The Passion of the Christ

Over the past few years, I have gotten in the habit of watching Mel Gibson's film, "The Passion of the Christ" during Holy Week. The first time I saw it was on Good Friday of the year it was released (2003?) and I was simply blown away. I knew the story of the Passion, I had prayed the sorrowful mysteries many times, I had been exposed to the Stations of the Cross in many churches... but I had never experienced Our Lord's Passion so viscerally as I did when I first watched that film.

In fact, I still find that it really helps me to focus on the intense suffering that our Lord underwent, as well as the great love and trust in God that sustained Jesus during his Passion, which is why I make a point to watch it annually at least once during Holy Week.

This year, I watched it on "Holy Tuesday"- last night- and again, I was blown away. In particular this year, I was struck by the role Mary played in the Passion. In a way, watching the movie is like being there suffering along with Mary, who suffered so intensely along with her son. I have sensed that Mary is prompting me to focus on the Passion from her perspective this year- to focus on how she suffered along with her Son. In that regard, I was struck by the "pieta" scene at the end of the film, where the actress portraying Mary looks up as she is holding the dead Jesus and stares right into the camera. At that moment, it is as if Mary is staring right into my soul, challenging me, imploring me to not let the sacrifice of Calvary be in vain.

I pray that we may all answer Mary's plea during these next few days and suffer with her, at the foot of the Cross, that Jesus' sacrifice may continue to bear fruit in our time.

 

I admire your courage , BC. I found it too hard

 

bfocatholic,

I think Mel did a great job demonstrating Mary's acceptance of Jesus' suffering (...when she unclenches her fists and lets the stones fall to the ground).

I like your use of viscerally. Now there's a word for you!

Safe in the Hearts of Jesus and Mary!

 

https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/n...ist-omits-old-testament-prophecy-about-jesus/

While I'm sure most of us are not financially contributing to Netflix, it is a good reminder about the importance of physical media. If you haven't already, get it on DVD and/or Blu-ray while you can. Or we can always donate to a local library.

 

I believe you've all seen that this August in Rome, filming will begin for the sequel to The Passion, titled The Resurrection of the Christ, which is set to be released during Easter in 2026. I think it’s an understatement to say that The Passion is one of the most moving films I’ve ever seen. I consider myself a film enthusiast, and I’ve experienced a wide range of genres.

God gives us talents and freedom, and then it’s up to man to use those talents either for his own benefit or for the glory of God, by using them to serve others. Mel Gibson is undoubtedly a sinner – he has had major downfalls in his private life – and he went through a real Calvary in Hollywood because of this film, where he was like Christ: exiled, “scourged,” abandoned, and crucified by the media, society, and the film industry.

Yet God granted him an incredible talent, first as an actor, and then as a director, through which he created a masterpiece that portrayed Christ’s suffering and our salvation in the most dramatic way – so much so that even those who are not Christians can feel the magnitude of this film. The "evil" was so shaken by it that practically the entire cast came under fire from all sides – facing criticism, attacks, and in many cases, the loss of their careers and reputations.
I don’t know if there’s a more moving film for a Christian than The Passion. The amount of pain, suffering, and the strength of God embodied in a man who suffered for our sins—scourged, crucified, and died on the cross to cover our shame. And in the end, He rose again and gave us eternal life.

It may sound strange, but what God did with Mel Gibson is similar to what He did with Saul when he became Paul. Through this film, this masterpiece—God managed to vividly portray at least a glimpse of His suffering, which we so often read about but so rarely feel. In doing so, He showed ordinary people the true cost Christ paid for our salvation.

The film is being made independently of Hollywood and I believe that Mel is throwing all his cards on the table with this film as the pinnacle of his career, and I can say his life. I have no doubt that he will encounter numerous difficulties, but I believe that with God's help and blessing he will overcome everything and bring us a clear picture of what we all lack today, hope and the Resurrection of Christ. The year 2026 could be special, I always had a personal feeling that when the sequel to The Passion comes out, the world will be in a turbulent period, if I may say so, especially regarding the Catholic Church.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5795232/

 

Mel was recently interviewed by a couple of different people Joe Rogan among them. He admitted to being a sinner. A very great sinner but he has hope in Christ. He firmly believes in the True Church. And in the Resurrection. He also said " I'm in the third act now. I think a lot about these things".( meaning death and judgement)
I suspect this second film will be very anointed. And magnificently produced and directed.
The Passion was a work of art as well as a film. Every detail. Extraordinary! Truly anointed.

 

This film is firmly planned for me tonight. I'm trying to spend today's Good Friday in prayer, contemplation and theological reading and to watch the film towards the end of the day, except for short breaks like the one I'm taking as I write this. I have only seen it once in the cinema so far.
My wish and hope is that it will help me to develop a deep and genuine love for Jesus. I don't have that yet. Only a rational one (‘Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me.’ - I try).
My mother died last october. Death was a salvation for her. She suffered greatly and I suffered a lot while I witnessed it. I probably felt for her as a son the way she would feel for her children as a mother. I've never had feelings like that before in my life.
It occurred to me that I could better empathise with Mary's suffering and hopefully develop a greater love for Jesus as a result. If I could love Jesus more ‘genuinely’ and feel his pain and/or Mary's pain in a more real way, that would certainly help me to avoid causing them both pain through sinful behaviour.

In this respect, thank you for your contribution. It encourages me in my plans.

(Btw, Caviezel's interviews about the circumstances and experiences of the film shoot leave me in no doubt about divine involvement)

 

A beautiful post Steve. Truly grace filled. The film as meditation is powerful. I can attest to that. It is very difficult to watch. St JPII after seeing the film said " It is as it was."
In other words Gibson got it right. No question Jim Caviezel got out of the way and let Jesus take over.

 

I watched it Sunday again. I don't discount the actor who played Jesus.
Why are people so afraid of the supernatural? He almost died playing
Our dear Lord. Why would I not believe his words that Jesus spoke to him? Why would I put limits on what God can and can't do.? I'll leave that to God , not me.

 

The scene of the “devil baby” during the Way of the Cross on Calvary is very powerful, as it carries a profound symbolism of how Satan used the very concept of “fatherly love” to cast doubt in Christ’s heart about the love of the Eternal Father—a temptation that is often present in our own lives. I believe that, even though Satan knew that Christ was the Son of the Living God, the Incarnate Word, he saw in Jesus’ humanity an opportunity to make Him come down from the Cross and reject the will of God the Father. So just imagine the level of spiritual attack and warfare we, poor sinners, are constantly exposed to if we do not rely on the ineffable aid of Divine Grace.

 

Romans 6:8

Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.

I suppose Steve, your sharing the death of your mother was a little death for yourself. But it's wonderful to have Faith that can draw meaning from suffering and death.

I was never really able to watch this film, it was just too much for me, but I very much admire people who can. I see Netflix censored the version that is being shown.

Any big takeaways from this Good Friday? I think I was very touched by the Faith of others. As for myself I always think my heart is cold as stone. I'm not really an emotional type, but I console myself at least I'm standing there.

I listened to an English writer this morning on the radio. He was diagnosed with serious cancer a year or two ago and at the same time his wife was diagnosed with terminal cancer. So she was in a hospice dying while he was seriously ill in a hospital and they corresponded by Whatsapp. He spoke about how random life is, sometimes bringing great good and happiness and sometimes great pain. I felt so sorry for him. For the Christian nothing is random and everything has purpose.

Very often it is like this in the Spiritual Life, all we can do is stand there in the Dark and keep Christ company and wait. But I suspect that is enough and more than enough. Just to keep Him company.

 

I was walking along the road this afternoon saying the rosary, the Sorrowful Mysteries when a car drew up alongside. It was an old lady from Cuba and her son. She lives here now. They invited me for coffee. I went and got a wonderful lunch. A really beautiful house a lovely lively lady and son. She loves Flamingo which I guess is a kind of Spanish blues. I had to leave them to go to Church for the afternoon service. Not a mention of God or Church. Lovely people so kind and generous. Wise too in many ways the both of them. But no sign of God or Faith that I could see on this most holy day.

Prayers for them both.

How very great and to be treasured is the Gift of Faith.

 

A very beautiful post, Padraig. Very encouraging.

 

It was dark and Cold and raining here all day. A perfect weather for Good Friday I think.

 

You spoke wisely. And it was not a coincidence that they befriended you.

 

That's all He asked, that we should keep him company. I find myself truly
Feeling it this Easter season... thinking of my daughter, her fiance and us who are left behind. Thankful for confession today at 3;30. I can't wait.
Nothing jolts you into the Faith like losing people you love. My prayers today for all in this dear group.

 

You are blessed, Agnes. I went to Confession this morning. A cleansing.

Losing a beloved daughter is a major sorrow in life. Jesus conquered death. You are right about being jolted into the Faith.
Thank you for your prayers.

 

I am so blessed, a close family member also went to confession and believe me, it's a miracle!!! Feeling wonderful! God bless you!

 

Beautiful to see!!!