Being Roman Catholic, I consider myself lucky. From baptism to first Holy Communion and Conformation, I have thousands of years of theology and countless saint stories to model my life on. Even with all those things, what began to rejuvenate my connection with the church was a fictional character who happened to be a devout Catholic and an opening line to a homily.
Kurt Wagner, also known as Nightcrawler, was the character that began this revitalization. His presence in both the original 90’s cartoon and the current series, “X-Men 97”, stood out to me. Here was a man who was abandoned by his mother and shunned from society because of his devilish appearance. Having all this to weigh upon him, he lets faith guide him. He forgives his mother and asks God to bestow his grace on her. When I first saw this, I was moved by it. Even though he is not real, the message that his actions convey are. That we, just like him, can let faith guide us.
After being moved by his actions, I began to pay more attention in church. I found it important to understand the homilies during mass and relate them to what was happening in my life. It was during one of these homilies when I remembered the saying “God works in mysterious ways.” I then began to relate that to what I had experienced. In some way I felt I was meant to regrow that connection with the help of Nightcrawler.
I will never understand God’s full will, but what I do understand is a message from another homily: “God is good, all the time, and all the time God is good.” This line is how my priest would begin his homilies. From the first time I heard this, I tried to figure out how it related to me. I would get that answer just this past week before my Chemistry exam.
I was nervous going into the exam hall when that line popped into my head. After the exam I went back to my dorm and sat on it for the night. Then it came to me; even if I didn’t do well on the exam, I can say I studied and that I still am blessed to be able to take said exam. That I have eyes to see my paper, hands to grip my pencil, a brain to understand the questions and so much more. That I could take an exam in a higher learning institution. I was blessed because God is good, all the time.
My personal growth and regaining that connection wasn’t because I had a miraculous dream or saw an apparition. It was because I watched the X-Men and then paid attention in church. I think more people who are sitting on the fence or unsure about their faith should look for it in every day life. Instead of seeing streets and trees, see his creation. There is so much that can bring a person closer to God, and it can start by watching cartoons.
Looking back on my growth, I am amazed. I never really envisioned myself here. I know that I am far from finished and I will grow throughout my life, but I am not worried. I remember Psalms 23: “The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. In green pastures he makes me lie down; to still waters he leads me; he restores my soul. He guides me along right paths for the sake of his name. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me.” This is why I can stand unafraid when it comes to counting my growth.
I hope one day, just like Nightcrawler, I can let faith guide me. Even if that day isn’t tomorrow or next week, I will always know that God is good, all the time and all the time God is good.