In the critically acclaimed movie, "The Mission," Captain Mendoza commits a life altering sin-the murder of his own brother. He immediately regrets it and it appears as though he has turned to a life of penance and service. I think that his works reflect what has really taken place in his heart-change. He is a new man. The change we see in Captain Mendoza throughout his journey up the mountain to the Guarani Indians, his ministry to the Guarani, and his commitment to fight for the Guarani is genuine and consistent with someone who is truly repentant. Some could say that the change in Captain Mendoza begins as soon as he kills his brother and feels remorse for that. There is emptiness and a longing in him that will only be filled by God love. Father Gabriel meets him in that place and offers a way for him to be free of his past life. When Mendoza takes Father Gabriel's words to heart is when we begin to notice an outward change in his countenance. He seems determined to serve his penance and make amends with the Guarani Indians. The fact that he listens to Father Gabriel shows humility and recognition of his sinful ways- he is ready to live for something outside of himself and listen to another voice other than his own. He displays this by beginning his ascent up the mountain to the Guarani. As we have seen, Mendoza is a stubborn person. When he sets his mind to something, he is committed to seeing it through. He won't accept help with carrying all of his weapons from his mercenary days from the other priests up the mountain. This shows that he is willing to suffer for a time to prove his repentance is real in the eyes of God and man. This is a key step for him to forgive himself and move forward into a life of service and sacrifice rather than greed and violence. .
The next noticeable and visible display of Mendoza's transformation is in how he interacts with, serves, and cares for the Guarani Indians.
