october 26 23

Movie: "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, part 1"
-- final session

FRIENDSHIP THAT IS REAL

The Gospel

MATTHEW 27:57-60

[After Jesus' death,] when it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who was himself a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be handed over. Taking the body, Joseph wrapped it in clean linen and laid it in his new tomb that he had hewn in the rock. Then he rolled a huge stone across the entrance to the tomb and departed.

Gospelthink: Joseph of Arimathea was a man who withstood the criticism of others and showed his love for me. Do I show my love for God and others every day?

Even though it seemed that Peeta had "turned" and began to support the Capitol in the movie "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1," he showed his true allegiance. When on a live broadcast, he warned Katniss and District 13 of the impending strike against them. Because he did so, the rebels had extra time to get themselves to safety. Meanwhile, the leader of District 13, President Coin at Katniss' insistence authorizes an attempt to save Peeta and the remaining tributes. Surprisingly the team led by Katniss' friend Gale meet with hardly any resistance. Once they returned to District 13, Katniss discovers that Peeta has been "programmed" to experience only hatred for Katniss, the ultimate revenge of President Snow and the Capitol.

Joseph of Arimathea was a disciple of Jesus. According to Mark's Gospel, he was also one of the members of the Sanhedrin who ultimately brought about Jesus' death. We can surmise that Joseph in no way agreed with the actions of his fellow Sanhedrin members. Considering that he boldly asked Pilate for the body of Jesus after his death, even placing Jesus in his own tomb, one could guess that his action was an action of a true friend. He was willing to suffer some type of persecution because of that friendship.

Studying Katniss Everdeen's actions in the movie "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - part I," one can see a young lady overcome with severe emotions as a result of her actions against the Capitol. In the center of what she wanted to accomplish, she felt that her friendship with Peeta Mellark was more important than any other personal feeling. She was willing to defy incredible odds including death in order to save him.

Considering everything that Katniss felt as she turned into the Mockingjay who became the symbol of the rebellion, we should consider her thought of being a friend to Peeta. Her loyalty to him remains solid even when it seemed that Peeta had been "turned by the Capitol." To her, friendship was more than a passing feeling. It was real in every circumstance.

The lesson of friendship is always an important lesson for young people, indeed for all people. It matters not whether there is romantic involvement or not. Friends to one another must be true friends, being willing to suffer for the other if need be. Casual friendships will come and go, and demand temporary concern for the other. But if friends consider their relationship to be a deeper one, then they are making a permanent commitment of friendship that should overcome every problem they encounter.

PRAYER

Good and gracious God, it had to be gratifying to your Son that there were a number of human friends that he had while he was with us on earth. Help us to always be the friends that we should be to you and to each other. Be with us, we pray.

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GUIDE FOR CLASSROOM PRESENTATION AND PERSONAL ENRICHMENT

Theme: A true friend will actively pursue the friendship.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
(session: approximately 59 minutes)
1. What scene during this session is most striking? Why?
2. It is interesting that one of the disciples of Jesus was "rich." Considering Jesus' teachings about the poor in the Gospels, do you think that the "rich" would remain "rich" if they were disciples of Jesus? Yes or no and why?
3. Going to Pilate and giving Jesus his own burial place, Joseph was showing true friendship. Using your imagination, what would have happened to Joseph as a result of his actions of friendship to Jesus?
4. In your opinion, what are the characteristics of being a true friend?
5. At this point of the movie, do you believe that Katniss and Peeta's relationship was a romantic one?
Yes or no and why?
5. What is the principal difference between a casual friendship and a permanent friendship?
6. What is the principal characteristic of a permanent friendship?
7. Analysis: How important is "revenge" in the undertaking of the rebellion?
8. Analysis: Considering the popularity of the movie, do you think that all of the killing has an effect on the young people who have watched it? Yes or no and why?
9. Scene analysis: Peeta warns Katniss that the planes of the Capitol are on their way to bomb District 13. Was there any other way that Peeta could have helped the rebellion? Yes or no and why?
10. Scene analysis: Katniss goes back for Primrose. Why is love for family so important in people's lives?
11. Scene analysis: Peeta attacks Katniss, almost killing her. Do you think that a person can be so "brainwashed" that they can be made to hate someone they previously loved? Yes or no and why?
12. What does the movie "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, part 1" teach young people?

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