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From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: Jesus’s life is not an Option
September 23, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following pastoral letter was sent on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez to United Methodists of Upper New York and Susquehanna on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.
Dear Beloved Family of God,
In the past week, I have received many requests for statements about the pressing issues confronting our nation and world. Your desire for clarity, courage, and leadership is not lost on me. And yet, I hesitated.
We are living in a time when opinions, no matter how well-intentioned, often deepen division rather than build understanding. I feared that adding mine might only amplify the noise and contribute to the chaos so many are already struggling to navigate.
Still, I must confess that your requests have not left me. They have stirred my spirit, interrupted my sleep, and led me into deep prayer. Night after night, I wrestled with what to say, how to say it, and whether saying anything at all would truly serve the Body of Christ.
Then, in the stillness of last night, I heard the gentle prompting of the Holy Spirit: “Don’t share your opinions. Tell them about Jesus.”
And so, I write to you today, not to comment on headlines or controversies, but to speak from a place of humility and deep conviction about the One who shapes my life, my leadership, and my hope.
I offer this reflection trusting that it may bring clarity about where I stand as a disciple and leader, encouragement and hope where there is weariness, and a faithful challenge to all of us who seek to follow Christ in this season.
LET ME BE CLEAR
By Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez
As a follower of Christ and a servant leader in the church, I center my life on the teachings, ministry, and example of Jesus of Nazareth. His life is not optional, it is the blueprint for how I seek to live with purpose, integrity, and love.
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” — John 14:6
In the United Methodist tradition, we affirm without hesitation that Jesus is the living center of our faith. Fully divine, fully human, his life and teachings reveal the heart of God and invite us into a way of living marked by grace, justice, and compassion.
“And the Word became flesh and lived among us… full of grace and truth.” — John 1:14
Jesus is God with us. He entered our world in full solidarity with humanity, not from a distance, but up close. He showed us a path we could not find on our own. Embracing his love brings healing, wholeness, and restored relationship with God, with others, and with ourselves.
“They shall name him Emmanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” — Matthew 1:23
“Come to me, all you that are weary… and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28
Jesus is embodied grace. His compassion, courage, and radical welcome, especially toward those pushed to the margins, are our compass for ministry and community.
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me… he has sent me to proclaim release to the captives… to let the oppressed go free.” — Luke 4:18
“Let the little children come to me… for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” — Matthew 19:14
Jesus taught love without limits. Not just for those we prefer, but also for those who oppose us. No exceptions. No favoritism. No excuses.
“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” — Matthew 5:44
“Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” — John 13:34
Jesus called us to peace, not violence. To reconciliation, not division. To a shared life rooted in grace and mutual respect and desire to see all people thrive.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” — Matthew 5:9
“Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.” — Matthew 26:52
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full." – John 10:10
Jesus showed that faith is not just belief, it’s embodied action. Led by the Spirit, living his teachings, and loving as he loved is how we respond faithfully to the gift of grace.
“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I tell you?” — Luke 6:46
“Let your light shine before others… so they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16
Jesus modeled servant leadership. Grounded in humility, not ego; in service, not control; in truth, not manipulation. His leadership was never about dominance; it was always about dignity.
“Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” — Mark 9:35
“I came not to be served but to serve.” — Matthew 20:28
Therefore, I will not participate in a Christianity that forgets or ignores the biblical Jesus.
I will not follow a gospel that erases his example.
I refuse to be part of a Jesus-less Christianity.
Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ, is the source of my faith and hope.
“In him was life, and the life was the light of all people.” — John 1:4
In Christ,
Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez
The United Methodist Church
Serving the Susquehanna & Upper New York Area