The Lion King at 30 and Its Lessons of Faith

The summer of 1994 was dominated by the release of a Disney animated classic that has stood the test of time. It would become a Broadway show, have spinoffs and sequels, and turn into a live-action film. That movie is The Lion King.

The movie follows the story of Simba who would be the next heir if his father Mufasa dies. When his uncle Scar takes over Pride Mountain, he runs the kingdom with his desires and ambitions. He dismisses the claim of his family. In time, Simba learns his purpose in life and defeats his uncle to reclaim the throne

Look for the Light

Mufasa points out to his son, Simba where the light touches. He also reminds him of a shadowy region and tells him not to go there. “…God is light; in him, there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.” (1 John 1:5-6).

When God sets boundaries, he wants what is good for us. Likewise, we need to set boundaries for ourselves because of what we are worth.

Seek the Good of Others

St. Paul reminds us, “No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.” (1 Corinthians 10:24)

For a time, Simba was eager to be king. However, Mufasa reminds him that there are responsibilities to take up as king like watching over others. Being a Catholic is not about selfish gratification. Instead, it’s about being selfless when we serve others.

Forget the Past, Learn from it

After years of wandering, Simba encounters Rafiki who helps him connect with his father. The apostle James wrote, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Never Forget Who You Are

The Book of Job asks, “Can papyrus grow tall where there is no marsh? Can reeds thrive without water? While still growing and uncut, they wither more quickly than grass. Such is the destiny of all who forget God...”

Sometimes we forget who we are when the going gets hard. Our faith can get challenged. We must remember that we are God's children first. When we refocus on the fact that we belong to God, we can surely get through every challewnge of life with great confidence. For Simba, he forgot who we was until his father told him. It was through his father that he learned who he truly was.   

Hakuna Matata

 If someone were asked their favorite phrase from the movie, Hakuna Matata would be the No. 1 answer. The phrase means no worries. Worrying can do some damage to our health. Christ tells us, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

In other words, Christ wants us to place our worries and trust in his loving care.

No matter how old one would view this timeless classic, it is packed with timeless truths as it stirs the hearts of millions for years to come.