TGIMMget

	THE FORCE OF LOVE BEGINNING

The Gospel

MATTHEW 27:50-53

Jesus cried out again in a loud voice, and gave up his spirit. And behold, the veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked, rocks were split, tombs were opened, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised. And coming forth from their tombs after his resurrection, they entered the holy city and appeared to many.

Gospelthink: When I died on the cross, it was clear that the old law was changed and a new era had begun. Is my life truly following the law of God?

The Media -- "Get Lucky" (Daft Punk)

"Like the legend of the phoenix, all ends with beginnings. What keeps the planet spinning, the force of love beginning. We’ve come too far to give up who we are. So let’s raise the bar and our cups to the stars. She’s up all night ‘til the sun, I’m up all night to get lucky."

According to Greek mythology, the phoenix is a bird which is regenerated or reborn after its own death. The poetic beginning of Daft Punk's song "Get Lucky" calls the thought to mind, placing it into a romantic love setting. The song describes a love situation that has ceased, and begins again with a renewed force that will determine the couple's new life, or as they say, that will keep their individual planet spinning.

In the song, it seems that the woman in the relationship is not as committed as the man is. The man is looking for the chance to get lucky with the relationship one more time while the woman simply is determining what the future might bring.

The symbol of the phoenix has long been recognized as a symbol of Christianity--new life arising from the death of Jesus Christ. The description of Jesus' death and what happened immediately afterwards in Matthew's Gospel is likewise symbolic. As a result of Jesus' death, the veil of the sanctuary was torn, meaning that the past religion gives way to the new life that Jesus brings. The fact that many rose from the dead is a symbol that death no longer holds power in light of the life of Jesus. The force of the love which begins with Jesus Christ changes everything.

The romantic implications of "the force of love beginning" as Daft Punk phrases it are obvious. For people in love, as the song describes, their involvement with each other will be something special. The Christian however can study the song in light of what Jesus has done for us. "The force of love beginning" a new life describes exactly what the life of a Christian should be. Jesus has shown his followers a path of love that will re-direct the world. If we honestly follow it in our lives, romantic and otherwise, our world, our planet, will function well.

PRAYER

Good and gracious God, your Son has brought the force of love into our world by his death and resurrection. Help us embrace that force in everything that we do. Be with us, we pray.

+++++

GUIDE FOR CLASSROOM PRESENTATION AND PERSONAL ENRICHMENT

Theme: No matter what our past, we must define our lives in terms of love.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. The act of Jesus' death is part of what the Church calls redemption. In your own words, describe what "redemption of humankind" means. See Catechism of the Catholic Church, second edition, numbers 613-618.
2. The meditation explains the symbolism of what the Gospel of Matthew describes. In general, it means that humankind will be totally changed as a result of Jesus' redemption. In your opinion, in general, do Christians act differently from other people in the world? Yes or no and why?
3. Text analysis: "All ends with beginnings." What is the meaning of the sentence?
4. The song says that the force of love beginning keeps the planet spinning. In reality, what is the "force" most active in the world right now?
5. The man in the relationship wants the love relationship to continue. What are the most important elements of maintaining a good love relationship?
6. Analysis: "Get lucky." Often this has a sexual connotation, although the group has said that that is not what is meant. In your opinion, do you think modern music is too sexual in its approach? Yes or no and why?
7. What are the most common causes of a breakup?
8. What is the best way to bring about a reconciliation after a breakup?
9. Every religion has "love of others" to be part of their doctrine in some way. Why do we have wars between nations?
10. In general, has Christian love truly changed the Christians of our world? Yes or no and why?
11. What does the song "Get Lucky" teach young people today?

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