The Da Vinci Code as an Opportunity

 

After I read The Da Vinci Code a year or so ago, I had a number of conversations with patients and acquaintances about the book and some of the reported “facts.”  Rather than become irritated or frustrated with the book and the comments that resulted, I had an opportunity to do a little ” street catechism.”  For the comments provide an opportunity to speak about Catholicism to a number of folks who would never otherwise be open to speaking of the Church.  There are opportunities to plant a lot of seeds hoping that at some time in the future, some will take root.  Consider doing the same with the DVC movie goers.  But be informed and speak from a point of knowledge.  Do a little homework now and commit some information to memory so that when the opportunity presents itself, you can do a little “gardening.”  Here are few links to bone up on some of the “facts.”

Jesus Decoded

Catholic Educators’ Resource

Catholic Answers

The Da Vinci Hoax (this is a great book to own)

There are many other resources on the net, but take a look at a few now so that when those who see the movie need some help in understanding the truth, you’ll be able to plant a few seeds.

From “Marriage: The Mystery of Faithful Love”

 

The following is taken from the introduction to Dietrich von Hildebrand’s short work on marriage.  The introduction quoted was written by Alice, his wife:

Therefore, a person truly in love wants to bind himself forever to his beloved-which is precisely the gift that marriage brings.

In contrast, love without unqualified commitment betrays the very essence of love. He who refuses to commit himself (or who breaks a commitment in order to start another relationship) fools himself.  He confuses the excitement of novelty with authentic happiness.

Such affective defeatism-so typical of our age-is a symptom of a severe emotional immaturity which weakens the very foundation of society.  It is rooted partly in misunderstanding of freedom.  Many people criticize marriage because they fail to realize that a person also exercises his freedom when he freely binds himself to another in marriage.

The book is a wonderful consideration of sacramental marriage and explores the meaning of marriage (i.e. love) and the purpose (i.e. procreation.)  The book is well worth reading.  It is rather short and can be read in an evening or two.