The Divine Anointing

The word Christ means ‘anointed one.’ The divine anointing began with the first incarnation when God decided to show God’s self in creation, thru creation, and as creation. The Franciscan perspective invites us to broaden our attention beyond traditional teachings and explore the concept of the universal Christ. ‘Universal’ because Christ is a reality that is present in all of creation, not limited by time, space, or religion.

This perspective recognizes the eternal existence of Christ and the interconnectedness of matter and spirit as part of the Christ Mystery. It offers a cosmic notion of Jesus, expanding the traditional Christian worldview to embrace a more inclusive and relational understanding of the divine. This perspective challenges the limitations of a theology that focuses solely on Jesus, suggesting that a balanced view of Jesus and Christ can lead to a more expansive and universal vision that transcends individual religious boundaries. By integrating insights from cosmology and emphasizing the interconnectedness of all things, the universal Christ concept offers a framework for a more inclusive and relational understanding of the divine, aligning with the dynamic and relational nature of the universe itself. The Franciscan perspective presents a compelling invitation to reexamine traditional Christian teachings and embrace a more expansive and inclusive understanding of the divine. This alternative, grounded in the concept of the universal Christ, encourages a broader, more relational, and interconnected view of the divine, which has the potential to enrich and deepen our spiritual and intellectual lives.

May the universal Christ, who is present in all of creation, bless you and guide you in your journey of faith.

May you discover the divine anointing in yourself and in others, and may you share the love and wisdom of the Christ Mystery with the world.

In the beginning, the word echoed—a whispered anointing, divine essence mingling with the tapestry of creation. God, the cosmic choreographer, unveiled self in the dance of existence, a symphony of cosmic dust and sacred breath.

Franciscan whispers beckon, a call beyond tradition's grasp, urging eyes to wander into the expanse of the universal Christ. 'Universal,' a word unbound by the shackles of time, space, or creed. Christ, an eternal pulse within creation's heart, matter and spirit entwined in the enigma of the Christ Mystery.

A cosmic Jesus emerges, transcending the limits of orthodox gaze. Traditional veils lift, revealing a relational divinity, a dance partner in the grand ballet of existence. Theology, once fixated on Jesus alone, now expands, an inclusive lens crafting a vision that spans beyond religious confines.

Balancing Jesus with Christ, a harmonious cadence that resonates across faiths, bridges gaps, and dissolves the borders of dogma. Cosmology's revelations interlace with the universal Christ, a framework of inclusivity where every particle is a note, every connection a cosmic melody.

The Franciscan call resounds, a compelling melody challenging the echoes of tradition. In this alternative, the universal Christ unfolds, inviting a broader, more relational view of the divine—a vista of enrichment and depth for the seekers of spirit and wisdom.