Take Heart
Several animated princess tales have been made into live-action films. Maybe you’ve seen some of them: Cinderella (2015) starring Lily James as Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast (2017) featuring Emma Watson as Belle, and Aladdin (2019) with Naomi Scott as Princess Jasmine. When done well, the message of these films is intensified when actual human beings play the role of these fairy-tale princesses. The name “live-action” is apt - the tales are truly brought to life.
Argue where you may - resurrecting these and other animated tales was an endeavor of financial gain (with some frustrating and questionable plot twists and casting). However, on the rose-colored-glasses side of things, bringing human form to timeless messages of goodness was itself good.
I think my favorite of these live-action renditions is Cinderella, mainly because of the person she strives to be. Cinderella’s character defines the entire theme of the movie. Before her mother passes away, Cinderella is left with a “secret” from her mother: the advice, “Have courage and be kind.”
Those guiding words become the moral compass for Cinderella and lead her through life’s ups and downs. As we know, those guiding words are really no secret, but a page out of Jesus’ playbook. “Have courage and be kind.” Don’t those words sound like Jesus? Like something He would say? It’s because they are!
Some Bible versions translate the Greek “tharseó” to “have courage” while others present “take heart.” Let’s listen to Jesus:
John 16:33 – "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."
Matthew 9:2 – And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.”
Matthew 9:22 – [The story of the hemorrhaging woman.] Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well.
Matthew 14:27 (also Mark 6:50) – [Jesus walking on water toward the apostles during a storm.] But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
Cinderella’s character, along with so many other protagonists in literature and film, are literally born from Jesus’ heart. The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, who we celebrate today, is the model for love, compassion, and mercy.
Cinderella’s words, “Have courage and be kind” are worthy words to live by, and most definitely stem from the heart of Jesus. May we “take heart” in Jesus' Sacred Heart. Let us turn to the Sacred Heart of Jesus for help, love, and courage. In turn, may we strive to emulate it by loving one another and being kind.