Who is Jesus to you?

By John J. Boucher
Special to The Catholic Free Press

There are four Christian words that even the most secularized, inactive Catholics may understand (at least in part): God, Jesus, Bible, and Church.
Due to the Christian roots of our nation, “Jesus” is one of the most widely used words. For example, a 2019 Gallup Poll reports that 93% of Americans still celebrate Christmas and at least 70% see it as a religious holiday (the birth of Jesus).
No matter how incomplete this knowledge or experience of him, most inactive Catholics have some personal views about Who is Jesus.
Whatever the understanding, this phenomenon gives us an opportunity to reach out to others with the Good News of Jesus in everyday life. And talking about him can be part of a conversation about the spiritual life.
 
WORKOUTS

The following “Evangelization Workout” can be done by individuals, families, small groups, or large groups who want to bring people to a deeper faith.

Individual Activity (5 min.)

Consider some of these Scriptural titles used to describe Jesus. (See chart ) These ancient names can be used as prayers, in and of themselves. Several have been used for centuries as part of the “O-Antiphons” before Christmas.

• Circle three titles that you would find most meaningful as you pray, study, or speak to others about Jesus Christ. If a favorite title of Jesus is not listed, put it in the empty bottom box.

• Pause for a few moments. Close your eyes and step back in time. Imagine that Jesus is passing by you on the dusty road to Jerusalem. Call out to him using the title that suits you right now. Spend as much or as little time on that one name as you need. How does Jesus respond? What happens next?

• Try repeating just one or two titles over and over again, at quiet moments throughout your day.

• Consider alternating the word “Jesus” with a few striking titles (ex. Jesus, Savior; Jesus, Lord; etc.)


Share with a family member, friend, or in a small
parish/neighborhood group
(3 or 4 people – 10-20 min.)

Listen in a non-judgmental way, without giving advice.
At some point we might ask, “How is your image of Jesus working for you?” If someone says, “I don’t believe in Jesus,” then we might ask, “Can you tell me about this Jesus that you don’t believe in?”
At some point in our conversation, we also hope to share who Jesus is for us and how we came to believe this way.

Share your responses to these questions:

1. Which two or three of these Scriptural titles for Jesus encourage you the most? Why did you choose each one?
2. How do your favorite titles of Jesus color what you think it means to be a Catholic disciple of Christ?
3. Which of these titles of Jesus are the most foreign or disturbing? How does it color your faith?
4. Think of three people from your everyday life. What do you think their favorite titles for Jesus might be?
5. [For use in an explicitly religious group]  Why is it important to understand people’s favorite titles for Jesus? How does this knowledge help us share faith or evangelize?

People-Homework Challenge

Use this exercise to informally survey other people one-by-one from your everyday life about “Who is Jesus for You?” If it helps you to break the ice, you might begin by asking a person, “Can you help me with the homework I have received from an article in The Catholic Free Press?”

– John J. Boucher is a member of the Parish Renewal and Evangelization Committee of the Diocese of Worcester.