Game of Faith

For the faithful Catholic, the HBO series “Game of Thrones” is more than problematic. The rampant foul language and sexual deviance is a major deterrent to what would otherwise be a marvelous series. For anyone unfamiliar with the series, which is in its 5th season, the main conflict surrounds who shall sit upon the Iron Throne, a coveted seat forged after the country of Westeros was conquered by the dragon-riding House Targaryen. From the series beginning, one bad king was replaced by a sadistic heir, whose actions soon began what would become the War of Five Kings, three of which are militant control freaks who would abuse the people, and one benevolent king who is undermined by closeted deviance.

Amidst the infighting, Westeros faces invasions by a nation of barbarians, evil creatures from the far north, and the last Targaryen who resurrected dragons. Those who should otherwise be good are shown to be riddled with selfish motives, and the good are oppressed or killed – like Sean Bean’s iconic execution at the end of Season 1 - for trying to change the wrongs they see. Whether highborn, lowborn, or unlawfully born, such characters were written by George R.R. Martin (a former Catholic himself!) the world and the people in it are not as simple to understand as we would wish. What is the point or connection with Catholic teaching, culture, or history, you are right in asking by now? Now to answer your patience!

Keeping up with the basic story, and watching what footage isn’t compromising, I came across a scene in the first episode of the 5th season. It concerns Tyrion Lannister, who is now in exile, and former small council member Varys. The former wishes to seek out the Targaryen heir, who he sees as the compassionate and just ruler their country needs. Tyrion is disillusioned with the idea of a just rule, content to leave the world to be ruled by evil or selfish men. At this, Varys points out a reality many of us in this word can identify with: “Perhaps we have grown so accustomed to horror that we assume that there is no other way.”

Ever since the Church’s beginning on Pentecost Sunday, we have continued to be witnesses to times of peace and persecution, of unity and division. Now a millennia later, it can be hard to recall our mission when so much is affecting Christ’s flock. Catholics are encouraged by dissident clergy to utter profanation against the Sacraments. The heresy of Protestantism is called Christian, even though it denies Christ’s Bride, and Christ despite the good intentions of individual Protestants. The laws we live under seem to make living in vice and sin easier than striving for virtue. In all this we can forget that the Church was created by God Himself, which no earthly religion can claim, to lead souls to true salvation. In all this chaos, we are tempted to forget or deny the power of prayer, and of God’s willingness to intercede against evil. In all this, merely seeking union with one another because of a mutual desire to love Christ is not enough.

The Devil wants Christians divided. It was through Christ that he was cowed down like those he tormented for so long. It is through Christ’s Church, which carries His Authority on earth, that Satan’s efforts to beguile men to damnation are confounded. It is to the Church that Blessed Mary, who the fallen archangel despises so, has given that glorious spiritual weapon of prayer: the Rosary. On this front alone, it is in the Devil’s interest that few souls pray the Rosary, or even better, deny its authenticity as a gift pleasing to God. After all, has he not confessed “every Hail Mary [to be] a blow to [his] head”?* So what are we to do? What can we do as the world we live in turns on us once again, when order is abandoned for the senseless rule of mobs?

Firstly, we need to take pride in what God has handed on to us: our identity and privilege as Catholics. No other gateway so close to Our Creator and Savior exists, and it is folly for those who know of it to refuse it. Secondly, we must be clear and devout in love for Christ’s teachings. It is imperative to express them and continue to evangelize our neighbors who are confused or deceived. Thirdly, and this is probably most important for all to succeed, we must never cease in loving and ardent prayer. It was through prayer that great sinners decided to become great saints, and it is through prayer that we can change what the Satan’s children desire to remain.

There is greater power than the pettiness of tyrants and desires of evil men. Good men were not just made to live and die while the corrupt flourish in power and possession. As much as we are tempted to accept the bribes of a world darkened by sin, we must always refuse. Even if the days ahead prove to hold our deaths at the hands of heretics, apostates, or godless men, we must ever reach toward the crown St Paul raced for**, even if it be red. “The world promises you comfort, but you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness.” (Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI)

*“The Power of the Rosary!” by Fr Gabriel Amorth

** 2 Timothy 4:6-8