My Jesus

MY JESUS What a strange concept, for an old Jew like me, to have my own Jesus! But, I am the lucky one, for, as we know, truly righteous people belong to us all. My Jesus does not look much like the pictures I have seen in the art galleries of the world. My Jesus has short brown hair, is slender and tall, his back ramrod-straight, A beautiful, handsome man. My Jesus has huge blue eyes, that gaze upon us with compassion and sometimes, a mischievous twinkle. His hands, always active, his mouth in a gentle smile, that smile and the compassionate gaze reflecting the gentle, caring self within. My Jesus is not afraid to laugh...or to cry. He weeps at sad films, his heart an open book. A minimalist, my Jesus; Every word he says is chosen carefully, and rather than criticise, a simple “hmmm” tells you when you have messed up, so that you stay in control of your deeds, while he shelters your soul, and nurtures you, loves you. My Jesus is happiest, surrounded by those who need him: Young people, clinging to him, as he takes them swimming, or plays the music of devotion at a dance. My Jesus never judges, which is what brings him even closer to our shared, our God, the True Judge. My Jesus is a whole man, like he who came before. He has feelings, needs, wants, and sacrifices himself daily upon the altar of opinion. Not because he is a coward: but that he can remain a messenger of God to the genteel old ladies, the troubled young people, the dying, the barely-living, which makes my Jesus the bravest of the brave. My Jesus spreads his gospel through modern media. His namesake would have approved totally. The message of unconditional love goes out to all whom he knows, and in return, many, most, love my Jesus, in whatever way, however they can. But he is still my Jesus. I'm selfish, you see; I can only share my personal prophet so much. Selfish, but not jealous. If DaVinci can be believed, my Jesus will meet his Mary Magdalene some day, and they will fall in love, forever. That Mary will be a man is hardly important, except to those who would spurn my Jesus, nail him to the cross of bigotry and homophobia, and feed him the sour wine of ignorance. My Jesus is above such torment. He will not die, but grow stronger, ever more loving, ever more loved, reinvigorated, almost reborn, to carry on his message to a good old age, and then be gathered to his Father in Heaven, leaving a legacy that his world, be it large or small, will treasure to eternity. Dedicated with love, to M.D.B. Ian Silver November 29, 2004 c.e.