Mentionsy

LOVE, DEATH, AND TAXES - FOR SUNDAY 08.04

„Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 PETER 4:8 (NIV) LOVE, DEATH, AND TAXES - FOR SUNDAY 08.04 The film "Joe Black" starring Anthony Hopkins is a captivating story about billionaire William Parish, who, just before celebrating his sixty-fifth birthday, begins to experience unsettling events. Imagine hearing voices in your head that invite you to dialogue and announce the arrival of someone unknown and even otherworldly. That someone turns out to be Death, who, instead of terrifying, appears in the form of Brad Pitt and takes on the name Joe Black. Joe proposes a deal to Parish, wanting to accompany him for a while to understand life on Earth in exchange for postponing his imminent death. Sounds like an offer you can't refuse, right? Things take a new turn when Joe falls in love with Parish's daughter, Susan, brilliantly played by Claire Forlani. Yes, you heard it right, Death falls in love with a charming mortal! But what exactly is love here? This feeling, which has many names, much like Death. Love is multifaceted, dangerous, full of contrasts, but also depth, touching the deepest corners of the viewer and the human soul. How does this film relate to Christian values? At first glance, it seems not at all, but that's just an illusion that fades away when you watch this film a third or fourth time, letting yourself be carried away not only by the depth of some dialogues but also by the atmosphere and beautiful music composed by Thomas Newman. From our recent lessons, we remember how Apostle Paul defines love. It is the highest and most desired virtue because "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." Meanwhile, Apostle Peter complements this teaching in the fourth chapter of his First Epistle, saying, "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." Imagine now that even Death can discover what it means to love. Joe Black's love for Susan, and hers for him, is nothing less than a reflection of this biblical love, which with each scene becomes more selfless, devoted, and full of hope, and consequently... immortal. This feeling transforms Joe, making him more human and empathetic. His relationship with Susan allows him to see the value of human life, love, and hope. But what about love that can be toxic or self-interested? The film starts with a dramatic accident and disturbing negative vibes. Initially, Joe seems to merely desire Susan and play with her emotions, treating her as a part of his experiment with human life. However, his attitude undergoes a radical change as he discovers the power of true and responsible love. On the other hand, Susan's fiancé appears to be with her only for the benefits of working with her father, casting a shadow on their relationship. Have you ever been in similar situations? How did you react? Did you work on the relationship or run away? This story provides one of the answers, though not the only one. Sometimes the best solution is to wait for another chance at love and withdraw from unhealthy infatuation. If we open ourselves to God's paternal grace and other people, healthy, desired love can come like "a bolt from the blue." Joe Black, initially interested only in superficial pleasures, ultimately finds true affection. Susan, in turn, gets a chance for a deeper, more authentic relationship when she allows herself to open her heart to another man than her self-centered current partner. Love depicted in the film "Joe Black" is not just a romantic story. It's a profound reminder of the strength and power of true feelings.... (...)