TGIMMharry2

	THE MASTER OF DEATH

The Gospel

LUKE 7:11-16

Soon afterward [Jesus] journeyed to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd accompanied him. As he drew near to the gate of the city, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity for her and said to her, "Do not weep." He stepped forward and touched the coffin; at this the bearers halted, and he said, "Young man, I tell you, arise!" The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, exclaiming, "A great prophet has arisen in our midst," and "God has visited his people."

The Media -- "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, part 1" (final session)

Harry, Hermione and Ron set out to find the Horcruxes that would eventually kill Voldemort. As they do it, they struggle through their personal adolescent problems of jealousy and anxiety together with the wickedness of the adult world. They finally arrive at the threshold of understanding the evil they are up against, hearing for the first time the story of the Deathly Hallows. There are three Hallows: the Elder Wand, the Resurrection Stone and the Invisibility Cloak. They discover that the story which tells of the Hallows is true, and that the person who possesses all three will become the master of death. They also discover that Voldemort is very close to possessing all of them. Power over death is the greatest power there is, and when any one person has the power, he will be immortal. When that person was evil, as Harry knew Voldemort to be, the world was doomed.

Psychologists speak of the "will to live" to be the greatest instinct that human beings possess. In general, our human natures shy away from death. We want to live on this earth as long as we can. And the person who has control over earthly death, as Jesus did in the Gospel story of the widow's only son, he would be recognized as "a great prophet" and even "God."

When control over earthly death is tied to evil, as with Voldemort in the "Harry Potter" movies, the result will be a selfish control of everything in the world. Voldemort had already succeeded in prolonging his earthly life by creating Horcruxes, but he wanted more than that--he wanted immortality, an earthly life that would never cease.

Jesus' redemption restructured our understanding of immortality. What he did for us was to give us eternal life, to be sure, but, it was to be a life that was totally different from this earthly life. Jesus promised an immortal life that continued only after our earthly deaths, an immortal life that was infinitely better than the life we have now. It can be understood only with the mind of faith.

For many people, such an idea of life is not enough. They feel as though this life on earth is much better than any they could possibly have elsewhere. Some do not believe that there is a life after death, and therefore want to prolong the one they have here on earth. And, case in point for Voldemort, some want to have an immortal earthly life so that they will have more control over others.

We all have an innate desire for an immortal life. Jesus' redemption means that we truthfully have that possibility. Working with Jesus while we are here on earth is the way to true immortality in heaven. With such a belief, there is no need to live forever here on earth.

PRAYER

Good and gracious God, your Son has given us the chance of eternal life as a result of our good actions here on earth. We believe it completely. Help us understand that even though this life on earth is truly good, life after death with you is even better. Be with us, we pray.

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GUIDE FOR CLASSROOM PRESENTATION AND PERSONAL ENRICHMENT

Theme: Most people will seek power over death more than any other desire. Jesus has given it to us by his redemption.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
(session: approximately 69 minutes)
1. What scene during this session of the movie is most striking? Why?
2. The Gospel story is a demonstration of Jesus' compassion. In your own words, define the meaning of compassion.
3. As we apply what Jesus did for our world, obviously, we cannot raise people from the dead. But as you study the passage from a teaching point of view, how can we show similar compassion to others?
4. It is significant that the widow did not first of all ask Jesus to help her. Jesus approached her. What significance does this have as we study how Jesus acts in our lives?
5. Jesus touched the coffin, risking the possibility of ritual uncleanness, showing as he often does that man-made laws do not always hold in the spiritual life. What modern day application can be made with this point?
6. After initial fear, the people glorified God, a sign of faith. What is your definition of faith in God?
7. Jesus has power over death, and therefore has power to give us eternal life. Project: review what redemption is as presented in The Catechism of the Catholic Church, second edition, numbers 599-618.
8. In your opinion, what are the basic desires of our human nature?
9. Many people have a mental picture of what heaven is like. Of course, we have no idea, but what would you like your eternal happiness to be like? Why?
10. The meditation suggests that "working with Jesus" while here on earth is the way to immortality in heaven. What does "working with Jesus" consist of?
11. Scene analysis: Ron's jealousy. Jealousy often occurs, as it does here, when one person feels that their boyfriend or girlfriend is paying too much attention to another. What is the best way to control jealousy?
14. Dialogue analysis: Harry says to Ron when he perceives that Ron is angry: "What is wrong?" It seems that Harry wanted to address the problem directly. In general, do you think that people address serious problems in a good manner? Yes or no and why?
15. Scene analysis: Harry dances with Hermione to make her feel better. What is the best way to help bring a person out of depression?
16. Scene analysis: Hermione places a wreath at Harry's parents' grave. What is the best way to console a friend who has lost a parent?
17. Scene analysis: Ron comes back to help Harry, actually saving his life. Why do friends fight? What is the best way to "make up"?
18. Scene analysis: Hermione is very angry at Ron for returning. In your opinion, why is she so angry?
19. Scene analysis: Dobby is killed. What is the best way to honor a dead friend?
20. Dialogue analysis: Harry wants to bury Dobby "properly, without magic." What does this mean?
21. What does the movie "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, part 1" teach young people?

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