Would you recognize Jesus today?

Well, if you recall, he wasn't well-recognized, even back in the day. Generally, his people thought he was a heretic. As the Roman Empire was basically conquoring and occupying what is now Isreal, they had serious issues with some Jew being heralded as the King of the Jews. So the law had an even bigger beef with him -- sort of a threat to their ability to rule. Really the only people who believed or recognized Jesus were those he directly touched. And even then, the disciples ranged from sycophantic to spineless -- at least one-in-ten was a Judas, recognizing the Son of God but deploring the righteous selfishness of Jesus' method.

My point is, he was not a popular character. His message was poorly received and improperly understood, even when he was alive! He was not on prime-time TV. . .hell, unless to denegrate him, he probably couldn't even have gotten a radio-spot, an interview, or an article.

Therefore, please grant me the black-hole of irony that so many people, now, think they are down with hommie Jesus. What? Has truth become easier to swallow over the last 1000 years? I DON'T THINK SO. Has the human ego lost its righteousness and fascination with itself? I DON'T THINK SO.

Just to be over-bearing, I will reitterate: The Romans condemned and crucified Jesus . . . and oh, some 300 years later, they adopted the gospel as their own. WHAT IS THAT? It's enough to make me cry!

So.

With that loose history in mind of Jesus and how he was "accepted", let me ask you again: Would you recognize Jesus today?

I'm not trying to be on a soap-box, and I know religion gets everybody in a tizzy. So I will answer my own question as honestly as I can:

I'm afraid I wouldn't recognize Him, if for no other reason than my selfishness which never goes away. That is why I do my best to focus on one single meditation as I handle the people in my life: We are all sons and daughters of God -- that much is true. Therefore, any (and all of us), could be, or ARE, the Christ.

Every conversation, every inflection, every nuance . . . could be God talking directly to me, if I am just willing to listen.

PS, People that say that God talks to them, as they practically ignore YOU, are full of shit. Talking to God means you are in communication with all that is "God", and look around, I don't see too many people speaking hummingbird or tree. Although it is very pleasent, I'm sure.