Hold to wisdom in Lenten journey to God

Every character in J.R.R. Tolkien’s masterpiece “The Lord of the Rings” faces the temptation to take the One Ring for him or herself. But there are two characters tempted by the Ring in whom we can see more clearly how we might respond to the temptation to sin.

The first character is Boromir, the man of Gondor who travels with the Fellowship of the Ring. After many months with the Fellowship, he has grown restless, agitated, and cannot keep Frodo, the Ringbearer, out of his sight or mind for long. Eventually he confronts Frodo and rationalizes his way to why he should have the Ring. “We do not desire the power of wizard-lords, only the strength to defend ourselves, strength in a just cause. It is a gift, I say; a gift to the foes of Mordor. It is mad not to use it, to use the power of the Enemy against him. The Ring of Power would give me power of Command. How I would drive the hosts of Mordor, and all men would flock to my banner!”

Setting aside all the wisdom he had received over his lifetime, Boromir rationalizes his way to trying to take the ring from Frodo by force. This rationalization in the face of temptation brought Boromir into sin.

The second character is Faramir, the brother of Boromir. When he takes Frodo captive but before he even knows Frodo has the Ring, Faramir declares, “I would not take this thing, if it lay by the highway. Not were Minas Tirith falling into ruin and I alone could save her, so, using the weapon of the Dark Lord for her good and my glory. No, I do not wish for such triumphs, Frodo.” Eventually the truth comes out that Frodo is carrying the One

ASK FATHER MIKE | FATHER MICHAEL SCHMITZ