Dear Friends,

I have always enjoyed watching or reading stories about superheroes. Mostly because it is pure escapism and fun. It is good to have that reassurance that seemingly desperate and impossible situations can have a solution and let's face it, who hasn't wished that they could have a superpower whether it be flight, speed, strength. But even in the everyday 'real' world environments, I know I have come across people who seem to possess a real inner power – an ability to come alongside anyone, graciousness and compassion even in the most challenging situations. Those who serve others wholeheartedly. Admiring people like this, even being inspired to be more like them can be a helpful thing, though it is also important that we recognise and hold onto who we are as well.

The additional note is becoming reliant on others to 'save' us. One of the frustrations with the superhero genre is that if you have a character who can do all things, it negates anyone else having to make an effort – they just call on the hero, everything's sorted, let's carry on. Not much of a story there. (Fans of the Marvel films may be aware of the "Captain Marvel/Carol Danvers" dynamic for just this reason, and so the writers made her go to the other side of the galaxy to help there – Earth having a good array of superheroes available.)

But there is also the concern, again in the real world, that who we raise up to be a 'hero' or a 'saviour' or who may claim to be one, might not be. Either through genuine human frailties or in the worst-case scenario, taking advantage of people's situations and manipulating them to their own ends; where we look to find a 'saviour' has far reaching effects.

Paul in his letter to the Philippians warns of this in strong terms, referring to them as enemies of the cross of Christ...their minds set on earthly things (3:18,19). People seeking power for powers sake, will not have the best interests of others at heart. The Cross of Christ was a place of humiliation, of weakness, the very antithesis of a superhero-like saviour and yet from the cross, the complete and absolute power of God is revealed.

" Our citizenship is in heaven and it is from there that we are expecting a saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform the body of our humiliation so that it maybe conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself." (Philippians 3:20-21) 

Bear in mind that Paul was writing in a particular context, where the might of the Roman Empire held sway and the ultimate goal for so many was to be a Roman Citizen, and receive all the privileges and rights that came with it. Paul suggesting to those early Christians that actually their hope, their protection, their Saviour would come from somewhere else was a significant claim. People understood the power represented by the Roman Empire, even if they did not like it. God's power was and is beyond our understanding – yet we are invited to know more, to be transformed to and by his glory, to be a citizen of heaven.

This week join me in praying for the continuing talks and negotiations, those in public and behind the scenes, that are determining what kind of world we will be in. May we find hope in that we can anticipate and trust in a Saviour, whose power and glory are not defined by worldly powers but who also knows what it is to live in the everyday. We thank God that we are not called to be 'superheroes' but to be ourselves, strengthened and guided by the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Every blessing
Rev Karen