Identity

In the Guardians of the Galaxy movie series (directed by James Gunn, Marvel Studios, 2014–23), Groot is a character of few words. In fact, almost the only thing Groot ever says is, “I am Groot.” His name alone, divorced from his personhood and his history, doesn’t really tell us anything about him. When rightly attached and properly connected to his personal activity, however, his name takes on great meaning over time. This is because one’s actions reveal one’s essence. A person’s work speaks to a person’s character. Groot discloses his identity to others not so much through his words or his name but through his activity and behavior. Similarly, the identity of Christ is not only made known to us through the various titles of Christ, but also through the actions of Christ in human history.