Internet hackers allegedly attempted to prevent the release of the film The Interview; a nurse who returned from Sierra Leone has developed the Ebola virus; Herod exercised lethal power against the innocent and helpless in an attempt to protect his position.
This week's news
The film The Interview was initially withdrawn from circulation because of fears resulting from hacking by a group called Guardians of Peace. Subsequently it was released and has become Sony’s most-downloaded film of all time.
Nurse Pauline Cafferkey, who had been working with Save the Children in Sierra Leone, was diagnosed as suffering from Ebola on her return to Scotland.
Wreckage from an Air Asia plane that crashed into the Java Sea has been found off Borneo.
Scenes of violent chaos and panic were described on the Italian ferry that caught fire off the island of Corfu.
Reflection
The release of the film The Interview was controversial. First it was delayed. Then it was released despite the perceived threat to Sony and the cinema chains. The film has been far more successful than was anticipated.
Knowing the God who became a vulnerable child transforms our reaction to the abuse of power. History has made its judgement on Herod. Far more people know the name of the film than the name of the group that has claimed responsibility for attempting to prevent its release. This is a defiance of power.
The Ebola virus holds parts of West Africa firmly in its grip – a different sort of power, but power nevertheless. Pauline Cafferkey made herself vulnerable by going to Sierra Leone to help those already affected by the virus. She recognised the risks and voiced her fears. Yet she still went. It is possible that she will be treated by plasma transfusion from Will Pooley, another aid worker who contracted the virus. The impact of Herod’s paranoia was disastrous upon families with young children and that cannot be denied. The impact of Ebola is disastrous, but in Pauline Cafferkey and Will Pooley and many others, we see a response of quiet vulnerability to the potency of Ebola. This is a defiance of power.
The government of Indonesia has cancelled all New Year celebrations and declared a public act of memorial for the victims of the Air Asia crash. There is tremendous grief in the face of an horrific death toll. This is a tragedy in the face of which humanity appears powerless. But here is a different act of defiance. In turning to God we acknowledge that God’s power is greater than any other.
When the Italian ferry caught fire, there was panic and confusion. This is often the response to a power-filled crisis. It was the calm and committed rescue services risking their own lives who brought safety. Jesus the vulnerable baby became Jesus the vulnerable man who put himself at risk for the sake of others. This, again, is a defiance of power.
The Wise Men and the Holy Family were empowered by God to show their defiance of Herod. There are many ways of defying the strong. This can be by those who are themselves influential (perhaps the Wise Men), or by the vulnerable (Joseph, Mary and Jesus). Matthew 2.1-12 contrasts vulnerability with power, encouraging us to reflect on our own vulnerability.
Prayer
At the beginning of the year, encourage people to pray for those who feel they have nothing to look forward to:
- those who are fearful, such as those affected by Ebola;
- those who live under oppression;
- those who await news of loved ones;
- all who mourn, especially those affected in recent high-profile incidents.
Questions
- What does the success of the film The Interview say about people’s response to the exercise of power?
- A public memorial service was held in Surubaya in Indonesia on Wednesday for the victims of the Air Asia crash. What do such public occasions tell us about our understanding of God?
Action
Remembering that the wise men brought gifts of gold and perfume to Jesus, count either how many gold items you own or how many times you use a perfumed item this week and decide on an amount (e.g. 10p) to put aside per item. Donate the total to the Oxfam Ebola appeal.
Young People
Talk about the film The Interview. What do the young people know about it? What do they think about it? Do they think it should be released? How do they think King Herod would have responded to the release of a film about him?
Stuart Wild is Superintendent Minister of the Manchester Methodist Circuit.
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