Two heroes: St. Ignatius and Spider-Man

Some might call the timing of the release of the latest Spider-Man movie on the Feast of St. Ignatius (July 31) coincidental. But I don’t tend to believe in coincidences. Instead, this is a chance to contemplate a few connections between our favorite arachnid-bitten superhero and the inspiring founder of the Jesuits.

So, let’s consider how much these two great legends, one real and one fictional, have in common:

• They value friendship. St. Ignatius intentionally chose his companions, his brothers in the Society of Jesus. He recognized the importance of collaboration and connection. He knew that they would be stronger together than they could ever be alone. Spider-Man has a deep love for his family and for his friends. He cares so much about them that he makes personal sacrifices to protect them. He is a better, stronger hero because of the people who support him.
• They recognize the need for accompaniment. St. Ignatius taught his followers to walk with people, all people, even those on the margins. He recognized that not every problem could be fixed or changes, but that being with people through challenge was important. Spider-Man also has a sense of accompanying, carrying people as he flies across the city and rescuing strangers, people he doesn’t even know. He sees and senses people in need and rises to the challenge to support them.
• They give and do not count the cost. This was St. Ignatius’ aspiration, and we know he suffered greatly—mentally, emotionally, and physically in his life. But he still lived a life of love and service, a life given fully to God. Spider-Man suffers great pain and gets knocked down again and again. It would be easy for him to give up and walk away. No one could blame him. But Spider-Man gives above and beyond, over and over, continuing to fight even when he is bleeding and bruised.
• They serve a higher calling. For St. Ignatius, everything was done Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam, for the greater glory of God. Nothing was too small or too big to take on in God’s name, for God’s purpose. We are not entirely sure what drives Spider-Man, but it must be something deep and rich and true. We know his Uncle Ben told him, “With great power comes great responsibility.” And we can see that Spider-Man carries that within him. He lives with conviction, gives selflessly, and serves his community.
• They give the benefit of the doubt. St. Ignatius advised his brothers to seek the good in people, even when it’s not apparent. He urged them to look for the greatness within someone and to assume that people were acting with good intentions. Spider-Man, too, seeks the good in people. He seeks to understand rather than to judge. Especially in this movie, he befriends people who would be easier to walk away from. He gives another chance where one might question his judgment. But that shows his power to love and to serve—a superpower St. Ignatius and his brother Jesuits have demonstrated for centuries.

It is probably risky to compare a saint, a man who lived his life for God and has inspired countless others to give of themselves for the greater glory of God, with a superhero, created by writers for comic books and then movies. But St. Ignatius would urge us to seek God in all things, including in this story of a man bitten by a spider who discovers he has strengths that can serve the world.

As we consider the inspiring life of St. Ignatius and the factionary lore of Spider-Man, perhaps there is an invitation to each of us. Whether you’ve been bitten by a radioactive spider or Ignatian spirituality, you might be called to live your life differently as a result. What strengths might we discover in ourselves that could serve a greater calling and purpose?

Today might be the day to find out.

Also see Movie Review: Spider-Man: Brand New Day

Also see Thwip! Faith lessons from Spider-Man

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