October 5

The Gospel In Modern Media

A Daily Reflection by Fr. Mike Scully
previous   |   more gospel meditations   |   www.frmikescully.com   |   next

SCARED FOR THE RIGHT REASON

The Gospel: LUKE 12:4-5

[Jesus said:] “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but after that can do no more. I shall show you whom to fear. Be afraid of the one who after killing has the power to cast into Gehenna; yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one.”

The Media: “Cool for the Summer” (Demi Lovato)

“Tell me what you want, what you like. It’s okay. I’m a little curious too. Tell me if it’s wrong, if it’s right. I don’t care. I can keep a secret. Can you? Got my mind on your body, and your body on my mind. Don’t tell your mother. Kiss one another, die for each other. We’re cool for the summer. Don’t be scared ‘cause I’m your body type, just something that we wanna try, ‘cause you and I—we’re cool for the summer.”

Jesus spoke about fear often in his speech because he knew that he disturbed some people with his actions, words and ideas. He told them not to fear because he had the words that would help them in the long run. In at least one place in Scripture, however, he tells the disciples that fear is an appropriate thought when they may not be following the law of God. He tells them to fear the one who can send them into hell, namely God.

Demi Lovato sings of a lady in a relationship who wants to enjoy a physical relationship in her song “Cool for the Summer.” In the process, she tells her friend that they should not be afraid–“scared”–to pursue the relationship because it would be something that they both would like. From the song, however, it seems that the man in the relationship is hesitating to make this strong a commitment. Perhaps he realizes that he is not quite ready and indeed he should be afraid because it may be too soon.

What we like and what we should have are often too entirely different things. Jesus points out to the people of his time that they must fear the being that can throw them into Gehenna, that is, hell. They must fear the person who can kill the soul, and condemn it forever. It is an important lesson for us as well. The thought goes far beyond what feels good in a romantic relationship. If we are Christian in our thinking, we must be aware that what we should do at times must be a stronger desire than what we want or like.

The temporary pleasure of a moment may be an emotion that we want to experience, but if it is one that “kills the soul” instead of enhancing the relationship, then it must be avoided.

Prayer

Good and gracious God, we our emotional people, and often desire a good feeling in life. Give us the grace to know the difference between what feels good and what we should be doing. Be with us, we pray.

GUIDE FOR CLASSROOM PRESENTATION AND PERSONAL ENRICHMENT

Theme

Perhaps we should be “scared” about what we want or like because it may not be what we should have.

Discussion Questions

1. What are the most “fearful” things in the world? Why?
2. What is the meaning of the “fear of God” which is part of Christian thought?
3. The lady in the song is “curious” as is the man in the relationship. In young love, people must be curious because they do not know each other. How long does it take to really know another person?
4. Text analysis: “Don’t tell your mother.” Why not?
5. Text analysis: “Cool for the Summer.” What is the meaning of the phrase?
6. Spiritual theologians remind us that God really does not send people to hell, but we do it to ourselves. Do you believe that most Christians understand this? Yes or no and why?
7. Many of the songs of our day talk or hint at a “physical relationship.” Does this have any effect on the young people who listen to the songs?
8. What is meaning of the phrase “kill the soul”?
9. What does the song “Cool for the Summer” teach young people today?

Father Michael Scully has spent most of his 40-plus years of ministry working with youth as a religion teacher, high school administrator, youth pastor, and parish pastor. In talks and retreats for high school and college youth, his presentation, “Rock Music and Leadership,” has been presented to over 30,000 young people. He also has given many parish retreats and recollection days. Father Mike Scully is currently serving as one of the vocation directors for the Capuchin Franciscan Province of Mid-America. His radio show “Message at the Top” is aired on KJLS-FM, Mix 103 (103.3) [www.mix103fm.com] in Hays, KS, and can be listened to online on Sunday mornings from 10 am to 12 noon, central standard time.