Professional paper
Christian's Presence in the World
Josip Kolanović
Abstract
The concept od presence (to-be-here) is seen by the author as an act of operation, dependent upon the nature of the spiritualized being - man. To be present as a Christian means to be present in connection with »the event of Jesus Christ«, who is permanently active in history. From this point of view, the presence of a Christian cannot and should not be reduced either to »be-in-sacristy-church« or to an exclusive mediation through hierarchy. It is a personal responsibility and acting which stems from the personal encounter with Christ. The Christian's presence has its basis in the paschal mystery, which actualises itself in the eucharistie celebration. The author finds the sources of Christian's presence in the theological learning of three services: the service of self-offering and self-immolation (general priesthood), witnessing (prophecy) and governing of the world in order to renovate all things and transform temporal goods (kingdom). The authors gives a special emphasis on the »reading of signs of the time«, by which Christians contribute to the »reading of the reality« as a condition of its transformation. Being involved in the transformation of temporal, Christians put themselves on the »God's side« in the service of creation of a better world. When Christians find themseves on the side of all those who are oppressed, imperilled, all those who suffer, he is on »God's side« because through him God acts in history and life of mankind. Through the progress of science and committment of people in the world God does not beat a retreat but rather becomes visible, transparent as God's presence becomes recognizable in a committed human and »Christian's presence« through which »the event of Jesus Christ« is here and now active.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
83268
URI
Publication date:
30.4.2007.
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