Tuesday, September 24, 2013

SUPERHERO (09-24-13)

Luke 9:9
And he kept trying to see Him.

The telenovela is a hit among Filipinos especially the superhero types and the “rags to riches” genre.  We like superheroes because we like someone to always save us, instead of trying to do it ourselves - depending on someone (or something) to help us or give us good luck in everything that we do. 

On the other hand, we also like to watch “rags to riches” shows not because we can emphatize with the character in the story.  Rather, it brings us satisfaction and that inner desire to see someone suffer so we can feel better ourselves knowing that what we are experiencing is not that bad at all.  And finally, it brings us hope, for at the other end is joy and triumph, as we conquer all and redeem ourselves.

Herod, after beheading John the Baptist, was again troubled by the news about Jesus who many believes was Elijah or another prophet who has risen from the dead.  He desired and was trying to see Him, not because he wants to praise Jesus, but because he wants to see how He can do such miracles – and maybe learn to do it himself.

But we are not Herod.  We were created to desire God. We were created to desire the goodness and beauty of God's creation.  We were created to desire to share that goodness and beauty with our neighbor. 

There is nothing wrong desiring to be a superhero, as long as we become a superhero to others.  There is nothing wrong seeing other people suffer, as long as we help and lift them up so they may experience joy and triumph.  That is our mission.  That should be our hearts’ desire.

Let us pray +

Almighty Father, You have made us for Yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.  Grant us the grace to desire You with our whole heart, that in desiring You, we may seek and find You.  That in finding You, we may love You and share equitably with our neighbors.  Through Christ Jesus we pray this.  Amen +


The Lord takes delight in his people.

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