Keep Jesus at the Centre

As we read and meditate on the words of Jesus as given in the New Testament, we will be wonderstruck by the unique power and role of Jesus. This is all the more a corrective lesson, as we are drawn away from Jesus. The apostles and disciples who experienced Jesus while he was on earth give testimony to this truth.

In 1 John, 1: 1-4  we read: “We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our own eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of life, this life was revealed to us, and we have seen it and testify to it, and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us – we declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you too may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.”

John 14:1: “Believe in God and believe also in me. …I am the way, and the truth and the life. The words that I say to you I do not speak of my own, but the Father who dwells in me does his works.” Jesus wanted His followers to be involved with Him.

After the resurrection of Jesus, the top agenda of catechesis was to instruct on it (resurrection). Even in healing ministry, Peter and the apostles were keen on giving the true meaning of the power of Jesus: “I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk” (Acts 3:5-6).

The power of Peter and the apostles lay in their belief in the risen Lord. That was really magnetic. “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and ordinary men, they were amazed and recognized them as companions of Jesus” (Act 4:13). Further when the apostles were ordered not to preach about Jesus, Peter and John answered them: “Whether it right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than to God…for we cannot keep from speaking what we have seen and heard” (Act 4:19-20).

The whole of catechetical instruction was about Jesus and his resurrection. The repeated lessons were faith formation for the new believers.

Peter and the apostles and some of the believers were punished with imprisonment; they were beaten, tortured, threatened, and all sorts of pains were meted out to them. But they rejoiced that they were found worthy to suffer dishonour for the sake of the name of Jesus.

We have to draw inspiration, instruction, advice, example, and guidance from the holy women and men. They are all human beings as we are. Never develop any sort of devotion that may keep Jesus in the second place.

Even in the naming of church buildings and institutions, as well as in church decorations and liturgical paraphernalia, we must keep in mind the need to give Jesus and the Cross their rightful and supreme place.

Blurb

We can draw inspiration, instruction, and guidance from the holy women and men. At the same time, we must ensure that our devotion to the saints never diminishes the centrality of Jesus Christ in our lives.