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Jesus
said, "When an unclean spirit goes out of a person it roams through
arid regions searching for rest but finds none. Then it says, 'I will
return to my home from which I came.' But upon returning, it finds it
empty, swept clean, and put in order. Then it goes and brings back with
itself seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they move in and
dwell there; and the last condition of that person is worse than the
first. Thus it will be with this evil generation."
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In the story of
the movie "Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief," Zeus'
lightning
bolt, that which contains all power, has been stolen. When Percy
Jackson, the demigod son of Poseidon, was accused of the crime, following the advice of
his centaur superior Chiron, he set out to prove that he was innocent.
Once he convinces Zeus, he felt that Zeus would be obliged to give his
mother who had been captured back to him. Beginning his journey with
his friends Annabeth,
the beautiful daughter of Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom, and Grover, a
satyr--half-human, half-goat--he meets opposition from Medusa, Hades,
and the subtle lure of the city of Las Vegas. Although the evils
they encounter
in the movie
are fictional, they are symbols of the evils of the real world that we
live
in, and can be studied in that light.
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One of
the disconcerting conclusions to Jesus' statements about "unclean
spirits" or devils in the
New Testament is that there are many of them. Further, the "unclean
spirits" are
always present and always working, creating the evil and chaos that
hurt human beings. His statements could lead us to despair, and the
desire to simply "give up" because we are in a helpless situation. The
encouraging thought coming from other parts of Scripture, however, is
that we will always have God to give us the grace to overcome the evil.
As Jesus reminds us, God takes care of all creatures, and says: "Do not
be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows!" (Matthew 10:31)
In the movie "Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief," the fantasy evils that Percy and his friends encounter symbolize the evils of our real world. The rage of Medusa whose hair is serpents and whose face will turn anything that looks upon it to stone may symbolize the rage of the people of our world who often struggle with the need for guidance. The monsters in the Nashville Parthenon could easily symbolize all of the evils that keep us from achieving what we can achieve. And the trance into which Percy and his companions are placed when they enter Las Vegas, is a symbol of what happens when pleasure is the only guide in life. The message of the movie is that in spite of all the demons that surround us, we can still accomplish our goals. But, in order to do it, we need the help of others. We need the help of our friends, but more importantly, speaking the language of the movie, we must have the help of a god in some form. Such help for the Christian believer comes in the form of the redeeming process that Jesus Christ has accomplished. And, for Christians, it is not fantasy. Christians believe that they will be able to travel through their lifetimes, even though many "unclean spirits" roam around their individual worlds, eventually reaching their goal of eternal life with God. All they have to do is follow the direction that Jesus gives. |
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PRAYER
Good
and gracious
God, it is a fearful world that we live in. Your Son warns us that many
unclean spirits will continue to plague us, desiring to lead us away
from you. Help us truly accept your Son so that we will always be able
to live our lives in your light. Be with us, we pray.
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+++++
GUIDE FOR CLASSROOM PRESENTATION AND
PERSONAL ENRICHMENT
Theme: There are many things that hold us back from seeking our goals. THE GOSPEL 1. Jesus seems to call the world an “evil generation.” In what ways is our present generation “evil”? 2. The activity of Jesus has made an impact on the evil spirits, but their power is far from broken. What is the best way to break the power of evil spirits? [The presenter may want to make a presentation on “prayer.” See Catechism, numbers 2598-2616.] 3. The meditation says that God gives us the grace to overcome evil. What are the principal reasons why we do not use the graces that God gives us? THE MEDITATION 1. What are the most encouraging words that you have received? 2. Medusa and her hair may symbolize the confusion of people as they look for guidance. What are the principles that young people should choose to guide their future lives? 3. The monsters of the Pantheon symbolize the blocks that we have to accomplishing anything. What are the most useful aids in our present world to achieve anything in life? 4. Las Vegas is a symbol of the pleasures of our lives. What “pleasure in our life” is most helpful? What “pleasure” is most harmful? 5. What are the "unclean spirits," that is the evils that are most prominent in our world? 6. Jesus gives us the direction that we need. What is Jesus’ most important directive to us? THE MOVIE, PART 2 (approximately 37 minutes) 1. What scene during this session of the movie is most striking? Why? 2. Annabeth tells Percy that their parents hate each other. What causes hate among adults? 3. The love of Percy for his mother plays an important part in the film? What is the best way to show your love for your mother? 4. Scene analysis: Percy, Grover and Annabeth in Las Vegas. The lure for “fun” completely overtakes them, preventing them from reaching their goal. What is the lesson that you see in this scene? |
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©2007
Capuchin Province of Mid-America
Fr. Mike Scully is a member of the Capuchin Province of Mid-America |
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