THE GODFATHER, PART III (1990)

Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola
Written by: Mario Puzo, Francis Ford Coppola
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Starring: Al Pacino, Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, Andy Garcia
Rated: R

About the film:
In the continuing story of the Corleone family, an aging Michael seeks to end his family’s association with crime but is hampered by the greed and ambition of the other Mafia families who are not so willing to legitimize their businesses.

Movie Quote:
“The only wealth in this world is children. More than all the money, power on the earth.”
Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) in The Godfather, Part III (1990)

Bible Quote:
“Sons are a heritage from the Lord; children a reward from Him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.”
Psalms 127:3-5a (NIV)

Commentary:
Perhaps it may sound odd to hear such a loving sentiment delivered by a man whose life has been filled with violence and crime, but the sentiment is nonetheless true.

The very first command given to man by God was to “be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth.” That should give an indication as to the importance God places upon children. They are a heritage or an inheritance which continues to increase as each generation adds their offspring to the family of God.

It is no surprise to discover how God feels about children and the relationship between a parent and a child. It is this father/child relationship that God has chosen to have with us. There were other options He could have selected. Instead of master/slave, owner/pet, or boss/employee, God wanted us to be his children and for us to love and respect Him as a father.

In an age where gaining material wealth is often seen as the ultimate symbol of success, we owe it to ourselves and to our children to remember what true treasure is. Raising children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord carries its own reward… one that cannot be assigned a price tag.

Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. Though he states a wonderful sentiment, did Michael Corleone take action that reflected his love for his wife and children? What could he have done differently?
2. What, from our observations of life, are good or bad examples of how man prioritizes the importance and value of our children?

Michael Elliott
http://screensermon.blogspotcom