49. Let us go forth, then, let us go forth to offer everyone the life of Jesus Christ. Here I repeat for the entire Church what I have often said to the priests and laity of Buenos Aires: I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security. I do not want a Church concerned with being at the center and which then ends by being caught up in a web of obsessions and procedures.
If something should rightly disturb us and trouble our consciences, it is the fact that so many of our brothers and sisters are living without the strength, light and consolation born of friendship with Jesus Christ, without a community of faith to support them, without meaning and a goal in life. More than by fear of going astray, my hope is that we will be moved by the fear of remaining shut up within structures which give us a false sense of security, within rules which make us harsh judges, within habits which make us feel safe, while at our door people are starving and Jesus does not tire of saying to us: “Give them something to eat” (Mk 6:37).
Gospel Links to Ponder: Mark 6:34-43
Click here to find this biblical reading.
Afterword: God loves a picnic! Hospitality is the #1 virtue of the Old Testament, to my way of thinking. It includes all respect and precludes all violation of God or neighbor. How often in the Bible do we see the messengers of God, and Jesus himself, sitting down to a festive meal with friends and followers? I am ashamed to admit that, in the reconciliation room this month, I had to confess a time very recently when I shut the door on someone asking me for Christian fellowship. I fervently hope that I have matured in my faith through this terrible experience of sin and will never fall in this way again.
Do you hear Christ's invitation to "Give them something to eat" today? If not, you are not listening!
