Of Gods and Men

One of the most beautiful films I saw last year was the film Of Gods and Men by Xavier Beauvios, which recounts the story of a small group of Cistercian monks in a small Algerian town facing religious intolerance. The small group of men is faced with the dilemma of leaving the community or staying, possibly confronting death by extremists. It is a very human drama; many of the monks declare openly that they did not sign up for suicide. They ultimately decide that it is morally imperative that they stay. They have a communal meal which mirrors the Last Supper and the impending death they face. One night, forces break into the monastery and take the monks across a snowy trek. They are found beheaded. One of the most beautiful quotes by Christophe, the leader of the monks, states his Christian solidarity with the people: his complicity in the evil that may befall them and the Good that embraces them all, even those who may kill them. I wish I can be such a Christian.

Should it ever befall me, and it could happen today, to be a victim of the terrorism swallowing up all foreigners here, I would like my community, my church, my family, to remember that my life was given to God and to his country. That the Unique Master of all life was no stranger to this brutal departure. And that my death is the same as so many other violent ones, consigned to the apathy of oblivion. I've lived enough to know, I am complicit in the evil that, alas, prevails over the world and the evil that will smite me blindly. I could never desire such a death. I could never feel gladdened that these people I love be accused randomly of my murder. I know the contempt felt for the people here, indiscriminately. And I know how Islam is distorted by a certain Islamism. This country, and Islam, for me are something different. They're a body and a soul. My death, of course, will quickly vindicate those who call me naïve or idealistic, but they must know that I will be freed of a burning curiosity and, God willing, will immerse my gaze in the Father's and contemplate with him his children of Islam as he sees them. This thank you which encompasses my entire life includes you, of course, friends of yesterday and today, and you too, friend of last minute, who knew not what you were doing. Yes, to you as well I address this thank you and this farewell which you envisaged. May we meet again, happy thieves in Paradise, if it pleases God the Father of us both. Amen. Insha'Allah

--Brother Christophe, Cisterian Monk