The Relationship Between Person and Mission in the Christology of Hans Urs von Balthasar

Abstract

This article intends to highlight the connection between person and mission in Hans Urs von Balthasar's theology. In the first part of the article a brief analysis will be provided on the theological and philosophical tradition of personal existence. According to Balthasar's conception, Christ is the only one in whom mission and person exist in perfect unity. This thesis is derived from the Son's mission in the history of salvation. Moreover, through the reinterpretation of the concept of person Balthasar reinterprets Christology and anthropology.

The mission from God is not only the source of Jesus Christ's identity but also - through salvation - the only possibility for everyone to become a real and integral person.