TGIMMthedark2

Movie: "The Dark Knight Rises" -- final session

THE FINAL CHOICE

The Gospel

LUKE 18:31-34

Then [Jesus] took the Twelve aside and said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem and everything written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. He will be handed over to the Gentiles and he will be mocked and insulted and spat upon; and after they have scourged him they will kill him, but on the third day he will rise.” But they understood nothing of this; the word remained hidden from them and they failed to comprehend what he said.

Gospelthink: I told the disciples of my passion, death and resurrection, but they did not understand. Do I understand how the Lord is acting in my life?

Bruce Wayne/Batman in the movie "The Dark Knight Rises" finally came to his senses and knew that he had to face Bane. Because of his decision, he had lost his trusted friend Alfred who thought that he might die in his encounter with Bane, and truthfully, Bruce Wayne/Batman did not know whether he would succeed or not. In the process, Bane at first defeated Batman and imprisoned him. He wondered whether the defeat might continue. Literally rising to the task from his imprisonment, he overcame the intrigue of good and bad people, finally accomplishing his goal. But he saw that he had to make one final decision, and again as it had earlier in his life, it dealt with whether he should be the hero or not. This time his choice was final.

It turned out to be the ultimate sacrifice. But in his mind, it was the only thing that he could do in order to bring about a lasting peace in his beautiful city. As Commissioner Jim Gordon explained the mind of Bruce Wayne at his grave (quoting from "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens): "I see a beautiful city and a brilliant people rising from this abyss. I see the lives for which I lay down my life, peaceful, useful, prosperous and happy. I see that I hold a sanctuary in their hearts, and in the hearts of their descendants, generations hence. It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done. It is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known."

Jesus had the same vision. Studying his human thinking as he spoke about his trip to Jerusalem, he knew that he had to do something that was going to inspire a place much larger than the city of Jerusalem. He knew that he had the welfare of the whole world to insure. His disciples did not understand, but Jesus knew that he had to give the world a hero. It was he who would be a sanctuary in times of trial and tribulation so that ultimately he could conquer the evil of the world. Gotham City would erect a monument to Batman. Our God would give us nothing less than the Son of God to be a Savior who would lead and guide the whole world.

The Christian world must stand in absolute wonder of the God that we believe in. Not only does God want to be God-with-us in time. But God wants to insure that it will be that way forever. God will always be present, always be the sanctuary, always the love that we need.

Our response must be not only admiration and thankfulness to our God. It must lead us to rise out of the imprisonment of our selfishness to take on the task of living well. And in the end, the final choice, dying well.

PRAYER

Good and gracious God, you are an awesome God. You give us yourself in your Son, and you promise to be with us every moment of our lives. Give us the grace to rise out of ourselves and always choose you as our guide. Be with us, we pray.

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GUIDE FOR CLASSROOM PRESENTATION AND PERSONAL ENRICHMENT

Theme: Rising to a task may mean the ultimate sacrifice of love.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
(session: approximately 77 minutes)
1. What scene during this session of the movie is most striking? Why?
2. In the Gospel, Jesus was determined to go to Jerusalem even though it meant death and suffering. Theologians have pointed out that Jesus was totally committed to the redemption of humankind. What should this fact mean for Christians in the sense of positive action?
3. His disciples did not understand anything of what he said. When do you think that they finally began to understand?
4. This event that Jesus predicted has been called by theologians "the paschal mystery." As you study what Jesus did for us, what do you consider the most important? Why?
5. It is important to understand that Batman did not necessarily have to die in order to protect the city. The quote from Charles Dickens explains his reasoning well. What is most striking about the quote?
6. How does the Son of God "guide" the world today?
7. In your opinion, do Christians totally understand and accept what Jesus has done for them?
8. In what areas of our world do you see selfishness most displayed?
9. What are the characteristics of "living well" in our world?
10. Scene analysis: Bruce Wayne escapes from the prison by learning to fear death. How did this help him?
11. Analysis: Bane and Miranda have very difficult childhoods. In your opinion, why do difficult childhoods often lead to crime?
12. Analysis: Does the portrayal of violence as in this movie have any effect on young people? Yes or no and why?
13. Dialogue analysis: The prisoners all cry "Rise!" when a prisoner tries to escape the pit. What is the deeper meaning of "rising" that is portrayed in the movie?
14. Dialogue analysis: Blake resigns from the police force, saying that there are too many structures. In your opinion is that a real problem with the police force in any country? Yes or no and why?
15. Dialogue analysis: Batman: "A hero can be anyone." Why is this a true statement?
16. What does the movie "The Dark Knight Rises" teach young people?

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