal’s 2 is Mirabel’s mom, Julieta. And she’s really healthy, which means she’s a great role model but doesn’t show us what a growing 2 looks like as well.
So today, we’re going to investigate the path from Vito Corleone to Julieta. From Godfather to Arepa Mama.
Because Twos, when you’re healthy, you’re a picture of God’s generosity and hospitality.
