The Power and the Glory: Padre Jose

At first sight it’s not that noticeable, but Padre Jose –introduced for first time in chapter two- is an influential character. Reflecting Mexico’s religious problems, he’s a perfect example of the fear caused within the country’s population.

I’m able to compare him to the whisky priest; even though they’re both priests, one has chosen what is seems to be the “right track” and the other if I can say, stubborn. It’s difficult because you can take different points of view towards these two characters; did Padre Jose take the right decision or is he a sinner? Should the whisky priest follow Padre Jose’s steps and calm down?

Padre Jose’s decision is confusing; for some it can be absurd that a priest, whose life is devoted to God suddenly because of fear, marries and lives his life like the rest of the civilians. Why would he do this? It’s like betraying God, the almighty. But, on the other hand, I can also understand how fear may take you to do things you don’t necessarily want to. Worse, when your life is at risk of being over.
Here is why the whisky priest differs so much: he’s always running away from the law, while keeping his real identity alive. Even if he has to do it undercover, he celebrates mass with the townspeople taking a very high risk. I don’t know what would I do, but if you’re sure of your beliefs, it’s ok if to save your life you change your way of living…