(This column may contain spoilers about The Rise of Skywalker.)
There are very few things my big family can agree on. The Star Wars Saga is one of those things we can.
It has been a family favourite since I was a little girl. I remember gathering in the living room with chairs tightly surrounding a small square TV. We competed for the best seats and shared bowls of homemade buttered popcorn. My parents delighted in their faith in God and their interest in stories of adventure, like the movies that George Lucas created.
It became a Christmas tradition to watch together in the theatre the current Star Wars film being released each year. We would take up eight seats, almost a whole row, trying not to disturb anyone as we passed bags of licorice nibs, chocolates, and bags of salty popcorn.
In October, when I would be thinking of what to dress up for Halloween, my eldest brother said, “Just throw your hair over your face and you can be Chewbacca.” We both laughed and I rolled my eyes. “I would rather be Princess Leia!”
My family has its struggles and has come through many difficult times. We have endured illnesses, deaths of loved ones, and many more trials. The support I receive to help me flourish with good mental health comes from their triumphant spirits. I could never fully thrive without the love and care of each of my brothers, sisters, and my parents.
In The Rise of Skywalker, Poe tells his friends that the First Order (the enemies) wants you to think that you are alone. “We are not alone,” he says.
Finn tells Rey before she embarks on a dangerous journey, “We go together. We’re all in this … till the end.”
During Rey’s Jedi training, Princess Leia reminds her to “be patient” and to listen to the voices of the Jedi.
When I am depressed or experiencing hypomania, which comes with the chronic illness of bipolar disorder, I am comforted by my loved ones who are around to companion me on my journey.
The saints are also friends I turn to for help in prayer. God is more present to me than I am to myself. He knows how many strands of hair are on my head. I don’t. We are worthy of his love for us. We are worthy of life. Knowing that I am a daughter of God strengthens me to carry on. I can struggle longer and hold on to the hope of healing. In times of distress, I turn to my family and friends, the saints and to my Lord. His love is in me.
One of my favourite scenes from the latest Star Wars movie is when the evil Emperor Palpatine says to Rey, “You are nothing. A scavenger girl is no match for the power in me. I am all the Sith.”
Rey shouts back, “And I am all the Jedi.” Then she defeats Emperor Palpatine with Luke and Leia’s light sabers.
I do not need to fear or give up when it seems hopeless. I can always turn to Jesus. I have all the Holy Spirit, the love of the Father and the Son. And Mother Mary and the communion of saints. The Lord has our back. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart. I have overcome the world” (Jn 16:33).
The Star Wars Saga offers lessons in choosing love over power. It shows the glory of standing up for what is good and that we don’t have to be afraid in the face of adversity.
Our Lord is great and glorious and has won the battle. We can choose his side in fighting for our friends, sons, daughters, husbands, wives, and homes. When we know who we are, we can courageously live because we lack nothing in the love of God.
