Confirmation of the Passion

Last night we had some of the high school students currently preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation come to the Theater at Nativity to watch Mel Gibson’ movie Passion of the Christ. It was the first time I had seen the movie since it was in the theaters. For the students all but one had never seen it before.
It was interesting to hear their response, many of them slowly taking it in, a few of the guys critiquing the quality of Latin and Aramaic in the film. I think overall many of them needed more time to process everything. I know when I first saw the film 5 years ago it was a lot for me, which you wouldn’t think it would be considering growing up in the Catholic faith I had heard the Passion story many times, seen it depicted in the Stations of the Cross and been exposed to the image of our Savior up on the cross. I think the emotional part of the film for me is seeing the reactions of those that love Him and those that experienced His greatness. I think this is something we need to show the students every year, especially those going through preparation for Confirmation. It’s good to show not just because it reminds us of His love, but of how it launched the beginning of the Catholic Church. I recommend that families (with older kids) watch this film this season.