REDEMPTION OF BELIEVERS
The concept of redemption is central to Christian theology, particularly in Catholic teaching. The redemption of believers unfolds across distinct phases in history, each marking significant milestones in God’s plan for humanity’s salvation.
Initial Redemption: The Passion and Resurrection of Christ
The foundation of Christian redemption lies in the sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection of Jesus Christ. This initial phase of redemption is rooted in the prophecy of Isaiah: “But he was pierced for our sins, crushed for our iniquity. He bore the punishment that makes us whole, by his wounds we were healed” (Isa 53:5). This passage foreshadows Christ’s redemptive work on the cross.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church emphasizes the significance of this act: “The Paschal mystery of Christ’s cross and Resurrection stands at the center of the Good News that the apostles, and the Church following them, are to proclaim to the world” (CCC 571). Through His passion, death, and resurrection, Christ redeemed humanity from the bondage of sin, offering the possibility of eternal life to all who believe in Him.
Temporal Redemption: The Fall of Jerusalem
The destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD marked a significant turning point for early Christians. Until this event, followers of Christ faced persecution from Jewish authorities who rejected Jesus as the Messiah. The fall of Jerusalem to the Romans effectively ended the religious dominance of the Jewish establishment, providing a form of temporal redemption for Christians from this particular source of oppression.
Catholic theologians view this event as a fulfillment of Christ’s prophecy in the Olivet Discourse (Mt 24, Mk 13, Lk 21). While this event brought relief from one form of persecution, it’s important to note that it also marked a tragic moment in Jewish history and the beginning of a long diaspora for the Jewish people.
End of Roman Persecution: The Conversion of Constantine
The conversion of Emperor Constantine in 312 AD marked another crucial phase in the redemption of believers. This event effectively ended the systematic persecution of Christians by the Roman Empire. Constantine’s Edict of Milan in 313 AD granted religious tolerance throughout the empire, allowing Christianity to flourish openly for the first time.
The Catholic Church views this period as the “Triumph of the Church,” a time when Christianity transitioned from a persecuted minority to the dominant religion of the Roman Empire. However, it’s important to recognize that this temporal triumph brought its own challenges, as the Church had to navigate its new role in society and politics.
Final Redemption: The Second Coming of Christ
The ultimate phase of redemption will be realized at the Second Coming of Christ, also known as the Parousia. This event is vividly described in the Book of Revelation: “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more” (Rev 21:1).
Catholic teaching emphasizes that this final redemption will bring about the fullness of God’s kingdom. The Catechism states: “The kingdom will be fulfilled, then, not by a historic triumph of the Church through a progressive ascendancy, but only by God’s victory over the final unleashing of evil, which will cause his Bride to come down from heaven” (CCC 677).
REFLECTION
As we reflect on these phases of redemption, we are called to live in the tension of the “already but not yet.” We have been redeemed by Christ’s sacrifice, yet we await the fullness of redemption at His return. This reality should shape our daily lives in several ways:
1. Gratitude: We should cultivate a deep sense of gratitude for the initial redemption won for us by Christ on the cross.
2. Perseverance: Like the early Christians who faced persecution, we must remain steadfast in our faith, even in the face of challenges or opposition.
3. Vigilance: Christ’s return is certain, though the timing is unknown. We must live in a state of readiness, as Jesus taught in the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Mt 25:1-13).
4. Hope: The promise of final redemption gives us hope in the face of suffering and injustice in this world.
5. Mission: We are called to participate in God’s redemptive work by sharing the Gospel and working for justice and peace in our communities.
As we journey through the phases of redemption, may we always keep our eyes fixed on Christ, “the pioneer and perfecter of our faith” (Heb 12:2), eagerly awaiting the day when God’s redemptive work will be fully realized in the new creation.