In a wide ranging presentation drawing on theological ideas of redemption spanning three millennia, Fr Greg concludes that Jesus’ understanding of redemption was very different from the “vengeful-god-exacting-payment” idea that many of us grew up with.
Jesus is our redeemer, Fr Greg points out, because he is our brother, our closest relative, our go’el. Jesus is our redeemer because that’s what brothers (and sisters) do for their siblings in need. Jesus is our redeemer because he seeks to restore us to our rightful place with him beside “Our Father.” Jesus is our redeemer because we are all one family in God.
About Fr Greg May: Ordained in 1988, Fr Greg has served in a number of roles including as an associate at Our Lady of the Desert Church (2012-215). Fr. Greg has a profound interest in studying Scripture and loves to share what he’s learned. He is currently located at Denver Province headquarters in Chicago serving both as provincial treasurer and provincial representative on the North American Conference’s Partners in Mission Secretariat.