In this first class we watched clips from the movie “The Matrix” and we discussed how Confirmation is a key moment where we choose to accept what the Church presents to us. We can “opt in” to believing that reality is about more than what we can see, touch, and hear, more than what we experience. The reality of faith, prayer, grace, forgiveness, sin, freedom and so much more can be hard to grasp and to understand, but when we believe in the reality of salvation, we can encounter true freedom.
FOR HOMEWORK: Please read through the additional materials below and then answer the discussion questions in the Google Form at the end of the page.
IF YOU MISSED CLASS: Please watch the clips/movie below, read through the additional materials and answer the discussion questions + the missed class questions in the Google Form at the end of the page.
The Matrix Clips:
For copyright reasons, we cannot post the Matrix here. Please watch the movie on DVD or streaming platform. Below is a recap.
Related Matrix Clips:
Scripture Passages
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. – John 10:10
The boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter responded and said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and when he began to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out with His hand and took hold of him, and *said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” – Matthew 14:24-31
Catechism Quotes
Being in the image of God the human individual possesses the dignity of a person, who is not just something, but someone. He is capable of self-knowledge, of self-possession and of freely giving himself and entering into communion with other persons. and he is called by grace to a covenant with his Creator, to offer him a response of faith and love that no other creature can give in his stead. #357
Like Baptism which it completes, Confirmation is given only once, for it too imprints on the soul an indelible spiritual mark, the “character,” which is the sign that Jesus Christ has marked a Christian with the seal of his Spirit by clothing him with power from on high so that he may be his witness. #1304
Movie Quotes
This… this isn’t real? What is real? How do you define real? If you are talking about what you can feel, what you can smell, what you can taste and see, then real is just electrical signals interpreted by your brain…
I didn’t say it would be easy Neo. I just said it would be the truth.
I’m trying to free your mind Neo. But I can only show it to you. You’re the one who has to walk through it. You have to let it all go, Neo: fear, doubt, disbelief. Free your mind.
The matrix cannot tell you who you are.
Quotes to Ponder
The Spirit accomplished something extraordinary in the lives of the Apostles. Following Jesus’ death, they had retreated behind closed doors, in fear and sadness. Now they receive a new way of seeing things, an interior understanding that helps them to interpret the events that occurred and to experience intimately the presence of the Risen Lord. The Holy Spirit overcomes their fear, shatters their inner chains, heals their wounds, anoints them with strength and grants them the courage to go out to all and to proclaim God’s mighty works. – Pope Leo, June 8th, 2025
Therefore man is split within himself. As a result, all of human life, whether individual or collective, shows itself to be a dramatic struggle between good and evil, between light and darkness. Indeed, man finds that by himself he is incapable of battling the assaults of evil successfully, so that everyone feels as though he is bound by chains. But the Lord Himself came to free and strengthen man, renewing him inwardly and casting out that “prince of this world” (John 12:31) who held him in the bondage of sin. For sin has diminished man, blocking his path to fulfillment. The call to grandeur and the depths of misery, both of which are a part of human experience, find their ultimate and simultaneous explanation in the light of this revelation. – Gaudium et Spes #13
SMA Confirmation 