Modern Jesus: MSF

I’m sorry God, but the concept of healing is never as simple as what I understood from the Bible as a young child.  I have witnessed (via the news) many medical marvels in my young lifetime and I am always impressed.  From a spiritual angle, I remain unimpressed.  It would seem that healing from life threatening diseases and saving lives comes in a very predictable manner. 

I am continually impressed by the organisation, Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), better known to English speakers as “Doctors without Borders”.  In the days where religious and political doctrines decide government action, there are people that risk their own lives for others’ without much regard. 

Part of me, raised a Christian, applauds the concept of Jesus Christ.  Although I see myself an atheist today, what’s the problem with that? After all, what’s to dislike? I don’t care if, in reality, Jesus existed or not.  The story of a human who, arguably, had a perfect grasp on existence and spirituality is always an excellent story.  Jesus, apparently, didn’t question the cosmos why he was here on Earth because he was comfortable in his own life and death.  Also, on his way to known death, he assisted others in their pursuit of life in the best possible way.  Jesus portrays a selfless story of tolerance and acceptance and I think that should be applauded.

So, back to Medecins Sans Frontieres.  Well, I think MSF is the equivalent to a modern Jesus Christ.  Every member of this organisation is skilled in some facet that could earn them a decently paid living in the Western World.  Monetary recompense is not their pursuit. These skilled medical professionals have chosen to defy religion, politics, war and disease to selflessly provide the necessary requirements for citizens of many nations around the world.

Having contacted a friend when she was posted in Yemen, she described being able to hear the gunfire and learning how to treat gun wounds which was a far cry from her hospital experience in Sydney, Australia.  Whilst her unit was moved from Yemen for safety reasons, I didn’t ever feel as though she prioritised her own life above that whom she was trying to treat.  She also portrayed this selflessness of her partner and have, no doubt, aimed to raise their children in the same mature and selfless mindset.  It is an extremely admirable feat that is not often seen in Western existence.

How many of us living in the Western World could actually claim to have taken the Jesus, Mother Theresa or St Francis of Assisi path?  Not many, I would suggest.  I include myself in this discussion.  I am too nervous to take the “Jesus road” in reality, so I applaud those that are able to give up their lives and follow that path.  So, those that come home from church on Sunday and aim to be like Jesus, let's have a reality check.  While we’re all inside the comfort of our sanitised homes, we read about a virus in the newspaper. Yes, we all seem to slightly panic. There are people out there sharing their lives with those that are suffering and we should applaud their selfless courage.  I would like to think I was courageous enough, but I know I’m just too frail.  

Thank you to organisations like Medecins Sans Frontieres for going about your business without making us guilty for going about our own business. We should all hang our heads a little bit if we’re not assisting a charity and I shall always have to share those financial wins with an organisation such as yours.  Your path gives aspiration and inspiration to those of us that admires courage and selflessness.  That is far more godliness than I see evident in a church service, so thank you for displaying the Jesus concept  to me.