The Passion of Christ

I have thought long and hard over writing this article. I was one of the many people who won free tickets to see the film, so on Good Friday I was accompanied by Nick and off we went. I was feeling apprehensive as reports had said that it was a very violent film. I mentally prepared myself for the worst - could I keep up with the sub-titles - yes I did!

Whether one is a believer or not, it’s a film which will remain with you for a very long time. If it doesn’t change you it will certainly make you think and question. I wouldn’t say I enjoyed the film, how can one enjoy so much suffering? But a must for believers to watch.

Listening to the Aramaic and Latin languages was a joy, such a gentle sound. I felt full of compassion for Peter, and my heart bled for Judas. The portrayal of the Devil was great, being on the edge, yet one could feel the longing to belong. The beatings of Jesus were horrible but one cannot gloss over true history. There were some Jews for Jesus and some against, the same was true for the Gentiles, but I felt it was all gracefully done. Some scenes went on far too long for me but I’m no film director so I cannot judge.

Being a cynical person my first reaction as I came out of the cinema was ‘Why did God bother?’ ‘His son was crucified for us - for what?’ I look at the world and feel that we have learnt nothing - or very little. We still hate, we gossip, do not forgive. We murder, there are wars everywhere, we judge people. There is ethnic cleansing, whole communities are gassed. We still stab each other in the back, we are full of greed and there is little compassion.

WE murdered Jesus and I felt sick, gutted and totally ashamed. Why? Because we still can’t love one another! Can we ever understand how much God loves us, for Him to allow His son to brutally die for us? Whatever path we take, whatever faith we follow, let us all try to learn to love each other with understanding. Let us accept other people’s feelings and give ALL compassion and help.

A film well worth seeing. Forget about the millions it made for Mel Gibson. I do believe that when it was reported that he was led by the Holy Spirit to make it he was. Full marks to him for having the courage to make a film when no other person would look at it. Let’s face it, people are talking about it everywhere - surely that says something! If you haven’t seen the film yet, do not judge by what others say, go and see it for yourself and form your own opinion. Why have we made following Jesus so difficult for ourselves? Is it the lack of love in the world today or is it that we question too much? Or is it that we have lost the meaning of FAITH?

Sue Moore

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