Captain America

Thousands of people flocked to the theaters this weekend to see the Marvel Avengers, which took in a record-breaking $200,000.00.  I was one of those viewers who was more than satisfied and entertained, not only by the action, but by the clear message that good triumphs over evil, even over the individual ego that each one of us has to battle in the course of our lives.  It is the "weakest" of the four Avengers who emerges as the "savior" and leader of the team.  He can never forget his "90 lb. weakling" origin, which allowa him to lead with his heart, to put others before himself and to have unwavering compassion for the weakest victims of the evil forces.  He brings the other Avengers out of their ego-centric worlds and convinces them that it is only by working as a team,  in community, that they will triumph over the Evil One. His purity of heart sees the goodness in them and wins their respect.  They follow his commands, and he himself "takes the stairs", that is, the lowest of the tasks...so totally self-effacing is he. But when he confronts the Evil Loki face to face and is told, "I am a god, you cannot destroy me," he instantly retorts, "There is only one God and he doesn't dress like you."  
What a wonderful teaching moment this film is for the millions who will see it, especially our students.  There are students who are pure of heart like Captain America, and they need to be told so. I dare say, St. Marcellin was a Captain America, and the ultimate achetype of the totally self-effacing, other centered, self-sacrificing leader is Jesus himself!
Thanks to Marvel and Disney for giving us this contemporary catechism lesson and a hero with whom we can all identitfy.
Bro. Rene