The Church next door is consecrated to the “ Christ of the Expiration ”, that is, when Jesus surrenders his Spirit to the Father in order to reconcile us with Him and with each other. A very simple time of prayer, centered on Christ, which will unite us in depth during these three days of grace.
About twenty young seminarians and several priests also take part. It is nice to see them with about thirty young people from the Center for Youth with a Mission (YWAM), where the gathering will be held.
To see the stone rolled away in the midst of darkness
For the opening night, some leaders of the Churches in Colombia were invited to speak on the theme “ the resurrection of Christ, heart of the Church ”.
Olivier Fleury, founder of JC2033, opens the meeting by specifying the purpose of these days: “We come together to have Jesus in our midst. JC2033 is not a vision, nor an organization, but above all a living person: Jesus whom the world needs to know. Our vocation is to go out to announce the magnificent message of his resurrection ”.
Sylviane and Olivier Fleury, founder of JC2033
He is followed by Archbishop Francisco Munera. His beautiful presentation invites us to " see the stone rolled away in the midst of darkness " and to walk together towards Jesus, even if we have different rhythms. For him, unity is important because it helps to believe in Jesus. To put Him in the center, we have to learn the permanent value of the Word. “ We have a Good News to offer to humanity today, the very Word of God who, in Christ Jesus, dead and risen, has said everything” .
From left to right: Pastor Edgar Castano , President of the Evangelical Alliance of Colombia (CEDECOL), Bishop Francisco Duque (Anglican Church) and Archbishop Francisco Munera (Catholic Church)
Pastor Oscar Ospino , a member of the Evangelical Pastoral Council of Cartagena, asserts that the resurrection of Jesus manifests that he has the power of life over death. Through it, he gives us the seal of his Spirit and assures us that we will have eternal life through him.
The bishop of the Anglican Church in Colombia, Francisco Duque , insists on the centrality of the resurrection of Christ, quoting the famous words of the apostle Paul: " If Christ is not risen our preaching is in vain, and your faith also ” (1 Cor 15,14 ). Indeed the community collapses without the risen Christ who is its heart. Furthermore, the Risen One sends the Spirit who allows us to be witnesses. And the consequence of his resurrection is that we too will be resurrected. Faith in his resurrection includes faith in our resurrection.
The Gathering Masters of Ceremonies: Maria-Angelica Ferrero (Youth with a Mission) and Yaco Pecora (Focolare movement)
Yalile Cabeieiro , president of the Colombian Mennonite Church, rejoices in this privileged moment in a time of social instability in Colombia. This initiative of JC2033 seemed marvelous to her. Celebrating together the resurrection of Christ transcends all our divisions and calls us to radical changes in society.
“ Thank you Olivier for sharing your dream with us. Thanks to Jesus who was the first to have this dream. Thanks to the body of Christ where we can all have the same dream ,” Yalile says excitedly!
Martin Hoegger
Yalile Cabaleiro , president of the Mennonite Church of Colombia
