Expert: Edward Bode - 4/24/2010

Question
Hey Edward,

I was hoping you could help me with a scene I'm writing. Brief background, I'm a repped screenwriter currently struggling with a sppech given by a Priest character. I hope this isn't seen as too frivolous since I'm sure you get numerous questions involving people that really need help and spiritual guidance.

Anyway, the scene involves a priest whose church is situated in a rough neighborhood. He's sweeping up broken stained glass from a window shattered by a rock/brick. Another character asks him how he keeps his faith with everything that's happening outside.

And now I'm looking for Passage, Verse or preferably parable that illustrates-

1. Someone (saint or sinner) who is persecuted, but carries on for a greater good. Someone who is surrounded by inequity, but his faith sees him through (an obvious choice would be Jesus, but I'm looking for something a little more afield for this).

2. Something that conveys the notion of "The ends justify the means" (since part of Priests justification revolves around how he can endure because one day all this will be worth it and everything will be better).

I hope all that makes sense :) Thankin' you in advance

Alex

Answer
Thanks for the challenge, Alex.  I believe that the priest is not using the false idea that any means justifies the end.
I could not think of an appropriate parable.  
I do have a few quotes from the gospels that might help:
Mt's Sermon on the Mount -- 5:10-11,38-41; 7:7-12.
Luke has similar -- 6:22,27-29,32-35.
Carrying the cross -- Luke 9:23-25; Mt 16:24-26; Mk 8:34-37.  These lines contain the phrase that Bolt uses in Man for All Seasons [near end of act two] when St. Thomas More confronts Richard Rich whose efforts resulted in exchanging his soul for only getting to be sheriff of Wales.  More's life could be exemplary for your priest.
I hope these thoughts are of some help.  If you want to reply with further thoughts or requests, please feel free to write again.
Best wishes.