Sometimes in those late-night discussions of religion, friends have reminded me that a certain path to heaven is martyrdom. I’ve always joked that I was hoping for a somewhat less painful path.
I’d like to think that I would have the courage to be a martyr. But I also don’t think any of us knows until confronted with the possibility. I’m just not sure.
Would I sacrifice my life for my family, a friend, my country? Would I lay down my life for my faith? I pray that I would. Lord, I believe; Lord help my unbelief.
Around the world, Our Lord calls people to martyrdom daily. They literally give their lives, often in agony. To a lesser degree, people in “civilized” societies like the United States suffer a softer martyrdom if they stand up for their faith. They are ridiculed, marginalized and, sometimes quietly, denied opportunity.
“For Greater Glory” is a movie that works on many levels: history, adventure, drama, faith. It is a large film, with commanding personalities, battle scenes, violence, tension. The Passion of the Christ meets John Wayne.
But to me, its greatest message is that of sacrifice for faith. What makes someone willing to give up life itself? What is worth more than life itself? Would I have the courage to pledge my love for Christ when a gentle word of denial would free me from torture and death?
“For Greater Glory” is the story of the Cristeros, the army who fought for the faith in Mexico. This isn’t ancient history, shrouded misty legend. No, it was in the 1920s. And the people and events really happened, and profoundly shaped the nature of modern Mexico.
This was a violent battle for religious freedom on our own continent, fought between the “great” wars of the 20th century. And it may foreshadow the battle for religious freedom that is growing in the United States in this political season.
“For Greater Glory” opens tomorrow in theaters across the country. Check the website to learn more about this remarkable film.
And one more thing: You don’t need to go to see this movie because “it is a project that faithful Catholics need to support.” You don’t need to overlook glitches, boring passages and low production values. There are none of those things.
No. You’ll enjoy a great story played out by great stars: Andy Garcia, Eva Longoria, Peter O’Toole, Eduardo Verastegui, Bruce Greenwood and a host of familiar faces.
And a new, young, actor, Mauricio Kuri, will show you how a real boy named Jose Luis Sanchez Del Rio became a saint.
