WOF 479: Bishop Barron on the Theology of Balthasar (10 of 12)
Mar 3, 2025
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Bishop Barron delves into the theology of Hans Urs von Balthasar, emphasizing the profound significance of the Paschal mystery during Holy Week. The discussion contrasts the views of Aquinas and Scotus on Christ's incarnation, highlighting Balthasar's synthesis. The centrality of Jesus’s passion in redemption is explored, alongside the unique role of the cross in John’s Gospel. The reflections on Holy Thursday underscore the Eucharist's importance, showcasing Jesus' selflessness amidst His poignant journey in Gethsemane.
The discussion emphasizes the importance of the Paschal Mystery in revealing God's glory through the suffering and abandonment during Holy Week events.
Balthasar's holistic understanding reconciles the Thomist and Scotist views of the incarnation, underscoring that glory and redemption are interwoven in Christ's sacrifice.
Deep dives
The Paschal Mystery and Divine Freedom
The discussion emphasizes the significance of the Paschal Mystery, particularly the events of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday, highlighting how these moments epitomize the intersection of divine and human freedom. Hans Urs von Balthasar reflects on the essence of Christ's glory, underscoring that true beauty and divine splendor are revealed through these pivotal moments in the Christian narrative. He suggests that Holy Saturday is often overlooked in theological discussions, yet it serves as a critical point of contemplation on the death and burial of Jesus. This exploration encourages a deeper understanding of how God’s glory is manifested not only in resurrection but also in the depths of suffering and abandonment experienced during these days of Holy Week.
The Theological Debate: Thomist vs. Scotist
Balthasar engages with the Thomist-Scotist debate, which centers on the reasons for the incarnation, arguing that both perspectives are one-dimensional in their approach. The Thomist view posits that the incarnation is primarily a response to sin, while the Scotist perspective asserts that God would have become incarnate simply to reveal His glory. Balthasar proposes a holistic understanding that reconciles both positions, suggesting that the fullness of God’s glory is displayed through the redemptive act of love in Christ's embodiment of human suffering. This perspective reaffirmed the incarnational mission of Jesus as inherently tied to his death and sacrifice, demonstrating that glory and sin’s redemption are inseparable.
The Experience of Gethsemane
The account of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane captures a profound moment of solitude and psychological depth, where he embodies the anguish of sin and alienation from God. Balthasar points out that Jesus, while not a sinner, fully immerses himself in the human experience of despair, demonstrating the weight of separation from the divine that sin entails. This episode illustrates Jesus' obedience to the Father, as he grapples with the depth of his impending sacrifice, ultimately surrendering to the Father’s will. Through this, the narrative highlights that God’s descent into humanity allows us to understand that no matter how far one strays, God's love pursues those who are lost, reflecting the inseparable connection between divine providence and human experience.
We bring you the tenth lesson of Bishop Barron’s lecture series on one of the most important and influential Catholic theologians of the twentieth century, Han Urs von Balthasar. We will come to understand his life, his theology, and his ongoing impact on the Church and our work to evangelize the culture. Enjoy!
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