Choose Wisely
In the movie, “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” Indiana embarked on a search for his missing father. In the quest to find the Holy Grail, the hero is pitted against the Nazis again and inevitably must outsmart them to reach his father, who holds the answer to the puzzle of eternal life. When the characters reach the mysterious cavernous dwelling of a knight guarding the Holy Grail, a life-altering quest to select the cup of Christ comes down to making the right choice among the various cups on the table. Which cup did Christ drink from?
As expected within such predictable plots, greed obstructs human decision, logic, and common sense.The Crusade Knight guarding the cup warned the visitors, “You must choose, but choose wisely.” The villain chose poorly. The damsel in distress loses her life trying to keep the cup from falling into jagged crevices. Jones chose the right cup, a very nondescript clay cup that a carpenter would drink from.
Choices Have Consequences
Indeed, "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" presents a timeless lesson on the importance of making wise choices. As the characters encounter the pivotal moment in the quest for the Holy Grail, they are confronted with a profound truth: choices have consequences. The Crusade Knight's admonition, "You must choose, but choose wisely," serves as a poignant reminder of the weightiness of our decisions.
In this cinematic portrayal, the consequences of choosing poorly are starkly illustrated. The villain's greed blinds him to reason, leading him to select a lavishly adorned cup that proves fatal. Similarly, the damsel in distress meets her demise in a futile attempt to safeguard the right choice. These tragic outcomes serve as cautionary tales, highlighting the dangers of allowing selfish desires to cloud judgment.
Conversely, when Indiana Jones selects the humble clay cup, he demonstrates the wisdom of choosing based on substance rather than superficiality. His decision reflects an understanding of the true value of the Holy Grail, which transcends its outward appearance. By prioritizing authenticity over opulence, Jones emerges victorious and achieves his goal of reuniting with his father.
In our own lives, the lesson from "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" resonates deeply. Every day, we are faced with choices that have the power to shape our destinies. Whether in our personal or professional lives, the decisions we make can have far-reaching implications for ourselves and those around us.
Therefore, it behooves us to heed the wisdom of the Crusade Knight: choose wisely. Before acting, we must pause to consider the potential consequences of our choices. We must resist the allure of immediate gratification and instead prioritize long-term fulfillment and integrity. By approaching decision-making with mindfulness and discernment, we can navigate life's challenges with greater clarity and purpose.
“Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" reminds us that the path to true fulfillment lies not in the pursuit of external riches or accolades but in the pursuit of what is authentic and meaningful. Like Indiana Jones, may we strive to choose wisely and embark on journeys that lead us to discover the treasures of the heart and just as importantly, how we love and respect one another.
As I write this month’s newsletter, I am amazed by the celestial eclipse. Who could imagine such a rare event occurring that inspired millions to travel great distances and others near homes to gaze up to witness a solar eclipse? I am reminded of the other recent events in the past two weeks; the Taiwan and New Jersey earthquakes and the eclipse. It is not lost on me that this is the Easter and Passover season.
To hear the news broadcast the emotions, actions, and magic being observed by crowds from many diverse backgrounds gave up pause to shut off the noise of calamities we regularly listen to. For a few moments, young and old alike, shared our amazement at how our beautiful universe works.
If only for a few minutes, the heavenly bodies brought us together to witness God’s creation. Let us be inspired by this phenomenon to put aside negativity, biases, power wrangling, and hatred to embrace the communal experience of our humanity. Such a heavenly event should remind us that a higher power exists.
Let us choose wisely to love and accept each other.
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