John Michael Talbot • Reflections

Mel Gibsons "The Passion of The Christ"
John Michael Talbot

Peace and Good in Christ!

I was recently asked to a screening of Mel Gibson's "The Passion" movie in Nashville. It was stunning. I am restricted with confidentiality clauses, but I can say that I support the movie. My overall response is overwhelmingly positive. I was stunned, and pretty much left speechless, which is rare for me. The flashbacks concerning the Eucharist, Mary, and the message of divine love are very moving. As a Catholic Christian I especially appreciate these.

The anti Semitic accusations seem unfounded, with "blame" for the death of Jesus being pretty evenly applied to both Jews and Romans as representing the sin of all humanity. It is biblical, and graphic. The biggest shock will be the realism of the scourging and crucifixion. It is done with "Braveheart" strokes.

The use of subtitles with the Aramaic, Latin, and Hebrew is most "contemplative." Oddly, it does not interfere, but enhances by keeping the dialogue minimal, and relying on powerful images. With some major leaders in the Church, I recommend it highly to any serious religious person, especially Catholic Christians.

I believe this will prove to be one of the more important artistic experiences of the Passion of Christ in the film medium.

At the screening, Mr. Gibson was funny and at times profound. He was very approachable with no pretense. He has real religious conviction in the midst of his self admitted faults and shortcomings. I liked him. As I understood him, the movie is the result of his own meditations on the passion of Jesus over the last 12 years, reflecting on what Jesus went though for him in order to save him from a life that was leading to desperation. In that context the movie takes on added power for us all.

But I believe that to tie this movie too closely to Mr. Gibson's more conservative personal style of Catholic Christianity is a mistake, though you cannot totally separate a person from their art. I see him as a simple and honest man who is returning to his roots to find redemption in Jesus Christ after a time away from the values he was raised to hold dear. This is not unlike many of us.

I will wait to comment further at a later date. The movie is scheduled for April or March release. I believe that it is a masterpiece of religious art in the realism school.

For those interested in a more in depth treatment, the Catholic News services have covered this very well in recent weeks. Finally, the Church herself will give a rating and recommendation after it is released. My opinion is as a private individual at this point.

The Passion of The Christ Website

May God bless you in the Charity of Christ and His Church,

In Jesus,
John Michael Talbot
Founder and General Minister
The Brothers and Sisters of Charity at Little Portion Hermitage