Category: entertainment

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May the Fourth Be with You

Star Wars fans celebrate May 4th as Star Wars Day thanks to the clever word-play with the franchise’s iconic commendation, “May the Force be with you.”

Catholic fans used to respond with “And also with you.” Somehow, the new translation doesn’t have the same feel, “And with your spirit,” but we’ll let it ride…it works. Whatever you do, don’t respond with “Live long and prosper.” Let’s keep our cultural quips in the right setting.

The impact of Star Wars, and the widespread acclamation of Star Wars Day has spread beyond the bounds of geekdom. My mom, who’d rather watch a good murder mystery, loves C3PO. I don’t think she’s ever actually seen any of the movies.

So what’s the allure of these films?

At its core, Star Wars illustrates the battle between Light and Darkness, Good and Evil. It hits us in the archetypal feels.

Sure, there are great explosions, fantastic battles, fun and interesting characters. And it’s a gift that keeps giving. I mean, who doesn’t love Baby Yoda? But it’s also a beautiful story of redemption and love. A story about discovering one’s identity and purpose in life and seeking something greater than ourselves.

At its core, Star Wars illustrates the battle between Light and Darkness, Good and Evil. It hits us in the archetypal feels. Share on X

The bottom line is this: good prevails.

We love these stories because we can live vicariously through them. In fact, the hero’s journey is our own spiritual journey. We are drawn to these narratives as models for our own lives. We experience the things that make us human: loss, fear, yearning, temptation, friendship, commitment, and sacrifice. In the end, we learn the value of hope.

I’m happy to celebrate today. In an era increasingly nihilistic, George Lucas gave us A New Hope.

May the Force be with you!

I explore our connection to these heroic stories and characters, especially Rey and St Clare of Assisi, in Super Girls and Halos: My Companions on the Quest for Truth, Justice, and Heroic Virtue.

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Are you a Browncoat? Talking Firefly!

click picture to hear this episode of Secrets of Movies and TV Shows

I remember watching the premiere of Firefly at the recommendation of my bro-in-law, Achi, and not quite figuring out if I was going to be invested in the series or not. I love science-fiction. Cowboys, not-so-much. I gave it a few more episodes, and fell in love with the characters and how this motley crew came together as a family. Like most families, there were tensions and different points of view, but in the end the common ground of love and respect for each other saves them and provides an excellent ongoing theme for the series. Unfortunately it was cancelled, but that 13-episode run, and the movie, Serenity, that wraps it up, have become classics.

If I could have added a chapter to Super Girls and Halos: My Companions on the Quest for Truth, Justice, and Heroic Virtue, I totally would have included one of my favorite characters. You might think I’d go with Zoe Washburne as my super girl choice, the first mate on the ship who fought side-by-side with the captain, Mal, in the galactic war against the evil Alliance. She’s courageous, strong, fiercely loyal yet unafraid to take a stand on moral grounds. A perfect example of heroic virtue demonstrating prudence, temperance, fortitude, and justice at various times throughout the series. Zoe would be a great match with any number of fascinating saints such as Joan of Arc.

Nevertheless, my favorite character, Inara Serra, taps into a different kind of strength. Although a courtesan and paid companion for wealthy men, she displays compassion and tenderness for the crew and everyone she meets, choosing to elevate every encounter to an exchange that recognizes, first, the human dignity of the person. Her approach with everyone is to lead with love. I thought she’d be a great match with St. Therese of Lisieux, who said, “What matters in life is not great deeds, but great love.” In my book, I match fictional characters who display human virtues with saints, who, through grace, perfect the cardinal virtues on their road to holiness. I don’t suggest that Inara is holy, but rather, that she has an admirable quality in her expression of love for others. St Therese of Lisieux embodies this heroic virtue in her “little way” which strives to do even the smallest of things with love.

Listen to our commentary on Episode 29 of Secrets of Movies and TV Shows: Firefly

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