The value of one life

I recently re-watched The Martian. It’s currently free on YouTube. There’s a scene at the midpoint of the movie where the crew have to decide whether to go back for Mark Watney who they accidentally left on Mars. The mission is full of peril and risk. Even if successful, it would extend their time in space by nearly 2 years. It would contravene NASA’s decision and result in the court-martial of the two military crew members and the end of the careers of the civilians.

They discuss the matter for some time and then vote. One by one, they each decide, without hesitation, to go back for Watney. As I watched the scene, I started weeping uncontrollably. It was such a beautiful picture of loyalty and friendship that they would risk their lives to go back for their friend. It moved me deeply in a way that is hard to put into words.

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells a parable of 100 sheep. One day, one of the sheep is separated from the group. The shepherd leaves the 99 and goes to find the one lost. It’s a story that no individual is disposable for the sake of the group. Every human being is infinitely precious and worthy of rescue and love. It’s a beautiful vision of human community.