Pope John Paul II,washing feet on Holy Thurdsay. This image shows that even the noblest among us are called to serve all others, and leaders especially are called to serve. John Paul was following Christ's example in washing feet.
ONE: The key idea about the Morality of Jesus presented in the third section of Junior Morality is His greatest commandment, love of neighbor and God. Jesus focused on social relationships, and said that all souls will be judged on the basis of how they have treated the needy among them (Mt 25: 31-46). He also said that to enter the kingdom, one must follow the commandments, rules which focus on loving God and our fellow people. We studied other teachings of Jesus, including his Sermon on the Mount and other Gospel stories.
TWO: Three of the more important ideas
First, I want to remember C.S. Lewis's support for the existance of God as written in his book, Mere Christianity. He says that all men have the same basic human nature and the same moral needs and requirements. He also said that therefore, by learning about myself, I can learn about all man, and the entire universe. For what in the universe can I know best? Only myself, for I can gain much more complete knowledge about myself than about other things which are not me. He goes on to say that the fact self-knowledge leads to a greater understanding, and the fact that man is so complex, is because man is the Creator of the Universe's way of revealing himself to us. He says that if there is no creator and the whole universe is a cooincidence, then man should be able to understand logic behind all things or none of them. Since this is not the case, and because of the mystery of the human person, some being outside our universe must have created our universe. Lewis' logic is solid, and helps me realize the importance of examining my life.
Secondly, William O'Malley, S.J.'s commentary on Jesus' morality provided a nice summary of Jesus' morality, with an interesting angle. He writes that Jesus focused less on prepared lists of confession, harsh punishments, and on many sins we see today as most wretched, and more on forgiveness, with his key sins being pride and refusal to seek forgiveness. He points out that, regardless of how we think of sin, and how the Church treats sin, Jesus willingly offered forgiveness to people who are truly sorry for sinning and simply ask his forgiveness. He did not preach or get angry at they who asked forgiveness, he simply forgave them and told them not to do it again. This morality fits with his teachings about love, and he fully lived his commandment to love everyone. O'Malley put Jesus in that light, and drew me to see how Jesus followed his teachings in how he offered forgiveness on no basis besides contrition.
Thrid, related to the above, Jesus followed all his teachings, and thus led by example. To lead, he knew, he must be honest and true to his words. Similarly, he repeatedly admonished the Pharisees for hipocracy or phoneyness, for acting pious but being rotton, or just less than they made themselves out to be. In John 14, Jesus washed his apostles feet, telling them to lead by example in the same way, and to love all and serve all, regardless of their social status. Jesus also loved the needy among him, curing the diseased and crippled, and staying with those looked down on by the rest of society such as tax collectors and sinners. Jesus lived what he taught, and gave us the dual example of how to live-by love-and how to lead-by example.
THREE: An image that reminds me of the topic.
Pope John Paul II,washing feet on Holy Thurdsay. This image shows that even the noblest among us are called to serve all others, and leaders especially are called to serve. John Paul was following Christ's example in washing feet.
FOUR: "What Is a Christian? Are you a Christian?" A Christian is someone who believes Jesus is God, and who believes his teachings to the point of trying to follow them as best he or she can. In my head, I am a Christian; however when it comes to actions, I do not live like a Christian as much as I should, or do not try to follow Jesus as much as required. I do follow His teachings for the most part, but there are many times when I outrightly disobey Jesus' commandment to love everyone. I especially struggle to love my enemies. Still, being Christian forces me to take a look at my actions and strive to correct my faults and improve my person. Christianity gives me a goal to strive for that seems very valid-reaching the Kingdom of Heaven-and a way to get there-by love. All I have to do is follow that way of love.
FIVE: "What must I do to make myself a better Christian?" I struggle to love all people at all times, and think of my own happiness first, so to improve my person, I will strive to as a first step, keep angry or hateful thoughts within my head, rather than speaking my hatred towards someone. Like Buddha's right speech, I will notice my speech as the first step towards love. I will then, after mastering my tounge, work not to think harsh thoughts against others. When I do not think or speak evil towards others, I surely will not act without love toward them.