The Church as Seen Through Romero - Assignment Example

 The church is said to be an institution when it serves as an organization with a purpose which is to become a stabilizing influence in the midst of the politicians and the people as it always had according to one of the monsignors. Collegiality is the unity expressed by a group of people for a common cause. The bishops showed this when they met to discuss the decision of Bishop Romero in officiating a single mass for the burial of the murdered Father Grande and his two other civilians. Romero upholds this understanding of the church when he solicited the idea of the other bishops although he already expressed his decision in front of the people who were gathered to attend to the bodies.

He critiques this when he discovers that there is such a compromise among the church authorities. The church is said to be a proclaiming people when steps out to become the voice of the voiceless, the strength of the weak and the defender of the oppressed. The church authorities who have the means should do the proclaiming when the people are not able to do so in the presence of the powerful, the rich and the famous. This is to be done in diplomatic manners just as Bishop Romero exemplified in his life by bringing to the attention of the political authorities the grievances of the people.

When he was not heard in his own country, he sent a letter to the president of the United States, asking him to stop sending American troops because they are just there to kill their people. This is important because there are so many times in real life that the poor are not given the voice to express their plights. The church is described as a sacrament when it shows the attributes of God towards the people. The priests and bishops are included in the model because as authorities of the church, they should be the first ones to reflect the characteristics of Jesus.

They should show grace to the oppressors and mercy to the oppressed. This image is portrayed in the movie through the character of Romero who insisted that priests should pray and fight without arms instead of becoming like the military and insurgents who use force and arms to accomplish their goals. It is important to see the church as a sacrament because in a world full of strife, obviously, people who would show love, care, grace and empathy would be much appreciated and would make this world a better place to live even in the midst of difficulties.

The church as a servant means that each individual should learn to think of the welfare of others rather than think of one’s personal good alone. The priests and bishops should become the servants, exemplifying to the people how it is to serve others just like how Jesus served his people and his disciples. Romero modeled this character when he did all he can to serve his people, visiting the victims, sitting with them in times of grief and speaking on their behalf even when it meant that his life is in danger.

Father Morantes also portrays this model of the church although in a more aggressive manner when he joins the guerillas in actively fighting for liberation. The message that the scenes depicting the church as servant conveys that the church is with the people in fighting for their cause but somehow, they must achieve their goals in a humane manner and not like how the military and politicians use their power to deprive others of their rights.