OK, David, you captured one of my five top moments in film there. We all have to get busy living or get busy dying – it is the story of redemption. When my daughter was diagnosed many years ago, I was stuck in anger – my friend said – there are only two choices here – bitterness or transformation and you get to choose over and over again.
One of the other beautful moments was when the lovely aria was played and the humanity of every single person who heard it was so apparent. It was a moment of beatific vision – for a moment – the filmmaker gave us the view of humanity that God must have – how beloved we are and how forgiven.
the scene of the beach – I thought of the disciples meetiing Jesus and he fed them – cooked fish and fed them -the ocean – always means the immensity of God for me. Oh, I could go on and on.
the sacrament of friendship the the Christian obligation of deciding to live – …….

Ok Thinker, go on!!!

OK, I’m thinking here – what does redemption mean – it means bought back from slavery – freedom from whatever enslaves you. Red didn’t know what to do with such joy – he could live or die. It might be too much, But, he says with newfound hope: I hope to see my friend andshake his hand. I hope the Pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams. I hope. My definition of saint is one who at the age of 50 – after the oppression that happens in every life – the person is not cynical and has hope that is great and dreams that are possible. I hope that I can reflect that as I get older. I can leave sarcasm behind and only be one who sees people with God’s eyes – as beloved, broken and forgiven.
Remember the several scenes at the table – eating – look at them again – perhaps I do too much with it, but they are eucharistic for a second or two.
Whata is it about Morgan Freeman that carries the absolute dignity of human beings so well? No wonder he plays God so often.

Never forget though, that “redemption” to a L-Word if spoken of outside a Church (for now anyway) is now considered a hate crime.

This must be a film that speaks of God’s goodness to you, Donny. How do you see it?

Coulndt he have gotten busy living without violating his parole?

gadje – the whole movie pointed out the way people are dehumanized in such systems. He had to find his friend to start living as a human being.

I don’t know if you ever watched the whole movie, but you’d have to in order to understand why not. Let’s say it wasn’t a casual, or unnecessary decision.

So working at a grocery store is dehumanizing?
Start living as a human being? Gee, I wonder what an ex-con would do in mexico to start living as a human being?

When I think about the beauty of the gospel as depicted in The Shawshank Redemption, I don’t picture this scene. I love this scene, but what instantly comes to mind is when Andy emerges from the water after his escape, covered in sewage, raises his eyes to the sky, spreading his arms in freedom, allowing the rain to wash him clean. It’s a picture of what every moment in Christ should feel like…

I love that scene Amy – the symbolism is overwhelming. It is indeed one of the most beautiful depictions of redemption I recall.

What is so beautiful about beauty is the angles from which that beauty can be appreciated. It speaks, I suppose, to the longings and desires in our own hearts…