Last night I went to the premiere of the moving, award-winning film Of Gods and Men. Despite proclaiming to have a powerful message of spirituality and faith, it is a film which left me disturbed and heavy-hearted.

It is the true story of an order of Christian monks living a Spartan existence of contemplation and prayer in a monastery in Algeria. They co-exist happily with their Moslem neighbours in the village, while providing them with a free health clinic.  In 1996, however, these men of the cloth were caught up in the war launched by extremist Jihadist forces.

I left the cinema pondering about man’s inhumanity to man simply on the basis of race and creed – something which has existed since the beginning of time. And which, most probably, will continue to exist until the end of time.

Yesterday (and today) Facebook profile walls have been replete with images of Gaddafi’s battered bloody face, as well as video clips of his last moments. I am not sorry that the man who has caused so much suffering is gone, but I do find it troubling to witness the glee and relish with which some people have celebrated his violent death.

This reaction fits in perfectly with the theme of last night’s film.

Violence has been met with more violence.

It will not stop.

And if we take pleasure in seeing a man being killed, does that make us any better than those who kill?

Of Gods and Men is being shown at Eden cinemas, with distribution by KRS.  Its release in Malta was made possible through the initiative of Fr Hilary from the Millennium chapel.