LOVING JESUS

ALTHOUGH YOU HAVE NOT SEEN HIM, YOU LOVE HIM. (1 PT 1:9)

When Diana, Princess of Wales died, the mothers of the world mourned on behalf of her sons, William and Harry.  As the years progressed they watched and worried about them and were delighted when William married, but that left Harry.  None forgot the sad little boy walking behind his mother’s funeral cortege. Then last week they watched as Harry married a woman who looks to be the exact person he needed.  An enormous number of women watched the wedding of someone they didn’t know but love.  Now the world’s foster mothers can relax.  Harry is ok. 

How is it possible to love someone you don’t even know?  It’s a mystery to some and a myth to others, but for those who love someone that way it is real.  In his letter to the faithful of Jerusalem, Peter seems almost in awe of the followers of Jesus who never knew him or never even saw him. For a good while the apostles and disciples believed Jesus came as a Messiah just to the Jewish people, but both Peter and Paul had a revelation at almost the same time that convinced them that Jesus came for everyone.  

Their surprise in the interest shown by Romans and Greeks and Persians, for example, is evident in their writing.  The Apostles were wrapped up in their history and prophetic expectations so they couldn’t conceive of people of other races and cultures being included by Jesus even though they had witnessed him doing just that.  It is easy to become shortsighted when you are comfortable in your place in the world and pretty sure you’re right about everything.  In the times in which we live, it’s possible to fully aware of what is going on everywhere and yet still remain isolated, unwilling or fearful, cautious about interaction with strangers. 

Scripture says Jesus told the disciples to go out and teach the world all that he had taught them. With all due respect to the translator, it might have been better to say share with the world.  Teach implies some superiority and we want to approach people from a position of equality.  The love of Christ, the support of the Holy Spirit and the unfailing mercy of the Father are what gives us joy.  We know Jesus well and we can testify to his love.  I wonder if St. Peter could have imagined that in 2000 years there would be over 2 billion people who know and love Jesus as he did.  How many more will be added to those numbers when we, who know and love Jesus, share what we know of Him?   

Blessings,

Carol Lemelin OPA