Over at Beliefnet, Fr. Jim Martin takes a wry look at what goes into cabinet appointments — and wonders if even the Son of God would pass muster these days.

What if Obama’s transition team met with Jesus for a possible position in the new administration?

Below is what the team’s report to the president-elect might include:

Dear Mr. President-elect,

As you know, we, the members of your transition team have almost completed vetting the candidates for the many important positions in your administration. In response to complaints (unfair, we think) that few people could meet the qualifications outlined by your questionnaire, we decided to interview one candidate who, we all felt, might live up to your expectations.

Recently, we met with an impressive candidate who, though not an American citizen, came highly recommended from the conservative wing of the DNC, and would be seen as a bold “non-partisan” choice by GOP. We were able to interview him ourselves.

Here are my rough notes (sorry for the scribbling) of the relevant answers from the questionnaire for Jesus of Nazareth.

6.) If you or your spouse have performed any work for any foreign government, please describe the circumstances.
Cured servant of Roman centurion, but received no payment. Technically, Rome not “foreign” government in Palestine, so should present no legal problem (Might appeal to Italian-Americans, too). Spouse? Early 30s, not married – might raise some eyebrows.

8.) Briefly describe the most controversial matters you have been involved in during the course of your career.
Lots here, unfortunately. Healed sick on Sabbath. (Big plus when we tackle healthcare reform.) Plucked ears of grain on Sabbath. (Will farming lobby be offended?) Spoke to Samaritan woman. (Samaritan-American vote is close to nil, except in blue states we own.) Chased businessmen from the Temple in Jerusalem. (Might be huge help in current anti-business climate.) Also, they were selling turtledoves. (Hello, PETA votes!) Unfortunately, charged with (I think) sedition by Roman government. Ask Berlusconi for details?

10.) Please list, and if readily available, provide copy of each book, article, column or publication you have authored.
Unpublished. No paper trail. We all approved of this. Want more applicants like this guy.

11.) Please identify each instance in which you have testified before… legislative, administrative, investigative or regulatory body, and specify the subject matter…
Appeared before governor (“procurator”) of Judea, as well as the (local) king. Bad news here. Annoyed almost every authority he met. When asked, “Are you the Son of God?” he said, “It is you who say so.” What will Senate confirmation hearings be like for him? On other hand, vague is good.

Check out the rest. And smile.