As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside by themselves, and said to them on the way, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and scourged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.”

Successfully reducing Russian spy Rudolf Abel’s sentence to years of prison, James Donovan was given the assignment from the United States government to obtain the release of captured U-2 pilot Francis Gary Powers. The thought was to exchange the U-2 pilot for Rudolf Abel. Because of his involvement with Abel, Donovan was given the task. During the negotiations, Donovan saw the opportunity to obtain the release of another American who was arrested, Frederich Pryor. Donovan had to fight the politics of the CIA, the USSR, and the German Democratic Republic in obtaining the exchange, but he was determined to do it. Because of his determination, he was able to carry it out.

The human Jesus was determined in the acceptance of his task as redeemer of humankind. He knew full well what the outcome of his trip to Jerusalem as outlined in Matthew’s Gospel would be, but he was prepared to accept whatever would happen. He also knew that the person of the Messiah was necessary for the betterment of all human beings. Therefore he was determined to make his trip to Jerusalem.

Attorney Jim Donovan in the movie based on his accomplishments, “Bridge of Spies” was also a determined human being. His was not the redemption of the world as Jesus’ was, but it led to the redemption of sorts for three human beings. His dedication to his job as an attorney led to Rudolf Abel’s return to his country; his obedience to his country obtained Francis Gary Powers’ release; and his sheer willpower additionally freed Frederich Pryor from immoral imprisonment. All three acts were fraught with danger, but his determination to bring about good knew no limits.

Any human being who honestly wishes to bring a small amount of good into his/her own little world should learn from Jim Donovan’s determination. If we are determined to create an atmosphere of true humanness to our actions, we must be willing to show it when it is possible, and not merely think about doing it. As the movie accounts at its conclusion, Donovan’s determination was instrumental in freeing future Americans as well. Our own determination to bring about good should be just as firm.

Good and gracious God, Your Son was determined in his resolve to redeem us, teaching us at the same time the importance of the virtue of determination. May we continually thank You for Your dedication to us, and may we learn better to keep our commitments. Be with us, we pray.

We must be determined to bring about good.

1. What scene during this session of the movie is most striking? Why?
2. The Gospel is the most detailed of Jesus’ prediction of his Passion, Death and Resurrection in the Gospels. In general, how do you understand the process of redemption? (See Catechism of the Catholic Church, second edition, numbers 613-617.)
3. Give your own definition of “being determined.”
4. What are the two or three areas in our lives which require determination?
5. What does it mean to be more “human” in our approach to others?
6. What example of determination has inspired you the most?
7. Analysis: In your opinion, do you think that Jim Donovan did more than he had to do to help Abel? Yes or no and why?
8. Scene analysis: The U-2 planes spy on “enemies.” In your opinion, should any country “spy” on other countries? Yes or no and why?
9. Scene analysis: the crossover at Glienicke bridge. What is most striking about the scene? Why?
10. What does the movie “Bridge of Spies” teach young people?