"The Passion of the Christ" - Unique.

Father Craig A. Collison, Guest commentary
March 4, 2004

I think it's safe to say each and every one of us has a "favorite" among the many artistic attempts to document the "Word made Flesh". After viewing "The Passion of the Christ" created, produced, and directed by Mel Gibson, I believe there will be those that feel this was the greatest film they've ever seen depicting the Passion of Jesus, or the worst film they've ever seen depicting the Passion of Jesus, or there will be those with every opinion in-between. Is it my favorite? No, but I will say it was certainly "unique". It is in those things I found unique about this film that I find I have gained spiritual growth.

This film begins with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, and not in Bethlehem at the birth of Jesus, nor in the River Jordan being baptized by John the Baptist, as many accounts do. One must keep reminding himself or herself that this movie's main focus is the Passion and Death of Jesus and is not focused on His entire life, especially His public ministry. There are "flash backs" during this film, as Jesus, Mary His mother, Mary Magdalene, St. Peter, and others are reminded of something during the life and public ministry of Jesus, when experiencing an event of the Passion. A person seeing this film has to rely on his or her previous knowledge of the life and public ministry of Jesus to understand this film at times.

Three of the languages spoken during the time of Jesus are used in the movie, Aramaic, Latin and Hebrew. English subtitles run throughout the film. They're use is unique and adds a touch of realism that I had not considered in the past.

The portrayal of the relationship between Jesus and Mary, His mother, is something I found powerful, delightful and very moving. If I had an emotional moment during this film it was in reaction to this wonder woman doing everything in her power to help her son and to let him know how much she loves him and is there for him. Mary is major figure in this film, where in many others about the life of Jesus, she seems to make but a few short appearances. The film shows Mary at times as a "playful mom" with her son and at times as a strong and determined woman giving strength to her son, Jesus, by her presence. I shall never forget the look on her face as she holds the body of Jesus at the foot of cross after Jesus had died.

How do you picture the devil or Satan in your mind? I found the way that the devil or Satan was presented in this film to be fascinating and unique. If you look for the devil to be the sort of nightmare you found in movies such as "The Exorcist" you won't find him here. What you will see is an individual who at first glance is genderless, has no eyebrows, and is somewhat neutral looking, appealing, soft spoken, a bit sympathetic and is dressed in a hooded garment that reminds one of the "Grim Reaper." This devil/Satan does not show emotion yet quietly, coyly, tempts Jesus throughout the film to give up by trying to convince Him that no man can possibly do what Jesus intends to do.

The role of Simon of Cyrene was also developed in a unique way. My take is that any one of us at times could identify with this individual as portrayed in the film. An onlooker from the street is pressed into service, more like threatened into service, to help Jesus carry His cross. He objects as loudly as he can to let all know that this cross was that of "this criminal" and not his. Yet by the time the journey to Golgotha is completed we find a changed man in Simon who has developed a relationship with Jesus to help Him and to encourage Him.

Concern has been expressed by our Jewish brothers and sisters that this film may rekindle thoughts, feelings and actions related to Anti-Semitism. I see nothing of the sort in this movie, and I was looking specifically for it. It's not there.

Much has been made about the violence, the graphic portrayal of slaughter and bloodshed in this movie. I guarantee you it is there. It is indeed among the most graphically violent films I've ever seen. If you do not like bloodshed, slaughter or graphic violence, do not go to this movie. There was a particularly horrible moment during the scourging at the pillar that the entire audience in the theater jumped at the same time.

The crucifixion is beyond description. All of this makes this portrayal unique. Is it all necessary? As I watched, the words attributed to Pope John Paul II regarding this film, "It is as it was," kept coming back to me. This comment of the Pope has been recanted and then reinstated, but regardless of whether the Holy Father said it or not, it's the first time any film that I know of has attempted to capture the horrific violence of crucifixion. It is true that we as Christians believe that Jesus died for our sins by hanging on a cross. I don't think, however, we like to think about or even know about what crucifixion is, or how violent it is, or how slowly and agonizingly death comes as a result of it. This film shows it all. Many of us aren't ready for that.

In the end, I find for myself there are other stories of Jesus that I found more complete and therefore liked them more than this film. The unique elements of this film have affected me in ways that are not easy to describe. Would I go again? Probably not. I don't need to experience the violence again. I have, however, strongly reconsidered the evil of sin and if this is what Jesus really experienced to overcome all sin and death, I know how much more He loves all of us and how much more each of us needs to "turn away from sin and live by the Gospel."

(Father Craig Collison is pastor at Sacred Heart Church in Sioux City.)