How good are we?

For Christians the Cross is the perfect example of selfless love, yet I suspect that we often misunderstand what Jesus is trying to tell us.  When we look at the cross, the predominant reaction of most Christians is one of shame.  “I did that to you.  My sins nailed you to the cross.  I am so unworthy.  I am no good and yet you are so good you forgive me.  You’d forgive me anything.”

“I am no good but you are so good you forgive me.”  As humble and holy as that statement sounds it is far from humble or holy and it was not Jesus’ intention.  Ironically his crucifixion was not meant to prove how good he is but how good we are.  Jesus doesn’t love us because he is so good he’d forgive us anything.  Jesus doesn’t need to prove how good he is. He loves us because we are lovable.  He really likes us. This is the hardest thing to believe.

There is a beautiful reading from the Prophet Isaiah that I often reflect on: “Do not be afraid - I will save you, I have called you by your name - you are mine.... because you are precious to me and because I love you and give you honour.” (Is 43:1-4)

I have always had a problem with these verses  and my problem is simple.  I find it hard to believe them.  Hard to believe that I am precious to God and that He loves me.  Or in the terms of the Song of Songs and Pope Benedict’s encyclical Deus Caritas Est, God desires me, finds joy in my presence.  I know it.  I have preached about it many times, but knowing and believing are quite different things.  I often find it difficult to appreciate that God likes me and I suspect I am not alone in this.

Fr Noel Connolly
director@columban.org.au

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