TGIMMjumper2

	THE GRADUAL DISCOVERY TO CARE

The Gospel

MARK 1:32-34a

When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to [Jesus] all who were ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons.

The Media -- "Jumper" (final session)

In the fantasy world of the movie "Jumper," paladins are people who try to find "jumpers" and kill them. Their justification is the belief, as they put it, that "God alone should have the power to be anywhere." Their reasoning is interesting because they understand that even though a "jumper" may begin in a good way, they will turn evil quickly. Although "jumper" David Rice in the movie claims that he would not turn to evil, he has no time to prove it. David must occupy his time trying to evade paladin Roland who is convinced that David must die. What David slowly begins to understand is that he must be concerned about others in his magical life, others who really mean something to him like his father and his girlfriend Millie. He begins to learn the lesson of true maturity: being concerned for others is even more important than concern for oneself.

There can be little doubt that if there was one virtue that Jesus constantly displayed during his earthly life, it was the virtue of "care and concern for others." All of the evangelists tell of how Jesus would cure and help hundreds of people, often at the same time. As Mark's Gospel relates, a "whole town" would come to him, and he would cure everyone who was in need.

In the movie "Jumper," the paladins were probably a copy of the famous Paladins of Europe in the eighth century, outstanding warriors connected with Charlemagne's court, with Roland being one of them. Their job was to purify the world of that time from godlessness. "Jumper" David Rice discovers the paladins who not only want to eradicate the "jumpers" but to eradicate anything connected with the "jumper," even family and friends. It is in that setting that David finally begins to be concerned not only about himself, but about his friends.

We are obviously not pursued by paladins, although the mental pain of a growing human being often feels overwhelming. But we too are called to grow in our concern for others, and especially for our family and friends. If we do not overcome the selfishness that necessarily is part of a very young life, then our whole life will be dominated by what we want. The example of Jesus directs the Christian to understand how care for others must be a major part of our concern. If we learn to care about others well, our own lives will begin to be easier.

PRAYER

Good and gracious God, one of the virtues your Son gave to us was an ability to show care and concern for others. It requires us to be rid of our early selfishness. Give us the grace to show such care and concern toward our world. Be with us, we pray.

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GUIDE FOR CLASSROOM PRESENTATION AND PERSONAL ENRICHMENT

Theme: When people begin to care for others, they are on the road to maturity.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
(session: approximately 41 minutes)
1. What scene during this session of the movie is most striking? Why?
2. In Mark’s Gospel, this is the evening of Jesus’ first day of ministry. He has been at work all day curing and caring for many people. In general, how would you describe how Jesus “cared” for people?
3. A Christian is called to imitate Jesus as well as possible. Considering the fact that Jesus “cured many who were sick with various diseases,” how does a Christian imitate Jesus in this area given the fact that we obviously cannot perform miracles?
4. From your study of the Gospels, list the ways in which Jesus showed care and concern for others.
5. Project: prepare a presentation on “paladins” as found in Charlemagne’s days.
6. Is it true that if people had the ability to be a “jumper,” they would quickly turn to evil? Yes or no and why?
7. The theme of this session of the movie is “caring for others.” In your opinion, at what time in their lives do most people begin to care about others?
8. Why is it true that there a significant number of adults who still have the problem of childish selfishness?
9. Scene analysis: Griffin wants to blow up the building to kill Roland, but he would kill Millie also. Why is the idea of bringing about a good end through an evil means always wrong? (See Catechism of the Catholic Church, second edition, number 1753.)
10. David’s mother is a paladin, but allows David to leave. The power of family ties is shown here. As you study the “family” today, what is necessary to make families stronger?
11. If you had the power of a “jumper,” what would be the first thing that you would do to help our world?
12. What does the movie “Jumper” teach young people?

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