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	DEATH AND LIFE

The Gospel

MATTHEW 10:28-33

Jesus said: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. Even all the hairs of your head are counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father."

Gospelthink: I love you completely and know everything about you. Am I as open to the Lord in prayer as I should be?

The Media -- "Star Wars VIII: The Last Jedi" (beginning session)

Everyone who views the Star Wars series is very aware of the killing involved in war. There are many people killed throughout the movies, and "Star Wars VIII: The Last Jedi" is no exception. But this time it is mainly the people of the Resistance who are killed. The movie begins with the people of the Resistance trying to protect themselves from the First Order with very little success. In fact, by the close of the movie, practically every member of the Resistance has been killed. Rey, the future Jedi had left to try to beg Luke Skywalker to come to the aid of the Resistance to give them the hope they need. Skywalker finally agreed to train Rey even as the Resistance continues to be defeated.

Jesus realized that death should disturb the human beings. He had called to mind the sanctity of human life In many places of he Scriptures. But he realized that death was part of who we are. We all will die. So, the Lord, reassures us that even if when we die in our human lives, there is the hope of eternal life. He tells us not to be disturbed about those who kill the body, be it another human being or disease or simply old age. In the spiritual life, what is most important is the life of the soul, that is, what happens as a result of the way we have lived our lives here on earth.

The killing that happens in the Star Wars movies should disturb the Christian. Every murder whether it be in self-defense or perpetrate a crime should disturb us. We are meant to begin our life here on earth and end it in happiness with the Lord, but our lives must reflect our belief in God here on earth. The Lord makes it clear that God the Father is concerned even about every unknown death that happens.

Unfortunately, we have become complacent to the killing of others, especially those with whom we disagree. We study the wars of our world and wars of a galaxy long ago, and we understand the necessity of killing. There is evil in our world and sometimes the only way to control such evil is to eradicate it once and for all,

But we must not allow the loss of human life to be so accepted that we do not consider it at all. Whether it be a First Order storm trooper of a Star Wars movie or a member of a terrorist group or a person working for the good of humankind as a member of the Resistance, life is precious. The Lord is concerned about us. Our task remains to try to be a follower of Jesus in life and death.

PRAYER

Good and gracious God, Your Son tells us of the care that You have for all of us, no matter who we are. Allow us the grace to be more aware of the beauty of human life no matter what happens here on earth. Be with us, we pray.

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GUIDE FOR CLASSROOM PRESENTATION AND PERSONAL ENRICHMENT

Theme: One of the horrors of war is the deaths of our compatriots, but death will lead to salvation.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
(session: approximately 71 minutes)
1. What scene from this session of movie is most striking and why?
2. From the Gospel, who do you feel are those that destroy the body and the soul?
3. Do you believe that we have been "complacent" to all the killing as portrayed in movies and in life?
4. Do you believe that most people fear death? Yes or no and why?
5. Do most people have a true respect for life?
6. What is your feeling about war? Is it true that all wars are necessary?
7. Scene analysis: Many Resistance fighters give up their lives for the cause of freedom. Does America give enough respect for those who have given up their lives in war? Yes or no and why?
8. Scene analysis: Rey and Kylo "connect" with each other. Do you believe that two people can "connect" to each other this way, that is, without communicating directly?
9. Scene analysis: Skywalker is afraid of the evil of the dark side. In your opinion, do we fear the evil of the world the way we should? Yes or no and why?
10. Scene analysis: The casino on Canto Bight. It is meant to symbolize the evils of wealth in our world. Do you believe that too many people become too taken with the wealth of our world? Yes or no and why?
11. Scene analysis: Luke fails to kill Kylo Ren. It is the thought that completely overcomes him, and he feels sorry for himself. It is a sign of selfishness. How strong is selfishness in individuals in our world?

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