Lula and Lilly were recently at a pumpkin market out in the country and took this picture. The first thing we notice is the bright orange harvest crop. Then the crucifix jumps out at us. But look closely: Jesus has only one arm! Is this a damaged family heirloom? Or perhaps the owner of the pumpkin patch is making a statement, namely that Christianity in Europe—or in the West in general—is somehow damaged? If so, there is some truth to that. Too many people look not at Christ—but at us Christians. And that turns them off. Shame on us. Sometimes images or statements with shock value can shake us into line, as our Lord does when He tells a would-be disciple, “Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead” (Matthew 8:22). What? Should we dishonor our deceased family members? Certainly not, because that would go against the 4th Commandment, “Honor your father and your mother” (Ex 20:12). No, what our Lord means is this: “If you wish to follow Me, you need to make Me No. 1 in your life.” Be honest: Who or what is your real God? Your creature comforts? Your bank account? Your sex life or sexual identity? Your chemical addiction? Your possessions? Your career? If any of these (or others) take priority over your Lord and Savior—you’ve got a one-armed Jesus. He’s around—maybe a family tradition—but not central in your life. He’s an ornament—an afterthought—but not the One Who died on the cross *for you* and to Whom you turn for forgiveness of your sins, for comfort, and for the guarantee of eternal salvation. Can the one-armed Jesus on the wall over the bright orange pumpkins be fixed? Sure. An artist could re-create an arm out of wood or plaster that would fit seamlessly with the rest of the corpus. Can the one-armed Jesus who is possibly *in* your—but not *at the center*—of your life be fixed? Absolutely. Repent of your false priorities. He forgives you. And allow the Holy Spirit to redirect your priorities. Put Him first—by reading your Bible every day and by going to church every week to receive His true body and blood in Holy Communion. Receive His forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation. He will embrace you and hold you close—with both arms.
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