William E. Barrett (1900-1986) was an advertising man who left his full-time job to become a free-lance writer. Over his career, he wrote many novels and short stories, most of which had a Catholic theme.
Several of his books became movies, including The Left Hand of God starring Humphrey Bogart as an escaped convict who disguised himself as a priest.
Another of Barrett’s books, The Lilies of the Field, was made into a movie in 1963. It starred Sidney Poitier as Homer Smith, and itinerant handyman who ended up working at a convent.
On this date 40 years ago, Sidney Poitier became the first African-American actor to win an Academy Award – for his role in The Lilies of the Field
The Lilies of the Field introduced the song “Amen,” which not only became a top 10 hit, but also is sometimes used at liturgies.
I grew up as a Catholic…I think every writer uses their life experiences in their writing. I wasn’t preaching to anyone. I was just writing what I knew best.” ~William E. Barrett
Mary Magdalene had only one thing in mind – to find the body of Jesus, which she thought had been stolen. So she disregards the question Jesus asks and gets right to the matter at hand: Are you the one who moved Jesus’ body…….. and will you help get it back?
She doesn’t realize that she is saying this to the Risen Lord himself.
How can someone who believes in Jesus, meet Jesus and not know it’s Jesus?
Well, he wasn’t what she had expected. His risen body was transformed.
I wonder if there are times when the Lord is present to me in a special way and I miss it because it’s not what I expected.
Like right now?