IF SOME of us aren’t yet, may we take a closer look at the extraordinary qualities which characterized Jesus Christ, a great man, who will be celebrating his birthday on December 25. We never allow the preoccupations and anxieties of life to rob us of the opportunity to consider and follow closely his exemplary life.
Jesus was approachable. He was not annoyed when people approached him with problems or perplexing questions. Children were comfortable in his company without fear of being ignored. His dealings with his disciples were marked by open, friendly conversations. They did not hesitate to draw close to him. *How freely do others approach us?
Jesus was balanced. He did not practice or advocate an austere lifestyle. He attended banquets. He was not antisocial or ascetic. Yet, his priority is to do God’s will that sent him and to finish his work. *Have we analyzed our life to see how we can balance our material and spiritual pursuits?
Jesus was able to show good judgment about the quality of someone or something. Although Jesus was a person who committed no error, he never expected perfection of others; neither did he act with an air of superiority nor a lack of understanding. *Are we known for being quick to commend and slow to condemn?
Jesus was respectful and impartial. He did not share prejudices of the people in his day. He accorded women due dignity who were commonly treated as inferior to men. And Jesus had special affection for his disciple John but he did not show any partiality toward him or favor him over the other disciples. *Are we fair-minded in our dealings with people of a different race, gender, language or nationality?
Jesus was compassionate and empathetic. One of Jesus’ greatest virtues was his ability to put himself in the place of others, to share their feelings and to respond with helpful action. Onlookers could easily perceive the great affection Jesus felt for a family, an affection that he was not ashamed to manifest openly. *Can our compassion for others be seen in our deeds?
Jesus was a dutiful son and brother. Apparently, his adoptive father, Joseph, died when he was still a youth. He supported his mother and his younger brothers and sisters by working as a carpenter. During his last moments of life, he entrusted his mother to the care of his disciple John. *Can we imitate Jesus by our assuming family responsibilities as he did?
Jesus was a true friend. He did not reject his friends just because they made mistakes or the same mistakes repeatedly. He concentrated on their good qualities. He was not imposing his viewpoints on his disciples but invited them to express themselves freely. *Do we remain a friend even when others irritate or offend us?
Jesus was courageous. He was a strong and vigorous person. He drove merchants with their goods from the temple. He stepped forward to identify himself and to protect his disciples when a mob came to arrest him. *Do we act decisively and courageously when we see what we must do?
However, Jesus Christ was much more than just a model to follow. He said: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”