| Movie: "Creed II" -- beginning session
TALK WITH THE HEART
|
| The Gospel | MATTHEW 6:19-21 |
Jesus
said: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth
and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up
treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves
break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there also will your
heart be."
After
Adonis Creed made a name for himself in the boxing world with Rocky
Balboa as his trainer, he once again needed Rocky's help. He first of
all wanted to defend his WBC heavy weight championship which Rocky
trained him for and Donnie eventually won. Then desiring some help as
he married Bianca, "Donnie" turned to his surrogate father, Rocky once
again. Rocky's direction was a classic Rocky statement. He did not know
the words to say, but his advice was to always "talk with the heart."
When Donnie did, it was the beginning of a beautiful marriage.
What
is the meaning of the phrase "talk with the heart," the advice that
Rocky gave Adonis as he was seeking a love commitment with Bianca?
Jesus reflects that treasure on earth, such as clothing and linens, can
be consumed by moths or insects or stolen by thieves. They also consume
one’s attention and one’s heart. The lasting treasure,
Jesus says, is the heart centered on God, which cannot be dislodged.
Thus, talking with the heart implies that your heart is centered on a
love that is forever.
When Rocky told Adonis to talk with the heart, he meant that with your heart centered on the reality of love, you will be able to say anything and it will come out right. If you want to speak to someone about any necessity in life, you must be centered on the reality of love, so that every word is spoken with love. Rocky's words: "Turn off your brain and let your heart do the talking." Adonis was able to follow Rocky's advice.
It is a tremendous lesson for all of us. We must learn to "talk with the heart" with those that we hope to establish a commitment, and thus speak from the attitude of love. In fact, we must learn to "talk with the heart" in every conversation. Love implies that we will never be disappointed. No matter what the person responds to our speaking, our response will be one of love.
That, of course, is the problem. We are inclined to be selfish in all of our actions, and therefore our conversation always takes on an element of "wanting what we want." A person who is talking with the heart, that is speaking from the reality of love, will no matter what the outcome of the words, be clear that love has been the force behind what we say. It is a difficult task, but a true guide for a good life.
When Rocky told Adonis to talk with the heart, he meant that with your heart centered on the reality of love, you will be able to say anything and it will come out right. If you want to speak to someone about any necessity in life, you must be centered on the reality of love, so that every word is spoken with love. Rocky's words: "Turn off your brain and let your heart do the talking." Adonis was able to follow Rocky's advice.
It is a tremendous lesson for all of us. We must learn to "talk with the heart" with those that we hope to establish a commitment, and thus speak from the attitude of love. In fact, we must learn to "talk with the heart" in every conversation. Love implies that we will never be disappointed. No matter what the person responds to our speaking, our response will be one of love.
That, of course, is the problem. We are inclined to be selfish in all of our actions, and therefore our conversation always takes on an element of "wanting what we want." A person who is talking with the heart, that is speaking from the reality of love, will no matter what the outcome of the words, be clear that love has been the force behind what we say. It is a difficult task, but a true guide for a good life.
PRAYER
Good
and gracious God, Your Son taught us to "talk with the heart," to
always speak with love in our minds. Please give us the grace to always
speak with love, no matter what the circumstances might be. Be
with us, we pray.
+++++
Theme: We must learn to "talk with the heart" when we want to sincerely communicate with another.GUIDE FOR CLASSROOM PRESENTATION AND PERSONAL ENRICHMENT
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
(session: approximately 61 minutes)
1. What scene during this session of the movie was most striking to you? Why?
2. In your opinion, where do most people's treasure lie?
3. The meditation equates love with God. Do you think that most people would agree? Yes or no and why?
4. Scene analysis: Throughout all of the Rocky movies, Rocky will often go to his wife's grave, and talk to her. What is your opinion about this type of behavior?
5. What are the main difficulties when a person tries to "talk with love"?
6. "Talking with love" implies solid communication. In your opinion, do must people in romantic love have good communication? Yes or no and why?
7. "Talking with the heart" is a good guide for life. What are the other guides for a good life?
©2007 Capuchin Province of Mid-America
Fr. Mike Scully is a member of the Capuchin Province of Mid-America
Fr. Mike Scully is a member of the Capuchin Province of Mid-America