THEY ARE called to embrace the light of truth and justice. They are the lost, rich politicians consumed with greed, selfishness and hunger for power to oppress humanity.
Jesus of Nazareth came to call them to repent, serve the poor and set the oppressed and those deprived of a decent life free. They are called to share the wealth and bring justice and equality to the poor.
Quoting Isaiah, he said the time had come when the Lord will save his people from all the evil in the world. He would call on them to change in mind and heart, and love their neighbor by helping and serving the victims with compassion and love.
There were the elders, pharisees and scribes listening to Jesus of Nazareth as he challenged them to change, do good and oppose evil. They were filled with anger at him when he pointed out the historical injustices in society. They grabbed Jesus and dragged him to the top of the hill, intending to throw him over to his death, but he stopped them with the power of his dignity and presence, walked away through the crowd, and went his way.
That was the beginning of the many challenges and confrontations he would have with the forces of evil as he gathered supporters and crowds of people who desired and believed in a better, more just and loving society. They became his followers.
Today, these are his many true disciples who continue to do good for the poor and suffer for it, especially when they challenge and oppose the oppressors. They, like Jesus, are unjustly imprisoned and tortured. Many are slain by the death squads for being in solidarity with the downtrodden, as Jesus was. He challenged the cruel and hypocritical religious authorities. They were like whitewashed tombs, sepulchers filled with corruption, he said. They hated him and planned his execution.
He called his followers friends, not servants. He said: “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father, I have made known to you.”
This was the “greatest love,” he added, sacrificial love that no one could have greater love than to give his life in service to others. He washed their feet as a humble servant himself and shared mutual affection, purpose and mission.
He suffered the betrayal of his friend Judas. He stood by his convictions, his nonviolent revolution of the heart and mind. For this, he was crucified. He overcame death and was raised up to life. His presence and message live among us, and we are challenged to be his friends and true followers and doers of his word by serving humanity with all our hearts and minds./PN
