At some point in our lives, we look forward to meeting someone. In fact, we might have established a relationship via the Internet but yet we haven’t met this individual face to face. It is not unusual to create our own ideas or expectations about this person we are about to meet. It is not unusual to be disappointed once the actual meeting occurs. The reason for the disappointment might be due to false expectations about our Internet friend.
More than two thousand years ago, a colony of the Roman Empire had a definite set of ideas about an upcoming leader. This leader was supposed to deliver them from the Roman Empire and re-establish their own Jewish dynasty. It was also important that the upper class preserved their benefits and privileges. It is safe to say that this particular colony was fragmented with an enormous gap between rich and poor, educated vs. uneducated, religious vs. pagan.
It is during this time of turmoil that a strange visitor arrived to the area. His name was Jesus. In a short period of time, he became very popular among the poor. Meanwhile the upper class became threatened by his message. For the first time, the scriptures were explained in a more simple way - It was just about love! We are all the children of God and we must love each other! This particular statement is simple but at the same time has a very profound social impact. The upper/religious class had become indifferent to the needs of the lower class. In other words, they were very comfortable with their status.
His preaching against discrimination placed him in a collision course with a very intolerant class. This class was very particular and strict about the interpretation of the scriptures. The upper class was expecting a different type of leader. They didn’t recognize Jesus as the powerful visitor that they have been waiting for.
After two thousand years of his visit, there are more than two billion people that call themselves Christians. The term Christian means followers of Christ. But, I look around and see us, Christians, happy with our Sunday service or mass while indifferent with our brothers' needs. Our reality is so similar to the one Jesus faced that I hear him asking us; did you actually read my book?