*La vita è bella*

Few atrocities in our human existence inspire as much ire and horror as the Nazi concentration camps of the World War II period. Being sent to one was an unspoken death warrant. And yet this was the backdrop to the heartbreaking film, La vita è bella, or, as it's better known, Life Is Beautiful. The story follows a Jewish Italian librarian, played by Roberto Benigni, and his son who are sent to one such camp. All the while, Benigni's character uses his fortitude and imagination to shield his son from the barbarities of the camp, doing all he can to show him that, yes, life is in fact beautiful.

While we can all hope to never face such a gruesome reality in our own lives, the film highlights something that should readily resonate with us: There is suffering in this world. We all have our hurts, fears, insecurities... and we rarely ever completely shake them. Of course, we can't forget about the evils external to ourselves — war, disease, poverty, etc. And there is the ultimate evil: death. How, then, are we supposed to believe that "life is beautiful?"

Undoubtedly, similar thoughts crossed Christ's mind as He entered into and endured His Passion. The God-man who had not one offense to His Name was made to suffer and die like the common criminals crucified alongside Him. Still, He never defied the Father's will, and for His faithfulness He was rewarded with everlasting life. We are promised the same gift, despite our human imperfections, but we, like Christ, must persevere in the trials of this earthly life, while discerning and cherishing the countless hidden blessings He has given us.

I have been for some time considering writing a blog on living a good Christian life and coming to a (limited) understanding of how God works and reveals Himself in this world. It was after hearing this song that I found the inspiration and courage to pursue this form of ministry.

Upon hearing the second verse, I immediately knew what my focus would be: Exploring how living with God's grace through the "beauty and rage" (N.B. the album's titular lyrics) of this temporal life will help us to achieve the glory of eternity. Put another way: Learning how by suffering with Christ, here in our every moment, we experience God's redemptive love.

Perhaps some readers have noticed that my blog title includes the name of the band that so heavily influenced it. This was a deliberate action, but not merely a commemorative one. As lead singer Mike Barnes poetically describes it, the color red is a symbol "for the blood of Christ and what it represents: passion, pain, but ultimately redemption." How wonderfully beautiful is that?

Over the course of this intellectual and spiritual journey, I will be examining a wide range of topics — hopefully with input from my readership — in the Catholic perspective. However, I strongly encourage readers of any background, Christian and non-Christian alike, to join me in exploring the mysteries of the divine and in discovering new frontiers in the infinite essence of God. I pray the Holy Spirit will guide us in our travels and at life's end bring us to the glory of Heaven. Amen.