In times of change, we are gifted with the perfect opportunity to reflect on our faith and the course of our lives.
The quote from Conclave, “Faith is a living thing,” prompted me to contemplate the nature of faith. If faith truly is a living thing, it requires our nurturing, for its potential for growth is limitless.
However, like any living thing, it is also vulnerable to decline and can ultimately perish. Corruption, weakening, and exploitation are all potential threats. Yet, faith possesses the resilience to be corrected, strengthened, and enriched as well.
This dynamic nature of faith means we must regularly examine and tend to it with care, just as we do with our lives, for, in many ways, faith is an integral part of our being.
Without faith, we cannot persevere through life. Without faith, there is no beauty to look forward to.
Faith serves as our guiding light, leading us toward the transformation we seek within ourselves and in the world.
Therefore, if faith is a living thing within us, the question we should be asking ourselves is, 'What kind of faith, and by extension, life, do we aspire to lead?'
This concept of faith is tested throughout the movie, set in a scenario where it is needed most—a papal selection.
I appreciated the film's perspective on separating faith from institutions. Faith is a personal matter, while religious institutions represent a collective experience. Yet, both require careful examination to understand the respective trajectories they are following, especially in the case of institutions.
Faith, therefore, requires flexibility, as certainty can lead to rigidity, which contradicts the nature of one's journey. Struggles and obstacles demand a flexible mindset for overcoming challenges, enabling continued progress toward a chosen destination. This flexibility is particularly important when striving to walk together as a community, as the diverse struggles and worldviews must be addressed and understood to foster unity.
It is common, and even necessary, to experience doubts about faith and life, particularly regarding religious institutions.
This is because faith can be easily swayed. Many individuals stray from the path due to their own greed or fear, often neglecting to examine their faith.
This also means that faith demands effort and attention, allowing faith and an individual to work together to guide each other towards virtuous paths.
Overall, I appreciate how Conclave explores the dynamics of faith within a complex and effective setting. The visuals and score enhance these messages, working in harmony to build emotional stakes and elevate the narrative.