the vulnerability of precious things is beautiful because vulnerability is a mark of existence. Stars and blossoming fruit trees: Utter permanence and extreme fragility give an equal sense of eternity. – Simone Weil, Gravity and Grace

Whether it is to protect ourselves from the harshness of life or an attempt to look good in the eyes of others, we often don the armor of invincibility. Wearing this shell for too long, we can become numbed to truth. Film artists remind us what is most important in life – shattering the shell and revealing a trembling self who longs to be understood and to love with the eyes of faith. Viewing these works of art through the eyes of faith renews our hope in our Loving God.

Resource Person: Rev. Larry Lewis, MM, PhD, ordained in 1975, served in the Hua Ming Counseling Center, Taipei, Taiwan; and 1988-1991, taught American literature, family psychology, writing and film at Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, China. For 20 years he coordinated the China Educators & Formators Project. Since 2003, Larry has offered retreats and workshops throughout China. He served 4 years at the Cenacle Retreat Center, Ronkonkoma, NY, and now serves at the Maryknoll Center in Pastoral Ministry. Larry holds a doctorate in Spirituality from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA. He authored The Misfit: Haunting the Human-Unveiling the Divine (Orbis, 1997).