`Passion' Neglects a Joyful Ministry ; Mel Gibson's Account of the Crucifixion Is so Graphic and Relentless That the Good News of the Gospel Is Obscured.

Summary

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There is a brief scene in Mel Gibson's epic, "The Passion of the Christ," that is both sublime and divine. It is the only moment the audience can be expected to smile during this otherwise gut- wrenching presentation of the story of the crucifixion.

Jesus is shown as a grown man, perhaps in his 20s and presumably before he has begun the ministry that will lead to his death and resurrection. He is fashioning a table, unusually high for the times. His mother, Mary, doubts the usefulness of such a table, but the future Christ is confident of the appeal of his design. He explains that the chairs to go with it would also be higher. He models how one would sit at the table. His mother dutifully positions herself at the table as the carpenter shows, but cannot erase the look of skepticism from her face.

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Extract

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`Passion' Neglects a Joyful Ministry ; Mel Gibson's Account of the Crucifixion Is so Graphic and Relentless That the Good News of the Gospel Is Obscured.

It is a moment that conveys obvious love between the characters. Jesus' patient, yet teasing, manner with his mother, as well as her skeptical reaction to a new-fangled idea, prompts a bit of laughter from the audience.

It is t...

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