Last month we reflected on the fact that the Liturgy is the source of our ongoing formation as disciples. This month we will focus on the very heart of the Gospel, what is called the kerygma. What is the central truth that is at the core of our lives as people of the Word?
Pope Francis describes the kerygma in this way: “Jesus Christ loves you; he gave his life to save you; and now he is living at your side every day to enlighten, strengthen and free you.” (The Joy of the Gospel, 164).
For many Christians, this is just something about Jesus. They have been catechized, but they have not really been evangelized. To be evangelized is to have a personal relationship with Jesus. It is a form of friendship. This is when we become a disciple. We follow him and he becomes our teacher. For example, on the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, we learned how we need to forgive. We are presented with the God of unbelievable mercy, and are called to the same kind of bigness in our forgiving. To keep rehearsing old wounds is to keep self-inflicking all over again, poisoning our souls. Jesus is a wise psychologist!
The October Sundays give us five pointers that serve to deepen the personal relationship we are deepening with Jesus: We need to listen for his voice; we are to be a fruitful vineyard; we are to be amazed at being ‘chosen;’ we are shown how to be present in the world; and we are presented with the ‘Golden Rule’ that fulfills the law. Time to check on our personal relationship!
You want to be friends…?
with me…?
But that means we need to spend time…
together…
OK…!
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