I didn’t develop up celebrating Star Wars Day—largely as a result of it didn’t exist as an organized vacation till I used to be an grownup. Might the 4th was simply the fourth day of Might. And, to be sincere, I is perhaps taking part in a bit quick and free with the phrase vacation.
However Might the 4th is a day of significance now. It’s a play on phrases, in fact; that all-important Star Wars sign-off, “Might the Pressure be with you,” so simply turns into, “Might the Fourth.” And that’s a day on the calendar that followers can get behind and, in truth, have been doing so for years.
I like Star Wars; I don’t thoughts having a giant second yearly after we all say so collectively. I don’t even thoughts the advertising aspect of the day, with its inflow of latest toys and TV exhibits and grand bulletins of what’s to return subsequent within the franchise.
Anybody who is aware of me—and definitely anybody who has learn my ebook, My Life with the Jedi: The Spirituality of Star Wars—is aware of that these tales have performed an vital position in how I perceive myself, my relationships, and my religious journey. And whereas I don’t suppose I’m the one one for whom that is true, I do know that every of us has some story that has left its influence on our religious selves.
Perhaps it’s Star Wars; perhaps it’s not. However tales matter. They form us. They provide us area to seek out ourselves. We marvel what it is perhaps prefer to stroll amongst Jedi and wizards and creatures of delusion and legend. How would we reply to the challenges these characters face?
Reverencing our personal sacred tales is vital to the Ignatian Workout routines. St. Ignatius invitations us to stroll alongside Christ in a mission of affection and repair. In the end, when the Workout routines finish, Ignatius sends us out to like and serve God in all issues.
However we accomplish that having grounded our lives in story, each the particular, distinctive story that we’re writing every day and the grand, common story that God invitations us into.
There’s one thing else Ignatius invitations us to do on the finish of the Workout routines: have fun. My religious director, the late Fr. Jim Bowler, SJ, made me write the phrase and underline it in my copy of Ignatius’s nice work, including it to the Contemplation to Attain Divine Love.
We love and serve and have fun.
And that brings me again to Star Wars Day. As a result of any excuse to have fun, any excuse to be joyful and to reflect back on the stories that have shaped us—the fictional and the all-too-real—is an efficient factor. If I purchase a number of new Star Wars LEGO units on the similar time, so be it.
I feel a secular occasion like Might the 4th can, in truth, be a profoundly Ignatian second. It’s a chance to sink right into a story that’s, on its face, devoid of God. And but, we all know God to be in all things—and actually, the world of Star Wars overflows with spirituality. Do we’ve got the wherewithal to hunt out God’s Spirit?
For these of us who’re followers, this can be a day to call the particular tales throughout the Star Wars universe that imply one thing to us—and to articulate why. Will we see ourselves within the redemption of Anakin Skywalker? Within the struggles of Ahsoka Tano? Within the disgrace of Obi-Wan Kenobi? Within the hope of Leia Organa?
Lastly, we flip to celebration. Put apart any cynicism, skepticism, or self-righteousness. Pope Francis typically reminds us to be joyful; we don’t want elaborate causes. Certainly, we’re an Easter folks, and so we needs to be prepared and keen to have fun the littlest, easiest, silliest factor.
So, I say to you: Joyful Star Wars Day. And will the Pressure be with you.
Cake and occasion hat picture by suethomas from Pixabay. House picture by avid_creative/E+/Getty Pictures (c) Jacom Stephens.