Life, Death, and the Resurrection: The Ultimate Hero’s Journey
In our contemporary world, heroes come in many forms. From the pages of comics to the screens of our theaters, they leap, fly, and fight for justice, embodying ideals that resonate with our deepest aspirations. As we wrapped up our series, “What Makes A Hero,” we delved into the fabric of heroism, comparing and contrasting various icons of valor through the lens of Jesus Christ, the ultimate paradigm of true heroism.
Among the pantheon of superheroes, Superman stands as a towering figure, emblematic of strength, hope, and invincibility. Yet, in 1993, the comic “The Death of Superman” presented us with a bewildering possibility: the fall of the seemingly indomitable. This narrative not only captivated audiences but also prompted a profound contemplation on the essence of heroism. If even Superman can fall, what hope remains?
The gospel, however, presents us with a narrative of a different hero—a hero not of steel but of spirit. Over two millennia ago, the world witnessed the death of Jesus Christ, a hero whose power did not lie in physical might but in the transformative message of God’s kingdom. His crucifixion, encapsulated in the poignant declaration, “It is finished,” seemed to herald the end. Yet, this was far from a defeat; it was the fulfillment of a divine promise, a completion of God’s plan for salvation and the dawn of eternal peace.
John 20:1-10 doesn’t merely recount an ending but heralds the most extraordinary beginning. “It is finished” was not the close of Jesus’s story; rather, it marked the inception of a new chapter for humanity. The resurrection of Christ signals that death does not hold dominion over us. It is not the conclusion of our story but a gateway to redemption, forgiveness, and immeasurable value in the eyes of God.
This Easter narrative reshapes our perception of life and death, urging us to transcend the material and the fleeting. It calls us to live with a fearless commitment to the kingdom of God, embodying the holiness, goodness, and compassion that Jesus exemplified. The resurrection empowers us to be architects of God’s kingdom on Earth, to embrace our roles as the body of Christ—his hands and feet, working tirelessly for a world grounded in love, justice, and mutual respect.
Mary’s message to the disciples, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him,” underscores a profound collective identity. In her words, “we” find our shared destiny and calling. Through grace, we are woven into the fabric of God’s narrative, called to live not in the shadow of death but in the light of resurrection.
Thus, as Resurrection people, we are the true heroes of our time. Not waiting for a Superman to rectify our wrongs, but actively participating in the creation of a reality that reflects the kingdom of God. Our journey is one of life, death, and resurrection—a cycle that reaffirms our purpose and our hope.
In this season and beyond, let us embrace our identity as people of the resurrection. May we be inspired to live heroically, imbued with the fearlessness and love that Jesus himself demonstrated. For in him, we find the greatest superhero story ever told—one of sacrifice, triumph, and unending love.