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Superheroes

Do you remember dressing up as your favourite superhero for Halloween? I have a few fond memories connected to the times I let a costume and a character transform me into some sort of alter ego. It can be very enlightening to leave your inhibitions behind and become someone you’re not, but secretly wish you were, from time to time. I enjoy the imaginative play that’s part and parcel of the preparations for Halloween each year. I wonder what superhero you would choose to be, given the opportunity.

It doesn’t take too much digging to find the historical Christian connections with Halloween (All Hallows’ Eve) and All Saints Day. United Church congregations typically take time to acknowledge All Saints Day on or around November 1, by remembering the great Communion of Saints, known and unknown, who came before us. I’m sure we can all name a few superheroes among the saints – those who fearlessly led the way, broke trail where none existed before, fought for justice, and put the needs of others before their own.

Sometimes the role of superhero is not played by an individual, but rather by a community. It’s possible to have a life altering experience among a community of like-minded, accepting people, who make room for everyone’s gifts, regardless of our own “superhero” status. A community can provide a sense of home, but at the same time, fearlessly break new justice seeking trails by pulling on everyone’s strengths.

This Sunday, we will be acknowledging All Saints Day. This will be an opportunity to remember the superheroes who blazed the trail for us. It will also be an opportunity to remember the whole community of saints, past and present, to which we belong – the community that cheers us on and calls on us to use our own superpowers to the best of our abilities.

Peace and joy,
Nancy