D.
Paul Harvey Comments on "The Passion" by Mel Gibson
Paul Harvey's words:
I really did not know what to expect. I was thrilled to have been invited
to a private viewing of Mel Gibson's film "The Passion," but I had also
read all the cautious articles and spin. I grew up in a Jewish town and
owe much of my own faith journey to the influence. I have a life long,
deeply held aversion to anything that might even indirectly encourage any
form of anti-Semitic thought, language or actions.
I arrived at the private viewing for "The Passion,"! held in Washington,
DC and greeted some familiar faces. The environment was typically
Washingtonian, with people greeting you with a smile but seeming to look
beyond you, having an agenda beyond the words. The film was very briefly
introduced, without fanfare, and then the room darkened. From the gripping
opening scene in the Garden of Gethsemane, to the very human and tender
portrayal of the earthly ministry of Jesus, through the betrayal, the
arrest, the scourging, the way of the cross, the encounter with the
thieves, the surre! nder on the Cross, until the final scene in the empty
tomb, this was not simply a movie; it was an encounter, unlike anything I
have ever experienced.
In addition to being a masterpiece of film-making and an artistic triumph,
"The Passion" evoked more deep reflection, sorrow and emotional reaction
within me than anything since my wedding, my ordination or the birth of my
children. Frankly, I will never be the same. ! When the film concluded,
this "invitation only" gathering of "movers and shakers" in Washington, DC
were shaking indeed, but this time from sobbing. I am not sure there was a
dry eye in the place. The crowd that had been glad-handing before the film
was now eerily silent. No one could speak becau! se words were woefully
inadequate. We had experienced a kind of art that is a rarity in life, the
kind that makes heaven touch earth.
One scene in the film has now been forever etched in my mind. A
brutalized, wounded Jesus was soon to fall again under the weight of the
cross. His mother had made her way along the Via Della Rosa. As she ran to
him, she flashed back to a memory of Jesus as a child, falling in the dirt
road outside of their home. Just as she reached to protect him from the
fall, she was now reaching to touch his wounded adult face. Jesus looked
at her with intensely probing and passionately loving eyes (and at all of
us through the screen) and said "Behold I make all things new." These are
words taken from the last Book of the New Testament, the Book of
Revelations. Suddenly, the purpose of the pain was so clear and the
wounds, that earlier in the film had been so difficult to see in His face,
His back, indeed all over His body, became intensely beautiful. They had
been borne voluntarily for love.
At the end of the film, after we had all had a chance to recover, a
question and answer period ensued. The unanimous praise for the film, from
a rather diverse crowd, was as astounding as the compliments were
effusive. The questions included the one question that seems to follow
this film, even though it has not yet even been released. "Why is this
film considered by some to be 'anti-Semitic?" Frankly, having now
experienced (you do not "view" this film) "the Passion" it is a question
that is impossible to answer. A law professor whom I admire sat in front
of me. He raised his hand and responded "After watching this film, I do
not understand how anyone can insinuate that it even remotely presents
that the Jews killed Jesus. It doesn't." He continued "It made me realize
that my sins killed Jesus" I agree. There is not a scintilla of
anti-Semitism to be found anywhere in this powerful film. If there were, I
would be among the first to decry it. It faithfully tells the Gospel story
in a dramatically beautiful, sensitive and profoundly engaging way. Those
who are alleging otherwise have either not seen the film or have another
agenda behind their protestations. This is not a "Christian" film, in the
sense that it will appeal only to those who identify themselves as
followers of Jesus Christ. It is a deeply human, beautiful story that will
deeply touch all! men and women. It is a profound work of art. Yes, its
producer is a Catholic Christian and thankfully has remained faithful to
the Gospel text; if that is no longer acceptable behavior than we are all
in trouble. History demands that we remain faithful to the story and
Christians have a right to tell it. After all, we believe that it is the
greatest story ever told and that its message is for all men and women.
The greatest right is the right to hear the truth.
We would all be well advised to remember that the Gospel narratives to
which "The Passion" is so faithful were written by Jewish men who followed
a Jewish Rabbi whose life and teaching have forever changed the history of
the world. The problem is not the message but those who have distorted it
and used it for hate rather than love. The solution is not to censor the
message, but rather to promote the kind of gift of love that is Mel
Gibson's filmmaking masterpiece, "The Passion." It should be seen by as
many people as possible. I intend to do everything I can to make sure that
is the case. I am passionate about "The Passion."
Please copy this and send it on to all your friends to let them know about
this film so that all go see it when it comes out.
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