The Life and Times of Jesus: the Messiah Behind Enemy Lines (Part Ii)

Publisher Marketing: Jesus was a Messiah behind enemy lines - God come into a sinful world ruled by evil. He was on a secret mission to save humanity. To Jesus' first-century Jewish contemporaries, whatever the Nazarene might be, he was not simply 'another good rabbi.' Jesus was a polarizing figure. One believed either that this powerful preacher and wonderworker was uniquely of God or that he was an agent of the Evil One. As he said in Luke's Gospel, "Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters" (Lk. 11:23). We often speak of the love, mercy, and compassion of Jesus, but Malachi also prophesied of him, "Yes, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. But who will endure the day of his coming? And who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire" (Mal. 3:1-2). That is indeed how he came. Jesus was always moved by love of God and neighbor, but he was not always 'nice.' He was "meek and humble of heart" (Mt. 11:29) but never tame. Innocent though he was, it is little wonder that his boldness and zeal for righteousness provoked such powerful enemies; he knew it would be so. Jesus walked the earth at a time when human life had become cheapened, and prompt and brutal execution was a matter not so much of justice as of expedience. Ultimately, Jesus' paradoxical roles as fiery prophet and meek Lamb of God would intersect on the wood of the cross. Contributor Bio:  North, Wyatt Michael J. Ruszala holds an M. A. in Theology and Christian Ministry and a B. A. in Philosophy and Theology summa cum laude from Franciscan University of Steubenville. Certified as a parish catechetical leader by the Diocese of Buffalo, he is Director of Lifelong Faith Formation at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Getzville, NY. Michael has served as an adjunct lecturer in religious studies at Niagara University in Lewiston, NY, and as a member of several catechetical committees for the Diocese of Buffalo. An active member of the Society of Catholic Social Scientists and author of several religious books, he has been published in religious journals including the Social Justice Review, the Catholic Social Science Review, and Lay Witness online edition. With interests in music, art, tennis, and kayaking, Michael also enjoys directing the children's choir at his parish.