Embracing New Life

One Saturday afternoon, I found myself browsing through Netflix, seeking out the perfect movie to pass time. After a quick search, I chose the movie “Safe” from the top of the list. What caught my attention was a playful reminder from my wife about my receding hairline, often teasingly suggesting I emulate Jason Statham’s sleek style, who stars in the movie. “You must accept the future and embrace a new life. Embrace Jason Statham’s hairstyle!” She’d quip, to which I’d always respond with a polite chuckle, “Never say never. As long as there’s still hair left on my head, I won’t agree to embrace Jason Statham’s style.”

Filled with adrenaline-pumping action and intense, blood-soaked fight sequences, the movie lasted for nearly two hours. Surprisingly, it also had some moments that showed how important life is. The story was about a former Mixed Martial Art (MMA) fighter whose family was killed by the Russian mob. Despite his tragic loss, he gets involved in a dangerous mission to protect a young girl named Mei (Catherine Chan) who holds a valuable secret code in her memory.

The first scene that stirred my emotions and made me contemplate is when Luke (Jason Statham) wanted to end his life by throwing himself in front of a train. However, he chose to live and pursue life, attaching himself to a more meaningful endeavour—protect Mei. Opting for life highlights the necessity of accepting suffering and sacrifices with gratitude and faith in our journey towards renewal and new life.

Second, when Luke was asked by the antagonist, with a gun pointed at him, why he would choose Mei over the money, I was taken aback when he simply answered, “life”. He may not have any connection to the child, but there’s a force compelling him to protect and fight for her life. Perhaps, he sees his own dead child in the eyes of Mei, and he wants to make amends. The films “Man on Fire” (2004), featuring Denzel Washington, and the Korean film “Commitment” (2013), starring Choi Seung-hyun, parallel the plot of this movie. In each, an assassin, driven by a desire for vengeance following the loss of a loved one, unexpectedly exhibits acts of unconditional love towards another character. Despite Luke’s internal turmoil and existential crisis, his ability to still love unconditionally is truly remarkable.

Third, while Luke was hiding one of his enemies inside the trunk of the car, the enemy asked: “What am I supposed to do in this incredibly tight space?” Without hesitation, Luke answered, “pray.” I know that advising one’s enemy to pray is a cliché often seen in movies, particularly in those of FPJ, typically when the enemy is facing imminent death. Surprisingly, unlike in most movies where the enemy is killed, Luke decided not to harm them. Maybe he wanted to give some of them a chance to change their ways and make up for what they did wrong. Perhaps, this serves as a reminder that no matter how unworthy we may feel, we can always humble ourselves and continually seek God’s mercy. Beyond simply reciting prayers, embracing deep silence enables us to reestablish our connection with Him, to reflect on our distance from His presence. This reflection aids us in acknowledging our shortcomings and realize how much He loves us.

Fourth, there was a scene that showed the Luke’s kindness where he took pity on a homeless person with wounded feet and gave him his pair of shoes while he was staying in a facility for the homeless. That scene revealed the pureness of heart and generosity in a place of poverty, among people considered to be at the margins. It shows that the ability to help others is not dependent on one’s life status and tells us that despite our imperfections and lowliness, we can always strive hard to contribute to the welfare of others. This is the mystery of helping others. When we extend a helping hand to a fellow human being, we not only see it as an opportunity to sacrifice, but also as a way to express our love for the Lord. Lent also teaches us that through acts of kindness and selfishness, we can truly make a difference in someone’s life and bring joy to our own hearts.

In essence, the movie has shown me that even in the midst of sufferings and challenges, there is always a glimmer of hope shining through. This hope inspires us to embrace new beginnings and the possibility of a new life. What does really Lenten Season invite us to do? Just as Luke who hoped for new life, we too find ourselves seeking renewal. It takes a truly humble heart to not only accept but also experience genuine healing. This reminds me of the incredible healings and miraculous acts performed by Christ; just as those who sought His healing had to approach Him with humility and faith, we too can find solace and restoration when we humbly open ourselves to the possibility of healing. In the Gospel of John, for example, the healing of the little boy in Galilee illustrates the potential for experiencing new life when we welcome Christ into our hearts.

Truly, there are things that are difficult to give up, such as pride, selfishness, and anger that impede our progress and peace of mind. Whether these manifest in our physical appearance or state of mind, it is necessary for us to overcome or embrace them to achieve, what we call a new life. It can be disheartening at times to realize that I may be myopic in my thinking, believing that the need for renewal is only significant during the Lenten Season. However, I have come to understand that God calls to renew my life in every single moment. Sometimes, I find myself singing the song “Come, Holy Spirit, renew the face of the earth…” and it serves as a gentle reminder to revisit my inner thoughts and reflect on how consumed I am with temporal matters. It is during these moments of reflection that I recognize the importance of prioritizing spiritual renewal amidst the busyness of life.

Now, to fully embrace a new life, I find myself wondering when will I gather the courage to embrace the Jason Statham hairstyle? However, beyond physical appearance, I am compelled to explore how I can truly embody the teaching of Christ and experience a transformative new life. To emulate His teachings and embark a new life, it begins with a genuine desire for inner transformation. It involves embracing His teachings of love, compassion, forgiveness, and selflessness. (Francis Manayan)