Who is Your Jesus?

Who is your Jesus?

Is He the Jesus that fits your image of God in your mind, one that supports your thinking and opinions. Is He a God who judges or is He a God who loves? Is he a God who hurts or a God who heals?

I recently listened to a wonderful interview with Fr. Jim Martin and Fr. Richard Rohr. There was so much wisdom shared in this short conversation, but what continues to stir in my heart is a point that Fr. Martin raises about St. Peter and the Resurrected Jesus.

In John 21, Peter recognizes the risen Jesus on the shore as he is fishing with the disciples. Immediately, Peter jumps into the water.

Fr. Martin points out that you would think that Peter would want to avoid Jesus who he denied three times. I imagine I would want to hide from someone who I wronged, especially if that someone was Jesus.

But the Resurrected Jesus does not return to condemn, he returns to heal. In all of the resurrection stories, Jesus does not flip tables or seek punishment from those who hurt him, both physically and emotionally. All he does is heal.

This divine love is a reminder for us all. Might we better see God not as this great judge in the sky, but rather a source of healing that calls us to do the same.