Nevertheless, I want to emphasize that what I am trying to express here has a programmatic significance and important consequences. To pray for a person with whom I am irritated is a beautiful step forward in love, and an act of evangelization. When Jesus begins his ministry, John cries out: For this reason, my joy has been fulfilled (Jn 3:29). 10. IV. Evangelii Gaudium When certain categories of reason and the sciences are taken up into the proclamation of the message, these categories then become tools of evangelization; water is changed into wine. In all places and circumstances, Christians, with the help of their pastors, are called to hear the cry of the poor. Accepting the first proclamation, which invites us to receive Gods love and to love him in return with the very love which is his gift, brings forth in our lives and actions a primary and fundamental response: to desire, seek and protect the good of others. [120] He needs to be able to link the message of a biblical text to a human situation, to an experience which cries out for the light of Gods word. They think: Why should I deny myself my comforts and pleasures if I wont see any significant result? This attitude makes it impossible to be a missionary. 62. It involves knowing with certitude that all those who entrust themselves to God in love will bear good fruit (cf. A completely new culture has come to life and continues to grow in the cities. All of the virtues are at the service of this response of love. Every form of catechesis would do well to attend to the way of beauty (via pulchritudinis). I will dwell in particular, and even somewhat meticulously, on the homily and its preparation, since so many concerns have been expressed about this important ministry, and we cannot simply ignore them. Star of the new evangelization, help us to bear radiant witness to communion, service, ardent and generous faith, justice and love of the poor, that the joy of the Gospel may reach to the ends of the earth, illuminating even the fringes of our world. To interpret a biblical text, we need to be patient, to put aside all other concerns, and to give it our time, interest and undivided attention. Another feature of a good homily is that it is positive. We should not think, however, that the Gospel message must always be communicated by fixed formulations learned by heart or by specific words which express an absolutely invariable content. We must not think that in catechesis the kerygma gives way to a supposedly more solid formation. 81. My words are not those of a foe or an opponent. The journey moves from dietary therapy legumes and lemons to drugs. We all have our likes and dislikes, and perhaps at this very moment we are angry with someone. Those who have fallen into this worldliness look on from above and afar, they reject the prophecy of their brothers and sisters, they discredit those who raise questions, they constantly point out the mistakes of others and they are obsessed by appearances. The memory of the faithful, like that of Mary, should overflow with the wondrous things done by God. [110] The Church, in her commitment to evangelization, appreciates and encourages the charism of theologians and their scholarly efforts to advance dialogue with the world of cultures and sciences. One of the most important things is to learn how to use images in preaching, how to appeal to imagery. It arises from the enjoyment of speaking and it enriches those who express their love for one another through the medium of words. God constantly renews his faithful ones, whatever their age: They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not be faint (Is 40:31). Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation Dei Verbum, 21-22. It must be reiterated that the more fortunate should renounce some of their rights so as to place their goods more generously at the service of others. 203. Mt 11:19). 386-387. The word of God also invites us to recognise that we are a people: Once you were no people but now you are Gods people (1 Pet 2:10). 124. This contempt is due to the myopia of a certain rationalism. The Holy Spirit knows well what is needed in every time and place. If we wish to lead a dignified and fulfilling life, we have to reach out to others and seek their good. [16] What would happen if we were to take these words seriously? We need to pay attention to the global so as to avoid narrowness and banality. One cannot but admire the resources that the Lord used to dialogue with his people, to reveal his mystery to all and to attract ordinary people by his lofty teachings and demands. [29] This kind of integration will prevent them from concentrating only on part of the Gospel or the Church, or becoming nomads without roots. If we want to advance in the spiritual life, then, we must constantly be missionaries. And in the desert people of faith are needed who, by the example of their own lives, point out the way to the Promised Land and keep hope alive. 63. We already possess a number of magisterial documents and aids on catechesis issued by the Holy See and by various episcopates. One of the more serious temptations which stifles boldness and zeal is a defeatism which turns us into querulous and disillusioned pessimists, sourpusses. In neither case is one really concerned about Jesus Christ or others. [209]Benedict XVI, Encyclical Letter, Deus Caritas Est (25 December 2005), 16: AAS 98 (2006), 230. ibid., 81-87: Enchiridion Vaticanum 15, Nos. 222. 43. [90]John Paul II, Encyclical Letter Redemptoris Missio (7 December 1990), 52: AAS 83 (1991), 300; cf. He will dwell forever in the knowledge and love of each faithful soul. [33] To make this missionary impulse ever more focused, generous and fruitful, I encourage each particular Church to undertake a resolute process of discernment, purification and reform. U.S. appeals court says CFPB funding is unconstitutional - Protocol If we really believe in the abundantly free working of the Holy Spirit, we can learn so much from one another! Gal 5:22). As believers, we also feel close to those who do not consider themselves part of any religious tradition, yet sincerely seek the truth, goodness and beauty which we believe have their highest expression and source in God. But by acknowledging his poverty and desiring to grow in his commitment, he will always be able to abandon himself to Christ, saying in the words of Peter: I have no silver and gold, but what I have I give you (Acts 3:6). [174]Cf. These unilateral and incomplete proposals only reach a few groups and prove incapable of radiating beyond them because they curtail the Gospel. As children of this age, though, all of us are in some way affected by the present globalized culture which, while offering us values and new possibilities, can also limit, condition and ultimately harm us. While it is true that certain Christian beliefs are unacceptable to Judaism, and that the Church cannot refrain from proclaiming Jesus as Lord and Messiah, there exists as well a rich complementarity which allows us to read the texts of the Hebrew Scriptures together and to help one another to mine the riches of Gods word. At the foot of the cross, at the supreme hour of the new creation, Christ led us to Mary. [84]Cf. The Gospel speaks of a seed which, once sown, grows by itself, even as the farmer sleeps (Mk 4:26-29). How I wish that all of us would hear Gods cry: Where is your brother? (Gen 4:9). As adults, we find it hard to listen patiently to them, to appreciate their concerns and demands, and to speak to them in a language they can understand. Such a community has an endless desire to show mercy, the fruit of its own experience of the power of the Fathers infinite mercy. It is no longer simply about exploitation and oppression, but something new. It was felt by the first converts who marvelled to hear the apostles preaching in the native language of each (Acts 2:6) on the day of Pentecost. Blessed are the peacemakers! (Mt 5:9). It is a self-destructive attitude, for man cannot live without hope: life would become meaningless and unbearable. Interreligious dialogue is a necessary condition for peace in the world, and so it is a duty for Christians as well as other religious communities. A theology and not simply a pastoral theology which is in dialogue with other sciences and human experiences is most important for our discernment on how best to bring the Gospel message to different cultural contexts and groups. She constantly contemplates the mystery of God in our world, in human history and in our daily lives. Today more than ever we need men and women who, on the basis of their experience of accompanying others, are familiar with processes which call for prudence, understanding, patience and docility to the Spirit, so that they can protect the sheep from wolves who would scatter the flock. Indeed, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find local solutions for enormous global problems which overwhelm local politics with difficulties to resolve. It is an ongoing process in which every new generation must take part: a slow and arduous effort calling for a desire for integration and a willingness to achieve this through the growth of a peaceful and multifaceted culture of encounter. This openness of the heart is a source of joy, since it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). 207. In the case of the popular cultures of Catholic peoples, we can see deficiencies which need to be healed by the Gospel: machismo, alcoholism, domestic violence, low Mass attendance, fatalistic or superstitious notions which lead to sorcery, and the like. Human beings are themselves considered consumer goods to be used and then discarded. I plan to use this service again and recommend to friends and co-workers. Such is the power of the resurrection, and all who evangelize are instruments of that power. Let us ask the Lord to help us understand the law of love. 271. For just as some people want a purely spiritual Christ, without flesh and without the cross, they also want their interpersonal relationships provided by sophisticated equipment, by screens and systems which can be turned on and off on command. We have created a throw away culture which is now spreading. We can count on many lay persons, although still not nearly enough, who have a deeply-rooted sense of community and great fidelity to the tasks of charity, catechesis and the celebration of the faith. Microsoft hit back hard and accused the CMA of parroting the talking points of its prime competitor, Sony. We have created new idols. But if this is to come about, we need to recover a contemplative spirit which can help us to realize ever anew that we have been entrusted with a treasure which makes us more human and helps us to lead a new life. [41] S. 136. Growing numbers of parents do not bring their children for baptism or teach them how to pray. The entire history of our redemption is marked by the presence of the poor. Here I do not wish to discuss at length the activities of the different pastoral workers, from bishops down to those who provide the most humble and hidden services. A lack of solidarity towards his or her needs will directly affect our relationship with God: For if in bitterness of soul he calls down a curse upon you, his Creator will hear his prayer (Sir 4:6). When we stand before Jesus crucified, we see the depth of his love which exalts and sustains us, but at the same time, unless we are blind, we begin to realize that Jesus gaze, burning with love, expands to embrace all his people. But the indispensible contribution of marriage to society transcends the feelings and momentary needs of the couple. Clearly Jesus does not want us to be grandees who look down upon others, but men and women of the people. 265. The Book of Revelation speaks of an eternal Gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tongue and tribe and people (Rev 14:6). 66. This stifling worldliness can only be healed by breathing in the pure air of the Holy Spirit who frees us from self-centredness cloaked in an outward religiosity bereft of God. [137]Cf. 78. God asks everything of us, yet at the same time he offers everything to us. I especially ask Christians in communities throughout the world to offer a radiant and attractive witness of fraternal communion. I am far from proposing an irresponsible populism, but the economy can no longer turn to remedies that are a new poison, such as attempting to increase profits by reducing the work force and thereby adding to the ranks of the excluded. [72]Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 295. 218. Ex 3:17). 111. [131]Cf. When he began to preach the Kingdom, crowds of the dispossessed followed him, illustrating his words: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor (Lk 4:18). Otherwise we can easily make the text say what we think is convenient, useful for confirming us in our previous decisions, suited to our own patterns of thought. The missionary power of intercessory prayer. The preacher also needs to keep his ear to the people and to discover what it is that the faithful need to hear. In taking up this task, also among ourselves, we fulfil the ancient prophecy: They shall beat their swords into ploughshares (Is 2:4). It is no longer possible to claim that religion should be restricted to the private sphere and that it exists only to prepare souls for heaven. The different tools provided by literary analysis are well known: attention to words which are repeated or emphasized, recognition of the structure and specific movement of a text, consideration of the role played by the different characters, and so forth. If this invitation does not radiate forcefully and attractively, the edifice of the Churchs moral teaching risks becoming a house of cards, and this is our greatest risk. 64. WebFormal theory. [49] Consequently, without detracting from the evangelical ideal, they need to accompany with mercy and patience the eventual stages of personal growth as these progressively occur. Non-Christians, by Gods gracious initiative, when they are faithful to their own consciences, can live justified by the grace of God,[199] and thus be associated to the paschal mystery of Jesus Christ. EVA At times, this becomes a heavy cross, but it was from the cross, from his pierced side, that our Lord gave himself to us as a source of living water. Where your synthesis is, there lies your heart. Instead of belonging to the whole Church in all its rich variety, they belong to this or that group which thinks itself different or special. Temptations faced by pastoral workers. But if they see the witness of authentically fraternal and reconciled communities, they will find that witness luminous and attractive. It entails responding to the love of God by putting all our talents and creativity at the service of the mission which he has given us; at the same time, it shows a fine, active love of neighbour by refusing to offer others a product of poor quality. 202. The greatest risk for a preacher is that he becomes so accustomed to his own language that he thinks that everyone else naturally understands and uses it. The worldwide crisis affecting finance and the economy lays bare their imbalances and, above all, their lack of real concern for human beings; man is reduced to one of his needs alone: consumption. 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