"The Passion of the Christ," as expected, is drawing mixed reaction from those who have seen it, those who have yet to see it, and even those who will choose not see it.

That, inevitably, is what art is and does: what pleases one disturbs another. Yet in this case, and particularly among those with strong faith, the passion surrounding "The Passion" is undeniably intense. (See the Reader's Forum, page 13 of the print issue Feb. 27, for a lively array of opinions on the film and the furor.)

Next week, The Tidings will present reviews of the film by Catholic and Jewish laypersons, both with backgrounds in the film industry. A review from the U.S. Bishops' Office of Film and Broadcasting --- which was unable to view the film prior to this week --- is expected to be available as well.

Last week, The Tidings reported on a Website available from the Daughters of St. Paul --- www.daughtersofstpaul.com/thepassionofchristmovie/index.html --- featuring background commentary and theological reflections on Christ's suffering, death and resurrection. As readers are aware, numerous commentaries of and about the film have been published in many sources, and The Tidings will participate in that dialogue as well.

While it is not our intent this week to encourage or discourage readers from viewing "The Passion of the Christ," it is our responsibility to point out that the film carries an "R" rating from the Motion Picture Association of America, due to graphic violence. This is worth considering when deciding whether or not to take children, since the "R" indicates that children under 17 must be accompanied by a parent or adult.

That said, every adult is encouraged to read, reflect and discern for themselves whether to see this film and, if so, how to judge it in the context of their faith experience and the society in which we live. As a community of faith believers, we who are Catholic do not act in isolation from one another. Our actions and inactions have consequences; this is a responsibility the baptized Catholic accepts and embraces.

Moreover, though, the presence of this film should not overshadow our understanding of what our duty as baptized Catholics is all about. In this Lenten season of fasts, promises and asking, "What do I give up?" perhaps the more important issue we need to resolve, today and always, is: How may our hearts be changed, our old selves be transformed, so that we may follow Jesus more closely? How might our eyes be opened to see the dignity of all God's creation? How will we protect and nurture all life --- new, old and in-between? How will we learn to show one another the compassionate love of God that was denied his Son at Calvary?

And, does it take a film to lead us in that direction?