I see that Mel Gibson’s Passion is selling well in DVD. Most of the controversy (as well as hype) surrounding the film itself has now died down somewhat, which is good, as a deeper reflection can return to the real message of the events that the movie is about.

I used to think that when Christ died, it represented a dark chapter in his life and that victory was gained only at the resurrection. Recently, however, I was reading and thinking about who God is, the nature, life and death of Christ and it occurred to me that it is more accurate to see His death on the cross as a profound victory. For on the cross, Christ achieved the Ultimate for all humanity for all time. He did not have to wait three days to consummate the final Victory. Victory was achieved when God the Just One, the Holy One, the Creator of the World, died the sinner’s death and bore the eternal wrath of divinity upon Himself. That is the final victory! The Resurrection was not an event that Heaven was waiting for while it mourned. When Christ’s Death was achieved, the Resurrection was merely an exclamation point. The statement “It is finished” was already declared. It is Finished. Indeed. Victory has been achieved.

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Dostoyesky’s Ivan Karamazov asked in another context, but I ask today at the news of those who perished in Beslan, Russia. It is so sad that people find it necessary to cause so much pain and to take the lives of so many to make a point. It is not just the death of children and others, but also the loss by friends and loved ones. What a devastating, traumatic and shattering experience that will be imprinted not only in the lives and psyches of the immediate families but also throughout the community and across the world. May God have mercy on us all!

While the rest of the world continues on its merry way, finals football excitement is boiling over in the Land Down Under. I remember how it was like during the month of September, when sixteen teams playing over twenty matches each culminate in a finals to fight for the right of being the Best from the Rest - the AFL Premier. Everyone and his dog were talking about which team would win it all, and no matter where you turn, you cannot ignore the fact that the “Best Game on Earth” is what is happening and no one is interested in anything else. It is I dare say, relatively speaking, and per capita bigger than the Super Bowl. So big that all diaspora Aussies follow the Game all around the world. However, this year I am not too worried who is playing since the team I “barrack” (aussie for the US: “root”) for has been eliminated. So, its another year of waiting for me…