Films for Holy Week reflection

The Virgin Mary asked, "What makes this night different from all the other nights?" Mary Magdalene replied, "Because once we were slaves and we are slaves no longer." This memorable dialogue came from The Passion of the Christ directed by Mel Gibson with Jim Caviezel as Jesus. The movie is about the last 12 hours of Jesus Christ known as "The Passion."

During its exhibition, the movie stirred controversies with scenes like the scourging and crucifixion which were considered exceptionally violent and graphic. The film devoted 10 minutes of detailed scrutiny on Jesus’ flogging.

It was said that while filming, Caviezel endured seven long hours of makeup sessions daily. He was actually flogged when the actors playing Roman flagellants accidentally hit him during shooting. Despite criticisms of graphic violence, many moviegoers still flocked to theaters and cried while watching the film. I felt guilty, ashamed, moved and astounded at the enormity of Jesus’ sacrifice to save mankind. I cannot even think of the pain Jesus suffered in his final hours on earth. The Lenten season is a special time to reflect on the sufferings and death of Christ. The 40 days of Lent is a great opportunity for us to examine ourselves and have a deeper, closer union with Christ. Lent is a time of prayer and penance as we walk with Christ to Calvary.

Let us seek God’s forgiveness for our sins which made Christ suffer and die on the cross. We should be grateful to the Father for Jesus, the greatest sign of His love. Jesus Christ knew the difficult task before him. Although the Son of God, Christ became one of us, to suffer pain, humiliation and betrayal. Jesus found Himself at the mercy of people who made Him suffer and killed Him on the cross.

He remained obedient to the Father’s will by giving His life completely so we can all be saved from our sin.

"Now it is finished," were the last words of Jesus while crucified on the cross. He died so that we may live. Lent prepares us for the Holy Week. In the Philippines, there are several traditions commemorating the Lord’s passion and death.

As Holy Week begins, we find men particularly those in the provinces who walk around the street carrying wooden crosses; scourging themselves with whips; or allowing to be nailed on the cross.

Many of us cannot perform these kinds of excruciating penance but we can still share in the sufferings of Christ by praying and accepting the daily challenges we encounter. Some people give up something they enjoy or offer time or money doing charitable works in their parishes. It is also traditional to abstain from meat every Friday for the whole period of Lent. The long holiday starting Maundy Thursday is a break from our hectic schedules. We head off to different destinations: provinces, beaches, another country, or just idle at the comfort of our homes. During the break, let us take a few minutes each day to reflect and thank the Father for His selfless love. Likewise, you can grab some copies of inspiring movies and watch them with the entire family. Here are some movies being shown on TV during the Holy Week:

Jesus of Nazareth is a six-hour, 16-minute mini-series about the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus based on the accounts of the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

The movie is directed by Franco Zeffirelli and stars Robert Powell as Jesus, Olivia Hussey as Mary, Anne Bancroft as Mary Magdalene, Laurence Olivier as Nicodemus, Christopher Plummer as Herod Antipas and Anthony Quinn as Caiaphas.

The Greatest Story Ever Told is about the life of Jesus from birth, crucifixion and resurrection. It is directed by George Stevens and stars Max von Sydow as Jesus, Dorothy McGuire as The Virgin Mary, Robert Loggia as Joseph, Charlton Heston as John the Baptist, Joanna Dunham as Mary Magdalene and Telly Savalas as Pontius Pilate.

King of Kings, directed by Nicholas Ray, covers the life of Jesus from His birth in Bethlehem until His crucifixion, resurrection and ascension. The movie stars Jeffrey Hunter as Jesus, Siobhan McKenna as Mary, Robert Ryan as John the Baptist and Rip Torn as Judas among others.

The Ten Commandments is a classic film directed by Cecil B. DeMille that tells the story of Moses (Charlton Heston) as he struggles to free the Israelites from Egypt. Some of the most-awaited highlights in the film are the parting of the Red Sea and the giving of the Ten Commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai.

Spartacus directed by Stanley Kubrick tells the historical life of the rebellious slave-turned-gladiator Spartacus played by Kirk Douglas. In one memorable scene, the captives are asked to point out Spartacus in exchange for leniency. Instead they all claim they are Spartacus and share his fate of being crucified as punishment.

Ben-Hur directed by William Wyler and starred Charlton Heston as Judah Ben-Hur and Stephen Boyd as Messala. Ben-Hur is a rich Jewish prince and merchant who was sent to the galleys after his friend Messala, a military commanding officer of the Roman legions, plotted to destroy him due to their different political views. The chariot race is considered one of the most spectacular action sequences ever filmed.

A blessed Holy Week to all of us!