JESUS CHRIST, A SUPERSTAR SACRIFICED

These are the two most resounding lines from the chorus of the popular song taken from the movie Jesus Christ Superstar, “Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ. Who are you, what have you sacrificed?” As the finale song of the movie/rock opera is sung; the viewers are left with this very intriguing question as to the importance of the Man and His Mission.

To my mind, the clear answer to this perplexing issue raised by the chorus is obvious, that Jesus had sacrificed His Humanity to the point of death to proclaim His Divinity (His Resurrection). This is the central theme of the movie/rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar, where men are unable to accept His Human/Divine status, when Jesus declares that He truly is the Son of God.

The movie had its initial screening in 1973 as Jesus Christ Superstar the movie. Celebrating 40 years since it first opened in Broadway and at London's West End, this entirely new and re-conceptualized musical production was recorded in video as Jesus Christ Superstar 2012; a rock opera concert tour performed live at the London Arena in 2012 where it was, well received and acclaimed by appreciative audiences.

Timothy Rice was the brilliant lyricist who wrote the Scripture based lyrics focusing on the final years of Jesus’ Mission before His Passion and Death, while the entire musical arrangements were magnificently composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber who had originally intended it to be a rock musical play.

In the movie adaptation, the location setting being typically conservative was filmed in expansive deserts and mountainous terrains to project a realistic feel indicative of the times of the Passion. The costumes and hairstyles of the cast were also reminiscent of 1973 when the hippie culture was the popular trend of that generation.

In the rock opera live version, an updated 2012 look was presented with the glamorous cast dressed in elegant costumes such as designer jackets, suits, overcoats, heavily accessorized with trendy communication gadgets. Also the presence of a massive video screen as background wall was efficiently utilized to project visual settings appropriate to relevant events; being alternately useful to highlight the more important scenes from the performers.

In the movie screenplay, Ted Neely was cast to portray as Jesus Christ, Carl Andersen as Judas Iscariot and Yvonne Elliman, who was personally chosen by Andrew Lloyd Webber for the role of Mary Magdalene. The 2012 rock opera version presented for its performing ensemble; Ben Forster as Jesus Christ, Tim Minchin as Judas Iscariot and Melanie Chisholm as Mary Magdalene. 

Interestingly, Ben Forster was a show finalist, appropriately chosen by the viewing British public from the ITV primetime program Superstar; a reality based talent-search competition TV show launched by Andrew Lloyd Webber on May 16, 2012 in his quest to find the best artist to play the lead role in his forthcoming Superstar Live Arena Tour.

Since its initial live presentation as a London stage play in 1972, Jesus Christ Superstar celebrates 40 years of successful theater performances. The movie adaptation as directed by Norman Jewison was subsequently released in cinemas worldwide for viewing appreciation of international audiences. Fortunately, 40 years thereafter, both opera/movie masterpieces are available in standard and high-definition Blu-ray digital video format for video enthusiasts. 

The final years of Jesus Christ as its central theme is magnificently portrayed by the powerhouse cast with stunning performances; further enhanced with definitive melodious pop-rock musical arrangements. Inspirational lyrics are brilliantly interspersed with powerful melodies, such that the harmonious messages are effectively reinforced upon the viewers with repetitive choruses.
 
Undeniably, the opera version is quite difficult to execute as there are no re-takes and the musical accompaniment is performed live with precision by a full ensemble orchestra. New technological advancements have also greatly contributed to the enhancement of the soundtrack's superb multi-channel digital audio. With the utilization of digital video equipment, the visual presentation is finely detailed in high definition clarity, a welcome eyesight candy.

Jesus Christ Superstar is the story of the humanity of Jesus Christ. It portrays the human side of Jesus as he experiences the different facets of human emotions of love, fear, anger, hurts, doubts, frustrations, and abandonment. This human aspect of Jesus is portrayed in the play from the point of view of the closest people around him.

Judas Iscariot in his self-proclaimed status as the right-hand man of Jesus offers him unsolicited advice on how He should go about with His Mission. The ever supportive Mary Magdalene explores her undeclared love for Jesus singing, “I Don’t Know How To Love Him” in which she professes her human inability to comprehend and express the proper and reverent way to love the Divine Jesus.

And the reluctant Pontius Pilate who demonstrates his apprehension to sentence the innocent Jesus to death by crucifixion; exploring other possible ways to reduce His sentence by having him flogged 39 times. Ultimately not receiving a defining response from Jesus finally forces Pilate to give in to the clamor and approves the death sentence with his regretful chorus, “Die if you want to, you innocent puppet.”  

Jesus Christ Superstar is about the humanity of the Son of God who typifies any other human mortal experiencing doubts and uncertainties in the trials of life. The lyrics of Tim Rice and the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber rightfully portrays the human side of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane scene where Jesus dares to ask God for enlightenment and questions why He should die and if it is possible for Him not to drink the cup of poison.  

The Gethsemane portion was the most intense and passionate part of the musical. It expresses the magnanimity of the Divine Love of God for all of mankind; who despite the petition of Jesus to withdraw the cup of suffering; didn’t withheld His very own Son from mortal death for our sake.

In the 1973 movie, this particular line where Jesus expresses, “God, Thy Will is hard, But you hold every card.” was craftily substituted in the live opera version with “God, Thy Will be done, Take Your only Son”. And as Jesus sings His troubled Heart out to the Father, he concludes it with a willful resignation of an obedient Son by declaring, “Take me now, before I change my mind.”

Simon in his overwhelming devotion to Jesus the Superstar, as their newly proclaimed political Messiah declares, “You’ll get the power and the glory, forever and ever.” Surprisingly, Jesus downplays His Superstar status in response to Simon and the crowds with this perplexing chorus, “While you live, your troubles are many, poor Jerusalem. To conquer death, you only have to die, you only have to die.” Jesus emphasizes that human death is inevitably a necessary phase for His transition from humanity to full Divinity.

Another interesting portion of the musical was the intimate appeal of His followers for Jesus to reconsider His decision from proceeding with His Passion as Mary Magdalene and Peter the Apostle leading the chorus, “I think you’ve made your point now. You’ve even gone a bit too far, to get the message home. Before it gets too frightening, we ought to call a halt. So could we start again please?”

In retrospect, this song “Could we start again please?” is also an intimate invitation for the viewers to reconsider reconciliation and avail of the Sacrament of Confession, where we are reconciled with Jesus and are given a new start for a new life with Him. The ultimate reward of His Sacrifice is our Redemption, and the very reason why Jesus lovingly offered Himself to God the Father, in atonement for our sins.

So there it is, the very act of His Supreme Sacrifice is what makes Jesus Christ a true Superstar, the Name that is above all name.  Jesus willingly sacrifices Himself, His Life, His Humanity to proclaim His Divinity triumphantly. By His death, he has conquered death with His Resurrection and His Divinity is gloriously proclaimed and reaffirmed by God who decrees that from henceforth all authority in heaven and on earth is given to His beloved Son, Jesus Christ.

“Jesus Christ, Superstar, Son of God, you truly are. You have the power and the glory, forever and ever, Amen.”

EDWIN L. YAP

Makati City, Philippines

FEAST OF THE FOUR HEARTS

On April 13, 2002, in a message to the world through Chris Courtis, God the Father asked that devotion to His Sacred Heart be spread and that His Feast Day be established the Thursday before the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Friday) and the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Saturday). These are all moveable feasts and this year 2011 they fall on June 30, July 1 & 2.

The Feasts of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary are well known, and now with the addition of the Feast of the Sacred Heart of God the Father in 2002, and in 2010 the addition of the Most Chaste Heart of St. Joseph, they are known as the Feasts of the Four Hearts.

According to Our Lady, "It is imperative that men realize that the feasts of these Three (now four) Sacred Hearts are not just to receive graces, but also to make reparation against the sins committed against Our Three Hearts. These are holy days, holy days in June when all Three Hearts are united as One." (May 25, 2002 through Chris Courtis)

Following is:

1. The original message from God the Father,
2. A message from Jesus explaining consecration to the Sacred Heart of the Father,

Message from GOD THE FATHER
To THE WORLD
April 13, 2002 through Chris Courtis, a visionary in Maryland, U.S.A.

(I see St. Michael the Archangel. He's blowing the trumpet. He says, "All kneel down before Our Lord, and God and Creator" I see God the Father! I see Him! I see the Holy Spirit, too. He's coming to rest on a cloud. By His left arm I see Jesus. I see His mother holding Jesus in her arms. I see St. Joseph by the right hand of Jesus. Jesus is a child. He's nine months old. I see angels, the little faces that Mary steps on, I see them. I see angels dressed in blue robes, in white robes. I see St. Michael on the right, St. Gabriel on the left. I see in the background three people. It's St. Therese of the Child Jesus. I see St. Thomas More, but I should point out he doesn't look like that in the picture. His nose isn't big either. I see St. Anna, too, dressed all in white. Our Lady says that I should look up to see God the Father. God the Father, there He is. I see His Sacred Heart. He says,)

My Dear Ones,

Today I come among you to establish devotion to My Sacred Heart. On this anniversary day and on every anniversary day up until the date that I choose, I shall appear. Today my message is this: I wish that all people throughout the world have a devotion to My Sacred Heart. (He's holding out His Heart.) I wish My Sacred Heart to be spread and to be put beside the Sacred Heart of My Son, Jesus, and before the Immaculate Heart of your Mother, Mary.

My children, this June shall begin the special day, My feast day of My Fatherly Sacred Heart. The day established by My Church for the Sacred Heart of My Son, Jesus, the day before that, is My feast day of My Sacred Heart. 

I did not just come to reveal that date to you, but to tell you that I wish for everyone to know the eight promises that I shall give for those who have a devotion to My Sacred Heart.

1. I shall establish peace within all families and the father shall be the head of that household.
2. I will bring peace to a nation who so consecrates themselves to My Sacred Heart, or in your case, state.
3. I shall also protect these children from war, poverty and hunger. Plus, I shall establish peace within that community who has a devotion to My Sacred Heart.
4. I shall give to you My Divine and Most Holy Will. The people who consecrate themselves to the Sacred Heart of Me, their Father, shall learn to live and pray in The Divine Will. This gift I can give to anyone I choose and I freely choose to dispose this gift upon you. When you consecrate yourselves to My Sacred Heart, you shall live, know, and do My Will.
5. Those who consecrate themselves to My Sacred Heart shall also be consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to Mary, your most Holy Mother. They shall not be My people, but they shall be My children, sons and daughters of God Most High. As Jesus is My Beloved Son in whom I am well pleased, and as Mary is My beloved daughter, so shall you all be sons and daughters of God, a beloved royal family, consecrated to My Most Sacred Heart.
6. (He's looking over everyone.) I shall establish within each person the grace of loving Me, their Father, with all their heart, with all their soul, and with all their mind. If anyone comes to Me and consecrates his soul and his life to My Sacred Heart, I shall fill him with the burning desire of the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit shall imprison his heart with fire and it shall be set on fire for love of Me and their mother Mary, and Jesus, My Son. I shall do this to every heart that consecrates themselves to me, the Sacred Heart of the Father.
7. I will answer your prayers powerfully and unexpectedly. But know this, you shall gain the gift of the Kingdom of the Divine Will. Therefore, if it is not in The Kingdom of the Divine Will for you to ask of this, then it shall not be given unto you. If you are led by the Spirit and with the Divine Will, I will answer your prayers.
8. I will heal the hearts of My children. I see your pain. I see your sufferings. And if I in all My glory can cry in seeing you suffer, then know that I rejoice in healing men's hearts. Come to Me, My children who suffer and who cry, and I shall heal your heart and make it like unto My Heart, rich in love and mercy and free from wounds and injuries. Just a touch of the Golden Love from My Heart is enough to heal your hearts of pain forever. This is what I have come to say today. The eight promises I shall give to all nations, all kindred and tongues and people who accept My Heart as the Sacred Heart of the Father.

In 1917 your Blessed Mother has asked you for devotion to her Immaculate Heart to stop World War II. Now, before the coming chastisements and before a greater war that may be looming in the future, I come to ask for this devotion to not only be spread, but practiced in all religious institutions and homes throughout the world. I tell you in truth. Those who love God their Father would humble themselves before My Son, and those who seek to not only have a devotion to Me, but to serve Me should love and serve their mother. This is My desire and My wish. 

I bless you today with the sign of the Most Holy Trinity, which is the cross and I extend to you as a blessing My Most Fatherly, Sacred, Loving Heart. (He's blessing us with the Sign of the Cross. He says that He will come every year on this anniversary to speak about this devotion and He also says Mary shall now give me a private message.)

From JESUS, LORD AND LOVER OF THE DIVINE WILL
April 23, 2001 at 3 pm in a private apparition to Chris Courtis.

My Dear Ones,

Today I stand at the right hand of the Father with majesty and grace, and it is in that majesty and grace that I rule over everything in this world and in the next. My lesson today is on a sure way of living in and of doing My Most Holy Will, and that is by abiding in God My Father's Most Sacred Heart. When you abide in love, in My Father's Most Sacred Heart, you are attached to one single Will alone and that is the Will of the Father who has sent Me. To be one in love in My Father's Heart also means to be one in His Will. Make no mistake about this, My little ones, God My Father's Heart does exist. It was only through God's Most Loving Heart, love beating with His Most Holy Will, that everything did come into being.

And it was at the Immaculate Conception of My Mother that God My Father did enclose half of His heart to My mother Mary. And it was from her heart that My Body and Heart were formed.

That is why the Three Hearts, though, separate are joined together as One, One in love, and One in Will. Everything that God My Father does in His Sheer Will is done all in love.

But, My little ones, you must ask yourselves how can I be united to the Father's Sacred Heart?

First, you must love God the Father with all your heart and ask Him to grace you with love so that you may grow in God's love.

Second, you must love Him back. God the Father, just like Me His Son, waits for you to be affectionate with Us. Be affectionate with Us, tell God the Father that you love Him and that you wish to do His Will and thus live in It, for you cannot hope to live in Our Most Holy Will when you can't even do what He asks of you. I say to you this, you cannot be united to living in God's Most Holy Will without being united to His Most Sacred Heart.

The last and final thing you must do is consciously consecrate your heart to the Sacred Heart of the Father. Pray simply and ask Him thus;

Our Father who resides in Heaven, I approach your throne and ask that You give to me the grace of abiding within your Most Sacred Heart. I promise to love Thee and to adore Thee with all my heart and soul. O Mighty Father, love me and let me love you so that I may also be one in Your Most Holy Will.

You, O God, are my Creator and my Father of Mercy and Love, and it is in Thee that I do trust that Thy love becomes my own, and that Thy Will becomes my will, and that I may live and do Thy Will, not just in this world, but in the next. O Most Merciful and Loving Heart of the Father, I love and trust in Thee through Your Son Jesus Christ. Ahmen or Amen, whichever one you prefer.

I love you all my little ones and I bless you with my peace. Peace be with you all.

Message from MARY, MOTHER AND QUEEN OF THE DIVINE WILL
To Jesus and Mary’s Prayer Group
Original Date - May 25, 2002 through Chris Courtis

Praised be Jesus!

My dear little children, I ask you this very day to be united to the Three Hearts – to the Sacred Heart of God the Father, to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and to my Most Immaculate Heart. June 10, 2010 is the feast day of God the Father’s Sacred Heart. I call you to pray, to prepare yourselves for these three holy feast days.

On Thursday, June 30, 2010:

• If you can, go to Confession that week or on Thursday, and receive the Blessed Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. And I invite you to pray one rosary and one chaplet (either God the Father Chaplet or the Divine Mercy Chaplet) in reparation for your sins and for others. (This chaplet is in addition to your regular daily rosary and chaplet.) Make reparation and console the heart of your God, your Father, who loves you. 
• Pray also thus on this day,

“Oh God the Father, I consecrate myself to You in the oneness of Your Holy and Divine Will. I pray an act of reparation for the conversion of sinners and for healing of our souls and Your Heart. I pray this rosary and chaplet in penance for my own sins and for those of others. Amen.”

On Friday, July 1, 2011:

• Again go to Mass, receive Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament
• Recite again, one chaplet, one rosary, in reparation for the sins committed against Jesus’ Sacred Heart
• Pray thus:

“My Lord Jesus, I consecrate myself to Your Most Sacred Heart. I consecrate my heart, my soul, and my body to Your Most Sacred Heart, and I pray that You will help me to do and make reparation and penance for my own sins and those of others. I offer you this chaplet and rosary in reparation and in penance for my own sins and for the conversion of all sinners. Amen”

On Saturday, July 2, 2011:

• Go to church and receive Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
• Pray one rosary and one chaplet, (may pray the Mother of Mercy Chaplet)
• And pray thus again:

“Oh Mary, my Mother, my Most Holy and Blessed Mother, I come before you to make reparation for the sins committed against your Immaculate Heart, and I offer up to you this sacrifice of this Rosary and this Chaplet for the conversion of sinners and in penance for my own sins and those of others, to take the wounds and to heal your wounds, and to take the crown of thorns away from your heart and to heal your wounds forever more. Amen”

It is imperative that men realize that the Feasts of these Three Sacred Hearts are not just to receive graces, but also to make reparation against the sins committed against Our Three Hearts. These are holy days, holy days in June when all Three Hearts are united as One.

I promise you little children, if you pray and do reparation and penance to console Our Hearts and heal Our Hearts, Our Hearts will heal and We will in turn heal yours.

Do not underestimate the importance of this message that I give to you. It is imperative that men amend their ways and return to God and make atonement for their sins that grievously offend my Heart, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the Sacred Heart of God Our Father. He will touch you with the touch of His golden love and heal your hearts, but He calls you to do the same for His, My Son’s, and my Immaculate Sorrowful Heart.