The Jesus Paradox

Following Jesus often sounds foolish and foolhardy
in the face of the self-serving pragmatism of the world today.
And yet, his way seems to me the only way
the world can save itself from self-destruction.
The world has never seen so much material goods as in the present times;
and yet there are billions who survive on less than a dollar day.
Who will feed the hungry, clothe the naked and shelter the homeless?
Not the bankers nor traders in Wall street who seem driven by greed and selfishness.
But those who respond and resonate with the call of Jesus for love and generosity.
There has never been a more interconnected world than the one we live in now;
and yet there have never been more lonely people who are discriminated against.
We are kept apart, divided and isolated from one another
by so much anger, hatred, violence and the desire for revenge and retribution.
Who will stop the cycle of violence so that we can live in peace and harmony?
Not world leaders who foment the anger and hatred among their own people;
but those who listen and follow the call of Jesus for peace and forgiveness.
The world has never so much physical comforts and luxuries as today;
and yet there has never been as pain, anguish and suffering in the world.
Who will ease the pain and bind the wounds to heal and make us whole and holy again?
Not those who wallow in comfort or luxury;
but those who take up their cross daily and live simple lives
dedicated to serving and loving others.