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	BEING "MORE HUMAN"

The Gospel

JOHN 1:1-5, 10-14

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him. But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God. And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth.

The Media -- "Source Code" (beginning session)

The movie "Source Code" is the story of the use of a man's brain in altered reality, "time reassignment" as it is called. It is fantasy, of course, but it is interesting to consider. In the movie, Captain Colter Stevens' brain is used to take over another person who could prevent a tragedy from happening. The process was called "Source Code." The military who developed the concept had a goal in mind, but they do not seem to take into account the humanness of the situation. Stevens' body has been mutilated in a war incident and he is in the process of dying but the military have designed a way to use his brain. As important as the task is, the humanness of both the military who direct the operation as well as Stevens' natural desire to know what happened to him and his men become clear in the movie. We must never lose sight of the importance of the people involved in any task. Human beings themselves are much more important than tasks to be accomplished.

The magnificent prologue of the Gospel of John is a statement of the love of God for human beings. The fact that the Word of God became flesh says to our race that humanity is blessed and always will be. Jesus Christ is the Word of God, that is, God communicating to the human being through Jesus. God through Jesus comes to the world, embraces it, and eventually redeems it, making it completely sacred. The Word of God has become flesh, and in becoming flesh, has elevated the human to the divine. Humanity and being human is now forever blessed.

We study "being human" with the foundation of what God has done for us. In the movie "Source Code," Captain Stevens gradually understands his duty as a soldier as he takes part in an experiment that saved millions of lives. But in the process he demands the respect of his humanity. Captain Colleen Goodwin, his contact, gradually understood that she was dealing with a fellow human being and fellow soldier. She too saw the sacredness of Captain Stevens' humanity and eventually understood that he had the right to die in peace.

One of the elements of our lives on earth has been addressed as being "more human" in our approach to one another. The thought of "more human" begins with the idea that we are all blessed with a sanctified humanity. It would follow then that we should be both concerned about our own selves and others as well. We should be "more human" with ourselves by pushing ourselves to do what we have chosen to do in life, but at the same time taking care of our bodies. Likewise, our attitudes toward others will reflect the fact that other people are just as human as we are, deserving the respect and indeed love that God has had for all of us.

Our humanity is sacred. We are God's creation. We should probably show it more than we do.

PRAYER

Good and gracious God, you have created us, you redeemed us through your Word Jesus, and you continue to sanctify us through your Spirit. As you have blessed our humanity, may we show to ourselves and others the respect you have given to us. Be with us, we pray.

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GUIDE FOR CLASSROOM PRESENTATION AND PERSONAL ENRICHMENT

Theme: No matter how dedicated to the task at hand, we cannot forget that the people involved are human beings demanding respect.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
(session: approximately 45 minutes)
1. What scene during this session of the movie is most striking? Why?
2. Project: outline the prologue of John's Gospel, showing the significance of each stanza, namely, the Word, the Word and creation, the Word and the world, and Word made flesh and in the community.
3. In what ways does the world not accept the Word?
4. The sacredness of humanity (being "more human") is based on our relationship with God. Project: outline Catechism of the Catholic Church, second edition, numbers 1701-1709 and 1716-1724 for a presentation.
5. What is your definition of "respect"?
6. In your opinion, what does the phrase "the right to die in peace" mean?
7. In your opinion, what does the phrase "more human" mean?
8. Why do things like a "parallel reality" as in the movie fascinate us?
9. Analysis: In the movie, Stevens is constantly trying to figure out the "humanness" of every situation--his own life, the life of others, and so forth, what the meditation has called the "desire to be more human." In life, what should we be most concerned about?
10. Dialogue analysis: "Everything will be okay." It is a saying that is used throughout the movie. It is a saying in life that is often said when everything will not be okay. In your opinion, do we ever have the right to "lie" to another? Yes or no and why?

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