KCP - Catholic Diocese of Broome

Around about this time last year I went to see Mel Gibson’s film
The Passion of the Christ. It is a film of graphic violence and stark
beauty. The immensity of terror and suffering captured during the
scenes of the scourging at the pillar and the crucifixion are still vivid
in my mind. A year later I am not able to read an account of the
Passion of Christ without these images becoming immediately
present to me. This is not necessarily a bad thing. It is simply a fact.
I remember at the time almost gasping at the horror of the
violence and hoping the film would not stop with the death of Jesus.
None of it, - the blood, the suffering, and the ignominy - would have
made any sense unless goodness had triumphed. Nothing could lift
me out of my depression and a feeling of hopelessness unless Christ’s
resurrection was the final scene in the story. Fortunately Gibson
concluded his epic with a beautifully portrayed resurrection motif
that is powerful and memorable. It too is still fresh in my mind.
The movie’s aptly constructed picture of light coming from a
tomb and a living Jesus sitting near the discarded burial cloths bathed
by that warming light was uplifting. It was not only artistic splendour
but it was a hope-filled realization that painted an image of God’s
undying love for us. Death was conquered. For me it highlighted the
core of our faith that Christ, through his death and resurrection, has
“brought us out of darkness into his own wonderful light.”
In so many ways our lives are lived out in the shadow of
violence. The war in Iraq with its overwhelming bloodshed and the
senseless suicide bombings throughout the region continue to press
down upon us. In our own country, the crime on our streets, the
domestic terror in our homes and the carnage on our roads are
instances of undeniable violence. These dreadful happenings are
frightening burdens, destructive of human confidence and solidarity.
They fracture the peace we long for. Has the Cross of Christ and His
glorious resurrection anything to say about such brutal events? I
believe they do – for those who can see with eyes of faith.
The Easter event is not about passive acceptance. It is about
purpose, direction and a promise of eternal life. It makes sense of all
of life’s disappointments and transforms the haunting tragedies of
unbridled outrage. The hope of Easter is that we are raised up and
renewed in the gift of Christ. As St. Paul tells us: “…and now the life
you have is hidden with Christ in God. But when Christ is revealed –
and he is your life – you too will be revealed in all your glory with
him.” (Col:3:4)
The prayer of the Christian community is that our faith in Christ
may be strong and our love for God may be unwavering.
May the risen Lord
Breathe on our minds and open our eyes
That we may know him in the breaking of bread,
And follow him in his risen life.
I take this opportunity to wish you and your family God’s
choicest blessings this Easter and always.