Conversation with Jesus

The sun is beginning to dip below the horizon, casting a warm, golden light over the gathering of people. As I approach the scene, I can see groups sitting in small circles, some sharing food, others speaking softly among themselves. The atmosphere feels peaceful, almost sacred, as though something deeply significant has just taken place.

Ahead, I catch sight of Jesus standing near the remnants of baskets that once held fish and bread. He is speaking quietly to a few disciples, his movements calm, yet purposeful. My heart races with a mixture of excitement and awe—here I am, about to meet someone who has changed the course of history and faith itself!

As I draw closer, Jesus turns toward me, as if he knew I was approaching long before I arrived. His face is gentle, his eyes filled with a kindness that immediately puts me at ease.

Jesus: "Welcome, Ryan. It’s good to see you."

Me: "Thank you, Jesus. I just saw what you did—feeding all those people. It was incredible."

Jesus smiles warmly, gesturing toward the crowd still seated around the hillside.

Jesus: "It was not only about the food. Sometimes, it's the act of sharing and coming together that nourishes us more deeply. Food for the body, yes, but also food for the spirit."

I look around at the people, noticing the peace in their faces. There’s an unspoken connection among them, something more than just a shared meal.

Me: "Yeah, I get that. It kind of reminds me of my own job, though what I do isn't nearly as profound. I'm a food service courier for a high school, making sure the kids get their meals every day."

Jesus turns his gaze back to me, his eyes filled with understanding.

Jesus: "What you do matters, Ryan. Every meal you bring is an opportunity to share love and care, to sustain not just the body, but the spirit. In even the smallest acts of service, there is great meaning."

I nod, feeling a sense of purpose in his words that I hadn’t fully grasped before. The setting sun casts long shadows across the field as we begin walking together, the crowds slowly dispersing behind us.

As we continue walking away from the crowd, the air is warm and filled with the gentle hum of conversation from those still seated on the grass. I feel a calmness settle over me, the kind you only feel in moments that feel timeless.

Me: "So, Jesus, how do we take care of our mental health in an increasingly unhealthy and fractured world?"

Jesus slows his pace, the sounds of our footsteps muffled by the soft earth beneath us. He glances at me, a thoughtful expression crossing his face.

Jesus: "In a world filled with challenges, tending to our mental health is essential. Begin by nurturing love and compassion within yourself. Practice forgiveness, not just towards others but also towards yourself. Seek solitude in prayer or meditation, finding peace in the stillness. And remember, caring for one another, fostering community, and reaching out to those in need can bring healing to us all."

I take in his words, letting them settle within me. The path ahead winds gently through a field of tall grass swaying in the breeze. I can feel the weight of the world lift a little, just by walking here beside him.

Me: "Could you speak about the power and impact of unconditional love? What does it mean to love your enemies? Is this something we do inside ourselves, or does it translate to tangible action?"

Jesus looks out across the horizon for a moment, as if gathering his thoughts. When he speaks, his voice is gentle but firm.

Jesus: "Unconditional love is a boundless, unwavering care for others, regardless of their actions or our differences. To love your enemies means to wish them well, to hope for their redemption, and to treat them with kindness, even when it's difficult. This love is not passive; it calls us to act with compassion, to seek justice, and to extend mercy. Through unconditional love, we reflect the divine, becoming instruments of peace and healing."

I feel a quiet awe settle over me as I contemplate his words. The field we’re walking through is now awash in the soft colors of dusk, the world growing quieter with each passing moment. It feels like the perfect setting for such deep reflection.

Me: "So, in about 2,000 years from now, there's going to be this country called America, and in America, there's a huge mental health crisis. What can be done to help these people, myself included, who are so in need of healing and love? What do you think about our modern approaches to healing, like medication and therapy?"

Jesus smiles gently, his gaze never wavering as he considers my question.

Jesus: "The challenges of mental health are deeply intertwined with the fabric of society. In America, as in many places, we must foster a culture of empathy, understanding, and community support. While modern approaches like medication and therapy can be beneficial, they are most effective when combined with a holistic approach. This includes spiritual nourishment, building meaningful connections, and creating spaces where individuals feel seen and valued. Let love be the foundation of all healing, reaching out to others as we would wish to be reached in our own times of need."

We continue walking, the path now curving into a small wooded area. The leaves overhead rustle in the breeze, casting dappled shadows along the ground. The calm of the woods feels like an extension of the peace in our conversation.

Me: "Why is it so hard to love, Jesus? Why doesn't it come naturally? I mean, in some circumstances it does, but when it comes to loving our enemies or people we're just not a fan of, it's kind of hard to actually wish them well and act kindly towards them."

Jesus slows his steps again, turning to face me fully now, his expression soft but serious.

Jesus: "Loving others, especially those who have wronged us or whom we find difficult, challenges our human nature. It requires us to rise above our instincts of self-preservation and judgment. This difficulty is an invitation to grow, to cultivate empathy, and to understand that every person carries their own burdens. When we practice loving in this way, it transforms us, allowing us to reflect the divine love that is patient, kind, and unconditional."

Me: "So, is it kind of like our animal nature that has these emotions of animosity, hostility, hatred, and the spiritual side of us that holds the peace, compassion, and love?"

Jesus nods slowly, as if affirming my understanding.

Jesus: "Yes, you could see it that way. Our human nature, influenced by survival instincts and past experiences, can lead to emotions like fear, anger, and hostility. However, our spiritual nature connects us to higher virtues like peace, compassion, and love. By nurturing our spiritual side, we can transcend our base instincts and embody the divine qualities that bring harmony within ourselves and to the world."

I take in his words, feeling the tension inside me ease a little. We walk in silence for a moment, the forest around us growing quieter as dusk deepens into evening.

Me: "So, Jesus, what do you have to say for the people of the 21st century who still follow your words today? How can they follow you more closely?"

Jesus pauses, his eyes thoughtful as he speaks.

Jesus: "To those in the 21st century who follow my teachings, I offer this: Let love be your guiding principle in all you do. Show compassion to others, seek justice, and walk humbly. In a world full of distractions, find moments of stillness to connect with the divine within you. Practice forgiveness, for it frees your heart. By living these principles, you walk the path I laid before you and bring light into the world. Remember, I am with you always, offering guidance and love."

The walk back to the countryside is quiet, the stars now beginning to dot the darkening sky. I feel lighter, as though the weight of the questions I’ve been carrying has shifted somehow. The presence of Jesus, his words and wisdom, linger with me as the evening wraps itself around us.