BLACK NARCISSUS (1947)

Directed by: Michael Powell, Emeric Pressburger
Written by: Michael Powell, Emeric Pressburger
Studio: Universal International Pictures
Starring: Deborah Kerr, Flora Robson, Jean Simmons
Rated: Approved

About the film:
A group of Anglican nuns strive to establish a religious conclave in the Himalayas but find that they must conquer more than the elements and the suspicions of the local natives. There are darker, more personal issues that must be brought to the light.

Movie Quote:
“Remember, the superior of all is the servant of all.”
Mother Dorothea (Nancy Roberts) in Black Narcissus (1947)

Bible Quote:
“But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.
Luke 22:26 (NIV)


Commentary:
Through the failed attempts of the nuns in Black Narcissus, we see that our faith must be based upon more than rituals, good intentions or empty words. It must be grounded in truth and supported by the way we govern ourselves according to that truth. Mother Dorothea’s quoted reminder is a statement of truth – a truth that the sisters failed to apply in their ill-conceived enterprise.

The world continually tries to teach us that success will come via the way of career advancement and self-promotion. It would have us believe that the higher we climb in life, the more perks and benefits we will receive. God would have us learn a different lesson.

A successful spiritual leader is not one who is lord over those he leads but rather one who considers himself to be servant of those entrusted to his care. The stronger we grow spiritually, the more opportunity we will be given to serve God and, by extension, God’s people.

To be a servant is the highest, noblest, and most rewarding of spiritual positions. The greatest leaders are the ones who recognize this truth and selflessly give of themselves so they might support and strengthen those who follow them.

Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. What are some biblical examples of men or women who humbled themselves to serve the people they were to lead?
2. In what categories might we serve God while on the earth?

Michael Elliott
Screen Sermons
http://screensermon.blogspot.com