SUPERHEROES Within and Among Us

During childhood days, movies with superhero themes flooded us. And any child would be enticed and captivated with the magic and the powers possessed by a certain character. Most of these characters were in the animated form or worst, are cartoon characters which were soon given life by actors and released in the movie theaters. These heroes would save the day and we always are given the notion that at the end of the day, good will win over evil. Apart from that, we wanted to become like a superhero not just with the costume and the superpowers but more so, we wanted to help those who are in need. And lastly, we wanted to be good examples in our community. We simply wanted to become superheroes. We wanted to save the day as well from villains.

Superheroes and Role Models

During our third session for the 2021 Digital Exchange, I honestly had a hard time thinking of a role model. We know from experience that each person has a weakness and through time as we have matured, our idea of superheroes now appears as fictional.

First, I perceived a role model as someone who I look up to or someone that I am inspired to be better. And someone who I want to embody one’s characteristics and I would personally want to emulate their example on what they do and how they carry themselves even in times of distress.  

On my part, I always looked at my mother as a role model. She passed on to the beyond in September 2016 but still, her actions and character has been imprinted on my whole being. She was a strong woman and as a social worker, she dedicated her life to the neglected sectors of our society. Though I am not a social worker like my mother, but I always see to it that I embody her by way of empathizing to the struggling common people. Also, my regard for women as co-equals with men came from her. It was through her lived example that I first learned the basics of feminism. By the time I encountered feminism and feminist theology, it was easy to embrace it being a son of a truly strong woman and a true feminist in her own ways as she empowered abused women and children to rise from their situations.

Jesus as a Role Model

As Christians, our primary role model is of course, Jesus. But many would not realize that having Jesus – the historical and biblical Jesus is quite dangerous to emulate. As we can see, Jesus broke traditions of his own people. He practiced inclusivity by including women in his ministry, by engaging with non-Jewish people and by always siding with the poor and by dining with the sinners of his time. He went against the ruling systems of his time and it caused his death as someone who was considered a subversive.

In my context here in the Philippines, the church’s prophetic witness as practiced by the Iglesia Filipina Independiente and its partner churches, has caused so much danger to most of its clergy and lay faithful who are brave enough to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus, the Good News of our salvation, of our liberation as a people. Prophetic witness has caused the loss of lives due to extra-judicial killings, some death threats and various forms of harassment and persecution especially the trend of the Philippine government’s red tagging of churches due to their involvement in rallies and mass mobilizations and for standing for what is true and justice, and for calling for just peace which can only be achieved through the negotiating table and not by war or relentless planting of fear even among ordinary citizens.

Indeed, it is difficult to tread the path or follow the example of the biblical and historical Jesus – who went against a ruling system and even, toppled down the tables of money changers and businesspeople who were exploiting the temple and the poor.

Why Do We Need Role Models?

In a world where evil, hate and injustice prevails, we need role models who embody justice and compassion. In the face of unpeace and turmoil, we need people who are role models and are bold enough to defend the rights of the poor, the underprivileged and the marginalized sectors in our society. This is now time to have more superheroes, our role models and true followers of Christ Jesus who lived with and among the people.

As church people, it is my prayer that we will courageously imitate the example of Christ, no matter the cost. That we shall follow the path of Christ, the walk of Christ who journeyed and accompanied the struggling people in their daily lives.

And despite the gloomy future for our country and the world in countering the ills in our society, we always cling to the hope from God that at the end of the day, goodness and kindness will victor over wickedness and evil. That we will see the light of the new morning. The dreams and visions of our ancestors for a free nation and world, free from turmoil, wars, exploitation, and slavery by our materialistic and self-centered society.

As role models, we also need to embody and bear the light of Christ to others that we may inspire them to build a more abundant and just future for the generations to come. At present, we need leaders who are selfless enough to think less of themselves and care more about the community especially those who need our help and assistance.

How to be a Role Model?

When asked on how to become a role model? My answer was to just do things with passion and from there, one must spark the fire to affect those in the surround. For me, to be a good example is to live with a sense of purpose and commitment to any given task for the good of others and for the whole community.

For indeed, superheroes are not just limited to the cartoon characters or those who appear as powerful and magical in movies, but the superheroes are among and within us, if we strive to embody goodness and kindness for others, and as we bear the sense of justice and compassion for others. May we be superheroes effecting change and transformation in our own communities and churches.