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An
Outreach Publication of the Church of Christ at
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The Leveler Toto` (born Antonio de Curtis; 1898-1967) was a comedy genius and the icon of Italian comedy. He was a very talented actor and comic (appearing in 108 films), a film writer (writing 5 of them), a music composer (composing music for 4 of his films), and a poet. Toto` was the master in making people laugh, not only with his words, but also with his facial expressions and physical actions. One of his greatest and funniest films is Miseria e Noblita`, also starring Sophia Loren. It tells the story of two Neapolitan families, who are both very poor and starving living in post-war Naples. They then come across an opportunity to pretend they are nobility, and manage for a short time to live a life of luxury. However their luck doesn’t last for long. * Toto` had the uncanny ability to make people laugh, but he could also make them think.... Toto` also wrote and recorded a piece entitled “'A Livella,” ("The Leveler"). It concerns a conversation between the imagined spirits of two men who are buried next to one another in a cemetery. The Nobleman (the Marchese) is complaining to the poor, miserable commoner that he had no business being buried next to such a fine, distinguished, important personage such as himself. The commoner (the spazzino, a street sweeper) replies that he is sorry about that, but he had no control over where he was buried; his wife was responsible for where he was buried. The Marchese continues his diatribe, then the poor peasant reminds him that when two men die, it doesn't matter what their station is life was; they are both dead and they are equal, and on the same level after death. The poor peasant (loosely translated from Italian) says to the Marchese: “Who
do you think you are? A Lord? Toto` and the commoner are right: death IS the leveler, the great equalizer. It doesn’t matter if one was rich and another was poor while they lived. “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out” (1 Tim 6:7). What DOES matter is if one is a Christian. To die in one’s sin brings condemnation (Romans 6:23). However, if one’s sin has been covered by the blood of Jesus, one may look forward to living eternally with God in heaven (Romans 6:23; Revelation 21). Jesus died on the cross to pay the price for our redemption (Ephesians 1:7). He will redeem those who believe in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from our sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized (immersed) in His name for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). He will continue to cleanse those who continue to walk in the light of His word (1 John 1:7). Yes, Toto` death IS the great equalizer. However, to die in Christ means salvation; to die in sin means eternal punishment. Are YOU a Christian? If not, won’t you submit your life to Christ today? Church
of Christ at Creekwood * http://www.madaboutitaly.com/italian_comedians_comedy.htm To Subscribe to "Living Water" send a blank e-mail to:
HTML version: subscribe-livingwater@lyris.dundee.net Follow this link to locate the church of Christ nearest you: www.churchzip.com Archived issues of "Living Water" can be accessed from our website at: www.creekwoodcc.org
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