For those who do not know, Mel Gibson probably got his Catholic faith from his father Hutton Gibson (97 years old now). Only Pope Pius x was more traditional.
A friend of mine in Ireland used to have Mel's father stay as a house guest. I joined them on occasions. Only when asked if he had words with his son Mel for all the un-Catholic Hollywood movies he starred in did he find things getting awkward. I discussed the Galileo case with him and debated the matter of a geocentric or heliocentric Bible. Later he published a book trying to rebut every argument I put to him. I found that most interesting which led me to ponder a lot why a Catholic like him would not take the side of the most traditional popes, those up to 1741 rather than those who betrayed their predecessor including the Vatican II brigade.
Anyway, Mel's The Passion of Christ (2003) was a beautiful thing. Looking back on it, probably the most Catholic exposure we will have this century. Nobody in tradition could fault it, to my knowledge.
It made $611 million. I hope most of that went to worthy causes for I do not think it is Catholic to profit so much on something that is of our faith. I also hope the motive for a sequel is not profit but to 'stir' up the Catholic story and faith once again. I will really look forward to that.
Then there is Mel's personal life. Is there anything as shocking as witnessing a 'traditionalist' breaking up the marriage and with kids and flitting off with another man or woman? When I see pictures of Mel with his 25 year-old temptress I cringe, for the Man himself and for the undermining it does to his 'Passion.'
But then again I have witnessed about five such breakups among Latin-Mass
going families. Indeed I have on occasions seen the culprits sneak back to that Mass every now and again.
I cannot understand it. The mystery of iniquity.
Let us say a prayer for Mel and the others, maybe that is what they need right now.