On Friday the 29th of May - LIFT organised LIFT - "The Gathering 5". This activity was addressed by Fr Mark Montebello and the topic was about "Sexuality". The speaker gave a very good overview of Sexuality and the audience participated thoroughly - This activity was a follow up activity of LIFT - "The Gathering 4"- that was addressed by Fr Ray Francalanza (earlier in Feb 2009).
Hereunder please find points prepared by Fr Mark himself about this topic.
Concepts of sexuality
1. Concepts of sexuality and norms of sexuality, though logically distinguishable, are mutually related and influence each other.
2. Our moral evaluations of sexual activity are bound to be affected by what we view the nature of the sexual impulse, or of sexual desire, to be in human beings.
3. The particular sort of metaphysics of sex one believes in will influence one’s subsequent judgments about the value and role of sexuality in the good or virtuous life and about what sexual activities are morally wrong and which ones are morally permissible:
Metaphysical pessimists think that sexuality, unless it is rigorously constrained by social norms that have become internalized, will tend to be governed by vulgar Eros.
Metaphysical optimists think that sexuality, by itself, does not lead to or become vulgar, that by its nature it can easily be and often is heavenly.
The Catholic view
4. The Catholic view of sexuality is seen in the light of Pope Benedict XVI’s encyclical, Deus caritas est (2006), where he makes the following main points:
Erotic love and altruistic love are two sides of the same coin, i.e. of authentic love.
From the erotic aspect, all authentic love involves possession and passion.
From the altruistic aspect, all authentic love involves donation and sacrifice.
All authentic love begins on the erotic level but then matures and is fulfilled on the altruistic level.
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Whilst thanking Fr Mark Montebello for his support to LIFT and participation on our Blog, we would like to invite you to send your comments and ideas about the topic.
LIFT invites you to continue the discussion on this blog by sending comments to this post and share your views about subject itself and this activity.
This film Night was Joseph Farrugia's idea and on Friday 22nd May Joseph addressed the audience. This activity hosted about 30 people at the Multi-Purpose Room and this was the last indoor activity for its genre after winter 09. The focus of the event was entirely dedicated to the Film itself; 'A beautiful mind’. After the film a 30 minute discussion took place and many interesting points were put forward.
Joseph's thoughts about the Film;
Real-life mathematician, John Nash (Russell Crowe) was branded at an early age as a genius. After winning a prestigious scholarship to Princeton University, he develops his ultimate theory "Governing Dynamics." This earns him a professorship/research position at MIT. There he meets his future wife, Alicia (Jennifer Connelly) who is not only both bright and beautiful, but who loves him deeply. Meanwhile, he is called upon to serve his country in a secret mission, but the task takes an emotional toll on him.
Nash is not in touch with reality and is very suspicious about people around him. His college roommate(Paul Bettany), his roommate's niece, and the Defense Department agent(Ed Harris) were all imagined. Nash is hospitalized, and undergoes intense experimental treatment with mixed results. In his later years, he's able to control his illness and goes on to win a Nobel Prize for his economic theories
In this film that are some remarks that are important for people whom are in touch with people who are diagnosed with Schizophrenia.
Imagine if you suddenly learn that the people, the places, the moments most important to you were not gone, not dead, but worse, had never been. What kind of hell would that be?
A personal note on this condition and beyond:
If you are suspecting that a person is ill with this condition the best thing to do is to check with a psychiatrist, which will diagnose accordingly. If the person is diagnosed it is important that the pills given will be taken on a daily basis according to the psychiatrist prescription. Taking medication is very important so that the condition will be controlled. Fortunately this condition can be controlled due to a number of medicines that are available.
Nevertheless a lot of support and encouragement must be given from people that cared about him / her. After a lot of suffering caused by the condition, there will be greater happiness when the person will be healthy once again.
Also it is important that when you are talking about people that have this condition, it is important that you do not depict the picture as they are mad, since you must never judge the person without knowing him. As good Christians we must keep in mind that our comment must be appropriate to the person in front of us not to hurt his feelings.
LIFT invites you to continue the discussion on this blog by sending comments to this post and share your views about the film itself and this activity.
On Sunday the 10th of May, 2009 - LIFT Film Night headlined with another spectacle that left all those who attended well satisfied...
Ray de Bono shares his views on ‘As Good as it Gets’ (released in 1997). The plot is based in New York City with Melvin Udall (stared by Jack Nicholsons). Melvin is a cranky, obsessive-compulsive writer, who finds his life turned upside down when neighboring gay artist Simon is hospitalized and his dog is entrusted to his care. In addition, Carol, the only waitress who will tolerate him, must leave work to care for her sick son, making it impossible for Melvin to eat breakfast. Sounds pretty basic and dull, eh? But it’s anything but…
Jack Nicholson's role as Melvin Udall, a successful author of love stories is well chiseled. With gusto we see the unraveling of this obsessive convulsive disorder (OCD) ridden elderly gentlemen as he engages with his neighbours, and acquaintances. Engaging? And what engaging that was...
Love him or hate him Melvin is the centre of the attraction in the film. His walk, his peculiar washing habits, his freaky obsession with cleanliness - like using his plastic utensils at the restaurant table - are not easy to forget.
The film can be summarily described as a love story, though you may disagree at this over-simplification
Carol, a lonely waitress, single mum of a sick child meets Melvin, and tolerates him. This tolerance moves to closeness, and these otherwise impossible-to-bond individuals, well, just fall slowly for each other... But hey, this fall is anything but typical. Prepare yourselves for a couple of laughs, and if you are sensitive, or the touchy type, even sighs.
Melvin's character inherits many stereotypical ideas. His explicit racism, homophobia and funny (if not brutal) chauvinism combine to make him practically unbearable to undure in real life if not for the film audience, who are but willing observers. I cannot see Melvin's demanding role being played by anyone but Jack Nickolson. Cannot fathom how John Travolta, having been the first approached for Melvin's role by the producers, would have fitted anywhere close in this challenging post. Jack Nickolson makes the film.
If Melvin's words were blades, the film will end in a blood orgy.
Savor these...
Receptionist: How do you write women so well?
Melvin Udall: Easy. I think of a man, and I take away reason and accountability...
Simon Bishop (gay neighbor): I love you, Melvin.
Melvin Udall: I tell you, buddy, I'd be the luckiest man alive if that's what did it for me.
Melvin Udall: It's not true. Some have great stories, pretty stories that take place at lakes with boats and friends and noodle salad. Just no one in this car. But, a lot of people, that's their story. Good times, noodle salad. What makes it so hard is not that you had it bad, but that you're that pissed that so many others had it good.
Melvin Udall: Never, never, interrupt me, okay? Not if there's a fire, not even if you hear the sound of a thud from my home and one week later there's a smell coming from there that can only be a decaying human body and you have to hold a hanky to your face because the stench is so thick that you think you're going to faint. Even then, don't come knocking. Or, if it's election night, and you're excited and you wanna celebrate because some fudgepacker that you date has been elected the first queer president of the United States and he's going to have you down to Camp David, and you want someone to share the moment with. Even then, don't knock. Not on this door. Not for ANY reason. Do you get me, sweetheart?
Speechless. That is how I felt seeing this film. It is a remarkable combination of good acting, settings that are not far from our everyday settings, and a script to rival Faulty Towers or Black Adder at their very best.
Some friends seeing the film with me the last time criticized the fact the film appears to ridicule OCD, and makes mental health appear in a funny or disrespectful light. I find such insinuations utterly ridiculous. I dare ask, are we, erm... am I normal ?? What defines normal?? Is it IQ, is it physical well being, is it social postioning, appearance?
I frankly don't think the film attempts to or even can be accused of addressing this age old notion. Love it or hate it, mental health issues are portrayed in a burlesque fashion, and are but cherries on the cake, acting simply as the cheer leading-props supporting the ultimate plot, so no one should be offended after all.
The film's music is also outstanding. It uses a recording by Art Garfunkel of "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life", a Monty Python song from Life of Brian (1979). The original lyric, "Life's a piece of shit..." was changed to "Life's a counterfeit..." so that no one is offended : )
I recommend this as a 'must see' film. I have seen it at least 5 times. And will see it again and again in good company. It is worth every minute of it.
I was invited to share with the readers of this blog what hit me as a good message in this movie. I believe the film is a 'good feel' one. I doubt the producers did have any subtle meaning intended. They wanted a good film, and what a bloody good film it came out to be! But, thinking again, the best message I see is that love is able to grow in the most difficult of terrains, and where least expected. It only needs one ingredient: two people in need of acceptance and understanding.
From Friday the 1st May to Sunday the 3rd of May LIFT organised the third weekend for 2009. Joseph Farrugia (one of the persons who attended LIFT Weekend 3) took the initiative to share his personal experience with LIFT on our Blog.
Joseph in his own words...
It was a difficult decision to take whether to attend or not since I knew that at times I would experience severe low mood moments. I do not regret attending the weekend at all, since it was a very positive experience for me to talk with mature people whom I did not know at a personal level.The weekend was my very first experience of attending a live-in, and since it had a spiritual element it was even more special.
LIFT weekend 3 succeeded in its aims mainly because it helped to...
build new friendships and strengthening old ones
share and discuss different ideals
explore common life values
give us an opportunity to go in the country side
work as a team in cooking and cleaning together
have a spiritual moment together to reflect on our life wrong doings. By doing so we will be always regaining strenght to continue practicing our main goal - thus being good Christians who actually practice faith through every single action of our lives.
It was a very meaningful experience since I have learned how to socialize myself better, be grateful that one is accepted as part of a group, enjoy my self and create a happy atmosphere around me. Hearing different life experiences made me stronger and helped me in the continuous struggle in my life (though it is not easy to do so).
Actually working as a team helped us to serve each other and socialize ourselves at the same time. Teamwork helped us to feel each other's positive presence which made the whole weekend a unique experience.
I wish to thank all the participants who took part into this weekend since (thanks to all of them) this unique positive experience will last forever.
Joseph Farrugia
Got a similar experience? Want to comment about Joseph's experience? Want to share your experience? Write us a comment about what you think about such events and give us your suggestions. Remember this is an open discussion :) - LIFT weekend 3 is the third (and last) from a series of 3. The first weekend was in Feb 2009 and the second weekend was be in March 2009.
From Friday the 20th March to Sunday the 22nd of March LIFT organised the second weekend from a series of three weekends. Pierre Azzopardi (one of the persons who attended LIFT Weekend 2) took the initiative to share his personal experience with LIFT on our Blog.
LIFT weekend 2
The second LIFT weekend was truly a LIFT weekend. It was a 'Living In Friendship Together' weekend. I am here sharing my personal experience about this weekend based in these 4 words that captures all of what is LIFT about.
LIVING
In this weekend we practised the tools of LIVING. 1) Body Doing aerobics, going for a walk 2) Mind Training by playing board games in the evening 3) Spirit Attending Mass
IN
We entered IN deep sharing on Saturday.
FRIENDSHIP
1) I was given a lift back home. 2) Everyone respected each other. 3) Compliments were showed throughout the weekend.
TOGETHER
1) This weekend was a success because everyone worked TOGETHER, washing, cooking, etc. 2) TOGETHER with God, This weekend was wonderful.
Thanks a lot ! Pierre
Pierre is not a new writer in our blog and his writing style has always been innovative in his way of presenting his thoughts and comments. He is rather concise in his views but he always depicts his own experience in a strong and effective way.
Got a similar experience? Want to comment about Pierre's experience? Want to share your experience? Write us a comment about what you think about such events and give us your suggestions. Remember this is an open discussion :) - LIFT weekend 2 is the second from a series of 3. The first weekend was in Feb 2009 and the third weekend will be in May 2009.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
On Sunday 8th March, LIFT opted to show the film ‘Butterfly on a wheel’ also known as ‘Shattered’. Ray Bartolo and Katya Lautier prepared this post and wanted to share some views about the film itself.
The story in a nut shell:
Neil and Abby a couple having the perfect marriage. Enjoying all the perks that a successful corporate executive gets himself entitled to, Neil is on the brink of a huge promotion. For this purpose he was engaged on a travel trip. It all seemed that this couple had a worry-free life until their young daughter goes missing at the same time that they are hijacked by a strange gunman named Ryan who showed up and claimed that he has their daughter. Clearly masterminding the kidnapping, Ryan insists the couple perform various tasks for him in order to protect their child from any harm. Ryan starts to act madly and each time they perform a given task he asks them to do something else. The situation deteriorates over time and becomes a race against time to do his bidding, with tasks designed around humiliation, desperation and confronting one's fears At some point in time, Ryan drove to the place where the travel trip should have happened and ordered Neil to kill the person inside. This is a very twisting scene where one understands why Ryan went to extremes and why did Abby looked as if she was collaborating with him. Neil was having an affair with Ryan’s wife, who happened to be his work colleague. Abby and Ryan teamed up to give a lesson to Neil and make him feel how difficult it is to know that you are being betrayed.
Some thoughts and remarks that make us think:
The name Butterfly on a wheel was first used by the British poet, Alexander Pope in a context meaning ‘someone puts a massive effort into achieving something minor’. Why did Ryan and Abba go through all this extreme when they could have easily left their partners, without endangering Neil’s life? Was it correct to pay back in that manner? Abba had aleady forgiven Neil for betraying her in the past. Why did she give Neil the second chance? How many chances shall you give when you are betrayed? Or one shall always forgive and forget in an attempt to save a relationship especially when there are kids?
Though there are no single-correct answers to the questions posed above, it may still be concluded that:
1. Wrong doings are likely to be discovered (in Maltese ‘Iz-Zejt jitla f’wicc l-ilma).
2. Sometimes, when you are sorry is too late.
3. Do not look for the things in life that are owned by others.
4. If we act dishonestly, sometimes the only options that are left to choose from all have a sour taste.
5. Once bitten twice shy
LIFT invites you to continue the discussion on this blog by sending comments to this post and share your views about the film itself and this activity.
From Friday the 30th January to Sunday the 1st of February LIFT organised the first weekend from a series of three weekends. Eleanor Grech (one of the persons who attended LIFT Weekend 1) took the initiative to share her personal experience with LIFT on our Blog.
It was a last minute decision to come to the Lift Live-in weekend and I truly do not regret it. I honestly believe that this weekend has left a profound impact on me. Initially I wasn’t sure if I had made the right decision, I was a bit scarred, but now that I’ve been part of this experience, I feel that I am already reaping the benefits.
We truly had a good time together and that is what this weekend was all about – building up new friendship and strengthening old ones, the sharing and discussion of different ideals, exploring common life values, exercise, team work - cooking and cleaning together, laughter, prayer and a long walk! All in an atmosphere of friendship, acceptance and openness to each other. And that is what struck me the most. I
t was a meaningful experience for me because first and foremost I had to stretch out and be open to a new encounter with you and make myself available for others. Another thing, I had to be involved in doing something for others (i.e. cooking and cleaning), and serve you as required. Practically knowing only a few of you, it was not easy for me to stretch myself that much. Moreover, I have to say that, I am pretty much used to going on spiritual retreats and usually you find everything prepared, planned and ready for you. You pretty much know what’s going to happen. All that is required of me is to sit and listen, eat and sleep.
I feel that in this Live-in the spiritual element was pretty much translated into practice, because the actual doing, sharing and living together as a group, has brought about a sense of unity, friendship and communion. Moreover I feel that I’ve made new and precious friends during this weekend. Indeed I honestly believe that it was a character building experience for me. And for this wonderful experience I have had with you guys I am truly grateful.
Thanks a lot.
Eleanor
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Got a similar experience? Want to comment about Eleanor's experience? Want to share your experience? Write us a comment about what you think about such events and give us your suggestions. Remember this is an open discussion :) - LIFT weekend 1 is the first from a series of 3. The second weekend will be on March 2009 and the third weekend in May 2009.
Express yourself and share your views and opinions at a Cyber Interactive dimension. This Blog provides readers with a deeper insight of many of LIFT latest activities whilst also invites all of you to contribute with ideas and comments to all the group!
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