As part of your Lenten reflection, you may consider watching a cinematic adaptation of the Biblical Story of SAMSON. From Pure Flix, the world’s leading independent faith-and-family studio, SAMSON is the thrilling retelling of a champion’s calling, betrayal and redemption. Pure Flix recent releases likewise include: The Case for Christ, God’s Not Dead 2, God’s Not Dead, Do You Believe?, Woodlawn, A Question of Faith and Same Kind of Different as Me.

Samson, Hebrew Shimshon, is a legendary Israelite warrior and judge, or divinely inspired leader, renowned for the prodigious strength that he derived from his uncut hair. He is portrayed in the Book of Judges (chapters 13–16). SAMSON as portrayed in this powerful biblical epic narrates a champion chosen by God to deliver Israel. His supernatural strength and impulsive decisions quickly pit him against the oppressive Philistine empire. After being betrayed by a wicked prince and a beautiful temptress, Samson is captured and blinded by his enemies. Samson calls upon his God once more for supernatural strength and turns imprisonment and blindness into final victory.

What can we learn from this film? Well, “as strong as Samson was, we must remember that his strength comes from God. Without God, he is as strong as any ordinary man. You and I are also given by God immense strength. Though we might not be like Samson, we have unique strengths that we can use for the glory of God. No matter who you are, what age group you belong, or what the status of your life may be, you have a gift from God that you can use. Never ever commit the mistake of thinking that you are nothing and you cannot contribute something” (Joshua Infantando).

Moreover, we should remember that we have different strengths. It could be writing, playing the piano, singing, encouraging one another, helping in setting up the hall, or simply greeting people as they come in the church. Don’t underestimate the small things that you can do for other people and God because that same small thing can potentially occupy the biggest space in the heart of the people whom you have helped.

The Shack directed by Stuart Hazeldine; and is based on the New York Times best-selling Christian novel written by Canadian author William P. Young, published in 2007 is another movie worth watching.

The Shack is a story of a father’s uplifting spiritual journey. After having a family tragedy, the character Mack Phillips played by Sam Worthington will suffer a deep depression causing him to question his faith.

In amidst of his grief, Mack receives a suspicious letter inviting him to go to an abandoned shack deep in the Oregon wilderness. Despite his doubts, Mack goes to the shack where he encounters a mysterious trio of strangers (who happens to be the Blessed Trinity) led by a woman named PAPA [p.s. Don’t worry about this gender assignment issue, it will be aptly explained in the film]. Here, Mack gets important answers to his questions that will transform his understanding of his tragedy and change his life forever.

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop Robert Barron known for his WORD ON FIRE ministry was impressed in the novel and even said that he would recommend it to Catholics who’ve gone through a lot of suffering.

“The novel portrayed that God is love. Also, that God is not a distant power as in theism, but God is someone who knows us intimately or personally … God is someone to whom we can talk as a friend,” Bishop Barron said. He also added that the biblical theme that is visible all throughout the novel is that people are called upon to trust God, even if no one can see what He’s doing.

Since this film’s theological themes are highlighted in the dialogue between Mack and the Blessed Trinity (each taking turn in guiding him through the process of self-reflection and healing), it would be advisable to really listen very well to each and every exchange of questions, thoughts and insights. In fact, my favorite movie dialogue focused on the issue of forgiveness (this was when God the Father, finally ask him to “let go” and forgive the person who killed his daughter):

“Forgiveness is not about forgetting. It is about letting go of another person’s throat … Forgiveness does not create a relationship. Unless people speak the truth about what they have done and change their mind and behavior, a relationship of trust is not possible. When you forgive someone you certainly release them from judgment, but without true change, no real relationship can be established … Forgiveness in no way requires that you trust the one you forgive. But should they finally confess and repent, you will discover a miracle in your own heart that allows you to reach out and begin to build between you a bridge of reconciliation … Forgiveness does not excuse anything … You may have to declare your forgiveness a hundred times the first day and the second day, but the third day will be less and each day after, until one day you will realize that you have forgiven completely. And then one day you will pray for his wholeness.”

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