Walking out of The Passion of the Christ one thought struck me. I continually read in the papers about the violence of the movie. But that wasn’t how I saw it. Rather, the theme of the movie for me was sorrow. Sorrow that I am so weak when my God had given so much. Sorrow that I had as much to do with the horrible scourging and crucifixion of my God as anyone else. Sorrow that I could not be the perfect son of my fallen Savior.
The violence didn’t get me; the reality of God being killed by those He created in order save them did. I think what’s missing from most of the reviews I read is faith. Without faith Christianity seems silly. Why would an omnipotent God come to earth and die? Why would He allow himself to be beaten and killed by mere creatures that He could easily destroy? Faith is not only the key to understanding God, it is the essential requirement needed to comprehend this movie. Mel Gibson has created a masterpiece. I’m one of those that believes that God works through whomever He has available to do the job, so I don’t believe Mel’s personal oddities can necessarily corrupt the film – and I don’t believe they did.
The Passion of the Christ is a phenomenal achievement. The movie manages to convey our personal responsibility remarkably well. I wept through parts of the movie – particularly the scene where Christ says, “You see, Mother, I make all things new.” I was very impressed with the treatment of Mary and the Eucharist. The script does a great job of tying the Crucifixion together with the Last Supper and mentions several times that we must eat the flesh of Christ and drink His blood.
In the end, I left the theater acutely aware of my personal sinfulness. I left more determined than ever to avoid sin and follow Christ. And that may be the best thing a movie can possibly achieve.
God bless,
Jay
I saw the movie last night. On the way home, my boyfriend and his mom were taking it apart on a typical "movie" view. Just as they would review a normal movie. Things like "this went on too long, that had no point, yada yada yada". They asked me what I thought and all I could say was "Not right now." I was stunned at the way the movie made me feel, I still cannot put into words how I felt about the movie. I cried during most of it, especially the scenes where Mary tries to get to Jesus and she's flashing back to a childhood fall where she runs to help him. The pain in knowing this is your child and he is going to die and there is nothing you can do but be there. And also when He is up there on that cross, scourged and beaten and bloody and dying, and He still asks His Father to forgive us. I felt so unworthy, so low. And that triumphant arisen Savior, bound by pain no more, but perfect once again. I know this is just a movie, made by just a man, but the message is so powerful, it must be from God. How people can leave this movie, especially those who believe in the Crucifixion and the Risen Savior, and not be so touched by this piece, I don't understand. I hope I can put my feelings in to words better so I can discuss them with Chris and his mom. It's just so emotional, so spiritual, it almost feels as though it is just for me. But I know it is something I need to share with those I love.
Peace,
Sonya