PARADISE REGAIN’D
“Who this is we must learn, for man he seems/ in all his lineaments, though in his face/The glimpses of his Father’s glory.” John Milton Paradise Regain’d
Who can escape the mounting discussions about Mel Gibson’s upcoming movie The Passion? Over the centuries great artists have attempted to portray the extraordinary story of Jesus of Nazareth using the best means at their disposal. Michelangelo gave us the Sistine Chapel, a work of enduring artistic value. Taking up the quill, Milton penned the English classic Paradise Lost and Regain’d, as quoted above.
Long before The Passion even passed its final editing, critics began launching some heavy shots at both Mel Gibson and his forthcoming movie. A common and legitimate criticism is that it will spark anti-Semitism, a problem the Jews have had to live with for thousands of years. Consider the Old Testament story of Esther that tells how anti-Semitism almost led to a complete annihilation of the Jews in ancient Persia. Anti-Semitism has never needed much of a reason to flare up. People who feel inclined to persecute Jews might try to use The Passion as an excuse, but this would twist and warp the message of Jesus into something he never intended. Jesus, himself a Jew, clearly had an attitude of mercy toward all people regardless of nationality. Who else could fix his gaze on his accusers and enemies—non-Jews, Jews, all of us—and utter the words, “Father forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing”?
Peril and wonder fill these days. A famous actor and modern technology have produced what is arguably the most accurate, realistic portrayal of an ancient prophet’s final hours. A small, scattered people, after repeatedly coming close to annihilation, have returned to their ancient homeland. Increasing unrest in the Middle East has tied the only world superpower’s fate to its own. The peril can cause us to fear, which is not all bad, since real dangers exist. The fear can keep us humble, and that’s the best posture to take. The wonder can cause us to question, as did Milton.
When The Passion opens this month Gibson’s presentation of the death of Jesus of Nazareth will give us a historical chance to ponder who this man is and to look for “glimpses of his Father’s glory” in his face.
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