Passion of Christ

It has been seventeen years since the Passion of Christ by Mel Gibson was in our movie theaters. It was very realistic and a pretty faithful attempt to show all of us what really happened in the last days before Christ's resurrection. I think it would be good for all of us to watch this movie again. Here are the reasons why.

1. We very easily talk about Jesus Christ dying for us but we do not understand that His death wasn't just a simple execution. His suffering was one of extreme physical, psychological, and spiritual damage. Jesus Christ was destroyed by man's sin. God accepted pain beyond our imagination. He did it not because He tolerates us, but because He loves us. The frustration of Satan came to the final summit of hate and with great satisfaction Satan watched people crucify their own creator.

2. Very often people come to celebrate Holy Mass expecting to be cheered up. In many places this holy time of celebration turns into a show run by the music band, a showman priest and waving hands people. While at the same time the mystery of the sacrifice takes place on the altar. It looks to me like Palm Sunday with glorious Hosanna mixed up with the court in front of Pilate where people were shouting "Crucify Him." We do not understand that every drop of the blood of Jesus Christ that touched the ground was a price for our sins.

3. Jesus called us His friends because he revealed to us everything about His Father. He made Himself a gate to the Father. This gate is narrow, but leads to the real life. So many people are looking for the wide gate where they can walk through with all their possessions. They want to keep everything so there is no space left for Jesus Christ. The only thing the Son of God had in his final moments was His cross, therefore he was free to say: Father, into Your hands I commend my spirit.

4. Jesus Christ gave His Body and Blood to us as food for an eternal life. This is the most holy gift we have. This is broken into pieces -- the flesh and blood that in the Holy Mass is given to us to be united with those who are prepared in their heart to welcome our Savior. But there are so many people that with sin in their hearts take this precious gift. They are mocking the entire sacrifice with no respect and repentance. It is like they are saying: so what, I don't care what Christ did, I can do whatever I want. This sacrilegious act is another lash, another whip.

I could write more about it but I believe these few points will help you understand what I am talking about. Give yourself time and watch again the Passion of Christ. Do not be afraid to face the truth and see how "expensive" our salvation is.