Experiencing Christ

Gospel: Matthew 13: 16-17

We have a tendency to see those who experienced Jesus while on earth as having a privileged position: they got to see and hear all the tremendous words and deeds of the Lord, and for those who were able to see Jesus for who he really is this was indeed a great privilege.  However, for those who did not see Jesus for who he is, those who persecuted and put him to death or who were just indifferent, this privilege became a colossal missed opportunity.

But consider: we who acknowledge Jesus for who he is also profess to believe that Christ is present in every human being, that every human being has intrinsic dignity and worth.  Do we recognize Christ present in every human being? Do we really believe in the inherent dignity of every human person, or is it merely a phrase we trot out for our pet political issue, but has no real meaning beyond that?

That we continue unjust death penalty systems, denigrate refugees and immigrants, and use the most vile language in reference to political opponents suggests we have a long way to go in really seeing Jesus for who he is, in seeing him in the person of others, and in really believing in the dignity and worth of all people.  We may like to imagine ourselves following the Lord lovingly while he was on earth, but our actions and attitudes toward others might suggest otherwise.