On the urgency that Jesus had to save us, as seen in a commercial

Archdiocese of Washington ^ | September 20, 2013 | Msgr. Charles Pope

[NYer]

The commercial in the video below has a surprise ending. We are led through a very traditional story line about a child who can’t wait for Christmas. But then comes the twist at the end. You may wish to view it before you read any further commentary by me, lest my comments, give the surprise away.

As I saw the video I was first reminded of the Scripture which says, It is more blessed to give than to receive. ( Acts 20:34) And also the scripture that says, God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Cor 9:7)

But there is something more than a cheerful giver illustrated in this video. Indeed, the young boy in the commercial is an urgent giver, a giver who cannot wait to give the gift he has to offer. The days and moments creep by. When will he finally be able to give the gift! And finally the day comes. Finally!

I knew this rang strangely familiar to me. Somehow it spoke of a Biblical theme. And then it hit to me. Yes! This was Jesus on his final journey to Jerusalem, urgent and eager to give us the gift of our salvation, earnest to snatch us from the kingdom of darkness and translate us to the Kingdom of light. Of this almost impatient desire in Him Scripture says:

• As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. (Luke 9:51)
• Jesus exclaimed, “I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed! (Luke 12:49)
• Jesus said, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified!…“Now my soul is troubled, yet what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour! Father, glorify your name!”….Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” (John 12 28-31)

Scripture says that as his Apostles followed him up the road to Jerusalem for his final journey they were “amazed and afraid.” (cf Mk 10:32). Along the way, seeing his determination to go to Jerusalem and fearful of his own predictions he would die, the disciples protested: But Rabbi, a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going there? (John 11:8). Finally seeing his determination Thomas, likely in exasperation, said, Let us also go, that we may die with him! (John 11:16).

Yes, Jesus set his face like flint to Jerusalem, eager to give the gift of salvation. What distress, what impatience until he could give the gift! Resolutely he went forth with eagerness.

Think on these things as you watch this video.

VIDEO

[NYer]

This reminded me of Archbishop Fulton Sheen's book The Life of Christ, where he notes:

The story of every human life begins with birth and ends with death. In the Person of Christ, however, it was His death that was first and His life that was last. It was not so much that His birth cast a shadow on His life and thus led to His death; it was rather that the Cross was first, and cast its shadow back to His birth. His has been the only life in the world that was ever lived backward.

Thank you, Lord, for the beautiful gift of salvation.

[darkwing104]

Great post. Thanks

[Hoodat]

Cool beans. That was awesome!

Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 18:4

[GreyFriar]

NYer, thank you for posting the Monsignor’s blog and video.

[Mrs. Don-o]

Wonderful!!

[Salvation]

LOL! I watched the video yesterday, but then forgot to read the artcile.

So precious.

[Freedom_Is_Not_Free]

Thank you Jesus!

[zot]

Thanks for the ping. Excellent!