TGIMMafter2

Movie: "After Earth" -- final session

SURVIVING OVERWHELMING ODDS

The Gospel

JOHN 19:28-30

At his crucifixion, aware that everything was now finished, in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I thirst.” There was a vessel filled with common wine. So they put a sponge soaked in wine on a sprig of hyssop and put it up to his mouth. When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, “It is finished.” And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.

Gospelthink: This is the close of my earthly life. I did what I wanted to do. Am I trying to do what I know God has called me to do?

In the movie "After Earth" when Kitai, Cypher's son, set out to find the beacon that would tell their rescuers where they were, he became a real student as he acted and reacted with his father. Trying to impress his father, still ruled by childish thoughts and mistaken thinking, but realizing what his father taught him, he went about his task as best he could. The circumstances he faced put him into near impossible situations, but he was able to survive and accomplish his goal. Even though he was young and totally inexperienced, by listening to the wisdom of his father and using his own judgment based on what his father had taught him over the years, he became the master, a creator of sorts, who brought about what he knew he had to do even as he faced overwhelming odds.

Christians will automatically think of Jesus when they think of accomplishing something in the face of overwhelming odds. Jesus viewed his whole life from the vantage point of the cross, dying in his earthly life. He realized that he had accomplished--finished--what he started to do. He could hand over the Spirit to the world to direct it the way God wanted it to go. God was in charge again. The world was redeemed. Scripture had been fulfilled.

For young Kitai in the movie "After Earth," accomplishment of the immediate goal of finding the beacon, as well as his goals of living well later on was not easy. From the vantage point of later adolescence, however, he could feel proud that he had accomplished what he had. He understood completely that he could not have done it had it not been for the direction of his father and the help of others and even animals who actually gave their lives to help him accomplish what had to be done.

It is an important lesson for us as we grow. Unfortunately, there are many circumstances that work against our healthy growth. We may even say that there are overwhelming odds against our growing well amidst the problems and temptations of a hostile world. It is interesting that the earth which Kitai discovered as hostile is the same earth in which we find ourselves. In many ways, it is hostile--difficult upbringings, family disunity, debilitating tragedies--situations that disrupt an otherwise beautiful life.

But we can win, even against overwhelming odds. God is in charge. As long as we follow the direction of concerned people, like parents and teachers and ministers, we will be able to accomplish the good life that we all desire.

PRAYER

Good and gracious God, your Son has redeemed us, giving us the possibility of a real life even though it is difficult at times. Give us the grace to learn how to use well the gifts that are offered to us while we are here on our earth. Be with us, we pray.

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GUIDE FOR CLASSROOM PRESENTATION AND PERSONAL ENRICHMENT

Theme: We can become masters of the circumstances of our lives, even if they seem overwhelming.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
(session: approximately 47 minutes)
1. What scene during this session of the movie is most striking? Why?
2. In John's Gospel, the offering of wine at his crucifixion was a kind gesture. What is the greatest kindness we can show someone who is close to death?
3. In John's Gospel, when Jesus says that "It is finished," it is a statement of having accomplished redemption. What is your understanding of redemption? See Catechism of the Catholic Church, second edition, numbers 613-617.
4. Analysis: When this Gospel passage uses the idea of handing over the spirit, there is a double meaning. It refers to his death, but it also refers to the fulfillment of an earlier passage in John's Gospel: "He said this in reference to the Spirit that those who came to believe in him were to receive. There was, of course, no Spirit yet, because Jesus had not yet been glorified" (John 7:39). What is your understanding of the Holy Spirit? See Catechism, numbers 687-701.
5. In your mind, what was the principal accomplishment of Jesus while he was with us?
6. What are the most important goals that we should have as a young person?
7. What are the most important goals that we should have as an adult?
8. Young people need much help as they grow to be young adults. Besides family, from whom does the most help come?
9. What is the greatest obstacle to healthy growth for a young person?
10. The meditation closes with a hopeful thought--the conclusion of the movie as well. Do you think that most people have real hope in the future? Yes or no and why?
11. Dialogue analysis: Cypher--"Danger is very real, but fear is a choice." Explain why this statement is true.
12. Analysis: Cypher orders his son to abort the mission. In your opinion, why did he do that?
13. Scene analysis: Kitai dreams of his sister. Do you believe that dreams can tell us what to do and what not to do? Yes or no and why?
14. Scene analysis: The condor sacrifices himself for Kitai. Do you believe that animals have the instinct to help others? Yes or no and why?
15. Scene analysis: Cypher changes his lifestyle as he promised. In your opinion, do most adults change their lifestyles when they see that it would be good for their families? Yes or no and why?
16. Analysis: Will most adults take a cut in salary just to spend more family time? Yes or no and why?
17. What does the movie "After Earth" teach young people?

Questions, comments? Let me know. Email Fr. Mike