Jesus, The Revolutionary

JESUS, THE REVOLUTIONARY

I wonder if we ever realize that Jesus started a genuine revolution.  Admittedly, only in Israel and only among Jews, but the ramifications have spread to the whole world for 2000plus years.  There was quite a battle going on in Galatia between St. Paul and the Jewish leaders there.  They were insisting that circumcision be mandatory for any gentiles who wanted to be counted as followers of Jesus and St. Paul was adamant that this was a grave mistake.  Circumcision was critical to Jewish tradition, but Paul insisted that if a man submitted to it, he would then be bound to the laws, which Jesus said were strangling the people’s relationship with God.  Paul’s last words on the issue were these, “For through the Spirit, by faith, we await the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision or uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.” (Gal 5:5-6)

Pope Francis faces a similar situation as he tries to whittle down the many laws that have developed over time in the church.  The problem with these laws, as with the Jewish law, is that they become the faith for some and obedience to them is seen to be the road to God and often encourage judgment of one another.  Jesus opposed this in no uncertain terms over and over.  When the Pharisees condemned him for curing on the Sabbath, he countered by asking them if a prized animal fell into a pit on the Sabbath, wouldn’t they pull it out regardless of the law that forbid physical labor on that day? The Pharisees took every opportunity to judge Jesus’s actions.  One criticized him for not doing the ritual washing before a meal and Jesus responded that they would clean the outside of the cup and dish while the inside remained filthy.  Jesus was never subtle when he spoke to this issue.  No one could mistake his meaning.

Laws may have their place, but a relationship with God through Christ does not need a slate of laws, but only faith in Him, love for Him and for one another.  When those things are in place, the need for laws disappears.  The bond between God and a believer is deep and strong.  It transcends everything else because it so powerful, it can withstand any and all obstacles.

Take up Chapter 23 of Matthew’s Gospel and read how vehemently Jesus condemns those who demand obedience to the letter of the law while ignoring the spirit of the law.  These statements are his revolutionary manifesto.  The simplicity of his message, that is, loving one another and loving God are sufficient for salvation, was too much for many people of his time and is too much for many people today.  Be that as it may, it is still true that following the commandments that Jesus set down, are all we need for peace in our hearts and in our world. 

“Love one another as I have loved you.  This is how all men shall know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)

Blessings,

Carol Lemelin OPA