Rogue One: Lessons of Sacrificial Love and Surrender

Star Wars fans received a special treat in 2016 with the release of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The film highlights the moments leading up to the original Star Wars: A New Hope. Sadly, we don’t get a Jedi and Sith dueling like many of the films do. Yet, Darth Vader does make an epic hallway appearance, slicing and dicing a few soldiers towards the end.

The adaptation under Disney tells the story of a ragtag team of rebels, led by Jyn Erso and Cassian Andor, who are assembled to steal the plans of the Galactic Empire’s space station known as the Death Star.

This team is small, but it made a difference in the decisive victory. Sadly, every single one of them who laid down their lives to save the galaxy.

For nearly five decades, Star Wars has provided a correlation of science fiction with themes of faith. It is no different with the prequel to A New Hope. Rogue One is no exception. The film highlights the power of unwavering belief in the unseen, the necessity of selfless sacrifice, and the hope required to work toward a future one may never personally see.

Surrendering to a Higher Will

The blind warrior-monk Chirrut Îmwe provides the film's most striking example of faith through his mantra: "I am one with the Force, and the Force is with me." Chirrut displays a child-like faith. He surrenders rather than trying to use it.

His example teaches that we must all give God our full surrender in both good times and bad. His faith teaches us to let go of fear, trusting in an unseen power, and walking confidently into danger because you know you are guided.

The Power of Self-Sacrifice

The film's climax offers Catholics a masterclass in sacrificial love. The team and even members of the fleet gave their lives to free others living in tyranny.

Their actions can be a metaphoric to that of the Paschal Mystery of Christ, who sacrificed himself so humanity can be free from sin.

Skepticism to Conviction

Jyn Erso came a long way in the film. From escaping death at the hands of the Empire to playing a role in the rebellion, Jyn was inspired by his father’s quiet defiance and her companions’ unwavering belief.

It shows that faith can conquer even the darkest doubts anyone can have.

United by Common Purpose

The success of the rebellion did not lie in the heroic actions of one person. Rather, it relied on a diverse group of individuals. Jyn Erso and Cassian Andor assembled a team that had different talents and skills. Yet, each one of them played a role in helping the rebellion inspire hope that built the Rebel Alliance.

Every Catholic has a gift and talent to bring about the gospel on earth. Meanwhile, our goal in life is to use them to eventually get us to heaven.

Overall, Rogue One is a must-watch for faithful fans of the popular space odyssey. It gives us an interesting take on what leads us into the original trilogy. 

A solid five out of five.