ACROSS
International Ministries.....................................................................................
The
Passion
Paul
Harvey review
. Paul
Harvey on "THe Passion" movie
Paul Harvey's words:
I really did not know what to expect. I was thrilled to have been
invited to a private viewing of Mel Gibson's film "The Passion," but I
had also read all the cautious articles and spin. I grew up in a Jewish
town and owe much of my own faith journey to the influence.
I have a life long, deeply held aversion to anything that might even
indirectly encourage any form of anti-Semitic thought, language or
actions. I arrived at the private viewing for "The Passion", held in
Washington DC and greeted some familiar faces. The environment was
typically Washingtonian, with people greeting you with a smile but
seeming to look beyond you, having an agenda beyond the words.
The film was very briefly introduced, without fanfare, and then the
room darkened. From the gripping opening scene in the Garden of
Gethsemane, to the very human and tender portrayal of the earthly
ministry of Jesus, through the betrayal, the arrest, the scourging, the
way of the cross, the encounter with the thieves, the surrender on the
Cross, until the final scene in the empty tomb, this was not simply a
movie; it was an encounter, unlike anything I have ever experienced.
In addition to being a masterpiece of film-making and an artistic
triumph, "The Passion" evoked more deep reflection, sorrow and
emotional reaction within me than anything since my wedding, my
ordination or the birth of my children. Frankly, I will never be the
same.
When the film concluded, this "invitation only" gathering of "movers
and shakers" in Washington, DC were shaking indeed, but this time from
sobbing. I am not sure there was a dry eye in the place. The crowd that
had been glad-handing before the film was now eerily silent. No one
could speak because words were woefully inadequate. We had experienced
a kind of art that is a rarity in life, the kind that makes heaven
touch earth.
One scene in the film has now been forever etched in my mind. A
brutalized, wounded Jesus was soon to fall again under the weight of
the cross. His mother had made her way along the Via Della Rosa. As she
ran to him, she flashed back to a memory of Jesus as a child, falling
in the dirt road outside of their home. Just as she reached to
protect him from the fall, she was now reaching to touch his wounded
adult face. Jesus looked at her with intensely probing and passionately
loving eyes (and at all of us through the screen) and said "Behold I
make all things new."
These are words taken from the last Book of the New Testament, the Book
of Revelation.
Suddenly, the purpose of the pain was so clear and the wounds, that
earlier in the film had been so difficult to see in His face, His back,
indeed all over His body, became intensely beautiful. They had been
borne voluntarily for love. At the end of the film, after we had all
had a chance to recover, a! question and answer period ensued. The
unanimous praise for the film, from a rather diverse crowd, was as
astounding as the compliments were effusive. The questions included the
one question that seems to follow this film, even though it has not yet
even been released. "Why is this film considered by some to be
"anti-Semitic?"
Frankly, having now experienced (you do not "view" this film) "the
Passion" it is a question that is impossible to answer. A law professor
whom I admire sat in front of me. He raised his hand and responded
"After watching this film, I do not understand how anyone can insinuate
that it even remotely presents that the Jews killed Jesus. It doesn't."
He continued "It made me realize that my sins killed Jesus" I agree.
There is not a scintilla of anti-Semitism to be found anywhere in this
powerful film. If there were, I would be among the first to decry it.
It faithfully tells the Gospel story in a dramatically beautiful,
sensitive and profoundly engaging way. Those who are alleging
otherwise have either not seen the film or have another agenda behind
their protestations.
This is not a "Christian" film, in the sense that it will appeal
only to those who identify themselves as followers of Jesus
Christ. It is a deeply human, beautiful story that will deeply touch
all men and women. It is a profound work of art. Yes, its
producer is a Catholic Christian and thankfully has remained faithful
to the Gospel text; if that is no longer acceptable behavior than we
are all in trouble. History demands that we remain faithful to the
story and Christians have a right to tell it. After all, we believe
that it is the greatest story ever told and that its message is for all
men and women. The greatest right is the right to hear the truth.
We would all be well advised to remember that the Gospel narratives to
which "The Passion" is so faithful were written by Jewish men who
followed a Jewish Rabbi whose life and teaching have forever changed
the history of the world. The problem is not the message but those who
have distorted it and used it for hate rather than love. The solution
is not to censor the message, but rather to promote the kind of gift of
love that is Mel Gibson's filmmaking masterpiece, "The Passion." It
should be seen by as many people as possible. I intend to do
everything I can to make sure that is the case. I am passionate about
"The Passion." You will be as well.
Don't miss it!
.
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