In 1887, a new term was coined in the English speaking world \u2013 the \u201cunderdog.\u201d
\nThis was the opposite of the top dog \u2013the dominant person in a situation or hierarchy, the winner, the victor in a fight or contest of wills.
\nThe term likely comes from the world of dog fighting, but soon the phrase was applied to politics, games, matches, and life in general.<\/p>\n

We have seen the term \u201cunderdog\u201d change from describing the outcome of a contest to the expectations for the outcome\u2026.
\nThe underdog is the one who is expected to lose.
\nThe underdog is the one facing the uphill battle.
\nThe underdog is the victim of injustice who starts off at a disadvantage.
\nThe underdog doesn\u2019t have the power, the money, the strength, or the system on their side.<\/p>\n

And our scriptures are full of underdogs:
\npeople who march into battle with nothing but slingshots to face a giant\u2026
\npeople who head into the seats of power as prophets\u2026
\npeople who fight with trumpets instead of swords\u2026
\nwho are not afraid of what might happen to their own lives if they speak the truth\u2026<\/p>\n

Our gospel reading this morning is Luke\u2019s version of the Beatitudes and in many ways, Jesus is calling the people of God to become underdogs.
\nInstead of aligning ourselves with the rich and powerful \u2013 those who have everything in this world\u2026
\nwe are called to become poor, hungry, and despised by the world.
\nWe are called to side with the \u201chave-nots.\u201d<\/p>\n

There we find the kingdom of God.
\nThere we will be blessed.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve been exploring throughout this season of Lent some of the superheroes that fill our cultural imagination. We\u2019ve heard about Batman\u2019s fight against evil, the way Spiderman tries to do what is right. Last week, we talked about how Wonder Woman offers a vision of unity.<\/p>\n

A common thread of these heroes is that they side with the underdogs of this world. They help to bring justice to the oppressed, are strength for those who are weak, and offer protection for the vulnerable.<\/p>\n

Our superhero this week, however, took a long time to understand this reality.
\nIn a world of haves and have-nots, Tony Stark lived at the top of the heap.
\nWealthy beyond measure, leading a successful technology company, everything he could ever want at his fingertips, there was nothing in this world that could stop him.<\/p>\n

Had Mr. Stark been present in the time of Jesus he would have been the subject of those warnings towards the rich and well-fed, who think that life is all fun and games.<\/p>\n

But something changed for Mr. Stark. During a demonstration of his latest weapons in some remote country, his caravan was attacked, he was captured, and he sustained life-threatening injuries.<\/p>\n

But he put his knowledge to work and modified the weapons around him to not only create a battery that would keep him alive, but also a suit that would help him escape.<\/p>\n

In the process, he realized that all his wealth and power was coming at the expense of other people. The weapons that made his company so successful were not always being used for good and just ends.<\/p>\n

When he finally makes it back home, he holds a press conference and vows to change the way his company works.<\/p>\n