DON’T TAKE OFFENSE AT JESUS
In these times of religious crisis and inner confusion, it’s important to remember that Jesus Christ isn’t a particular property of the Churches. He’s for everyone. To him can draw near those who confess him as Son of God, and also those who go about seeking a more human meaning for their lives.
A few years ago, the well-known thinker Roger Garaudy, a committed Marxist at that time, cried out thus to Christians: «You have caught and conserved this hope that is Jesus Christ. Give it back to us, because it belongs to the whole world».
Almost the same time, Jean Onimus published his passionate and unusual book about Jesus with the provocative title of The Disruptor. Addressing Jesus, thus says the French author: «Why are you going to remain the private property of the preachers, the Doctors, and some experts, you who have said things so simple, straight-forward words, words that stay with people, words of eternal life».
That’s why few things give me more joy than to know that men and women who are far from regular religious practice seek to encounter Jesus in my writings. I’m convinced that he can be for many the best path to encounter our Friend God and to give a more hopeful meaning to their lives.
Jesus isn’t indifferent to anyone who comes close to him. One finally encounters someone who lives in the truth, someone who knows why we must live and why it’s worth it to die. Such a one understands that this way of living «so like Jesus» is the most certain and human way to face life and death.
Jesus heals. His passion for life reveals our superficiality and conventionalism. His love for the defenseless unmasks our selfishness and mediocrity. His truth uncovers our self-deception. But above all, his unconditional faith in the Father invites us to leave our disbelief behind and to trust in God.
Those who today abandon the Church because they find themselves uncomfortable in her, or because they disagree with some of her actions or concrete directives, or simply because the Christian liturgy has lost all vital interest for them – oughtn’t for that reason to automatically abandon Jesus.
When someone has lost their points of reference and feel that «something» is dying in their conscience, they can be sure of not losing contact with Jesus Christ. The Gospel texts record his words to us: «Blessed is the one who takes no offense at me». Blessed are those who understand all that Christ can mean for their life.
José Antonio Pagola
Translator: Fr. Jay VonHandorf
