Fr Agustinus Sutiono O.Carm

Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources. Imagining the activities done by Jesus we can think about the togetherness among Jesus, his disciples, his followers and the people who received the news of of the Kingdom of God. It can be useful for us to gain some insight about  christianity because the Church grew from this seed.

At the centre of attention is Jesus Christ himself. When we reflect on Jesus, we find another centre of attention, that is the preaching and the proclamation of the good news of the Kingdom of God. That was the only preoccupation that he had. All his words, deeds and sacrifice should be understood in this context. There were no buildings, no offices. There was no institutionalised organisastion. All happened in the open air. The spirit of compassion and mercy  flew freely, easily and directly and found dwelling places: the sinners, the sick, those who possessed ny evil spirits, the overburdened, those who lived in the shadow of death and those who needed God´s pardon. All were welcomed and all were loved.

The realm of the Kingdom of God was explained using many ways and descriptions. And in the point of view of Jesus, the Kingdom of God was a true good news, meaning news that brought good things to the ears and life of the listeners, that made and changed everything into its good for those who loved God. The presence of Jesus Christ manifested in Works and words that were capable of restoring, healing, forgiving, enlightening the mind, enkindling the spirit, strengthening the hope and helping others to see and experience the presence of God. The people of God, represented by the disciples, the women and those who supported the journey of Jesus worked together with Jesus. They welcame and helped those who wanted to see Jesus, accomodated their needs and problems. The awareness on becoming disciples of Jesus was very strong and shaped their characters.

Now, we believe that the same spirit of Jesus Christ still exists and the Church is its apt container. It means that the Church is supposed to always have a great awareness of discipleship to Jesus Christ, channeling his spirit mercy and compassion. By doing so, The Church lives out a call to maintain that her actual presence in this world is to become a presence that reconciles, restores, cures, forgives, enlightens the heart and soul, enkindles every good spirit. Everyone lives as brothers, not being clericalised. The community of the believers is a a community of discipleship, not an institutionalised organisation.  It is the bearer of the spirit of Jesus Christ.