Today, Oprah Winfrey signs off after 25 years on daytime television. It has been, by any estimation, an astonishing career. In episodes (4561), Emmys (48), guests (30,000 -- including at least one Jesuit), gifts given, books promoted, money made -- even in that most unusual of daytime television categories, spinoff programs, Oprah has soared not just head and shoulders but whole continents above her competition. (For enough amazing Oprah statistics to begin to fill a Harper's Index, click here.)
As the press proceeds to dissect Oprah's legacy, may I offer one thought. Part of what made us love Oprha, even those of us like myself who only watched the occasional clip of her show, is that she seemed to see herself as trying to share the things that she loved. It's really no coincidence that she became known for giving things like cars or trips to Australia away; on so many levels, that was her M.O. She was the one that discovered fun or important things, uncovered amazing stories and people, and she wanted to share them with her 40 million plus closest friends.
You and I, we don't have talk shows or pulpits of that size -- at least I don't. (Your Holiness, if you're reading, never you mind.) And our spheres of friendship and influence are far smaller. But still, the example of Oprah reminds me that whatever the size of the worlds that we inhabit, that gifts that we have, the blessings that God gives us, really can touch other people's lives and make our world a better place.
When I think of Oprah, that is my favorite thing.
Jim McDermott, S.J.
This is great. The part at about 2.30 shows the danger of the touchy feely.
And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her.
And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law.
I didn't see the Oprah episode referenced (I haven't seen but a few minutes of any), but I've no doubt that the story is true. The power of spin, persuasively delivered by a popular, trusted figure is a powerful thing.
I was surprised at her personal testimony about Jesus and God-and prayer/meditation. My impression was that she was sincere in what she said. I especially liked her final words. ''To God be the Glory.'' So, I put them on my Facebook status with an attribution to her.
I was surprised at the controversy that engendered among my FB friends, especially the Protestant fundamentalists. Wow! Apparently they object because Oprah believes there is more than one path to salvation and Jesus isn't the only way. Supposedly she once said something like that. Isn't the Catholic view that Jesus' redemptive act opens up the possibility of salvation for all, even non Christians?
b962
Earlier, practically quoting Scripture, she spoke of the importance of listening to that whispered inner voice - of God - adding, ''be still.''
Her message essentially was to find that inner spark, the transcendent; and to affirm and validate others in our lives; to listen so they know they matter. She rejected the oft-heard idea that one is unworthy; simply being born makes one worthy to be.
She commented on the meaning of her 200 plus shows on the sexual abuse of children, particularly the recent one where 200 men who had been abused when young came forward publicly, and found acceptance to overcome the shame.
Any clergy would do well to pay attention.
“There are many people who the churchhas but God does not have; and there are many people who God has which the Church does not have.”
St. Augustine (paraphrased) ca 4th century