Eternal rest grant unto Roger Ebert, O Lord.

I was instructed long ago by a wise editor, "If you understand something you can explain it so that almost anyone can understand it. If you don't, you won't be able to understand your own explanation." That is why 90% of academic film theory is bullshit. Jargon is the last refuge of the scoundrel.

Roger Ebert blog entry, Nov. 10, 2008

Roger Ebert lived by those words, eschewing jargon with a vengeance. He wound up becoming an American icon. I was surprised that I became a bit weepy when hearing the news. He'd had cancer since 2006 and I recall thinking just recently about what a good run he'd given it all this time, still reviewing movies and weighing in on his blog about whatever caught his interest.

It was on his blog that he recently wrote about being a Catholic in every way except that of belief in God. I pray for his soul and hope that at that last moment of choice, he chose wisely and clasped the hand extended to him from Heaven.

Eternal rest grant unto Roger Ebert, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.