Looking Into The Mirror: Romero is the film biography of the martyred bishop of El Salvador. It tells the story of how a new way of life characterized by freedom, community, and hope emerged among the poor in Latin America. At the films beginning, the behavior of the church hierarchy is guided by a centuries-old habit of special favor for the rich and mighty of the land. In the barrios and countryside, however, priests, nuns, and other grassroots leaders have begun to share a theology of liberation with the oppressed and marginalized. As Bishop Romeros eyes are opened to injustice he gradually joins their efforts and comes to understand and participate in Christs solidarity with the poor and the suffering. One implication, he realizes, is that Catholics of all classes and ethic groups, belonging as they do to one Lord, one Faith, and baptism (Eph. 4:5), should bring their children, together, to a common font of water for the liturgy that incorporates them into the Body of Christ, the church. This decision is presented in the story as a key point of rupture between Romero and the social and economic elite, which is represented in the film by a wealthy young woman who is also Romeros own goddaughter. She has planned a lavish private baptism for her baby, and she is appalled that anyone expects her to stand side by side with peasants and allow water that has touched their children to touch hers. Hmmm ... what do you think? With the portrayal of the poor and marginalized by many of those on the conservative right, I am not sure we are much different. I think this an important contemplation since the one who suffered and die and lived again identified himself as being one of the poor and marginalized. And, as such he was despised and rejected as well.
Posted on: Sat, 19 Apr 2014 18:26:43 +0000
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