This past week has been a concentration upon films, Russian films dominating.  ‘The Island’, ‘The Dry Valley’ and ‘The Priest’, along with clips and a documentary on Andrei Tarkovsky, comprising the Russian viewing.  The ‘Dry Valley’ proved a sentimental favorite, sorrowful and interesting with insight into pre-communist class struggles.  Majestically filmed, the story of the toils of an orphan peasant woman produces a heartwarming heroine, potentially a mystic, who strives beyond her shortcomings, eventually becoming even a source of hope for the desperate and delusional noble woman she serves.  Tonight, a movie at the theater ends my day free from work.  I watched Martin Scorsese’s film ‘Silence’, a story—historical fiction, of Jesuit missionaries meeting extreme futility in 17^th century Japan.  The film resonates with profound faith.  Thought provoking, ‘Silence’ firmly grasps the mystery of God and the complexities of converting exotic cultures.  Martyrdom clearly pronounces the deepest call to faith, putting to shame the struggles I endure.  The film powerfully offers the horrific reality of surrendering one’s life for the sake of Christ.  Yet surprisingly another sacrifice of love announces itself relevant.  It is one I possess no clear understanding of, yet it provides a deepening of faith, a greater dependence upon God, a drawing away from declarative statements or judgement, a broadening of the task of surrender.  Two of the priest capitulate their vows becoming apostate priest, living out their lives in Japanese fashion.  The depth and mystery of their choice is the intrigue that lingers.  Reporting upon my personal life, I am considering a move.  An opportunity presented itself in Bratenahl that will be investigated.  Conditions at the current residence became absurd when a friend installed a furnace.  The details have become so muddied and chaotic, I am convinced it is proper to advance.  Thy Will be done!  I felt extremely ill during Mass at St Paul Shrine today, exhaustion and a headache piercing my thoughts.  I am positive the Master Cleanse played a large role.  It is day six of the fast.  During previous fasts, I have experienced similar unfortunate conditions.  I had to return immediately home to receive nourishment, followed by a collapse into a two hour nap.  Waking, I headed straight for Sacred Heart and a Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament.  The overwhelming physical condition was alleviated.