Tested in fire : Hans Urs von Balthasar on the moment of Christian witness

Abstract

This paper attempts to present Balthasar’s understanding of leading a Christian life in terms of the loving Triune God manifested in Jesus Christ. First, it starts by highlighting God’s act of love for humanity. Here Balthasar’s theology appears at once as one of wonder and gift. Secondly, in front of all this ineffable mystery, the Christian never ceases to wonder and contemplate Christ. Thirdly, there is a decisive moment wherein the Christian “should be one who offers up his life in the service of his fellow man because he owes his life to Christ crucified.”9 Fourthly, it is seen that the testing by fire of the Christian’s genuine faith is no easy task. It calls for obedience and surrender. Lastly, Balthasar’s emphasis on the moment of Christian witness as a “gift” par excellence is brought to light. It will be seen that the Christian, purified by fire, “lend[s] his own love” so that the logic of God’s universal engagement with the world in the love of Jesus Christ continues to be manifest today as it did in the past.