Back to the Source: The Gospel, Its Content, and Its Transforming Impact

September 13, 2024 - Friday, Memorial of Saint John Chrysostom, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

1 Cor 9:16-19, 22B-27

A metaphor of a river can be used to describe the present situation of Christianity. A river has its source, and as it flows towards the sea, it becomes larger with streams and small tributary rivers flowing into it. But as the river expands, its waters often become muddy, and its current slows. Christianity, now the largest religion in the world with many branches, different theological schools, and various spiritualities, faces a similar challenge. The sheer volume of resources accumulated over centuries can be overwhelming. Since Vatican II, there has been a call to go back to the sources—to that time when Christianity was a small stream of pure evangelical water. Whether it is possible to fully return to that time is debatable, but it is worth the effort.

The theme of today's excerpts from Paul's first letter to the Corinthians centers on the obligation of preaching the Gospel. The Greek word for "Gospel" means "good news." In the social context of Paul's time, it was often used to announce news about Roman emperors and their victories. Biblically, it was introduced by an unknown prophet we call the Second Isaiah, whose message predicted the return of Jewish exiles from Babylon (see Is. 40:9). This raises an important question: Is Christianity, after 20 centuries of growth, still good news for the people of the world?

The New Testament's Good News is the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. His story was proclaimed amidst the many "good news" proclamations about Roman emperors. While the Roman Empire expanded its borders through war, Jesus' followers were sharing the story of His life—a story that transformed those who heard it. So, we must ask: Are we familiar with the story of Jesus' life? Do we recognize its power to transform?

However, it was not only the story of Jesus that had a transformative effect. The experience of His living presence among believers, and the quality of life of those who followed Him, made an impact. There was something uniquely compelling about Christ's followers that made others desire what they had. What was that quality? Or better yet, who was that? It was the Holy Spirit. The followers of Christ were living temples of the Holy Spirit, and those who encountered them could feel it. Their distinctive lifestyle, marked by mutual concern and sharing of resources, set them apart. In today's world, characterized by rampant individualism, we need to ask if Christianity has retained this distinctiveness.

Paul lived to preach the Gospel. His encounter with the risen Christ transformed him into Christ's apostle. Proclaiming the Gospel was the most important task of his life—it was his life's purpose. This commitment shaped every aspect of his life. He chose not to marry so he could dedicate himself fully to preaching the Gospel. He refused payment to avoid putting any obstacles in the way of its spread. The Gospel influenced his moral stands, and he suffered greatly for it. In our own times, we must consider how we view the importance of proclaiming the Gospel. Does it influence our life choices?

In my parish, there are many beautiful waterfalls with clear waters and strong currents. It is a pleasure to sit and watch them flow. Perhaps we, too, should travel back in time to the early centuries of Christianity—to draw inspiration, energy, and challenge from the purity of the Gospel as it was then. This reflection could deepen our faith and motivate us to share the Gospel of Christ with those around us, just as our early brothers and sisters in faith did centuries ago.

Returning to the source, to the pure and powerful current of the early Gospel message, can transform us. It reminds us of what is essential, what is life-giving, and what truly makes the Gospel good news for every age.