A different kind of superhero

When I was a kid (a long time ago), there weren’t as many superheroes as there are now. But I do remember that the main superhero was Superman. The Superman radio show (this was before we had TV) would always start with a loud roaring noise and then a shout: “Look up! What is it? Is it a bird? Is it a plane? NO! IT’S SUPERMAN!!”

Can you name any other superhero characters? What makes them superheroes?

My sense is that a lot of superheroes are really strong guys (and a few gals) who are really good at beating up people that we generally think of as bad.

A lot of superhero movies are pretty violent. They are popular because we feel good when mean people get punished, and we love watching a good fight, even during a hockey game. We think that bad guys who hurt people, or bad countries that start wars, should be hurt in return. And so there is a lot of violence in the world.

Now, I understand very well that we love to see a bad person or a bad country get punished. We believe in justice. We feel good when someone who is “bad” gets his or her just punishment. We cheer when the robber gets caught and thrown in jail, or when the good guy shoots the bad guy. That’s the way the world should work.

A different kind of hero

The trouble is that’s not the way Jesus said the world should work. Jesus said things like:

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

“Do not oppose a wicked person by force; rather, if anyone hits you on the right cheek, let him strike your left cheek as well.”

“If someone wants to steal the shirt off your back, give him your coat as well.”

“Give to everyone who begs from you.”

“You have heard it said, ‘love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you: Love your enemies and pray for those who are mean to you, so that you may be children of God.”

I don’t know about you, but I find these words of Jesus terribly difficult. They just seem so unfair! Instead of getting mad and getting even with people who hurt us, Jesus tells us to pray for them. What kind of a superhero is that! Well, it’s the same kind of superhero that Jesus was when he was nailed to a cross and he prayed, “God, forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing.”

So, as hard as it may be, pray that you and I may be peacemakers rather than fighters and warmakers. Pray that we may be peacemaking superheroes like Jesus, rather than warrior superheroes who thrive on violence and revenge.

Editor’s note: The quotes attributed to Jesus are the author’s paraphrases of Matt. 5:9, Lk. 6:29, Matt. 5:40, 42a, 43-45 and Lk. 23:34.