Jesus, Redeemer of Our Instincts

Only Jesus can descend to the depths where instincts reside, calm the waves, control the savage forces and turn them into love. Without Jesus, biblical love is not possible.

When this happens, we should react by hitting ourselves on the head to call attention to our actions and tell ourselves: "Wake up. Remember. This is not Jesus' style. It is neither His example nor His precept. I have to feel and act like Jesus. What would He feel? What would He say in my place?" At that moment, if we feel the presence of Jesus, He Himself will control those dark impulses and silence the voices of instinct.

When we remember that Jesus knew how to return good for evil, how to maintain His silence and dignity before the tribunal of His accusers, how He treated the traitor, how He looked at Peter, how He was always poor and humble of heart, how He pardoned seventy times seven, how He was touchingly compassionate and merciful with all human frailties..., we instinctively and instantly ask ourselves how would He react if He were in our place..., and there will be understanding, kindness, and acceptance.

Extracted from the book “Transfiguration” by Father Ignacio Larrañaga