January 8: Following His Way / Siguiendo Su Camino

Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) was a German pastor, theologian, and peace activist. He wrote profoundly about Christian faith, community, grace, and ethics. His thoughts always centered, in one way or another, on the question, “Who is Christ for us today?” In his book, The Cost of Discipleship, he wrote “By being partakers of Christ incarnate, made flesh, we are partakers in the whole humanity which He bore.” In other words, we do not get to keep our faith wrapped up in a pretty box at home or our pew at church. We are called to move ever outward, even if it means taking on the sorrow, challenges, and difficulties of others.

Jesus has always wanted His disciples to be sharers, people with a generous spirit – willing to offer a helping hand to others in need. In Mark 6, 34-44, His first disciples wanted Him to send the crowd away and let them forage for themselves. But He told them, “Give them something to eat yourselves.” It was as if to say, “Take some responsibility for these needy people yourselves; don’t just wish them away.”

The Lord continues to prod all of us who want to follow His Way – prod us into doing something, however small, to relieve the inequality and injustice we see around us. He can and does take our giving, whatever it is, and He use it to do good.

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Historical note: the atrocities of the Nazi Regime, which resulted in unspeakable human suffering, compelled Dietrich Bonhoeffer to participate in a conspiracy that tried to assassinate Adolf Hitler and install a new government that would end those atrocities and the Second World War. Imprisoned during the last two years of his life, Bonhoeffer was executed just weeks before the end of the war. 

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En Marcos 6, 34-44, Jesús está ante la multitud y siente lástima por ellos. La compasión es algo que siente el que tiene relación con el que es objeto de su compasión. Jesús siente compasión porque los que tiene delante no son “extraños,” no los ve como amenazas para su seguridad o para su bienestar. Jesús mira a la multitud que ha ido a escucharle y ve a sus hermanos y hermanas. Son parte de su vida porque son su familia. En otras palabras, porque somos su familia

El Pan de Vida nos compromete a recurrir a todos los recursos humanos para compartirlos con todos los necesitados de alimento, justicia, y libertad – también miembros de nuestra familia. Que el Señor nos fortalezca para esta bella e ingente tarea.