New Evangelizers Post: To Live is Christ and Death is Gain: Paul in Philippians

                    

I have a new article up at NewEvangelizers.com.  

Paul’s letter to the Philippians is considered one of the undisputed letters of the apostle. He writes this letter from prison and is potentially facing execution for the Gospel. And yet even though he appears to be in a lose-lose situation, Paul shows us how we as Christians have the opportunity to see anything as a win-win.

In Philippians 1:21, St. Paul writes, “For me, to live is Christ and death is gain.” Those first words, “For me,” indicate the fact that Paul is opening himself up in a very personal way. The previous verses involved Paul writing about his imprisonment and all the good things that God had been doing. But Gerald Hawthorne writes in Word Biblical Commentary (Vol. 43): Philippians that starting in verse 21, “Paul then permits the Philippians to have a unique look into his own inner-most being…” (Hawthorne 1983, 55). In this passage, Paul explains to the Philippians how he is caught between two choices: to keep on serving the people in life or going to Christ in death (Hawthorne 1983, 44).

When he writes that “to live is Christ,” he is saying that “Christ and Christ alone gives inspiration, direction, meaning and purpose to existence.” (Hawthorne 1983, 45) Saying that death is a gain has its parallels to other ancient writers like Sophocles, Euripides, and Plato where they express “a very human and universal sentient: death is a gain to those whose life has become weighed down with well-nigh unbearable burdens.” (Hawthorne 1983, 45) However, Paul’s statement is different, because his gain is not simply a running away from suffering, but a running towards Christ. Hawthorne writes, “Life which is Christ is thus not destroyed by death; it is only increased and enriched by death…” (Hawthorne 1983, 46)

In verse 22, Paul writes that “If I go on living in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. And I do not know which I shall choose.” Hawthorne points out that even though Paul sometimes uses “flesh” in a negative sense, here it simply means a continued bodily existence (Hawthorne 1983, 47). This means that as long as Paul continues to live in this world, he will do the work of spreading the Gospel. But Hawthorne also points out that when Paul writes “I don’t know…” that this is better translated as “‘I dare not reveal’ my preference..[or] ‘I cannot tell’ what I would choose.” (Hawthorne 1983, 47) Paul is not claiming dealing here with the realm of some divine revelation. Instead, he is expressing how he will not choose either option.

In verses 23-24, he says, “I am caught between the two. I long to depart this life and be with Christ [for] that is far better.” This description of being caught is found in other places in Scripture. It can “describe a person who is hemmed in on both sides so that he has no room to move (Luke 8:45), or a city encircled by enemies who are closing in on it from every side (Luke 19:43).” (Hawthorne 1983, 47) Paul feels an immense amount of inner anguish over being pulled in either direction. When he describes death here, he does not say that he wishes to be martyred. Instead he uses the phrase “to depart,” which could be a reference to Israel’s Exodus or a ship released to set sail (Hawthorne 1983, 48). But grammatically, Paul links “depart this life” and “be with Christ,” as two linked ideas. As Hawthorne points out “He makes the two infinitives share one article in Greek… thus binding the two together.” (Hawthorne 1983, 48)

Paul ends this section by writing. “And this I know with confidence, that I shall remain and continue in the service of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that your boasting in Christ Jesus may abound on account of me when I come to you again.” (Philippians 1:25-26) Here Paul expresses his confidence that because the Philippians have need of him, he has confidence of his continued living (Hawthorne 1983, 51-52). Hawthorne makes clear that is not Paul making a choice, since he was caught between the two. Instead Hawthorne writes that “Paul did not make the choice – he could not make the choice. God made it for him.” (Hawthorne 1983, 52)

Thus, Paul resolves the problem of his inner anguish by surrendering to the will of God.

You can read the whole article here.

Sunday Best - Mission: Impossible Films Ranked

 The Mission: Impossible film franchise has spanned through four decades and given us more visceral thrills than almost any other movie series.  Regardless what you think of Tom Cruise, he has had an extraordinary career.  Very few people can maintain the level of stardom he has over four decades.  And all the while, he has done everything he can to give his audiences a truly cinematic experience.   

With the release of the potentially final film in the saga, I thought it should be time to list all 8 movies in order of greatness.   

8.  Mission: Impossible II

This would be the only real misfire of the series.  Director John Woo gave us a meandering story with some pretty visuals, but nothing really to hold on to.  Besides the opening rock-climbing scene, there is nothing much worth remembering.

7. Mission Impossible III

This movie should get credit for getting the franchise back on track.  It has some excellent moments, like the cold open scene.  And Philip Seymore Hoffman did a terrific job as the villain.  What holds it back is that it feels more like a big-budget version of the show Alias than a cinematic experience.

6. Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning

My full review is coming soon.  There is a lot to admire about this film and the last act is one of the best in the entire series.  The main thing that holds his movie back from being higher on the list is that it is just a bit too long and too indulgent for its own good.  If they cut about 45 minutes out of it, this would be a lean-mean high note for the franchise.

5.  Mission: Impossible

I don't think Cruise knew that he would still be making movies in this franchise for nearly three decades.  This first movie has its rough spots and it gives away the big twist too soon.  But it is very impressive with its spy action, even when the CGI is a bit much.  The heart of the movie is the break-in with the CIA.  It is expertly staged for maximum tension.  Who doesn't remember that moment where he is inches off the ground trying to keep from touching the floor.  This was an amazing combination of directing and physical acting by Cruise.  Fun and rewatchable film.

4.  Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning

Not only is the franchise firing on all cylinders at this point, but I felt a real sense of dread and danger from the villain.  The student sequences were some series high points, especially the motorcycle jump.  But I love the character work and chemistry.  But we also get at the heart of the entire series, where Ethan says he will always value Grace's life before his own.  When she says that he doesn't even know her, he gives the heroic reply: "What difference does that make?"

3. Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol

This makes it onto the list because it is an improvement from the first three installments, but also because it has one of the greatest action set-pieces I've ever seen with Cruise climbing the Burj Khalifa.  This moment typifies why Cruise is able to hold onto his audience for as long as he has.  When possible, this scene and most scenes in the movie were filmed in actual location and CGI was avoided.  There is a tangible feeling of risk that puts you on the edge of your seat.  The rest of the movie is also incredibly enjoyable.  This movie also sets the tone and style of the rest of the movies that follow

2.  Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation

There is a reason there are so many Mission: Impossible films on this list.  Cruise has been safeguarding this franchise and he has been doing everything possible to keep making them better.  Once again, the action set-pieces are creative and pulse-pounding.  I always try to hold my breath when he goes into the underwater cavern and I barely hold on for any significant amount of time.  Yes, it is a movie, but Cruise makes you believe the risk is real.  My favorite moment is when he is in the opera house.  His fight in the rafters made me realize that Ethan Hunt is the American James Bond.  And at this point in both franchises, Hunt is superior.  And then it culminates when Hunt has only one bullet and he has to stop two assassins at different ends of the building.  The scene was wonderfully tense and the solution was perfectly in keeping with his character.  This movie was also the one where I realized that Tom Cruise has given us an American James Bond in Ethan Hunt.

1.  Mission: Impossible - Fallout

One of the things that I have truly appreciated about the Mission: Impossible series is that ever since the terrible second movie, they have gotten successively better through this one.  Fallout actually fooled me in a fantastic way.  I love a good sleight-of-hand, and when a story can do that when I should have seen it coming, I am all the more impressed.  The action set-pieces are some of the best along with the fight scenes.  I also love that Cruise listens to fans of the series and tries to deliver something for them.  This movie ties up loose ends from previous Mission: Impossible movies and opens up the story to even more adventures.

Thoughts?

Catholic Skywalker: 13-Year Anniversary

    

(5/31/25: Feast of the Visitation)

Once again, this milestone snuck up on me.

Over the course of 12 years I've made over 2,814 posts to this blog.  I'm sure there are many who would call this a waste of time.  Other would call it an incredible waste of time (apologies for stealing a Conan O'Brien joke).  But I have found a great sense of satisfaction from my writings here.  

I hope I have been insightful, witty, and interesting.  If I have failed in this department, I do apologize.  I do write with you, Dear Reader, in mind.  You take the time to read this blog when you could be doing anything else, so I want to honor that sacrifice of time that you make by giving you something worthwhile to read.  

Much has happened in the last 13 years.  Since beginning this blog:

-my mother and both of my remaining grandparents passed away (God rest their souls)

-my father-in-law  and mother-in-law passed away (God rest their souls)

-my wife and I weathered some rough employment situations

-I broke my back and have surgery 4 times.

-I became a godfather

-I was asked to write for NewEvangelizers.Com

-I've produced 9 more movies

-I've written, directed, and produced two plays and one musical.

-I'm just got a second Master's Degree

-I finished my second year of Diaconate Formation (I will find out later if the Church has discerned whether I should return)

This last one has taken up a good deal of my time this past year, the result of this is that I have written less here this year than in years past.  I hope to be able to find the proper balance to keep writing, if that is God's will.

And there may be new possibilities on the horizon.

All of this occurring during the tumultuous times we've lived through like COVID.

Through it all, I tried to write here regularly.  And now after 13 years, I've produced:

-375 Film Reviews

-125 Essays

-299 New Evangelizers Articles

-13 Years of the Best and Worst of Movies, TV, and Comics.

Together we raised money for charity.  We've prayed together.  And hopefully we also laughed together.

Thank you again, Dear Reader, for taking this journey with me.  I pray that we will continue to walk this path of faith, film, and philosophy for many years to come.

God Bless You All!

Catholic Skywalker - 2025

Memorial Day 2025

    

(repost from 2019)

Today is the day that we honor those who fought and died for our country.  I doubt that I can add any deep, universal insight into the meaning of this day that has not already been given by those more eloquent.

I do have some friends who are cautious about the elevated status we give those in the armed forces.  They worry about the glorification of war or that it trains citizens to put too much trust in their government agents.  There are some arguments to be had there.  To be sure, while war may make soldiers into martyrs, it does not always turn soldiers into saints.

But in this moment I will not speak for them.  I will speak for myself and why this day is especially reverent for me.

Some answered the call to fight for our nation.
I did not.

Some left spouses and children to enter into violent conflict for their country.
I did not.

Some lost their innocence, their friends, or their health in the crucible of war.
I did not.

Some gave every last measure of devotion down to their lives for our country's freedom.
I did not.

I write this not as some kind of admission of guilt.  Being a soldier is not my calling.

But some did answer the call.  Some paid a price higher than I have had to pay.  I am in this present moment enjoying the fruits of their sacrifice.

Winning and preserving freedom is a bloody business.  I do not want to be in a blissful bubble where I treat my freedom too casually, not remembering that it was purchased at a price of blood.

Today as we rest from our labors, let us remember the fallen martyrs of our freedom.

Let us pray for them and for our country.

Sunday Best: Memorial Day Movies (repost)

     There are many ways to honor our fallen heroes this Memorial Day by attending parades in their honor, donating funds to their memories, and praying for their souls.

One way that I like to remind myself of their heroism is through the art of movies.  Understanding that the dramatic representation of their experiences is nothing compared to the reality, I find that I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude when I see the price of freedom presented on screen.


Here are the best Memorial Day movies to watch.

1.  Saving Private Ryan

Spielberg won his second directing Oscar for this movie and I believe it was primarily for the Normandy invasion scene.  What I saw was ordinary men doing extraordinary things in horrific circumstances.  Not only was I riveted by the awful violence faced, I was moved by acts of courage and compassion, like seeing a priest hearing a dying soldier's confession amidst gun-fire.  They paid in blood the freedom we enjoy.  And I always think of the line in the final moments of the film: "Earn this!"  That echoes with me on Memorial Day and reminds me that I have to use this dearly bought freedom to make the world better.

2.  Glory

Very few movies underscore the importance of valor in combat like Glory.  These men ran into the jaws of death with little hope of victory, but it was their courage that made all of the difference for the larger war in front of them.

3.  We Were Soldiers

Not only is this a harrowing war film, but this is one of the best Memorial Day movies that reminds us of the sacrifice that the families of soldiers must also endure during war time.

4.  13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi

This story is important because it reminds us what Memorial Day is all about: we must remember those who sacrificed.  Unfortunately, this story is such a political football that people forget that it is primarily about soldiers who put their lives on the line to protect others even with no help in sight.

5.  American Sniper

A friend of mine has said that there are a lot of bad things about Chris Kyle's life that the movie glossed over.  I have not had a chance to investigate those claims yet.  Nevertheless, the film is the best one that Clint Eastwood directed and it focuses so much on the cost of fighting evil on not only the lives of our soldiers but on their souls.  And I finish the movie with a much deeper appreciation of the heroic fight against our enemies but also the fight to regain a normal life.


6.  Hacksaw Ridge


Everything that is ideal in a soldier is displayed in Desmond Doss.  He is valiant and compassionate.  He placed himself into harm's way to help others while not condemning those who used violence to defend us.  And all at the same time he witnessed to his faith in God as his guiding light while suffering through the hell of war.

7.  Midway (2019)

The thing that strikes me the most about this movie is the absolute commitment of some of these sailors and pilots like Dick Best who gave everything they had for the opportunity to keep fighting.  In one scene, a pilot is clearly injured and could take a break.  Instead, he pushes himself so that he can take the fight to the enemy.  This is a level of bravery that moves and inspires me to no end.

8. Greyhound

One of the best things about this movie is how it isolates you into the perspective of the head battleship of a convoy making its way from America to Europe.  Like the men on the boat, you have no idea where the next crisis is coming from and you cannot see where the enemy is or how many are out there.  But you have to push through and protect as many as you can.  Once again, you see amazing, sacrificial courage on display.

Film Flash - Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning

 

15 words or less film review (full review to follow soon)

Like Avengers: Endgame, a bit too long and indulgent, but an exciting, satisfying film finale.

 

Wednesday Comics: Los Monstruos

 

I am a gigantic fan of James Robinson.  And I had no idea that he had a new comic on sale from Dark Horse called Los Monstruos.

The plot feels like a typical 1950's, film noir, PI mystery.  Except this time, the story takes place in a city populated by monsters.

Perry Cutter is a former cop and private investigator.  He also happens to be a werewolf.  We first meet him has he is tracking down a kidnapped vampire child who has been taken by a merman.  If all of that sound strange, it is.  But I have to say that Robinson and artist Jesus Merino make it work.

Back in the 1990's, Robinson wrote a series for Malibu comics called Firearm about a PI named Alec Swan.  He was a regular guy who constantly got pulled into cases with people with superpowers.  Reading Los Monstruos, I got the flavor of that comic once again.  Robinson has a knack for creating engaging environments and leading us through a main character's inner monologue.  

From what I have been able to piece together from the exposition, people like these classic monsters helped FDR win World War II.  As a reward, they were given a city of their own where they wouldn't be disturbed.  And here they built a civilization that seems very normal except for their supernatural traits.  This reminds me of one of my favorite Alan Moore comics: Top Ten, where the entire city was made up of superpowered people.  

The main story of this 4-issue mini series seems to revolve around a case that Perry gets from an old human who comes to Los Monstruos.  His story is that when he was young, his girlfriend was a pretty vampire girl who wanted to turn him.  But he turned her down.  Now that he is old, he wants Perry to track her down so he can have closure.  As with any good mystery, I'm sure there is more to the story, which is something I find intriguing.  

Robinson only has four issues to world-build and tell a compelling character narrative.  But I think he can do it.  This type of story is definitely in his wheelhouse.  Merino's art compliments the 1950's aesthetic and makes me want to spend time soaking in the details on the page.

There was a lot crammed into that first issue, but it definitely has me excited to see what happens next.