what sort of Jesus i seek

Translating Biblical stories to modern times is fraught with danger. And yet it is the only real way in which we can know Jesus. And without knowing Jesus we will not know how to ask our question or to hear the response. Can we find a picture for today of seekers questioning Jesus? Let’s try.

Where will you look?
In our stories the seekers sought Jesus; they found him where he was. It didn’t seem to matter where—they came. Most of the time he was in the countryside. The sense is that people came out to meet him. He attracted.

How will we know him? What will he look like?
Do we already have in mind who Jesus is—a man, long hair and beard, flowing robes, kind face, white skin? Will the Jesus we can ask our question of today be like that? What will tell us we have found the person? In the stories nothing is said of his appearance. The crowds know him from what he does and says. His reputation quickly spread and disciples follow him around. But are these the important traits we can use to find Jesus today?

Who will the seekers be?
Our stories suggest almost anyone—no specific type came to him. The ill, the tormented, the unsure, the thinkers—all came. Some came with purer motives, some with hidden agendas—so something else distinguishes them. Something deep inside perhaps gives them the courage to come. Perhaps it’s hope, perhaps despair, perhaps even curiosity and belief.

Let’s look.
Blessings, Caroline

SATURDAY, FIRST WEEK OF LENT

Jesus was Human as We Are
And history calls him Jesus of Nazareth...
Imagine the breadth of humanity as you look at the picture, humanity that includes Jesus. Jesus was one of us.
What sort of person is Jesus of Nazareth?
How is he like you, how different?
How do we recognize Jesus today?

“Traveling Monk “ Central France Youth Retreat , fall, 2002

Jesus of Nazareth, born of a woman, human like the least of us, hear our prayers. We seek to know you; we seek to know ourselves as you see us. We stand in awe of your power; we wonder at your capacity for compassion. We wish to be your family. Come to us anew for it is in your name that we pray. Amen.