The Light Articles: "The Passion of The Christ"

I recently went to see Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ and have to say it was one of the most emotional, thought provoking movies I have ever seen. I wanted to see the movie because, since early childhood, I have had a very strong connection with this extraordinary being known as Jesus. I remember hearing the stories of how loving and gentle his spirit was, and how people would gather in great crowds to catch a glimpse of his radiance or hear him speak life-changing words. I would close my eyes and try to imagine what his smile must have been like, or if one could really see the light of his aura when he stood before them. In my childlike mind I would wonder if he really knew who I was as they said he does, and did he really love me simply because I was considered one of God's precious children. Recalling those early memories of who this man was in my mind compared to whom countless denominations have taught us he is, I smile. I like my Jesus much better! My Jesus is loving and compassionate. He is my teacher, my elder brother, my close friend. I find comfort in calling upon his wisdom and peace when I find myself in fear, or in those unspeakable moments immersed in the overpowering feelings of love. When I call on him his energy surrounds me. When I seek to know what I should do, it is his presence that gives me the answer if I will listen.

While sitting in that dark theater I felt great sadness at not only the story, but in the idea that human beings could be that vicious to one another. I was so moved by what was playing out on the screen that I found myself with tears streaming down my cheeks, but I was praying as well. I kept praying and mumbling in my mind that I guess I never really considered all that the historical accounts of his crucifixion had presented. I knew the story, or so I thought, but there were things I had forgotten through the years. I had never truly thought about the horrific beatings he endured, the humiliation and pain. I was suddenly moved to think that we as humans could reach such levels within ourselves of extreme violence, hatred, and darkness. I wept along with my friend, Debbie, as we sat trying to hold back a mix of emotions. I cried there for the millions of Jewish people, Native Americans, African Americans, and anyone who had ever been brutally mistreated because of skin color, religious beliefs, or lifestyles. I cried in that darkness for all that Jesus lived through in those last few hours. He came to teach us love and we unmercifully beat him, spat on him, and hung him up like he was of no value. And yet He cried out and asked that those who did this be forgiven “for they know not what they do.” Can you imagine? That's love, real unconditional love, that some of us may never be willing or even consciously able to tap into while in these human bodies. They attempted to kill all that he stood for that day, and a few believed they did. But you can never kill love, for real love never dies. It always blooms again to continue what it came to do, to change us at a depth we may never have reached before.

So many people have their opinion about what this movie's message is: that it is an insult to the wonderful Jewish faith and its people; that the scheme of the promotional extravaganza is one to simply promote religion on behalf of Mel Gibson's viewpoints and beliefs. I found the movie to be a powerful instrument for making us think about who we are as individuals. Beyond the issue of religious prejudices, it leads us to consider our own behavior as human beings and how low we are willing to sink or stoop to keep people, ideas, and beliefs we fear from being what they are. How many times have I killed the messenger because I couldn't or wouldn't understand the message? I left that movie theater in the silence of deep thought as did almost everyone else who was there that night. I drove home in that silence as well. I don't think I ever care to see this movie again. I know I won't add it to my collection of all time favorites to sit alongside The Color Purple or Titanic, but I can honestly say I will never forget its powerful message that I must apply to my own life. Love will always triumph over the darkness and fear of life. No matter how hard the road appears, love will make all things right.

In the last few weeks, I've been in a place of sadness and release in my own personal life. Often times we find we must let go of people and things we love, so that the river of life can keep flowing and leading us where we must go. The pain of saying goodbye, and the wonderings of what could I have done surround your every waking moment. In the sadness, even though it may feel you are incredibly alone, Spirit is there.

In The Passion of the Christ, what scene moved me the most? Jesus fell with the cross upon his back and his mother rushed to his side. He looked up at her all beaten and bloody, gazed into her loving eyes, and said, “Behold, I make all things new.” Those words gave me the hope I needed. I now know I will smile again and love again, and for that I am filled with gratitude. Thank you Jesus, my Friend of friends, for being so much more than any religion could ever convey. Who you are truly goes beyond any man- made beliefs and concepts. Hmmmmm…. Maybe that applies to who we are as well. Isn't that what you tried to teach us all along?