Beckett, the Movie

I saw part of Beckett recently, starring Peter O’Toole and Richard Burton. This is an old movie.

The King (Peter O’Toole) appoints Beckett (Richard Burton) to be Archbishop of Canterbury. This is a political move. Becket was a reprobate, along with the King. The King wants Beckett to be head of the church because then, as Archbishop, Beckett will be in the King’s pocket and put the King before God, unlike all the other Archbishops. No separation of Church and State here.

Before Beckett knew the King meant to make him Archbishop, Beckett told the King that whoever becomes Archbishop will always favor God over King.

The King said to Becket: “But the man I choose does not even believe in God. This will be different.�?

And then the King announces that he has in mind his good reprobate friend Beckett himself.

What Beckett had prophesied proves true. As Archbishop of Canterbury, he favors his duty to God over his duty to King.

On two counts, this movie reminds me of me!

It is the day before Beckett’s big ceremony in the movie, and Beckett is giving away all his belongings. He is not sacrificing. He is truly having a wonderful time doing it

I too am giving away/selling all my possessions. It is really where I am. And I will be mighty glad when it’s done. I cannot say I am enjoying the process, however, because of all the decision-making and upheaval, but that’s another blog entry.

The other comparison is a stretch, yet I keep seeing the similarity.

I was never a reprobate, yet how on Earth did I get to be part of Heavenletters? It was a long shot, and just as unexpected and wild as Beckett becoming Archbishop of Canterbury!

Like Beckett, I too have come to choose God over anything else. God has become first. Who could have dreamed that? There really is something to it – the idea that you become the office you assume.

And, so, that’s the blog entry for today.

Posted by Gloria on September 14th, 2007 under these topics
Movies, Heaven Letters, Godwriting Journal

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3 Replies

Reply from Xenia on September 20, 2007

Dear Gloria,
Finally I get around on commenting your blog. I remember having seen the Beckett movie some many years ago and had forgotten the details but, remember having very much been touched by Bekett’s stand and decisions (that eventually led to his death) and his strong loyalty to God. If remember well, there was also something that had to do with him protecting the safety of his friends or family(?)by not revealing something?

It is interesting that the movie reminds you of you. I must say I admire you tremendously for going through the process of disengaging yourself of your posessions. It takes a lot of courage, faith, discipline, trust, and many other qualities, besides organization, planing and all the dealing with the physical and mental stress. WOW!

There is one thing though, if you don’t make the steps for the changes that you are called to do, then life will provide it for you and that is usually not very pleasant. We had that happen when we were near bancrupcy and had to leave the big house we were living in and move to much smaler space out of town. Later, as it turned out, it was the best move for our whole family! At another time, we had a fire in the house and all posessions had to be removed because of smoke and water damage. After the house was repaired and we could move back in again, I started fresh with only the things that we really needed. It felt sooooooo much better!

You will feel so much lighter and freer. Have a bit of patience and all will be well.

Your choosing God above everything else, will take you to great hights. Aren’t you excited?

Blessings to you,
Xenia

Reply from GA on September 21, 2007

I never thought in a million years I would be putting God first in my life. Now that he is first in my life…I could not imagine in a million years that he would not be in my life.

Blessings and Love Everyone,

Reply from liza cruz on July 3, 2009

where can I get hold of the movie for home viewing

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