Valkyrie

Christmas break affords a number of luxuries that usually do not appear during the nine months of school. On a whim my brother and I went out to see a 9:50pm showing of the new Tom Cruise movie, Valkyrie. I did not go in with very high expectations, but much to my surprise, the movie was quite good.

Tom Cruise plays an officer in Hitler's Third Reich who's conscience is unsettled by what has happened to his Germany. He undertakes a leadership position in a resistance movement set on assassinating Hitler to bring peace to Germany and Europe. One major theme rang through the film. I was reminded of what so many people have sacrificed for basic freedoms both for the United States and around the world. I thought about what I would do in such a situation. Would I have the guts to stand up to such evil?

Our Faith is under great persecution all over the world. From major demonstrations and mass killings to a simple conversation with colleagues, the values, rights, and beliefs we hold dear must be protected from those who would like to strip them away as Medieval foolishness or an attack on their own sensibilities. We do not want to force our beliefs on anyone. That would be stooping to a low level and denying the freedom of choice that God has given us. We should, however, live our lives and actions according to our beliefs and His Divine Will. When we shine His light and spread His fragrance others will see the good that we have and do and glorify God.

May God grant each of us the grace to fight the oppression and attack in our own lives so that we may glorify God and lead others to His open and waiting arms.

We are United in the Hearts of Jesus and Mary!