The central theme of Galilea’s book is following Jesus. This is the root of Christianity and ought to be the basis of any movements of spiritual renewal. This is the challenge to the faith in our generation: to find Jesus Christ in the depths of the disconcerting reality that surrounds us and to follow him in the way of the Gospel until we come face to face with the Father. This Gospel spirituality is a necessary foundation for the liberation movement. It must be the foundation that nourishes the struggle against the forces of darkness and evil in our personal lives and in our society.
Following Jesus
pp.1-2.
The Gospel reveals to us the basis of all spirituality and gives back to us the demanding simplicity of Christian identity. It teaches us that to be a disciple of Jesus is follow him, and that this is what Christian life is. Jesus basically demanded that we follow him, and all our Christianity is built on our response to this all. Since then the essence of Christian spirituality has been the following of Christ under the guidance of the church.
To be a Christian is to follow Christ out of love. It is Jesus who asks us if we love him; it is we who answer that we do. It is he who invites us to follow him: Simon Peter, do you love me?...Yes, Lord…then follow me. (John 21:1-19)
And that’s all. Just as simple as that. Although we are ignorant, full of failings, Jesus will lead us to sanctity, provided that we begin by loving him and that we have the courage to follow him.”
Reflection 01:
The following declaration is from Pope Francis’ opening statement in the Joy of the Gospel:
“The great danger in today’s world, pervaded as it is by consumerism, is the desolation and anguish born of a complacent yet covetous heart, the feverish pursuit of frivolous pleasure, and a blunted conscience. Whenever our interior life become caught up in its own interest and concerns, there is no longer room for others, no place for the poor. God’s voice is no longer heard, the quiet joy of his love is no longer felt, and the desire to do good fades. This is a very real danger for believers too. Many fall prey to it, and end up resentful, angry and listless. That is no way to live a dignified and fulfilled life; it is not God’s will for us, nor is it the life in the Spirit which has its source in the heart of the risen Christ.
I invite all Christians, everywhere, at the very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at least an openness to letting him encounter them. I ask all of you to do this unfailingly each day. No one should think that this invitation is not meant for him or her, since no one is excluded from the joy brought by the Lord. The Lord does not disappoint those who take this risk: whenever we take a step toward Jesus, we come to realize that he is already there, waiting for us with open arms. Now is the time to say to Jesus: “Lord, I have let myself be deceived, in a thousand ways I have shunned your love, yet here I am once more, to renew my covenant with you. I need you. Save me once again, Lord, take me once more into your redeeming embrace.” How good it feels to come back to him whenever we are lost! Let me say this once more, God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking his mercy. Christ, who told us to forgive one another “even seventy times seven: (Mt 18:22) has given us his example: he has forgiven us seventy times seven….
I never tire of repeating those words of Benedict XVI which take us to the very heart of the Gospel: “Being a Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction.” (The Joy of the gospel: # 1, 2 &7)
My Reflection 02:
All through the Church’s history, there has been an attraction away from the central truth of our faith, Jesus Christ. In our times we are blessed to return to this truth with passion, clarity and joy.The Gospels have no more important lesson than to follow Jesus. Walking with Jesus transcends the teachings of the church. It goes beyond reading the Bible. No devotion or other religious expression are more important. Following Jesus is at the heart of every authentic spirituality. Following Jesus makes everything else subordinate. Following Jesus is the same today as it was in the day of the disciples. It calls us out of the comfortable hiding places and takes us “where you do not want to go.” (John 21:18)
When Jesus walks into our lives through the Gospels, through the needs of our neighbors and just the flow of life, the Gospels are a privileged part of the Word of God. The rest of the Bible leads up to them and flows from them. Their purpose is to give us an opportunity to encounter Jesus just as the first disciples did when they joined him on the dusty roads of Galilee.
The Gospels are structured so that we, like Peter and the rest, meet Jesus in the wonders of his ministry. We are called to witness his teaching and healings. We are challenged to respond to his radical message of forgiveness and inclusion. We are invited to contemplate the wonder of his compassion. We are summoned to enter into the stories. It helps us to see ourselves as the blind person that gains sight, the leper that is cleansed, the paralytic who is forgiven and healed.
Just like the disciples who witnessed the healings, the loaves and fishes, the walking on the water and the rest, we are shepherded to the critical question, “Who do you say I am?” (Mk 8:29) There is no more important question and challenge in our life. Who is Jesus for me? Like the disciples it takes us a long time to get the message. We are on the road but our encounter with Jesus is always partial and incomplete. We need to stay in the struggle until the astonishment of the Alleluia engulfs us and sets us free.
