The English rendering of this term is “figure” which inadequately captures its rich medley of meaning. In the simplest terms, the Gestalt of Christ refers to his irreducibility and wholeness–a seamless and naturally irreducible wholeness, beyond mere human comprehension, that fascinates and provokes all he encounters. In front of this provocation one can either receive and follow who interest him or attempt to reduce Christ to something more convenient but less interesting and ultimately less human.

In following this provocation, Monsignor affirms, one becomes interested in reality–interested in things, familiar and unfamiliar things, in a new way. Everything becomes a sign of Christ–the sacrementality of the world, a significance seemingly hidden– too big, or too evident, to be seen–begins to shine forth. In the address above, from this past year, Monsignor further investigates the eternally interesting and provoking nature of Christianity–life in Christ. What interests us is neither a theory nor an idea nor an ethic nor an activist-project nor a sacred book.
A Person interests us and in opening one’s entire person to this provocation, a truly fascinating present fact dwells in us and thus transforms our work. Thus, culture–the meeting place of humanity–becomes home to Someone who all, in the depths of their hearts, desire because He desired us before we were anyone.