Victorious "Hero"

Solemnity of Christ the King

(Luke 23: 33-45)

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I grew up with superheroes as icons for justice and victory.  From ‘Super Friends’ to Voltes V, Mask Rider, Transformers, and yes even Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and Jet Li’s kung fu, and the one in local am radio’s ‘Zimatar’. We are at awe with their mask, capes and weapons and overjoyed with their innate abilities and amazing powers to topple evil and save lives. We grew fascinated with their superpowers and existence that oftentimes we dream of becoming like one of them. But as reality unveils itself, we discover these superheroes only exist in our ideas and dreams. For how can they exist and do nothing to stop war, killing, cursing, oppression, and injustice. We call them superheroes because they save lives and win the fight against evil. If they are not real then eventually our concept of justice and victory will change dramatically. 

But we have in our midst someone who is more than a superhero. Because unlike superheroes He is real; He became flesh and dwelt among us. Unlike superheroes, He saved lives by losing His, and then by His resurrection humanity has the chance to live forever. Unlike superheroes He used the power of the Cross, His Body and Blood to bring evil to its defeat and save us. Unlike superheroes He wore the crown of thorns, nails and wooden cross to show that we can win our battle too. Unlike superheroes the impact of His message of hope, freedom and victory lasts; that evil can be overcome by good; that whistling in the darkness can be a sign of hope; that in the end good still has the last word.

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He is Jesus Christ, and He is King.

But His kingdom is not here on earth. It is true that His kingdom can be realized on earth but that is just a taste of the real beauty and splendor of the Kingdom which He established and which awaits those who believe.

For an ordinary man this is foolishness. Just like one of the two criminals crucified with him. He joined the chorus of men jeering at Him and cried for help out of desperation. But for a man of faith, no matter how evil presents itself and turn the world up side down, it will never win the battle. Just like the other criminal who opens his mouth to say the truth and then open his heart to recognize his King, “Lord, remember me when you come into Your kingdom.”

Jesus assures him, that ‘today’ His kingdom belongs to him. This assurance is what makes a real hero victorious.