What if Christ went into politics? What would his electoral programme be like? If he was addressing a mass meeting to launch his candidacy this is what I imagine he would say:

“I want to make all things new. For this I came: that you may have life and have it to the full! That all may be one.

“I would start by abolishing laws and rights and make them redundant. There will be only one law – one that is unwritten and unenforceable: ‘Thou shalt love your neighbour as yourself’. The joy of love makes all laws superfluous and all rights irrelevant.

“Rights are needed only where there is no love. Put love in what you do and you’ll forget all about your rights. Take love out of what you do and you have only your rights to survive on – a flimsy survival indeed!

“Love drives away fear. It stops people from being ruthless competitors, transforming them into brothers and sisters. Conflict disappears.

“I invite all those who are weary and burdened to come to me – the lost and hungry masses – and I will give them rest. My electoral slogan will be: ‘There is no greater love than giving your life for those you love!’

“I promise to provide freely the bread and butter of daily life that will outlast our earthly days. This is because the food I give will be my own body and blood – myself! This is the price I’m ready to pay.

“I promise to be a leader like you’ve never dreamt having. I’ll be with you wherever you are. Your pains will be my pains, your joys my joys. No privileges, perks and salaries for me. No first-class tickets or private planes for me. I’ll be the least, not the foremost, the weakest, not the strongest among you! I specialise in the washing of feet.

“I shall dismantle the welfare state. Loving one another will see to it that no one is neglected. The sick or needy, whatever their race, religious or political beliefs, will find a Good Samaritan rushing to offer help and support. Love will be the only and free passport you need to belong to my kingdom.

“When everyone, like the child in the Gospel story, offers his or her few loaves and a couple of fish, thousands can be fed and no one will go hungry. There would be a recurring surplus in the banquet of fraternal superabundance.

“I will abolish charity campaigns. People will no longer depend on donations, because their livelihoods will depend on giftedness, not on profit. People will themselves become gifts, lovingly giving themselves, their time and their heart in simple honesty and sheer trustworthiness.

“Because, ultimately, people are not hungry and thirsty for the bread and wine found in expensive restaurants. Man cannot live by bread alone, but by the word of God coming from the mouth of a loving, committed and faithful friend.

“I will not offer jobs, promotions, comfort or benefits to win over people. All I can offer is my very self! All that I ask from my followers is that they take my yoke upon themselves and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart.

“If anyone would come with me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

No wonder that as election day approached, Jesus lost his followers. His disciples panicked and told him: “Look master, the crowds have melted into thin air. They are no longer following us. Our party is in shambles.” Jesus just turned to them and said: “Would you also leave?”

Some would say this is just a dream. Perhaps, but the alternative is a nightmare!

Fr Paul Chetcuti is a member of the Society of Jesus.

pchetcuti@gmail.com

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