Our Lord came as Our Savior, the Redeemer, the Anointed One promised in the Old Testament, revealed in the New Testament. However, we are not automatically saved; at least that’s our belief as Catholics. In order to be saved, we need to be in the right order with Christ, this means not just keeping his commandments, but honoring him in the appropriate way. That means understanding our role in salvation, in order to be given the grace and gift of salvation itself.

In fulfillment of the Old Testament, Jesus came to save us, but these are not mere words. He came, through his Father, and became fully human, descending from heaven to live both humanly and divinely in the form of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. This redeeming action, not only shows the love he has for us all, his most favored creation, but also deeply illustrates what he wants from us; surrender.

His surrender to the will of his Father, completely humbled by arrogant and cruel prosecutors who were amongst his chosen people, only tells us where we need to be in relation to him. There is no humility that could even compare to his love for us in his mission on earth. The one and true God, tortured, abused, humiliated, rejected; not just during the Passion of the Christ, but throughout his missionary life. How did he react? He surrendered and obeyed the will of his Father.

This is a key element for us in determining where we should start if we want to be close to him. We can only understand where we stand, by showing him that same love and respect, and it starts with not trying to stand “shoulder-to-shoulder” with God or others, but understanding and accepting his omnipotence and omnipresence in our lives and the world. That makes us his loving subjects in his kingdom, but not in any way equal, or just transactional Christians. Wanting the benefits of the kingdom, but unwilling to walk through the narrow gate to enter it. He lies, like a Shepard protecting his flock across this gate, ensuring those inside are safe and welcoming newcomers who have found the way to the entrance.

I would submit, surrender to his will is the first stage in really understanding his mission, with faith and acceptance of the word of the apostles, who were fortunate enough to have witnessed his love in “real time” during his human lifetime.

We, among others, have the job of sharing this with our fellow man, but I believe the real spiritual journey begins with this admission of submitting and dedicating our lives to him. It will be the door that opens all others to his love and splendor.

Mike Cunningham January 2012