Daily Meditation: Friday, March 29, 2013

Jesus on the cross - Christianity has over-emphasized this image

03/29/2013

Christians have spread the image of Jesus on the cross throughout the world. In doing so they have wanted to show the enormity of his sacrifice. But why not show him more often triumphing over death, in glory and light, to inspire people to become like him? Such a strong emphasis on his torture casts a shadow over their consciousness. The tender-hearted are touched, of course, and shed a few tears. But how can anyone feel inspired when all they ever see is a martyred, bleeding being wearing a crown of thorns? They have no wish to follow his example. If you want to take people along with you, you have to offer them beauty and grandeur. By all means speak of Jesus’ crucifixion, but give it a much broader interpretation. In the figure of the Christ on the cross, an initiate sees the Soul of the world offering itself in all four directions, to sustain and feed all creatures. But is it this sublime, glorious dimension that is presented to Christians?