Jesus at Dunkirk

A few weeks ago, my father, a friend and I went to see the movie Dunkirk in the theater. As the movie ended and the credits started to roll, I could feel tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat. Walking back to the car, I puzzled over why the movie had affected me so much. Many of characters in the movie had displayed bravery and heroism, but that was nothing new. I had seen heroism before in other movies and books. Why had I reacted so strongly this time? Somehow, the movie had hit my heart in an unexpected area, an area that was vulnerable to the sacrifice I had seen in the movie
            I realized that, when you look beneath the surface, most of the best stories have a common message: that goodness and beauty are worth sacrifice. In The Lord of the Rings, Frodo makes great sacrifices to save those things that are good in Middle-Earth. To protect the Shire and the rest of Middle-earth, he takes on the burden of the Ring, risking his life to destroy it. But, what is more, he sacrifices his peace, his wholeness, to end the evil of Sauron. His ordeal leaves him changed, unable to continue living his life as before, unable to find peace. All great stories have this shared sacrificial theme. However, they are but reflections and signposts pointing to the greatest sacrifice of all. When Jesus was nailed to the cross, he took all the sins of the world on his shoulders. He endured this unimaginable burden for the sake of the most beautiful and good thing possible: The formation of a loving community of disciples, united in the unending glory and bliss of God.
            When we see or hear stories of sacrifice and heroism, we are really performing a sacramental activity. We are growing to understand the character of God (something that is intangible) through the use of physical, tangible things. Stories of heroism we hear on the news, the sacrificial activities of fictional characters, these affect us so much because through them we are reminded of a great truth, that the God we worship is one is eternally giving, willing to offer even his life to pursue those he loves.
            Sacrifice is essential to Christianity. We all know that Jesus sacrificed his own life so we might live, but it doesn’t stop there. Christians are called to imitate Christ, our Teacher, in the act of sacrifice. The Christian life is one continual sacrificial act. We give up our old dead flesh in order that we might receive new life.

            We need stories of sacrifice like Dunkirk, because they are an invaluable reminder to us. The Christian path is paved with sacrifice; beginning and ending in that greatest sacrifice of Christ.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What's in a Name?

To R.B.   by Gerard Manley Hopkins T HE FINE  delight that fathers thought; the strong Spur, live and lancing like the blowpipe flame, Breathes once and, quenchèd faster than it came, Leaves yet the mind a mother of immortal song. Nine months she then, nay years, nine years she long         5 Within her wears, bears, cares and moulds the same: The widow of an insight lost she lives, with aim Now known and hand at work now never wrong.   Sweet fire the sire of muse, my soul needs this; I want the one rapture of an inspiration.         10 O then if in my lagging lines you miss The roll, the rise, the carol, the creation, My winter world, that scarcely breathes that bliss Now, yields you, with some sighs, our explanation.       The Hidden Fire?  What kind of cliche, New-Agey blog name is that? I understand if this is your initial reaction.  I myself would likely react similarly in the same situation.  However, this name was not chosen randomly or without reason.  It
Read more

Walking With God Through Change

     I don't like change.  I prefer a predictable routine, where I have a few simple comforts I can count on.  I don't enjoy uncertainty.  Unfortunately, right now I'm going through a period of monumental changes.  I'm entering adulthood, preparing to get a job and go to college.  The unknown future often seems overwhelming.      However, God is helping me to prepare for these adjustments.  He has revealed several ideas to me that have helped me gain some peace about my future.      1. Even if my situation changes, God will not change .  There will always be someone to comfort and guide me, a solid place to set my feet.      2.  With God, every situation I face will be bearable .  Even if the changes I face will bring horrible results, I can find joy as long as God is with me.  A bad situation lived with  God is infinitely better than a good situation lived without  him.      3. God will bring new good into my life through the change .  Even though givin
Read more

Following the Divine Pattern

     Lately, I've struggled with restlessness and boredom.  My mom and sisters are visiting family, and, with my dad at work, I spend most of my day alone at home.  I've been searching for employment for weeks now, and spending this time alone has given me new insight into why I need to find work. Partly, I just need to earn money.  But more importantly, I need  to work.  I need to create value.  Work is essential to my well-being and life with God.  When I feel bored, I am much more prone to sin, and I find it harder to walk with God.  In contrast, when I have something productive to do, whether it is writing, playing guitar, or doing housework, I connect with God more naturally.    Another related aspect of my day that I've been reflecting on is that of routine.  Having a set routine gives me peace and provides a stable framework for my relationship with God.  Without a routine, I find that it is easier to succumb to sinful desires, because having an irregular schedule l
Read more