Catching Fire has been met with excitement and praise as people have flocked to see it in the weeks since the movie hit theaters. The Hunger Games series addresses issues of consumption and greed that are all too present today. The outlandish lifestyle of people living in the Capitol and ignorance regarding their role in oppressing others are a not so subtle critique of our current society. It is important to realize that we too can be like the people of the Capitol — not just in our excessive consumption practices (Black Friday anyone?) but the ways that our desire for goods leads to the exploitation of others (sweatshops, grossly underpaid workers, and wars over natural resources). Pope Francis believes that all of us, not just corporations or the wealthy, should be held accountable for taking part in the “idolatry of money.” He goes a step further and asks those in power — be it economic or legislative — to say, “thou shalt not” to an economy of exclusion and inequality. Share this reflection about Catching Fire and this article about Pope Francis’ Evangelii Gaudium and ask them the following questions about consumerism:

• What did you think about the two articles? How did they relate?
• Do you agree with Pope Francis? Why or why not?
• How does our over consumption have a negative impact on others?
• Why is it especially important to be mindful of consumerist practices during the holidays?
• How can we as Christians tone down our own tendencies toward over consumption?