The Gym of the Soul
Focus on the Family's Citizenlink.org
Stallone reminded those of us on the call that the opening shot of the original film is of a painting of Jesus looking down on Rocky in the boxing ring in a rundown gym. And no, I didn't have to go back to verify that, I already knew. But, I've long wondered why he chose to open with that. I never guessed Stallone himself would explain it to me, but this week he did — oh, and to everybody else on the call.He first explained that he felt compelled to write the first film, and he believes that drive came from above. He said the character of Rocky was meant to reflect the characteristic nature of Jesus.
"It's like he was being chosen, Jesus was over him, and he was going to be the fella that would live through the example of Christ," Stallone said. "He's very, very forgiving. There's no bitterness in him. He always turns the other cheek. And it's like his whole life was about service."
But, Stallone confessed, his own life didn't follow the humble example of the boxer who made him a Hollywood star.
"I was raised in a Catholic home, a Christian home, and I went to Catholic schools and I was taught the faith and went as far as I could with it," he said. "Until one day, you know, I got out in the so-called real world and I was presented with temptation. I kinda like lost my way and made a lot of bad choices."
No joke, said all the subscribers to People magazine.
But, Stallone added, he's been going through a change in his life. He's realized that he was wrong to place his career and fame ahead of his family.
"The more I go to church," he said, "and the more I turn myself over to the process of believing in Jesus and listening to His Word and having Him guide my hand, I feel as though the pressure is off me now."
It's always good to see someone return to the Church and God. Maybe this movie, which I am now actually interested in seeing, can help other people make the same journey home.
Hat Tip: Drudge Report