The Centre

 

'The time has come and the kingdom of God is close at hand. Repent, and believe the Good News' (Mk 1:14) 

Again, we are facing the mystery of God's 'Real Presence'. We are familiar with the theological term, which denotes Jesus' presence in the Eucharist. Piety somehow has accustomed to the notion that this Real Presence is concentrated in the Eucharistic host, when we worship the Son of God, when the host is exposed in the Monstrance on the altar.  

This Real Presence, as we see it in today's Gospel, actually, is a presence in the whole world. As Matthew shows us, Jesus ­­- now also in his disciples - is at work in his community. He proclaims, and points to, God's presence among them.  

This Real Presence, today, attains an even wider meaning. In contrast to it, we are confronted with 'not real presence', with many forms of 'superficial presence', 'superficial life', with the 'unexamined life' and trends of the world. 

'Follow me and I will make you into fishers of men.' Jesus calls Peter to be his disciple. Via our wider lens, let us celebrate this call as the moment of integration. When our world, with its manifold superficial centres, can become meaningful and unified again. Instead of being lost in the big cyber-bully which surrounds us - let us be led, transformed and developed by this centre of Divine Love. Let us see our world differently in its light. 

 

10.12.2021