Is Jesus Really Walking With Donald Trump?

Recently Donald Trump published a picture of himself with Jesus at his side and suggested that Jesus was on his side when it comes to all issues MAGA. The picture came in the midst of his fairly ugly attacks on Pope Leo. It also reflects the justification the Trump administration has placed on the war in Iran. During this time Trump urged Congress to vote for some bill he proposed by “doing it for Jesus.”

It is easy to dismiss such actions yet many will support him and many have already come out in agreement with him and in agreement with his attacks on Pope Leo. There is after all a powerful Right Wing within the Catholic Church. Finally there is the rise of Christian Nationalism, a conservative move to justify all sorts of actions taken by the Trump administration.

When I read of such things, I am tempted to simply shake my head and turn to the sports page. But as I looked at the picture and Trump’s related commentary, I perceived a challenge. What do I as a Catholic man actually believe about Jesus? To borrow from 12-Step language, who really is the Jesus of my understanding? Who and what does He really stand for? After all, how can I be critical of another man’s portrayal of Jesus if I don’t have a clear understanding myself.

The first thing I realized is that Trump’s picture was not wrong. I do in fact believe that Jesus is walking with him only not for the reasons Trump proposes.

For me the essence of Who Jesus is and the essence of his teaching is found in the Beatitudes. Here we see that He does indeed speak up for the poor. Here He challenges our lust for power. Here He clearly speaks for peace. Here He clearly encourages us to be kind. Here is where I find the Jesus of my understanding.

If I read His words elsewhere, I also find Him where He makes me uncomfortable. His words about wealth. His challenges regarding loving my enemy and realizing that my enemy is not only the politicians I despise but also the person who just cut me off in traffic. The words of the Jesus of my understanding should make me uncomfortable.

I find Him in His challenges of the status quo and the religion of His day. His anger in the temple pokes at me as I contemplate the business of the Catholic Church. I believe I know what He would have to say about the abuse crisis within my Church.

Yet the Jesus of my understanding teaches love and forgiveness. The Jesus of my understanding is a Healer. The Jesus of my understanding rose above His suffering to reassure a criminal hanging next to Him that he too would be in Paradise that day.

And so, yes, I do believe that Jesus is walking beside Donald Trump, offering not votes but love, forgiveness, and healing. Trump desperately needs what Jesus has to offer. So do we all.