Aim of Christology
Being Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction (Benedict XVI). The words of His Holiness Benedict XVI enlighten us that an encounter can change one’s life to produce a Saint and hope to the world. Christology is the study of the person of Jesus Christ and especially the mystery of the union in Christ of the divine and human natures (Fr. John Hardon). It is not too much on knowing much but on loving much just like what Saint Theresa of Avila said in prayer that eventually led us to the heights of contemplation. After watching a video about Christology, I summarize the aim of Christology into three. Thus, Christology aims to know Him more intimately, love Him more dearly, and follow Him more closely.
Firstly, to know Him more intimately. Take notice of the word more, meaning it is a deepening of your knowing Christ. In knowing Christ, it is not so much learning about Christ but knowing Christ. From secondhand knowledge to personal knowledge. Knowing His will, plans, and promise and especially knowing who He is to you. Knowing Him will answer the question that Jesus gave to His disciples- "Who do you say that I am?" and the response we should have must be personalized according to our relationship with Him. This will make us understand the origin and purpose of our life. We can know Jesus in the scriptures, in the traditions of the Church, and most especially in prayer. Through prayer, God can touch us, can heal us, and can speak to us. We just need a listening and discerning heart.
Secondly, to love Him more dearly. In knowing Him, there comes loving. In knowing Him intimately, we can love Him more dearly because knowing precedes loving. Love means agape, the total self-giving of oneself. You give to God all that you have because you love Him. All of this will start once again from an encounter, an experience of love. Let Love find you and He will do the rest. An experience of love is an experience of Heaven, where there will be no sorrows, suffering, and grief. All will be taken hold under the love of God which transcends our minds. The presence of God gives joy and peace, for in God we will find the sure hope of salvation and beatitude.
Thirdly, to follow Him more closely. This is a call for discipleship, you belong to Christ. You make Jesus the Lord of your whole life whether that be your job, entertainment, studies, or sexuality. Following Jesus means sacrificing oneself for Him. You will now carry the presence of Christ. With the encounter you had with Him, your charity to share His presence will naturally flow from within you. Let His fragrance and presence be your identity, you become whom you follow. If you love someone, you can easily share Him without difficulty or anguish.
In the end, to know Him more intimately, to love Him more dearly, and to follow Him more closely are the aim of Christology. Christology is not just for priests or scholars to get doctorates and degrees in theology but for all of us to deepen our personal relationship with Him. This will answer the questions of how and why of our hearts. If we gather all of these aims- knowing, loving, following- we will realize that this is exactly what the Catechism says about the purpose of man- to know, love, and serve the Lord and to enjoy with Him in this life and the next. Know, love, and follow, these are the aim of Christology. Let us start our journey of Christology by knowing Him more dearly, loving Him more dearly, and following Him more closely.
