I am not a moviegoer. I can actually go on for months without watching a film on TV or on the big screen. When I do go, I usually just tag along with cousins or accompany a nephew and niece. But every now and then, when time permits, I watch marathons with my siblings.
Last Friday night, December 12, was one of those rare occasions when I watched a movie at the theater. It was a special movie screening organized by the Dominican (Order of Preachers) student brothers to raise funds for their ministry to the youth, justice and peace, care for creation, promotion of devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and to support their social communications media apostolate. The fund raising activity was dubbed The Hobbit, for the Habit of Sharing!
I have read the Hobbit a long time ago, before the first Lord of the Rings movie came out. I honestly don't remember the details of it anymore, except that I am pretty sure Legolas was not in it yet.
I enjoyed the movie a lot. It had been a long time since I have done something relaxing and entertaining. But I admit that I did not pay a hundred-percent attention to the details of every scene. As Thorin searched for the Arkenstone, I was reminded of how men get too attached with worldly possessions and pleasures. How we sometimes fall into madness as we obsessively pursue success, financial security, power and recognition. In one scene, Thorin said, "If more of us valued... cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world." In this capitalist world we live in now, sometimes we all fall prey to greed and forget the things that truly matter most, like family, friends, and our Faith.
I may sound too mushy, but towards the end of the movie, I was struck by Tauriel's words as she mourned the death of Kili: "If this is love, I don't want it. Take it away, please! Why does it hurt so much?"
It echoed what Archbishop Soc said about love. "My dear young people, love is not a feeling. Love is sacrifice. And there is no greater love than to die for your beloved", he said.
Earlier that Friday, I was at the Araneta Coliseum for the "Win One for God: A Pope Rally" organized by the Couples For Christ-Foundation for Family and Life (CFC-FFL) and the Family Rosary Crusade (FRC). It was a gathering that aimed to spiritually prepare the youth for the apostolic visit of Pope Francis in 2015, and it focused on the papal visit's theme, Mercy and Compassion. Archbishop Soc Villegas, D.D. presided over the Eucharistic celebration in honor of the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, with Bishop Honesto Ongtioco, D.D. of the Diocese of Cubao as con-celebrant. During the homily, Archbishop Soc reminded the youth to frequent the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and not be afraid to ask God for forgiveness because He is our merciful and compassionate Father. He also explained why we do the sign of the cross ~ to know ("kilala"), love ("mahal") and accept ("tanggap") God. He emphasized that we should all keep our eyes fixed on Jesus; to focus on Him so that we may be able to do small acts of love and win a soul for God.
As I watched the battle of the five armies, I thought of the daily struggles we go through and the inner wars we all fight in order to survive. In Bilbo, a hobbit, I thought of all the unsung heroes who work "behind the scenes" to make our daily existence more comfortable. I was also reminded of the shepherds who visited Jesus, ordinary folk who were used by God for a greater mission to spread the Joy of the Messiah's birth. I reflected on how we are all part of a great tapestry, that we all have something to do in the vineyard of the Lord. We all have a role to play, and God values our acts done in humility and love.
Saint Therese' words echoed in my head, "Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love."
I thought of Bilbo Baggins, and how he who is unknown and lowly has helped change the heart of Thorin. It was not by power nor by might that he accomplished his mission.
Pure, sacrificial love was the answer. It always has to be Love.
