Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman; Captain America, Iron Man, Thor; etc. I could say that I like superhero movies, but I have to qualify that statement. What I like is more the principle of a superhero movie -- someone with special abilities steps up to take a stand for what is good and right and defend those who are defenseless. In that way, every single one of us is called to be a "superhero" at times because we are each called to use our special gifts and talents to help others (our gifts are not given to us for our own benefit!). Yet, that is not the point of superhero movies, is it?
The extra qualification that I gave above is not exactly sufficient though, since I have to admit that I do not like the way that most superhero movies are made today -- a constant barrage of fighting and destruction for two straight hours. I like to call that kind of movie "lots of glory but not much story" (e.g. all the Avengers movies except the first Captain America). This kind of entertainment is comparable to a two hour wrestling match with CGI; mind numbing devastation (not interesting, exciting, or very entertaining).
With that said, however, it should be clear to all of us that people still long for superheroes. Our English ancestors had Beowulf and King Arthur; in the last century comic books brought Superman to life, and today we have been inundated with more superheroes than we can keep track of. It is hard to deny, especially with the proliferation of superhero movies over the last ten years, that many people sense a "need" for superheroes. I would like to fathom a guess as to why this is the case.
We all want to believe two basic things: first, that there are people out there who are stronger than us who can take care of us when we are in trouble; and second, that we ourselves can rise to the occasion and be able to do great deeds for the good of all. The first is not always admitted, but it is clearly true. This is why so many who have abandoned God throughout their lives will cry to Him when they think they are going to die. Although there are some who actually enjoy rescuing others, we all hope that someone will swoop down and rescue us when we are in serious need. The second is not always well balanced but most people would like to have a special ability to help others.
The danger, of course, is when many people seek superheroes because they refuse to accept the Almighty Lord as the One Who is stronger than they are and can help them when they are in trouble. The desire for superheroes exhibits a desire to know that someone "has our back" and can help us when we get into a bad situation. It displays clearly the desire to believe in something that is bigger than ourselves. This is something everyone (even the most prideful self-indulgent person around) wants, but few are willing to admit.
It is not wrong to appreciate superhero stories (I personally really like Beowulf and The Dark Knight trilogy), but we will always gravitate to imaginary superheroes more and more as we lose our hope in the power of Christ. In today's gospel reading we are told that Christ has "all authority in Heaven and Earth". That means that He is the strongest, the smartest, the most powerful person in all creation. He is more than just a "superhero"; He is the King of Kings. If we truly trust in Him, then we will just "appreciate" superheroes. If we have a weak trust in Him, then we will replace Him with the heroes that the world invents; because every one of us needs a powerful savior.
When pride overcomes someone who already believes in God, then that person will often seek to diminish God down to a "user-friendly" size, so that He is not so intimidating. Once this happens, someone can go through life without being threatened by things like eternal Judgment, Hell, etc. The problem is, however, that it is a vicious cycle: as soon as someone lowers God down to a manageable size (which can only happen in our minds, and never in reality), then he needs, once again, to find a hero to trust in. If we control God, then we cannot expect much genuine help from Him, so we have to go elsewhere.
So then, I encourage everyone to ask themselves about their hope and trust in God. Do you truly see Him as Creator of the universe, the Judge of all men? Or have you reduced Him to a more manageable size that no longer needs to be respected? Do not take from God what is His and give it to someone else. Do not seek hope in any of the things of men (like imaginary superheroes), for only God grants us true hope. Only He can "swoop down out of the sky" and save us when we need it. What glory it is to be the servants of King Jesus Who is above every hero the world can imagine.
