TGIMMedge2

	WILLING TO DIE

The Gospel

JOHN 11:7-8, 16

Then after this [Jesus] said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.” The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just trying to stone you, and you want to go back there?” Thomas, called Didymus, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go to die with him.”

The Media -- "Edge of Tomorrow" (final session)

Major William Cage of the United States Army, although he had little preparation for combat, found himself faced with the problem of literally "saving the world" in the movie "Edge of Tomorrow." He was the only one who had the opportunity to use his acquired powers to arrange for the allied forces to win the fight against the aliens. Losing the power because of something that he could not prevent, he and his colleague Sgt. Rita Vrataski and a group of dedicated army personnel then had to fight the aliens without any other help. It was clear that one person could not accomplish the victory alone. Realizing the importance of saving their world for future people, they were all willing to give of themselves totally to the cause, even to the point of death.

Unfortunately Thomas the Apostle may be most known because he doubted that Jesus had truly risen from the dead. Perhaps it is more complimentary to remember his willingness to follow Jesus even though it might lead to his own death. In John's Gospel, Jesus had decided to go to Jerusalem where the religious leaders would probably arrest him. Thomas decided to be with him, and to lead his friends with him.

No matter what we think about war and killing, we are often placed in a situation that demands our patriotism. In the movie "Edge of Tomorrow," Major William Cage was not prepared for combat, but through a series of events, he was able to prepare himself by using powers that were suddenly conferred upon him. Having lost those powers, however, he and the people who were in training with him, knew that they had to use their own inadequate powers to prevent the aliens from overcoming the world. They gave themselves to the task, realizing that they would have to give up their lives.

Those of us who give ourselves to the service of our country can identify with the actions of Major Cage and his companions. Though not in the same kind of war, service men and women definitely face the possibility of death simply by putting on the uniform. They can be truthfully understood as people willing to die for a cause and truly deserve the honor that we give them. They are not unlike Thomas the Apostle and his companions as they gave themselves to the service of Jesus.

Whether giving themselves to some type of military duty or any other call in life, all Christians are called to be true followers of Jesus Christ. A Christian worthy of the name must be open to give of themselves on behalf of others. Anyone who is dedicated to a noble cause must be ready to show it by their heroic actions.

PRAYER

Good and gracious God, your Son was willing to die for the cause that he believed in, namely, your action in our world. We will probably not be called to martyrdom, but give us the courage to always follow your Son, no matter what the consequences. Be with us, we pray.

+++++

GUIDE FOR CLASSROOM PRESENTATION AND PERSONAL ENRICHMENT

Theme: People will always be willing to give of themselves when they have a true love of others or sincere dedication to some cause.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
(session: approximately 52 minutes)
1. What scene during this session of the movie was most striking to you? Why?
2. Give an example of a modern day martyr.
3. Most people have a fear of death. In the Christian understanding, should people fear death? Yes or no and why?
4. Give your own definition of "patriotism."
5. What is your opinion about "conscientious objectors" to war? See Catechism of the Catholic Church, second edition, numbers 1782, 1790, 2311.
6. In your opinion, what is the best way to honor our service men and women?
7. What are the three most important characteristics of a follower of Jesus?
8. Analysis: The endless loops in order to determine the future would be very boring, and there was a desire on Cage's part to just "give up." How does one work on being "determined" to follow a cause?
9. Dialogue analysis: Cage to Vrataski: "I wish I didn't know you, but I do." We must face facts as they happen to us. Why do people often not face what is truly happening in their lives?
10. Scene analysis: Cage (now without the loop possibility) recruits J Squad to help him and Vrataski. This is the subject of this meditation, a willingness to die for a cause. In general, do you believe that most service men and women have this much dedication to the country? Yes or no and why?
11. Analysis: The Mimic's blood spills on Cage, and he once again loops in time. Using your imagination, what would Cage's future life be like with this power?
12. What does the movie "Edge of Tomorrow" teach young people?

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