Back to the Future

Jul 8

Last week was the 40th anniversary of the release of the film Back to the Future. For those who have not seen the film, Back to the Future tells the story of a teenage boy who is sent back to 1955 through a time machine invented by a local scientist. The young man, Marty, interacts with his future parents in his quest to return to 1985. Because of his influence on the young couple that would eventually start his family, lives were changed, the future was altered, and Marty’s present was brighter. The movie became a smash hit and sparked an interest in time travel.

As the film turned into a legend, our national conversation turned to thoughts about how the past influences our future. Even forty years later, the film inspires people to think about their choices in life and the people who help us to make our decisions.

Throughout my life, there have been many times when I wish I could go back and change my past. I am sure many of us have had similar thoughts. We think about bad relationships, difficult situations, and times that could have been different. We may consider how we could have prevented a particular problem or how a historical issue could be corrected. But sometimes we are so focused on fixing the past that we are not fully alive in the present.

As Christians, we know we can't go back and change our past. As Salesians, we do not need to go back to the future. We trust that God is with us in each situation. The Lord will help us resolve our past problems and our faith will guide us into the future. Recall the prayer of St. Francis de Sales: “Do not look forward in fear to what may happen tomorrow. The same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you today and every day. He will either shield you from suffering or give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace.”

Forty years after we went Back to the Future, we realize we do not need Marty McFly and Doc Brown to change the course of events. We recognize that all we have is the present moment. God is with us right now in this time and place. By accepting the realities of our current situation, we can be fully alive and have hope in the future.