Years ago, when I was in seminary, I read in a book by Paul F. Knitter entitled No Other Name. In his book, Knitter quotes Georges Khodr, Metropolitan of Mount Lebanon, as saying:

"The economy of Christ cannot be reduced to its historical manifestation. Rather, the economy of Christ is carried on universally in all religions through the activity of the Spirit. Through the Spirit, Christ is actively but clandestinely present in all religions: 'Any reading of religions is a reading of Christ'." (No Other Name, Page 136)

The following is my understanding of George Khodr's statement: Jesus Christ appeared in ancient Palestine two thousand years ago, according to the divine plan. He taught, healed, saved, and liberated people during his mission on earth. Then, he died on the cross. On the third day, he resurrected, and he lives now with a new body, continuing forever his mission for all peoples of the earth.

Jesus Christ is actively present in all other religions, working everyday on peoples' souls, minds, and spirits in the name of the Holy Spirit. To better understand all of this we should look carefully at Jesus' role in human history.

It was in Judea that for the first time human beings passed their mythological phase and entered the realm of history: History is the scene in which the active interaction between the Creator and humans is presented. In Judea, whatever happened among humans on the one hand and between humans and their Creator on the other hand, was recorded and openly written down. The books of the Old Testament established a tradition by which Judea's identity was shaped.

Then, after around fifteen hundred years, Judean culture, ideals, traditions, aspirations, and expectations were ripe enough and prepared historically to give birth to their Fulfiller. The Word of God descended on earth, took flesh, and received a name: Jesus. After around three years of recorded ministry, Jesus was crucified, died, and was buried. Two days later, he rose again with a new body, a spiritual body that never decays.

We know that Jesus is alive and continues his mission and ministry among nations through the Holy Spirit. Jesus himself says:

"All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you (John 14:25-26)".

We should not forget that Jesus performs his mission through a historical channel and a process. This is to say, he takes part in an evolutionary trend. Jesus, in dealing with different peoples, uses different methods in order that he might make all of them ready and prepared for His Kingdom.

There have been different people, nations, customs, and religions in human history. Jesus deals with a colorful diversity. St. Paul says:

"What is left for us to brag about? Not a thing! Is it because we obeyed some law? No! It is because of faith. We see that people are acceptable to God because they have faith, and not because they obey the Law. Does God belong only to the Jews? Isn't he also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, he is! There is only one God, and he accepts Gentiles as well as Jews, simply because of their faith. (Romans 3:27- 30).

St. Peter also says: "I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right...there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all (Acts 10:34-36).

Different people have different back- grounds. They live in different geographical environm ents, perform different customs and rites, aspire after different goals, make their own unique history, and long for specific ideals. Jesus works within all peoples of the earth communally and individually, drawing them into the Kingdom of God. We may ask what kind of way Jesus chooses to lead us to his Kingdom:

- Jesus' way is a way of convincing and persuading. His way is a way of dialogue and conversation, a way of teaching, challenging, liberating, empowering and healing. Jesus' way is 'loving'.

- Jesus' attitude towards human problems is both communal and individualistic. In one word it is 'holistic'.

- Jesus' way is not forceful or coercive; it is not a way of monologue, dictating, and asking for blind-fearful obedience.

- Jesus' attitude towards human salvation is not totalitarian.

- Jesus' way is an evolutionary way, a way of patience, perseverance, and hope. Jesus' way is a way of faith in the constant activity of the Holy Spirit.

Now, we may adopt a new understanding of what Jesus says about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit:

"I tell you the truth, all sin and blasphemy can be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven. This is a sin with eternal consequences." (Mark 3:28-29).

Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, means to act against the movement of history towards the salvation of individuals and communities, against human liberation from estrangement, against human prosperity, against human progress in all aspects of life, and against spiritual joyfulness.

In short, to blaspheme against the Holy Spirit is to act against the establishment of the Kingdom of God. In addition to this, we may realize that the problem of today's world is not competition and war between this and that religion.

The problem in today's world rests in the conflict between those who care for human well- being and progress, and those who do not care. The problem exists in conflict between those who consciously and willingly have chosen to fight against peace, love, humane qualities, and the Kingdom of God, and those whose purpose in life is to invite others into the Kingdom of God.

The Holy Spirit is working everywhere and everyday to save all who live on this earth.

Let us then be always conscious of the work of the Holy Spirit in the world around us.