The summer movie season is filled with super-hero movies. I love superhero movies. There are good guys and bad guys. Good triumphs over evil. Whether it is Batman, Spiderman, Iron Man, the Hulk, Captain America, or any of the others, they are symbols of hope against a world full of evil and despair. I admit I anticipate each of the premiers--and have seen some twice. I think it is especially prophetic that we have had a summer filled with such movies--with Superman coming next year. Movies are indicators of our times. People are desperate for a hero--someone who will give them hope.
In reading the papers over the last week, we see what living without hope does to people. There was the massacre in Aurora, Colorado--a bright young man who wreaks havoc, violence, and death. Why? In Detroit, child suicides are at an all-time high--with a 9-year-old just recently jumping to his death because he had stolen from a dollar store and was afraid of what his parents were going to do. How sad. These, too, are signs of the times. To me this speaks volumes of a society who does not have hope. We need a super-hero to come and save us!
Today's Gospel has the answer. The vast crowds that follow Jesus and His disciples, hungry for the miracles they bring. As news of the wonders spread, more and more congregate--to the point that Jesus and His disciples cannot get any rest. You would think this would bring Jesus great joy--yet--Scriptures tell us, "When He disembarked and saw the vast crowd, His heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things" (Mk 6:34).
How like we are the people of the Gospel, clamoring after Jesus? In Him they see their "superhero" but many of them are fickle. The minute Jesus does not meet their demands, they will leave--or worse yet--crucify Him. We are no better. We are constantly looking for the "rockstar" to hang on to--whether the latest Hollywood idol, presidential hopeful, fitness or weight-loss guru, or financial wizard. It seems we are always chasing after something or someone to bring us the rush of exuberance and joy--yet we are not satisfied.While our family brings us great joy--even they cannot promise eternal joy and peace. Who then, can triumph over evil? Who can free us from the chains that hold us back from true joy and happiness? Who can give us hope?
Only Jesus can. He knows that--yet He watches us strive for instant gratification and the 'quick fix' kind of happiness that doesn't last. He knows what we need-- but He loves us enough to let us freely come to Him---for it must be our free-will choice to give ourselves completely over to Him.
There is a painting by Russian artist Ivan Kramskoy of Jesus in the dessert during Satan's temptations. He has a look that is haunting--a look that I am reminded of when I read Mark's Gospel passage and ponder Jesus being moved with pity as He gazed upon the crowds. Any parent knows the feeling--the one when you are trying to get a point across to a stubborn adolescent or young adult child who is intent on doing things 'their way.' You know the path they are choosing is not sound--but out of love--you let them go, knowing you will be there to lift them up and bandage their wounds once they have learned the lesson the hard way.
I know how exasperating that can be and can only imagine how much more it is for Jesus, who sees a much bigger picture, for I am not only a parent, but I was that child. Thank God for His Divine Love and Mercy--picking us up and holding us close--each and every time we stumble, fall, cry out to Him, and beg forgiveness. That is the message of hope as we struggle to find everlasting happiness, which can only be found when we are in union with God, our Creator. We are never so lost that Jesus cannot find us--but if we live by His teachings which lead to holiness and virtue, how more joyful all of life--including the struggles--will be!
Pope Benedict reflects on this in his Encyclical Letter, Spe Salvi (Saved by Hope), noting: "Life in its true sense is not something we have exclusively in or from ourselves: it is a relationship. And life in its totality is a relationship with Him who is the source of life. If we are in relation with Him who does not die, who is Life itself and Love itself, then we are in life. Then we “live”" (SS, 27).
While we may not have Batman or Superman or the myriad of other superheros to rely on, we have Jesus. Not only that, we can be the image of the superhero who triumphed over sin and death--the one who gives hope and brings peace. Let us be that image of Jesus so that others may know Him too. This week, contemplate how to extend His Love and Mercy to others, thus spreading His Gospel message so future headlines and newsreports will be those of joy and not violence.
Let us live as a people of hope so as to be a beacon of light, leading all to Christ!
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