Let's Talk About Jesus

Bonnie Drury wanted a closer walk with Jesus. She began this journey by meditating on Our Lord’s life and death.

I grew up Southern Baptist, and we talked about Jesus a lot, as if He were a beloved friend or relative. “What would Jesus do?” or “What would Jesus think?”

When I became Catholic, the dialogue became more hushed, less familiar. I was so in love with my new faith that I mentioned Jesus less as I taught my children. I wanted them to be Catholic.

The Mass is centered around Jesus

The Catholic faith is very reverent, and that’s a good thing. When you look at the Mass, the prayers, the readings, the songs, they’re all about Jesus. The entire Mass is centered around Christ’s passion, the moment in time when He obtained salvation for us. But when we leave Mass, do we bring Jesus with us and include Him in our daily lives?

During Lent, we walk with Him through the desert for 40 days, so to speak. But do we really know Him? Do we feel His presence every day? Do we make our decisions according to “What would Jesus do?” Even at the 2023 Synod of Bishops in Rome, Bishop Barron reported that a frequent question was, “What would Jesus do?”.

Our souls are a very personal concern for Jesus. I tell my Catechism class, “God loves you as if you’re the only person on earth.” This is true. How do we get to know Jesus in a more intimate way? By meditating on His life and sacrifice on the Cross.

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The Wedding at Cana: A turning point

I always used to smile when I read about the wedding at Cana. Jesus appeared to tell his mother “No” when it came to changing the water into wine. But she persisted, even though I believe she understood at that point where this path would lead Him. She knew that He had to complete His mission on earth and let Him know she supported him. But it was also apparent that He did not want to say no to His mother. This is something to remember when we ask Mary to be our mediator/advocate. A big part of Jesus’ character is how much He loves His mother.

The night before the Crucifixion, Jesus gave us a wonderful gift: the Eucharist. He knew He was about to die a horrible death, but He lovingly gave us Himself in this special way. I had to reread the Gospels to confirm that Jesus offered Judas the bread He had consecrated, and the betrayer did partake. Jesus knew what Judas would do later that night, but nevertheless, He gave His apostle the grace to resist, if he chose to do so. We are so unworthy. How can He love us so much? Because Jesus is our brother in every sense of the word.

When He was condemned to death, Jesus embraced and kissed His cross, and was mocked for it. He was willing to endure the Crucifixion because it was the only way we could spend eternity with Him.

Jesus is kindness and patience

Jesus was always so kind and patient, even when his apostles failed Him, falling asleep in the Garden of Gethsemane, Judas betraying Him, the others abandoning Him, Peter denying Him. After the Resurrection, the Apostles must’ve been bereft with shame for the way they’d treated Him and left Him to die. But, according to Scripture, He did not utter one word of rebuke.

Instead, Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love me?”, allowing Peter to wash away the shame of his denials.

Jesus grieved on the Cross for all those who would not be saved by His Sacrifice. Not only was He bearing our sins, but He could see the faces of the lost, those who turned away.

Then Jesus said, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)

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As we celebrate Jesus’ birth this month, let us remember why He came and how much He loves us.

“No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13)

Our Lord chose to enter our world as a tiny baby, and to become a sacrifice for our sins. As the popular slogan says, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” Family togetherness, love, and forgiveness will honor Our Savior during our Christmas celebration.

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