There are
hundreds of things we human beings, and even animals, share in common. We value
life, family, goodness, beauty, love, peace etc. We abhor death, hatred,
stress, etc. These are all true and inherent in all cultures and traditions.
Christ came to
the world preaching a message that is for all: for Jews and Pagans alike, male
and female, righteous and unrighteous. He preached not only in Jerusalem but
also beyond the Jordan, in Galilee, the land of the pagans. He ministered not
only to those in the light but more so to those in darkness that they may see
the light. He prepared everyone for the coming of the Kingdom by means of
proclaiming the good news of our salvation, curing illnesses, feeding the
hungry, forgiving sins, preaching and living God's mercy, dying for the
salvation not only of the tribe of Israel but also for the renewal of entire
humanity. The love He preached and commanded us to live by is true not only for
the Jews but also for us Filipinos, Chinese, Africans etc. He accepted
everyone; sinners and saints alike. The salvation from sin and death which Christ
won had merited not only a handful of human beings but every one of us. The
salvation which Christ brought forth is universal.
Universality and
acceptance of everyone is a mark which Christ has imprinted in His brand of
preaching, and so it is in the Church which He founded. Our Church is described
as “Catholic” precisely because it is, and can be present anywhere for
everyone.
As Christians, do
we have the same attitude of Christ? Do we make the Kingdom of God open to
everyone? Do we accept everyone whether sinners or saints alike? Or have we
become exclusivist and make the gospel message a private message only for the
righteous?
The way we treat
the weak, sinners, destitute, the least, and those who differ from us indicates
the presence of God in us. We have truly embodied the universal Christian
message of love, the good news of salvation, when we accept everyone, with
their weaknesses and imperfections; guiding them, walking with them side by
side towards the gates of the Kingdom of God which Christ opened for all.
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