Father Stu is a movie worth watching. Movies aren’t my favorite because of the foul language, the subject, or I am bored. Father Stu intrigued me because I’m Catholic. I’m not just Catholic; I’m practicing Catholic as much as possible. I also found it interesting that Mark Wahlberg played the main character. Also, Stuart is the most unexpected man to choose the priesthood because of past life choices.
It wasn’t until ten minutes before I went into the movie theater that I knew Father Stu also had a significant disability. Unfortunately, the disability progressed to eventually taking his life. My disability isn’t progressive; however, we have similarities in what we can and cannot do. Daily living needs are in common where we need assistance in many things.
I mentioned that I don’t particularly appreciate cursing. Father Stu has cursing, including the worst one of all, more than several times. The movie created it as raw and honest. The cursing took a turn as he did when accepting Catholicism and the love of Jesus. He transformed with his love of Jesus. I think I dislike cursing so much because, in our vast vocabulary, why purposely choose words that hurt and push God further away?
I love this movie for several reasons, but I can’t stop focusing on the disability angle. Suffering and disabilities often go together. No matter how comfortable you are – there is some suffering. Father Stu says it beautifully – suffering draws you closer to Jesus. When you think of Jesus suffering on the cross (not to mention – the relentless beating beforehand) for doing absolutely nothing wrong – Jesus suffered. Mary suffered watching her son beaten, humiliated, and put to death by torture. Jesus hardly complained. Until the end, He loved people, forgave people, and sacrificed Himself for us. Suffering isn’t pointless. We suffer for a reason; how we deal with the suffering matters.
Choosing to be a mother, teacher, and public speaker wasn’t easy – yet God chose these. A younger me wanted to give up teaching due to the rejections. However, Jesus spoke in my heart to continue as He did with Father Stu. I have a mission. I’d never say that I’m the best teacher, but I do my best. When teaching or parenting, I feel like I’m doing what my destiny. To think that God has a plan for everyone is joyful and mind-blowing.
I recommend seeing Father Stu no matter what religion or no religion at all. It’s entertaining and makes you think/feel/and be a better you. Because of the cursing and rawness, I would suggest older teens and older watch the movie.
