Name a superhero from the comics whether it  be from the DC or Marvel universes — they all have superpowers. 

 

Every kid who has ever picked up a comic book has probably wondered at one point or another, what it would be like to have their own superpower. Sometimes I still wonder!

 

My taste in comic books as a kid gravitated to the Archies, Casper the Friendly Ghost and Richie Rich. However, I still admired the powers of the superheros especially Superman who could get anywhere lightening fast or The Hulk who could crush any foe. 

 

Though not a superhero, I always wished I could have had the ability of Samantha on Bewitched to just twitch my nose and my bedroom would be instantly clean or my homework would be miraculously complete and accurate.

 

But as you grow older you realize that accomplishments and growth don’t come instantly and that superpowers and magic are nothing more than creative and fantastical ways to right the wrongs of life, eliminate the difficulties or erase mistakes.

 

I got to thinking about the idea of superpowers recently because sometimes readers and diocesan Catholics call or write with questions about the activity in our diocese in regard to some of the  huge issues facing our nation. 

 

They ask if the Rockford Diocese is doing anything about the immigration situation, global warming, supreme court decisions and the list goes on. Many times there are local efforts such as letter writing campaigns, informational talks or other forms of activism. 

 

Many times, there are no big locally organized group protests, sit-ins or walk-outs but that doesn’t mean the local Church doesn’t care.  On the contrary, the Church is always active in the issues that challenge our faith and our world. The answer to “What is the Church doing?” is always the same.

 

The Church is using its superpower. 

 

Now mind you, the Catholic superpower is not as flashy as shooting spiderwebs from your wrist, growing green muscles that burst through your clothes, moving through the air at the speed of light, or leaping over church steeples in a single bound. It might not be as visible or as volatile as a protest might be but it is sustainable beyond our concept of time and powerful beyond measure.

 

That superpower is prayer.

 

Novena’s, rosaries, litanies, the Liturgy of the Hours and of course, the Mass — that’s the antidote for any ill and the crown for all our glories.

 

We all possess this power. We just don’t always choose to use it. Many of us are like a young Superman who has yet to learn to harness his power or like Spiderman who doesn’t yet realize that with power comes great responsibility. We are responsible to use our power to combat poverty, hunger and all manner of injustice. 

 

And even though many of us may not wield our power as we should, thankfully we have authentic superheros dedicated to spending their entire lives exercising their superpowers. I refer of course to all those men and women living consecrated lives like our very own Poor Clare nuns whose mission is to pray for the world and everyone on it.

 

The power of prayer may not be instantaneous but it is certainly infectious. We know it can change hearts and minds and heal both ourselves and others. And the great thing about prayer is that it is most effective when used often. No need to wait for an evil villain to appear, our superpower of prayer can be used to pre-empt problems and prompt joy.

 

The only kryptonite for prayer is lack of use. Summer is a great time to practice your power. Take your superpowers with you to the beach, when you are hiking, biking or relaxing in the shade. And anytime you take in the news from around the world, respond and activate your superpower. Prayer is louder and more forceful than any protest. 

 

So if we can’t join in a protest about the treatment of asylum seekers, or in support of life, or to support our planet, then it may be time to join forces with the rest of Team Christian around the world and snap into your superhero stance: kneel and pray.