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MEDIA PRESENTATION

Movie: "Avatar" -- final session
THE COURAGE TO CHANGE COMPLETELY

The Gospel

JOHN 6:66-69

As a result of this [Jesus’ words concerning the “bread that came down from heaven”], many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him. Jesus then said to the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave?” Simon Peter answered him, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.”

Gospelthink: I knew that my words were difficult, especially about the Eucharist, but I wanted my Apostles to choose me. Am I showing by my actions that I have chosen the Lord?

In the final session of the movie "Avatar," Jake Sully was trying to lead a double life. He had come to believe that the people to whom he had sworn allegiance, the Americans, were wrong, and the people he had come to love, the Na'vi, were correct in trying to defend their planet against the Americans. Inevitably, there would have to be a confrontation, and Jake would be forced to show his true belief. It would take courage to accept what had to be done because he knew full-well that everything about him would probably have to change. Jake finally began to understand that such courage in following a true cause must allow for the possibility of a total conversion to a cause. The conversion would involve not only a physical acceptance of a new way of life, but a mental one as well.

The mental acceptance of a new way of life is difficult. The mind must completely adjust itself to the new way of thinking, but once it is accomplished, life will have meaning. It takes real courage to commit oneself to such a conversion. The first apostles of Jesus Christ showed their conversion to Jesus by accepting the doctrine that the Christian world has come to know as the Eucharist. But, according to the Gospel of John, there were many disciples who could not accept the doctrine. For the disciples who remained, the acceptance of the doctrine and the principles of Jesus took courage that changed their lives forever. They truly believed that Jesus had the words of "eternal life" and so they had to change completely.

The courage of Jake Sully to accept the Na'vi and their lifestyle was more than simply an acceptance of the mind. It meant total transformation, including his body, his living and his whole attitude. It took real courage to do it, because it was change that went much further than merely doing something a little differently.

A true Christian will have the courage to make the changes necessary for a better life. As Jake Sully teaches by his actions in the movie "Avatar," once we have shown the courage to change, the Christian will allow the change to be complete. It will affect one's lifestyle, and one's outlook on life.

PRAYER

Good and gracious God, your Son called us to believe in him completely. He knew that some people could not, but he calls for the courage to change for those who could. Give us the grace of courage to truly follow Jesus. Be with us, we pray.

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GUIDE FOR CLASSROOM PRESENTATION AND PERSONAL ENRICHMENT

Theme: Being courageous involves a commitment that will completely change us.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
(session: approximately 51 minutes)
1. What scene during this session of the movie is most striking? Why?
2. The words and context of the passage deal with the Christian belief in the Eucharist. In your opinion, why is the doctrine of the Eucharist so important for the Christian believer?
3. Being courageous enough to accept the doctrine of the Eucharist and the teachings of Jesus totally changed the apostles’ lives. What shows the most courage in today’s world?
4. The Christian believes that Jesus has the words of eternal life? In your opinion, do most Christians follow all the words of Jesus completely? Yes or no and why?
5. Define “courage” as you understand it.
6. The meditation mentions that the Christian has a certain “outlook” on life. How would you describe such an “outlook.” What changes will most Christians have to make to achieve the “outlook”?
7. Scene analysis: Jake controls the Toruk. He felt that he had to impress the Na’vi to trust him. What is the most difficult thing to control in our lives?
8. Scene analysis: Jake calls the Na’vi to battle the “sky people.” He felt that his courage could lead to his death. Where do you see courage like this in our real world?
9. Dialogue analysis: Jake and Neytiri use the words “I see you.” What is the significance of the words?
10. Scene analysis: Jake talks to the Na’vi God Eywa. Does God “ take sides” in a battle? Yes or no and why?
11. Scene analysis: Jake changes his life completely, becoming a Na’vi. What are some comparable things in our real lives in which we change completely? What preparation should we make for them?
12. What does the movie “Avatar” teach young people?

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