Why So Serious?

Recently I had one of the Jesuits who is a participant in the book, share a reflection with me.  He started off by saying that at first he didn’t particularly care for any of the photographs in the book because no one was smiling.  And that he could not get past the fact that everyone was so serious.  But about half way through the book, he realized that he was looking at each individual photo so much longer, wondering what they were thinking about.  What was the person trying to say and what were we trying to say with the photograph. 

At first glance, you may see serious, angry, even sad.  But the goal of this entire project was not to manipulate and lead you to a certain conclusion about these men.  I want to present the men exactly how they are - human beings - and let you decide for yourself.  I’ve made up my mind, I don’t want to make yours up too.  

This is not a documentary nor is it a year book or some vanity project.  But if approached with an openness and a willingness to be vulnerable as a viewer, the journey that you will take is one that is relatable, humbling but also reassuring.  And I assure you that if you felt alone before, you will not feel like you are completely alone afterwards.  

Everyone always says that we take the little things for granted.  And that we don’t know what we’ve got until its gone.  Two truths that also ring true here.  One might say that these photographs confront you but I would argue that they meet you exactly where you are at.  Any preconceived notion that you have about a priest, whether good or bad, you’re forced to reflect on this.  And my job to present these men and these vulnerable moments is to strip the excess away.  And in this case, that also meant a smile… or a frown for that matter.  You don’t realize how much comfort you subconsciously find in a smile until its gone.  

My direction to the guys was for neutrality. And as you’ll find in our Film Fridays, we even find comfort in color.  What happens when the color is gone?  What do you focus on?  What comes up?  

My invitation to you as the viewer is to not judge the photograph, the person in the photograph, and more importantly the person viewing the person in the photograph (you).  But rather welcome what comes up.  Identify, reflect, and ultimately bring it to prayer.