IN these turbulent times when the world is replete with hatred, violence, and killings, Paramount Pictures and MGM’s remake of the classic film, “Ben-Hur,” makes a relevant point: forgiveness heals and liberates.
A fictional movie, it’s a story about a Jewish nobleman, Judah Ben-Hur, and his adopted Roman brother, Messala, whose happy family life ends when Messala decides to leave his household to make a name for himself in the Roman army. After three years in the Roman Army, Messala comes back to his home in Jerusalem, now as a ranking officer, to exercise power over the Jewish citizens, including his family. But his loyalty shifts from the family who adopted him, to Rome and its army in which he serves.
While in Jerusalem, Messala falsely accuses his brother and family of treason for hiding a rebellious zealot. He imprisons Judah as a Roman galley slave to row in the battlefield for the glory of Rome and casts his mother and sister away to an isolated cell. After five years, Judah escapes punishment during a failed Roman battle at sea and finds himself ashore among rich African merchants. Sheik Ilderim, the head of the African merchants, trains Judah as a chariot racer to defeat Messala in the newly built Roman circus to the embarrassment of the Roman army and the joy of the Jewish citizens. Messala is severely wounded and loses a leg.
In the background, we see Judah Ben-Hur witnessing Jesus Christ, preaching about love and forgiveness and dying on the cross. Touched by the teachings and heroic death of Jesus, he seeks out his wounded brother to reconcile with him. The film ends with the two brothers forgiving and embracing each other with love, and they are reunited with their entire family.
This big budget film might not have been financially successful this summer as the news reported, but its relevant and powerful message leaves one reflecting on the sad affairs of hatred and violence in our world today.
One sees this phenomenon happening in politics, television, and social media. People around the world, including netizens, seem to be sowing a culture of hatred.
Against these current affairs of the world, we keep hearing the need for forgiveness and love in the pulpit and in the social media to draw us back to the kind of life that Jesus wants us to have: a life of love and peace obtained only through the liberating power of forgiveness and mercy.
St. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:31-32: “Get rid of all bitterness, all passion and anger, harsh words, slander, and malice of every kind. In place of these, be kind to one another, compassionate, and mutually forgiving, just as God has forgiven you in Christ.”
The Scripture Readings this Sunday imply to us that only through a spirit of humility can we bring healing and reconciliation into our lives. The book of Sirach reminds us to conduct our affairs with humility so that that we “will be loved more than a giver of gifts.”
The Gospel tells us to make room for everyone and take the lowest seat when invited to a party. In other words, Jesus tells us to give up any arrogance and self-righteousness to make room for love and mercy especially towards sinners and the destitute.
* * *
From a Filipino immigrant family, Reverend Rodel G. Balagtas was ordained to the priesthood from St. John’s Seminary in 1991. He served as Associate Pastor at St. Augustine, Culver City (1991-1993); St. Martha, Valinda (1993-1999); and St. Joseph the Worker, Canoga Park (1999-2001). In 2001, he served as Administrator Pro Tem of St. John Neumann in Santa Maria, CA, until his appointment as pastor of ImmAaculate Heart of Mary, Los Angeles, in 2002, which lasted 12 years. His term as Associate Director of Pastoral Field Education at St. John’s Seminary began in July 2014.
