The Church of the Future
What kind of church do we envision for today? In what way can the church remain relevant and impactful?
As a community of baptized Christians, what path should we take in order to move forward. How can we, as a community as followers of Christ Jesus make a meaningful commitment on society today? In my opinion, a key question to consider might be:
What sources should the church depend on for its vitality, its life and strength?
In last Sunday’s Gospel from St. John, chapter 6:51 we heard Jesus say: "I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world".
Dear Friends
Jesus’ bold declarations and his profound way of engaging with people sparked intense emotions and provoked deep questions. This was especially true among the friends and followers who travelled with him. They accompanied him through many experiences, encountering people from every corner of society. They experienced stories of hardship, lost hope and abandoned hearts, from people who the world seemed to have forgotten.
The Gospel According to John
In this evening’s Gospel from John (John 6: 60-69) we heard how some of Jesus’ companions reacted with harsh words. For them, what he was saying was unbearable: “This saying is hard; who can accept it?” They grumble, they complain. They are unwilling or unable to understand him. Jesus, the carpenter’s son, is completely aware that his unwavering sense of mission, his bold presence stirs deep anger, provokes and even challenges those who encounter him. Jesus' commitment to his mission places him among a long list of prophets who have compelled people to face crucial decision.
In the First Reading, we heard Joshua (Jos 24: 1-2a, 15-17, 18b), who was the successor of the great prophet Moses, say to all the people: “If it does not please you to serve the Lord, decide today who you will serve, the gods your fathers served beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in who country you are now dwelling. As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD”.
Let us turn back to the Gospel and the question Jesus asked his friends: “Does this shock you?” It is as if Jesus is asking them: Does the way I perceive others, the way I see them, and love them make you uncomfortable?”
Jesus could also ask us today: What is your vision for the church’s mission today? Is it a church where our hands don't get dirty? Where we shy away from uncomfortable situations, or where we are required to make sacrifices.
Do we want a Church that is no longer affected by the misery and the suffering? These questions echo with all who seek a deeper connection with God and Christ, both yesterday and today.
The Church in 2035
On Saturday morning, I helped chair the kick-off event for the project “People and Church Zug 2035”. We reflected on similar questions.
What might the church in Zug look like in the year 2035? No one really knows how exactly the church will develop. But one thing is for sure: the structure and various communities of the church will change. There will be no turning back.
Friends, through this all, it is imperative that we remain focused on the core of our Christian DNA, our identity. That means the history of God and how he has revealed himself throughout the ages. The incarnation of God himself in Jesus Christ and his presence in the sacraments.
The Courage to Change
We also need to have the courage to make necessary changes by way of a shared process. This means a synodal process, 2021-2024, which was initiated by Pope Francis and introduced and addressed within the diocese. I am firmly convinced that every new community initiative within the life of the Church must be build up around the life and death of Jesus Christ.
So I am asking directly: Why do we gather here?
What do we celebrate when God wants to be close to us in worship, when God wants to be near us in the Eucharistic celebration?
We recognize that we are at a crossroad where we must make a choice. We have the opportunity to choose for a God, who wants to share life. There are different depths of this life with God that is true. Yet I believe that ultimately, it comes down to a decision.
A decision whether our love for God will extend to our neighbour in order to bring out a better world.
A commitment to following Jesus means being moved by the needs of people today.
Committing ourselves to the message of life challenges us to walk alongside those, who are perhaps in situations that might make us feel uncomfortable or even overwhelmed.
This weekend, in many parishes through Switzerland, we celebrate what is called Caritas Sunday. It is a day where we reflect on the social teaching of our church and the issues which challenge our society. That Caritas Sunday invites us to reflect and to make our own decision – to share our lives with God. It's not about a one-time decision that is made once and for all. No, it is a decision which must be renewed over and over again. That is why Jesus asks his own, he asks us: "Do you also want to leave?" Simon Peter gives him an answer that has become very important for my foundation of faith and life.
"Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."
This gives me the courage and confidence to direct my life towards God. Living both a personal and communal life with God is and remains a daily challenge; but we are not alone on this journey. We can count on God's help and support.
Praised be Jesus Christ – now and forever.