Opus Dei and The DaVinci Code - Turning Lemons into Lemonade

Whatever one thinks about the Catholic prelature Opus Dei, one ought to admire the way they are responding to the upcoming theatrical release of The DaVinci Code. Dan Brown’s novel, upon which the film is based, vilifies the prelature. The main Opus Dei characters are depicted as chauvinistic liars and murderers who seek power at all costs. The novel also undermines a fundamental belief of Christians, the divinity of Christ. During an interview yesterday with ZENIT, Opus Dei’s international spokesperson, Marc Carroggio, says his organization will turn the other cheek: “Some people are waiting for a ‘declaration of war’ from the Catholic Church and from Opus Dei. This might interest those who are marketing the movie--you know, a big fight in public. But I can assure you that Opus Dei's only response will be a declaration of peace. No one is going to make threats or organize boycotts or anything like that.” When asked how individuals might respond, he said, “The reaction of the members of Opus Dei, like that of many other Christians, will be to ‘use the lemon to make lemonade.’ Actually this event gives us a wonderful chance to talk about Jesus Christ. After all, it is the figure of Jesus Christ that explains, to a large degree, the popularity of the book…I think that the best response is simply to help people to know Jesus Christ. I suspect that in the coming year, many people will be moved to read the Gospels or a book about the life of Jesus Christ.” May all Christians follow this example. The popularity of The DaVinci Code provides a great opportunity to spread the Good News.