What Does the Holy Spirit Actually Do? (Superhero Analogy)

(Today's video is an excerpt from "Belonging: Baptism in the Family of God." To learn more about this amazing resource visit: tinyurl.com/2hms5dbe )
What happens when we get baptized? What exactly is the transformative power of the Holy Spirit? One of the best ways to understand this sacrament’s effect is through analogies of superheroes.
Today, Fr. Mike explains the power of baptism by first recognizing what it is not. Because we are fallen creatures, we can’t be Superman, who has all of his powers within him-we need help from the outside. In other words, we need grace. Grace changes us and alters us internally so that when baptized, we aren’t simply putting on a covering but instead fully healing from our original wounds.
Only one superhero, Fr. Mike believes, encompasses the true power of baptism. This hero was good and was made great, just as the Holy Spirit takes us, good sons and daughters of Christ, and makes us great sons and daughters of Christ.
- MORE FROM ASCENSION -
🔸Ascension’s main website: tinyurl.com/2kd6ye9f
🔸Ascension Media: tinyurl.com/2pcqg46l
🔸The Great Adventure Bible: tinyurl.com/2jzokwfe
- SOCIAL MEDIA -
🔸Facebook: / ascensionpress
🔸Twitter: / ascensionpress
🔸LinkedIn: / ascension-press
🔸Instagram: / ascensionpress
🔸Subscribe: / ascensionpresents
- BULLDOG CATHOLIC -
🔸KZbin: / @bulldogcatholic
🔸iTunes: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

[@Serquss]

As a Catholic and long-time comic book collector, this sermon stirred my soul. "Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love."

[@dymoure]

Superman is my favorite superhero of all time because he wants to use his powers to help others. But more and more I find myself relating to Spider-Man who does the right thing but is never rewarded for it. No matter how hard his life gets, he still cares and helps others. Daredevil is also a great example (and he’s Catholic!) of fighting evil even after he loses everything. In S3, they even refer to the book of Job. I could talk about superheroes for hours, and with good reason-I’m actually on a path that will have me writing for Marvel and DC. But I’ll spare you. Just know that superheroes are great examples to live by. In a way, they’re fictional saints. How many conversations have you had about what you’d do with powers? Would you help people? I think I wouldn’t have, but thankfully, I learned that with great power, comes great responsibility.

[@reneelascala5050]

Kurt Wagner is also Catholic, and fascinating.

[@woahdaniel]

Superheroes stick out to certain people who understand them. You see the love and selflessness they display and internalize it. Love this comment.

[@arturoayala470]

Brother, Spider-man is my favorite superhero but I did not know the reason until I read your viewpoint and it made totally sense. I am glad I read your opinion.

[@sarahpatterson7810]

Jesus is the ultimate example of a super hero! Fr. Mike relating to super heros in the secular world to understand Christianity is fine but this should not take away from who we are in Christ our Lord and Saviour who left his Holy Spirit to dwell in us and in our lives. Beware brothers and sisters because Disney is demonic.

[@woahdaniel]

@@sarahpatterson7810 totally get what you’re saying

[@JaddenSinn]

This is a wonderful talk; I don't know why but the analogy of Steve Rogers and the Holy Spirit being like the serum that made the good in him greater, nearly made me cry as I felt how the Holy Spirit has made even a wretched person like me, a better person.

[@MJ-bq6hh]

This is so great and so beautiful that I watched 3 times and share with a friend that loves superheroes. Please pray for him, he’s on his way to comeback home in the Catholic Church.

[@DamienNeverwinter]

May our Good Lord save him

[@michelleferrao8888]

Thank you Fr Mike 🌟 In Baptism through the power of the Holy Spirit we become children of God and are sealed as Christ's own forever🌻

[@samuellee2107]

Rarely do I ever see a video I wish I could like a thousand times. Excellently done. The Holy Spirit inspired this!

[@sarahboehlke744]

This is both the coolest and heaviest analogy ever. This is beautifully done!

[@rosem6877]

I absolutely love this talk, Father, having grown up with comic books and the fascination with super heroes! Once I desired the magic or science to become a super hero so life couldn’t hurt me now I yearn for the Holy Spirit to dwell in me forever.

[@linda.pvangapandu8917]

Thank Father Mike Schmitz! I love❤ how you explain everything because it gives us all such a better understanding of God! Thank you for being you! And thank you for choosing to follow God and spreading the message of the gospel! I appreciate you so very much! Keep doing what you are doing! May God bless you and your family! And may God bless all the work of your hands! I will continue to share your videos! 😁

[@Catholicity-uw2yb]

POPE BENEDICT XVI: “Human pride and egoism always create divisions, build walls of indifference, hate and violence. The Holy Spirit, on the other hand, makes hearts capable of understanding the languages of all - the language of love; for, the Holy Spirit is Love.”

[@hotwings3]

I don’t follow super heroes but you explained it so well that I feel I know them! Oh how I Strive to be a person who is allowing the Holy Spirit to work through me. When I think I’m not doing well, I think about where God has brought me in the last couple of years. For him to do that for me, is nothing short of a miracle. Still a long way to go but I know he’s with me.

[@emb5091]

We are huge DC and Marvel fans in our house, and this presentation was amazing! EVERY superhero example in this was perfect! The Shazam and the Capt. America ones blew me away!

[@sillymousey]

this hyped me up so much. i started RCIA classes last week and I already long to be baptized but now im even more excited 😤

[@17CW68fNv]

Fun and interesting talk, Fr Mike. Thanks for trying to make our faith relevant and understandable to us. God Bless. Claire.

[@gailwedgeworth7517]

Love the analogy. I come from a comic book, scifi fantasy family of super nerds: bought the t-shirt, have the collectibles, went to the convention, did the art, saw the movies, read the books. I always have said I am most like Steve Rogers. It has even been speculated that Steve was Catholic. There are quite a few Marvel characters that were. I like the movie Steve Rogers because he was so humble, so wanting to serve the greater good and had a strong moral center even if following that path was hard and people would not understand. That was the movie version, I liked. While I enjoy the Marvel Universe, I have come to realize that many in the entertainment industry do not share my Catholic values and even work in direct opposition to my most sacred beliefs. I am not sure that now and in the future that the products of Marvel and Disney will be in line with my beliefs. It has given me pause, and I have had to put away childish things to do the right thing; I hope Steve and creator Stan Lee would understand and appreciate that sometimes humble but heroic characters have to make sacrifices and go it alone for the sake of what is right. I still love Disney, Marvel and DC, and what they used to mean to me, but now I look for entertainment that reflects my beliefs and inspires my faith, and I don't give quarter to things that work in opposition to my faith. Let's create a fun, exciting, inspiring, creative culture that reflects the best of our faith; I know there are great Christian writers, artists and actors out there that could make that happen. Peace be with you :)

[@tsaehtron]

It's amazing how God works through these podcasts. Thank you. God bless.

[@johnduffy6546]

Once again, Thank you, Father...Your efforts are taking hold

[@josephineahelle5094]

Fr Mike, Thanks for another great vlogg. I love how u get so excited about our religion and bringing us new ways to get closer to our Heavenly Father and Mother. God Bless you 🙏 ❤

[@philcopeland1156]

Thank you, Fr. Mike-I needed to hear this at this time

[@normagomez3517]

God bless you Fr. Mike. Great analogy using Superheroes. My favorite is Superman. Love the way you explain it in such a way that is so understandable.

[@addiecastile6015]

Captain America is now my favorite superhero. Love you fr Mike!

[@Dr.HughJass]

Captain America has always been my favorite superhero, so it was awesome to hear such an analogy with him. Amazing video as always. God bless you!

[@konrad634]

God bless you Father Mike

[@johnydevassia]

Extra ordinarily good Dear Rev Fr. Mike Schmitz. In all of your talks Reflect the presence of Holy Spirit . So you become so endearing to me

[@karentribble1418]

Gods joy radiates from you face as you introduce us video of Holy Spirit.

[@karentribble1418]

Oops God’s joy radiates from your face as you introduce the video about the Holy Spirit. Thankyou

[@sarah_pxo]

THANK YOU for reposting this. I wouldn’t have seen it otherwise. Coolest video ever!

[@unstopitable]

Thank you, Fr. Mike. God bless you.

[@jacobjoseph9747]

Wow, just wow. Such a beautiful analogy. The super Hero fan in me had a series of goosebumps and to conclude it all in Steve Rogers. Wow !! Kudos ❤️❤️❤️ loved itttttttt

[@dianalara1439]

Beautifully done!!

[@manukau5271]

God bless you Father Mike!

[@madzkhi5525]

Thank you Father Mike

[@mikethemonsta15]

This is an awesome analogy! Thank you so much!

[@ritasaar2208]

Thank you Father Mike. Enjoyed this presentation. I love to have information I can share with others to share the Catholic faith. Superman was my favorite super hero.

[@KathrynElsayed]

I love this 🥰 what a wonderful explanation of this gift 🙏✝️🕊️ thanks for sharing this special video.

[@telsah1]

WOW. Awesome. Thank you Father Mike. God Bless.

[@idaliagonzalez7945]

Well expressed. Thanks 🙏 We need more of this in the world

[@jenenaoliver6844]

WoW.. God bless you Fr. Mike.

[@kristinac4771]

Thank you for this analogy, Father Mike!

[@sjv_youthPF]

Loved it when it first came out and love it still! Thanks so much!!!

[@michaelverde4844]

you know Fr. Mike everything about YOU that's special, came from the Holy Spirit ❤️‍🔥@8:30

[@sincerelyjoe]

Thank you. Praise God.

[@pennybrooks9038]

I love this ❤ Thank you Father Mike. God bless

[@ninakosi7979]

Thank you father Mike , now the prayer to the Holy Spirit make sense to me .i love shepherd like you.

[@monicateleckisobolewski5844]

great. I loved that you made a rescue from memory videos. definitely now, I'm elevated. from Valinhos, SP Brazil

[@tonyschmitz1997]

I played this episode for my kids and they made a great reference with Green Lantern being alot like how you used Captain America. Green Lantern is chosen to use the ring that gets its power from the will. They said God chooses us to do his will it becomes part of us like the green lantern suit does and we become warrior or protectors of the faith (instead of Ora). I was impressed they thought of that.

[@EugenieKikango]

Amazing grace indeed!

[@donna.a8571]

This was perfectly explained, thank you. My intention is to share it with my Confirmation class at my parish, I am a volunteer w Faith Formation & also Youth Ministry. I love this man, and happy he didn’t talk a million miles a minute this time 🙏😘

[@joelpolanco4682]

Thank you for this video. My parents baptized me when I was a baby and I really did not understand the actual meaning of that until today.

[@SpiderMan-ek4sg]

Man I loved this video!!!

[@sophthere]

Men today more than ever need to believe they can be heroes and be humans! Thank you Father Mike!

[@Bigchilezlife]

Hi Fr.Mike!!! Love Ascension channel!!❣️

[@rhondamathis1323]

Teaches you how to apply the knowledge in your practical life

[@TheresaVu]

Thank you for this video, Father Mike! I really enjoyed the artwork and analogy between superheroes and the Catholic faith. I LOVE Captain America! He's one of my favorites! Other than that, keep up the good work, Father! I love Ascension Presents!

[@RaisingTinyDisciples]

Good explanation and GREAT art. This looks like it would be good for teens. It did not seem 9min long but shorter. Keep them coming! :)

[@nathanielodell2575]

I really love this analogy!

[@guilhermemiyata9091]

Fantastic analogy!

[@LennyinFlorida]

What a neat analogy. I've often wondered about the holy spirit!

[@barbarawalsh2875]

You must’ve truly enjoyed making this. Yes, you were a lot younger, but as I’ve said in the past, and we’ll say again, I find the man of integrity, a high moral code, and a true passion and love of the Lord, along with maturity a much better you.

[@markanthonymuya6258]

Great reflection to superheroes!

[@michellecousinohettrick2077]

Love this!

[@kerryfaden94]

Thank you A great analogy!

[@1ccortez]

Mitch Hedberg joke from the start! Another great video.

[@Nyrua]

Thank you

[@naomiwelch6715]

So cool! This will resonate with my 8th graders. Thank you!

[@Mich_G]

Beautiful analogy and great videography! Especially considering that Fr Mike was almost cast as Batman in a major film.

[@lvlc5]

Superb! I wish there was a lighter version of this for kids...🥰

[@Grego-lego]

I remember a priest named Fr. Chad say in his Pentecost homily that the Radioactive Spider coming down to bite Miles Morales and giving him his spider-powers in Spider-Verse is like the Holy Spirit coming down on the apostles to give them grace. Being a big Spider-man fan, I really liked the analogy! Also I would advise looking into Daredevil, a superhero who is actually Catholic in-universe!

[@EmanuelQ3]

This was a "Marvel"-ous discussion, thanks father Mike.

[@prettytragedy2557]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 god sent me here!

[@metildajoseph5265]

Greetings Father Mike, Thanks for the Simple Distinguishing Aspects between "Humans" & "Super Heroes" in every aspects of Life. Special Prayers : My Prayers for Yourself Father Mike for Resisting the Temptations of Secular Entertainment in all possible aspects. With regards with Prayers for Everyone, RanjithJoseph (R.J)

[@Jupiter1423]

Love how he referenced the late Mitch Hedberg!

[@organicpaul]

Excellent........!

[@nathanngumi8467]

Word.

[@alinacash786]

Excellent

[@seans.1331]

Great video👍

[@MrNyzel]

Thanks

[@tiffanygreen-wright7126]

Amazing!!!!!!

[@kimsaur7621]

Thanks!

[@kathleen.cameron7234]

I always feel as if the Holy Spirit is with me and protecting me and has saved my life more times than I can count. I feel as if there is a white light surrounding me when I call upon the Holy Spirit to protect and help me

[@spidermiddleagedman]

This Video is so cool.

[@southernlady1109]

Jesus Christ is my Super HERO!!!

[@eaglesandowls]

Mine is Satan

[@calabriagirl4202]

You're defeated already🤷‍♀️

[@southernlady1109]

Every knee shall bow to our God & Savior Jesus Christ! Nobody gets into Heaven without Jesus Christ; He is the only way, truth and life. Jn 14:6

[@SP-ct2rj]

The Ten Minute Bible Hour channel did a video about Captain America being the Avenger most like a Christian. Steve did nothing to deserve the serum, but he stepped forward when called, and after receiving the serum he didn't squander the abilities he received, but used them to the best of his capabilities.

[@user-yc5lb8fw5r]

We talked about this at our credo tonight

[@luisfernandoturino6115]

Hello my dear father Mike Schmitz! I would like to suggest that you talk about the beatitudes, explaining each item. God bless

[@mathieulachance3120]

Dear Father Mike! Thanks a lot for everything and don't forget to rest! You're not a superhero ! 🤗

[@kentd4762]

Come Holy Spirit and renew the face of the Earth.

[@Anyone690]

Not a perfect soldier but a good man 🥲

[@irfilipi7275]

Loreto Publications has a wonderful book about this topic called "True Devotion to the Holy Spirit"

[@erikrichards5072]

That "every picture of you is when you were younger" joke is from a Minnesota guy, Mitch Hedberg (RIP). Another silly, but profound Mitch joke is "an escalator can never be broken. it is only temporarily stairs. sorry for the convenience."

[@hannahobrien4598]

Hi Father Mike, do you mind explaining Baptism of Desire?

[@violinow1673]

A beautifully made video clip. The question is how do we always be filled with Holy Spirit and lead a holy life? Do we feel HS subtly or like a lightning when we are filled with Holy Spirit?

[@jameskroeger1436]

Everyone experiences the Holy Spirit in a different way. I would ready John 14-16 and early parts of Acts, then ask the Holy Spirit to fill you and reveal himself. Ask Him to help you yield yourself to Him. Sometimes there’s an ongoing pursuit to find Him.

[@joseantoniomendez7302]

Woohoo!!! 💯

[@thossi09]

I glimpsed a tattoo? Anyone know if it's ever been fully revealed and not just "teased"? Also - I really like the softer/dimmer light in this video (after about 1 minute). It makes Mike's eyes look a lot better (the bright light, like at the beginning as well as in many of the other videos he appears in, nearly completely hides his pupils - it does give a bit of a "superhuman aura", I guess :D ). Interesting to hear about Pelagius and Pelagianism - my only other introduction to it was in a relatively okay-ish movie about King Arthur (either called "Arthur" or "King Arthur", starring Clive Owen and Kiera Knightley), where Owen as Arthur is a Roman soldier (I think supposedly recruited from somewhere in the steppes north of the Black Sea, or at least his "knights" were and maybe he was just their Roman-born commander) fighting against Saxon invaders, with Knightley as Guinevere as his native Celtic ally and romantic interest. Anyway, in the film he's a follower of Pelagius, espousing ideals like "All men are equal, and that's why we sit around a round table - that way, no one is sitting at the head of the table as some sort of 'superior'". That's about all I remember from it. Anyway, since I never was curious enough to look up how "historically accurate" that film was, it's interesting to hear more about this Pelagius at last.

[@davidbeatus4243]

Father, there is this thing that troubles me on the "Think of yourself Less and not Less of yourself" In this way, that...If I don't think Less of Myself, i kind of Become Prideful, so i have to think of Myself as Lesser than other people to actually Be Humble. I need your help🙏🏾

[@Trickroad]

Can you explain after baptism if you sinned you lost everything, all graces, or some graces remain?.., i dont know

[@jenniferthreatt8455]

I enjoy your podcast and was wondering if you could talk about mental illness and how to understand it in regards to God. As well as another topic about how to accept death of a parent at an early age.

[@nada-sparrowsstones874]

It doesn't feel fair that "younger Fr Mike" looks exactly the same as "current Fr Mike".

[@kathleen.cameron7234]

I love the Holy Spirit

[@puckrocker854]

I know when a priest references a Mitch Hedberg joke to start a video, it's going to be a good video.

[@Yarah0600]

Wow