I love comic books. With great artwork and awesome heroes... it's never a boring read. Of course one of my personal favorites is the Ultimate Spider Man series. Peter Parker, a nerdy teenager growing up in New York City, succumbs to a spider bite that transforms him to super human capabilities. Receiving these powers, he later recognizes the responsibility that comes with it.
Taking the entire city under his wing, he fights against the rising crime. And in some cases.. a few crazy characters. Peter than sees the sacrifices that a hero must go through in order to maintain the peace. Long hours of the night fighting against criminals, Peter can barely focus during school. Being a masked vigilante, he must protect his identity, even from loved ones such as his aunt and uncle. And if the villains ever found out who he was, then all who he loves will be placed in danger. He must sacrifice his relationships with others, since this is one of his greatest fears. And of course, he is always putting his life on the line for others.
With all of the pressures of such responsibility, what can a kid do? Spider Man is known for his sarcastic humor and positive outlook on all situations. This is why he is one of my favorite heroes. Despite facing a really hard situation, he will crack jokes and often mock his foes. In the end, Peter realizes what he is doing is good. He knows his sacrifices are never in vain as long as the people are safe. At times, he does face sorrow and despair, such as the losses of loved ones.
Eventually, Peter made the ultimate sacrifice. Seeing Captain America in the line of a sniper, Peter quickly took action and pushed the legendary hero away from the shot. Captain America was safe, yet young Peter was not and could not recover. The young hero who fought valiantly for others was gone.
I often wonder of the great sacrifices Peter had to go through. Yes, he isn't real.. but doesn't mean people today aren't doing the same. Everyday, there is someone in the world putting their life on the line.. or a parent working long hours everyday to put food on the table. Or a student staying up late into the night, so one day he/she can provide for themselves and their future families. In the Bible, in the book of John 15:13.."Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. " Yes, many of us may not have to sacrifice our lives for others, yet we can still do a lot! Bearing the burdens of loved ones, serving people at all costs, and sacrificing our time for the benefits of others.
The perfect example of sacrifice of course is our Savior, Jesus Christ. Taking upon him the sins of the world, of our sorrows, pains, trails, and afflictions... Jesus Christ sacrificed his life so that all of us can return to our Father in Heaven. I hope that we may put ourselves aside for the benefit of others.
For those who think their sacrifices go unnoticed, remember that you have a Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ, who love you and see all that you do.
