Captain America

Thousands of people filled theaters across the nation (and word) to see the Marvel Comics' Avengers, which over the weekend broke the record by earnning $200.000.00.  I too was one of those viewers, and was not only entertained "to the max" as the saying goes, and dazzeled by he special effects, but was pleasantly surprised and edified by what unfolded on the screen. The message was clear that good will triumph over evil, but sometime the evil is our own ego which prevents us from connecting with others as a team, as a community in order to crush the evil outside of us.  It's the pure of heart, self-effacing, self-sacrificing Captain America who pulls the team together, urging them to forget their agendas and work as a unit against the evil force that is threatening the world.  Captain America remembers who he is, how he was once a 90 pound weakling, but with a heart and determination that helped him face any obstacle that he encountered.  His appeal to the other super-heroes comes from his heart and wins their respect.  He gives orders, they obey, and himself "takes the stairs", that is, seeks the simple, humble lowest place of duty.  Yet, during his face to fact confrontation with Loki, the villain, who declares he's a god and cannot be harmed, Captain America instantly retorts, "There is only one God and he doesn't dress the way you do."
What a wonderful, entertaining and painless catechesis for our young:  it's the pure of heart, those who lead with the heart, those who are compassionate to the weak, those who know their own weaknesses, who can unite and overcome evil.  There are teens who are already Captain Americas...the Church has pages of them in its martyrology; St. Marcellin among them, and ultimately Jesus himself as the epitome of the selfless, self effacing, self-sacrificing hero who conquers evil once and for all.  Thank you, Marvel Comics and Disney Studios for spreading this good news to so many.
Bro. Rene
P.S.  When I attempted to post this slice of bread this morning, I couldn't.