TGIMMman2

	THE HELP WE NEED

The Gospel

LUKE 6:12-13

In those days Jesus departed to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God. When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named apostles.

The Media -- "Man of Steel" (final session)

Having settled on earth after his discovery of his origin, Kal-El, later known as Superman, prepared to help the earth when it "was ready." It proved to be "ready" almost immediately since General Zod from Krypton made his way to earth looking for Kal-El who had the wherewithal to continue the race of the nation of Krypton. His father had diffused the Codex, the means to maintain life on Krypton, into Kal-El and General Zod was prepared to kill Kal-El and begin Krypton again, this time wiping out earth, making way for the new Krypton. Kal-El had to use all of his resources with the help of reporter Lois Lane and the scientific knowledge of earth's leaders to conquer Zod and his army. Later, Kal-El, or Clark Kent/Superman settled to work at the newspaper "Daily Planet" in order to better determine in what areas he could help on the "planet".

There was no greater resource for Jesus in the Scriptures than God His Father. He knew that everything was in his power as long as he relied on His Father. We see him frequently turn to God his Father in the Scriptures, in effect, saying that the way to conquer the evil of the world and spread his kingdom was only through God, even though he had to do everything in his earthly power to do it. It is significant that in the process of carrying out his desire, he chose not to do it alone. He acknowledged his need to have help in his endeavor, and so he chose his Apostles--"the Twelve"--with that in mind.

Studying the movie "Man of Steel," from this perspective, we know that Kal-El had the power to accomplish most anything that he needed in order to help humankind. But, as with Jesus, Kal-El also needed the help of others. During the second session of the movie, he not only must use all the power at his command, but he must have the help of others in order to conquer the evil and eventually bring about peace.

The lesson is one to study and imitate. As Christians live their lives on earth, they must always be aware of their need for God, always aware that God will help them. But Christians will always be aware also that they must have the help of other people. Putting the thought into action implies that the follower of Jesus will develop a prayer life that connects him/her to God. At the same time, the Christian will accept the help of parents, teachers and mentors to be better people.

PRAYER

Good and gracious God, in order to live well, we know that we must have your help at all times, and we believe that you will give us the help. Realizing that You work through others, give us the grace to accept the help that others give to us. Be with us, we pray.

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GUIDE FOR CLASSROOM PRESENTATION AND PERSONAL ENRICHMENT

Theme: At times we must fight evil with all of our resources, accepting the help of others.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
(session: approximately 67 minutes)
1. What scene during this session of the movie is most striking? Why?
2. The evangelist Luke reminds us that Jesus prayed regularly, especially before the important moments in his life, like the selection of the Apostles. In your opinion, do the people who believe in God pray enough in their lives? Yes or no and why?
3. Scripture theologians point out that the choice of "twelve" is related to the "twelve tribes of Israel." The presenter may want to explain the reference.
4. Analysis: "Apostle" refers to a person who is "sent to preach the word of God." In what ways are all Christians "apostles"?
5. Give an example of a "modern Apostle" in today's world.
6. If you had the powers of Kal-El or Superman, what would you do first?
7. In general, does "humankind" have a need for God? Yes or no and why?
8. Young people have much help as they mature. In what areas do they need the most help? Why?
9. Scene analysis: Lois Lane is arrested and told to tell what she knows. In your opinion, should any government force a person to tell what they know about a situation? Yes or no and why?
10. Should any government use physical pain to get the information it needs from people? Yes or no and why?
11. Scene analysis: Clark consults the pastor of the local Church. Why is it always good to consult another who is trustworthy?
12. Scene analysis: The pastor tells Clark to take a leap of faith and trust others. In general, do you think that most people are trustworthy? Yes or no and why?
13. Scene analysis: the army comes to Smallville to contain the aliens. In general, do you think that the army is presented well in the movie? Yes or no and why?
14. Scene analysis: the destruction of places and people on earth. Do you believe that this type of portrayal is harmful for young people who view it? Yes or no and why?
15. What does the movie "Man of Steel" teach young people?

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