LCENWERD

FIREPROOF MOVIE REFLECTION

1. Did Caleb and Catherine have appropriate reasons for wanting to end their marriage?

Were the reasons good enough? Explain.

The reasons given by Caleb and Catherine for wishing to dissolve their marriage were inappropriate since
neither party tried to understand the other. They thought their marriage was doomed because of their lack
of tolerance, communication, and affectionate displays. This is clearly not the case, as can be shown in
the movie, since Caleb was able to rediscover drive, peace, love, and forgiveness after turning to God and
keeping Him in his life. This demonstrates that their marriage was still recoverable and that their reasons
for wanting to end it were only a minor hurdle in their relationship.

2. How did the “love dare” that Caleb’s dad gave him affect the relationship of Caleb and Catherine ?

Caleb's father's "love dare" offered him a little window of optimism. Caleb had hopes of marrying
Catherine, but when she continued to reject his displays of affection, he gave up. Caleb's father spoke to
him again, but he persisted and eventually allowed Jesus into his life. By doing this, Caleb introduced
Jesus into his wife's life, made her aware of the effort he has been making for her, and significantly
strengthened their marriage.

3. Michael, Caleb’s coworker, tells Caleb that “putting on the ring when saying your wedding vows
means you’ve made a covenant – a life-long commitment.” Discuss the importance of this statement.

Marriage involves a lifetime commitment. When you are married, you spend the rest of your life with that
individual. With that individual, you must experience all the highs and lows and tough moments together.
Yes, it can be difficult at times, but such difficulties are transient, but a marriage lasts forever.

4. Michael also discussed the meaning of fireproof. “Fireproof doesn’t mean that a fire will never come,
but that when it comes, you’ll be able to withstand it.” How does his definition apply to the marriage
relationship?

In order to make their marriage "fireproof," a woman and husband must work hard. The proverb
"Fireproof doesn't mean a fire won't come, but that when it does, you'll be able to withstand it" implies
that while problems and difficulties are bound to arise in marriage, when they do, a married couple should
be able to withstand the "fire" and work through the issue with cooperation, kindness, understanding,
patience, forgiveness, and most importantly, love.

Part I: Interview

Background

Husband’s Name: John Paul Cruz

Wife’s Name: Karen Joy Cruz

Number of Years Married: 6

Occupation of Husband: Aircon Technician

Occupation of Wife: Assistant in Hospital

Educational Attainment of Husband: Airconditioning

Educational Attainment of Wife: Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management

Guide questions:

1. What attracted you to this state of life? (also ask how did they meet and what qualities of the other
attracted them?)

Karen; Nothing attracted me to this state of life. I just know that whatever good choice I make, I know
that god guide me with everything. The quality that I find in him is he is handsome when he is teen and he
is very kind to me even now we already have a 4 years old daughter.

John paul: The quality that I liked about her is she is very kind.

2. Pope Francis says the three essential words in a family are: Please, thank You & sorry.; Do you agree?
How have these words been important in your family?

A sincere apology can make a difference by rebuilding productive working relationships and reinforces
character, values and accountability. Saying thank you is also important. If you really connect with why
you have chosen your partner, the expression of that gratitude will hopefully come easily. By
incorporating it into your relationship on a daily basis, it will simply be a part of how you are with each
other. And, what can be more nurturing of a happy relationship than expressing how much you appreciate
and care about each other?  Your partner might seem disinterested if they don't feel like they can talk with
you about everything. You can focus on being a place of peace and comfort in their life, letting them
know they can come to you about anything. That is why saying please is also important.

3. Pope Francis speaks of marriage as "a life-long project" (AL** 218) that moves through
various stages (AL 220). What stages has your marriage gone through?

Karen: We are in the point of our marriage that we do not have many “kilig” moments just like my
husband was still courting me before.

4. Pope Francis says every family faces crises (AL 232), which can either weaken the couple’s
relationship or strengthen it. How have you dealt with crises in your family?

John Paul: We have already faced many problems in our marriage. We dealt with this by knowing that
god did not give this problem just to make us suffer but to strengthen us. And also, we cant afford to be
weak knowing that we have daughter.
5. Pope Francis speaks of the role of &”;experienced couples”; in helping younger couples (AL 223).
How were you helped by experienced couples in the early years of your marriage? How have you helped
other couples?

John Paul: When my father asked me how is my married life, I said it was surreal and I am very happy.
My dad said that that is just only in the beginning, because there are times that you will fight each other.
But you should always think, that is just part of marriage and think of why you have started a family. And
I always advise this to other couples.

6. How does your marriage help you care for other people/for creation and/or promote justice in our
society?

Karen: Our marriage help me to take care of other people because my husband really take care of me.
And I want to treat everyone just how my husband treats me.

7. What would you advise young people who are thinking of pursuing this state of life?

Karen: my advice is that think twice before going to this life. You could enjoy your life before marriage,
because marriage could alter your priorities.

John Paul; My advice to the young people is life is not a race. Don’t go marrying someone if you think
you are not ready enough.

Part II: Reflection/Analysis (40%)

1. How were you personally touched by the story of your interviewee?

I am personally touched by the story because I also want to be married someday. I have learned from their
experience that married life is not that easy. Your priorities will change and your mindset will also
become different.

2. How do you see the norms of just love manifested in their relationship? Explain using concrete
examples from the interview.

I see the norms of just love in my interview when they said that married life is easy at start. Married life at
start is supposedly happy because there are still a lot of “kilig” moments. But the moment you stayed
longer, your faith to your husband and wife will be tested. A lot of trials will come upon the couples. But
just like John Paul says, just think why you have started.

3. How does the couple promote God’s reign? Be concrete in your response.

The couple promote god’s reign by letting god be center of their relationship. They think that whatever
problems they may encounter, god has given it to strengthen them.