By Olivia Salter

If Jesus returned today, one might imagine that He would find a world vastly different from the one He knew two millennia ago. His teachings, rooted in love, compassion, and understanding, would undoubtedly be a stark contrast to the current state of global affairs, where division, inequality, and violence often dominate headlines. But, as He once emphasized, His message transcended time and space, providing a timeless framework for evaluating the human condition.

The State of the World

Jesus’s message focused heavily on the dignity of the individual and the importance of selfless love. In a world where materialism and individualism often overshadow communal values, it’s possible that He would see the wealth disparity, political corruption, and environmental degradation as a failure to follow His path. The unfortunate of the poor, the marginalized, and the oppressed would likely stir His heart deeply, as He consistently uplifted those cast aside by society.

In a society driven by technology, Jesus may also observe the way communication and connection have evolved. While the internet has brought people together in unprecedented ways, it has also created a space widespread with misinformation, alienation, and virtual disconnection. His call for authentic relationships, rooted in love and truth, might highlight the growing distance between people, even as they become more connected on the surface.

Spirituality in a Nonreligious World

The world today is also markedly more nonreligious than the one Jesus knew, with many people identifying as non-religious or choosing their own spiritual paths outside of organized faith. For Jesus, this may be seen as both an opportunity and a challenge. His teachings, after all, were not confined to a specific institution but were meant to be a universal call for human transformation. In this context, He might find a hunger for deeper meaning in the hearts of individuals who feel disillusioned by traditional structures of faith.

However, He might also witness the fragmentation of spiritual belief—where His message of unity, reconciliation, and peace has been distorted by dogma, extremism, and fundamentalism. Christianity itself, in some parts of the world, has become entangled with politics, power, and control, leading to a separation from the humble, loving example He set.

The Human Heart: Progress and Struggle

Despite the chaos, it’s important to remember that Jesus’s teachings were rooted in hope and redemption. His love for humanity was never contingent on perfection but on the possibility of transformation. If He returned today, He would likely acknowledge the progress humanity has made in areas such as civil rights, technology, and global cooperation, where strides have been made in the pursuit of justice and equality. Yet, He would also see the shadow side—how progress has often come at the expense of the vulnerable and how the human propensity for greed and self-interest can undo even the most noble endeavors.

Jesus, the teacher who always challenged His followers to “love your neighbor as yourself,” would likely be deeply moved by the resilience and compassion that many people continue to show in the face of adversity. Acts of kindness, community-building, and sacrifice, though seemingly small in comparison to the world’s issues, would be a reflection of the true spirit of His teachings.

A Call to Action

Ultimately, if Jesus returned today, His message would likely remain the same: to love, to forgive, to act justly, and to seek peace. He would challenge humanity to look beyond superficial differences, to heal the wounds of division, and to pursue a life grounded in grace and mercy. He would call on His followers to be stewards of the earth, champions of justice, and advocates for the downtrodden.

The human race, in His eyes, would not be judged solely for its failures, but for its capacity to change, to evolve, and to fulfill the higher calling of love. His return would be both a reflection and a challenge—a mirror to show us where we have fallen short, and an invitation to rise above our flaws and create a world more aligned with the love and compassion He embodied.

In the end, His message is timeless: humanity, despite its struggles, has the potential for profound transformation, and it is love—the purest form of which He exemplified—that can heal the world.

Wednesday, February 19, 2025