Reflections on the Beatitudes for People with Cancer

Ken Curtis, founder and president of Gateway Films/Vision Video and the Christian History Institute, here offers spiritual sustenance to people with cancer, focusing on the famous Beatitudes section from Christ's Sermon on the Mount as recounted in the Gospel of Matthew (5:3-11). The fact that Curtis, who also made Reflections on Psalm 23: For People with Cancer (see VL-5/07), has himself been diagnosed with two advanced forms of cancer lends his comments particular power. At the beginning of this program, Curtis recounts how a recent deterioration in his condition almost prevented him from undertaking this project. But he was ultimately able to once again travel to the Holy Land to visit sites that inspire his commentary on each of the Beatitudes—places such as the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, and the site of the Qumran community. In each case his thoughts lead to other scriptural passages—the parable of the Good Samaritan, for example—that help him illustrate how a blessing that might not appear on the surface to apply to those enduring chemotherapy and radiation can help them deal with various situations and come to a deeper understanding of their illnesses. Curtis' soft-spoken approach, combined with the evocative locations and soothing background score, make this a potentially beneficial tool to those suffering with cancer or any serious ailment. Recommended. Aud: P. (F. Swietek)