A MUST SEE FILM!
For Greater Glory is about the Cristiada, or Cristero War, in Mexico during the 1920s. Since seeing the movie on Friday June 1st, I cannot help but replay many of the scenes in my head. The imagery was beautiful, the story—captivating. What’s more, the reality of this historical tragedy hits close to home.
The movie opens with the President of Mexico addressing the nation with his plan to restrict the practice of Catholicism including Mass and clerical garb for clergy. The President’s reasoning behind his new law was to modernize the country and rid it of “religious fanatics and superstition.” The initial reaction of the people is passive and there seemed to be an overwhelming consensus that this new law would be temporary. The Mexican government attempted to silence non-violent protests by making the consequences known to the public. Priests were dragged out of churches and killed, while Sacred images were burned and destroyed.
Taking the battle for freedom in their own hands, groups of “Cristeros” all over Mexico were fighting back against the government, engaging in violent battles with the Federales (the Mexican Federal Police). The Cristeros began to organize and formed an army to better strategize with hopes to overthrow the government and restore religious freedom to Mexico. Under the guidance of a retired military general and strategist, Enrique Gorostieta (played by Andy Garcia), the Cristeros become a powerful force to be reckoned with.
Jose, a young altar boy, quickly captures your heart as you watch his child-like faith inspire believers and unbelievers in the film and in the audience alike. Jose stands the true test of his faith throughout the entire movie as he first assists local parish priests and later leaving his family to assist the Cristero movement. Jose’s unwavering faith and servant’s heart catches General Gorosieta’s attention taking him from a defender of religious freedom to a defender of faith.
The reality of this tragic era in Mexican history extends beyond the screen and into the heart of any person of faith. Living in a society today where religion and faith are often mocked and ridiculed as “superstition” and people of faith are called “fanatics,” we see yet another battle for personal freedom. With so much on the news about government mandates, religious freedom, and Church/State relations, perhaps we should look at what has been in order to prevent what could be.
This movie will make you wonder if you would have the courage to stand up for our faith to the point of imprisonment and martyrdom. Honestly, what would you do if our government issued laws and mandates stating that the Church cannot practice her religion freely? Would you think of it as something that “will never last?” or would you stand up against it? If it was illegal to say “Long live Christ the King,” would you still shout it from the rooftops?
No comments:
Post a Comment