Over the holiday period I watched both of the Paddington Bear films. I find them very entertaining and the special effects make Paddington very real, but if you look below the surface there are so many moral issues involved in these films.
Paddington was a refugee from Peru who was looking for a better life in London but there were people who were suspicious of him and didn’t like him because he was different. Lives were ruined because they wanted revenge.
In another case greed consumed the person and he was prepared to do anything in order to obtain riches for himself. Lies were told and Paddington was sent to prison for a crime he didn’t commit. The loneliness of the forgotten in prison was also highlighted.
On the other hand, Paddington brought a community together as he was friendly to all his neighbours, even to the one who really didn’t want him to be there. He also found himself in a situation (in prison) where he was able to bring about change. But I think one of the most important issues was that he brought so much joy and love to the family who adopted him and welcomed him into their home.
Matthew 22 v 39 says, “A second is equally important: Love your neighbour as yourself.”
I realise Paddington Bear is a film but we could learn a lot from his attitude to life and love.
Thank you Father, that you show your love to all.