Whom are we going to evangelize if this is the way we act? 4, ad 1). It is evil crystallized in unjust social structures, which cannot be the basis of hope for a better future. It is true that this trust in the unseen can cause us to feel disoriented: it is like being plunged into the deep and not knowing what we will find. The kerygma has a clear social content: at the very heart of the Gospel is life in community and engagement with others. Let us recover and deepen our enthusiasm, that delightful and comforting joy of evangelizing, even when it is in tears that we must sow And may the world of our time, which is searching, sometimes with anguish, sometimes with hope, be enabled to receive the good news not from evangelizers who are dejected, discouraged, impatient or anxious, but from ministers of the Gospel whose lives glow with fervour, who have first received the joy of Christ.[6]. The dialogue between God and his people further strengthens the covenant between them and consolidates the bond of charity. In the prevailing culture, priority is given to the outward, the immediate, the visible, the quick, the superficial and the provisional. If the Gospel is embedded in a culture, the message is no longer transmitted solely from person to person. 50. 245. Solidarity is a spontaneous reaction by those who recognize that the social function of property and the universal destination of goods are realities which come before private property. Instead of seeming to impose new obligations, they should appear as people who wish to share their joy, who point to a horizon of beauty and who invite others to a delicious banquet. This principle enables us to work slowly but surely, without being obsessed with immediate results. In neither case is one really concerned about Jesus Christ or others. All of us need to grow in Christ. ABC News is your trusted source on political news stories and videos. [93] It is he who brings forth a rich variety of gifts, while at the same time creating a unity which is never uniformity but a multifaceted and inviting harmony. Evangelization is attentive to scientific advances and wishes to shed on them the light of faith and the natural law so that they will remain respectful of the centrality and supreme value of the human person at every stage of life. Rom 5:5). 262. For all these we already have valuable texts of the magisterium and celebrated writings by great authors. God continues to work among the people of the Old Covenant and to bring forth treasures of wisdom which flow from their encounter with his word. Many of them also have a deep conviction that their life, in its entirety, is from God and for God. [83]Cf. Even if the homily at times may be somewhat tedious, if this maternal and ecclesial spirit is present, it will always bear fruit, just as the tedious counsels of a mother bear fruit, in due time, in the hearts of her children. Ideas conceptual elaborations are at the service of communication, understanding, and praxis. This is always a slow process and at we can be overly fearful. Let us do it today! Each particular Church, as a portion of the Catholic Church under the leadership of its bishop, is likewise called to missionary conversion. But in case youre still unsure, here are just three reasons why your vote is important today: We get to elect a new governor; we get to elect a new U.S. This message is so clear and direct, so simple and eloquent, that no ecclesial interpretation has the right to relativize it. This worldliness can be fuelled in two deeply interrelated ways. A Church which goes forth is a Church whose doors are open. [126] For this reason too, the priest like every other member of the Church ought to grow in awareness that he himself is continually in need of being evangelized.[127]. The primary reason for evangelizing is the love of Jesus which we have received, the experience of salvation which urges us to ever greater love of him. III. . This too is a path of harmony and peace. V.M. Listening, in communication, is an openness of heart which makes possible that closeness without which genuine spiritual encounter cannot occur. [189] Whereas positivism and scientism refuse to admit the validity of forms of knowledge other than those of the positive sciences,[190] the Church proposes another path, which calls for a synthesis between the responsible use of methods proper to the empirical sciences and other areas of knowledge such as philosophy, theology, as well as faith itself, which elevates us to the mystery transcending nature and human intelligence. It is useless to attempt to read a biblical text if all we are looking for are quick, easy and immediate results. I. Often it is better simply to slow down, to put aside our eagerness in order to see and listen to others, to stop rushing from one thing to another and to remain with someone who has faltered along the way. 199. Lk 2:24; Lev 5:7); he was raised in a home of ordinary workers and worked with his own hands to earn his bread. While it is quite true that the essential vocation and mission of the lay faithful is to strive that earthly realities and all human activity may be transformed by the Gospel,[171] none of us can think we are exempt from concern for the poor and for social justice: Spiritual conversion, the intensity of the love of God and neighbour, zeal for justice and peace, the Gospel meaning of the poor and of poverty, are required of everyone. The empty string is a syntactically valid representation of zero in positional notation (in any base), which does not contain leading zeros. Even so, we must reject the temptation to offer a privatized and individualistic spirituality which ill accords with the demands of charity, to say nothing of the implications of the incarnation. Since the empty string does not have a standard visual representation outside of formal language theory, the number zero is traditionally represented by a single decimal digit 0 instead. Huzzah! We are all in the same boat and headed to the same port! Pastoral ministry in a missionary key seeks to abandon the complacent attitude that says: We have always done it this way. 102. 241. [199]International Theological Commission, Christianity and the World Religions (1996), 72: Enchiridion Vaticanum 15, No. The deposit of the faith is one thing the way it is expressed is another. This is not something subject to alleged reforms or modernizations. 207. [146] This is the principle of universality intrinsic to the Gospel, for the Father desires the salvation of every man and woman, and his saving plan consists in gathering up all things in Christ, things in heaven and things on earth (Eph 1:10). All that I do know is that the Lord illumined it with the rays of truth which so surpassed the flickering glow of earthly revels, that I could scarcely believe my happiness (Ms. C, 29v-30r, in Oeuvres Compltes, Paris, 1992, 274-275). All revealed truths derive from the same divine source and are to be believed with the same faith, yet some of them are more important for giving direct expression to the heart of the Gospel. [19] In so doing, I am reaping the rich fruits of the Synods labours. If you know anyone on the list, let them know. 128. By his words our Lord won over the hearts of the people; they came to hear him from all parts (cf. There is also a certain exodus towards other faith communities. 9. Pope John Paul II asked for help in finding a way of exercising the primacy which, while in no way renouncing what is essential to its mission, is nonetheless open to a new situation. Jesus told us: Blessed are the peacemakers (Mt 5:9). Gods heart has a special place for the poor, so much so that he himself became poor (2 Cor 8:9). On the basis of her response to this challenge, the Church can be a model of peace in our world. 60. Perhaps the most exciting invitation is that of the prophet Zephaniah, who presents God with his people in the midst of a celebration overflowing with the joy of salvation. Our falling short of perfection should be no excuse; on the contrary, mission is a constant stimulus not to remain mired in mediocrity but to continue growing. I readily acknowledge that many women share pastoral responsibilities with priests, helping to guide people, families and groups and offering new contributions to theological reflection. The Churchs closeness to Jesus is part of a common journey; communion and mission are profoundly interconnected. 277. This Exhortation is not a social document, and for reflection on those different themes we have a most suitable tool in the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, whose use and study I heartily recommend. Faith is not fearful of reason; on the contrary, it seeks and trusts reason, since the light of reason and the light of faith both come from God[191] and cannot contradict each other. This leads many people to stop taking pleasure in the encounter with Gods word; but this would mean forgetting that no one is more patient than God our Father, that no one is more understanding and willing to wait. 47, a. That does not mean most eligible voters will cast a ballot, for a variety of reasons. Politics, though often denigrated, remains a lofty vocation and one of the highest forms of charity, inasmuch as it seeks the common good. This would represent, in effect, a new form of discrimination and authoritarianism. This has been eloquently stated by the bishops of Brazil: We wish to take up daily the joys and hopes, the difficulties and sorrows of the Brazilian people, especially of those living in the barrios and the countryside landless, homeless, lacking food and health care to the detriment of their rights. [132]Benedict XVI, Address for the Screening of the Documentary Art and Faith Via Pulchritudinis (25 October 2012): LOsservatore Romano (27 October 2012), 7. 89. Peace is possible because the Lord has overcome the world and its constant conflict by making peace through the blood of his cross (Col 1:20). To his communities Paul presents the Christian life as a journey of growth in love: May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all (1 Th 3:12). Furthermore, by completely rejecting the transcendent, it has produced a growing deterioration of ethics, a weakening of the sense of personal and collective sin, and a steady increase in relativism. This message has to be shared humbly as a testimony on the part of one who is always willing to learn, in the awareness that the message is so rich and so deep that it always exceeds our grasp. I. Quiles, S.J., Filosofa de la educacin personalista, Buenos Aires, 1981, 46-53. I especially ask Christians in communities throughout the world to offer a radiant and attractive witness of fraternal communion. Here, the creation refers to every aspect of human life; consequently, the mission of proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ has a universal destination. 6. I am speaking of creation as a whole. The Synod reaffirmed that the new evangelization is a summons addressed to all and that it is carried out in three principal settings.[10]. Break forth, O mountains, into singing! In catechesis too, we have rediscovered the fundamental role of the first announcement or kerygma, which needs to be the centre of all evangelizing activity and all efforts at Church renewal. God appears to Solomon again. APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION EVANGELII GAUDIUM OF THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS TO THE BISHOPS, CLERGY, CONSECRATED PERSONS AND THE LAY FAITHFUL ON THE PROCLAMATION OF THE GOSPEL IN TODAYS WORLD, I. This is where you can help. [51]Cf. [40] Thomas thus explains that, as far as external works are concerned, mercy is the greatest of all the virtues: In itself mercy is the greatest of the virtues, since all the others revolve around it and, more than this, it makes up for their deficiencies. We do not need plans drawn up by a few for the few, or an enlightened or outspoken minority which claims to speak for everyone. [162], The special place of the poor in Gods people. I do not claim to replace or improve upon these treasures. This means that we are to be Gods leaven in the midst of humanity. [177] Here I would make my own the touching and prophetic lament voiced some years ago by the bishops of the Philippines: An incredible variety of insects lived in the forest and were busy with all kinds of tasks Birds flew through the air, their bright plumes and varying calls adding color and song to the green of the forests God intended this land for us, his special creatures, but not so that we might destroy it and turn it into a wasteland After a single nights rain, look at the chocolate brown rivers in your locality and remember that they are carrying the life blood of the land into the sea How can fish swim in sewers like the Pasig and so many more rivers which we have polluted? II-II, q. 19. [77] Acknowledging the concerns of the Asian bishops, John Paul II told them that if the Church is to fulfil its providential destiny, evangelization as the joyful, patient and progressive preaching of the saving death and resurrection of Jesus Christ must be your absolute priority.[78] These words hold true for all of us. In this preaching, which is always respectful and gentle, the first step is personal dialogue, when the other person speaks and shares his or her joys, hopes and concerns for loved ones, or so many other heartfelt needs. She is certainly a mystery rooted in the Trinity, yet she exists concretely in history as a people of pilgrims and evangelizers, transcending any institutional expression, however necessary. In this way preaching will consist in that activity, so intense and fruitful, which is communicating to others what one has contemplated. [203]Benedict XVI, Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in Medio Oriente (14 September 2012), 26: AAS 104 (2012), 762. It can end up being incomprehensible because it is disorganized, lacks logical progression or tries to deal with too many things at one time. What it means. I feel tremendous gratitude to all those who are committed to working in and for the Church. This interplay of justice and tenderness, of contemplation and concern for others, is what makes the ecclesial community look to Mary as a model of evangelization. The perfect gift for football recruiting fans! In union with Jesus, we seek what he seeks and we love what he loves. Conflict cannot be ignored or concealed. 2, a. Others embrace it in such a way that they become its prisoners; they lose their bearings, project onto institutions their own confusion and dissatisfaction and thus make unity impossible. Once this conviction disappears, so do solid and lasting foundations for the defence of human rights, which would always be subject to the passing whims of the powers that be. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy, yet mercy triumphs over judgment (Jas 2:12-13). [151]Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 12. Lk 1:41). With Mary we advance confidently towards the fulfilment of this promise, and to her we pray: Mary, Virgin and Mother, you who, moved by the Holy Spirit, welcomed the word of life in the depths of your humble faith: as you gave yourself completely to the Eternal One, help us to say our own yes to the urgent call, as pressing as ever, to proclaim the good news of Jesus. This is especially the case with those biblical exhortations which summon us so forcefully to brotherly love, to humble and generous service, to justice and mercy towards the poor. Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia, also known as just Washington or simply D.C., is the capital city and federal district of the United States. I understand the grief of people who have to endure great suffering, yet slowly but surely we all have to let the joy of faith slowly revive as a quiet yet firm trust, even amid the greatest distress: My soul is bereft of peace; I have forgotten what happiness is But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning. We are in an age of knowledge and information, which has led to new and often anonymous kinds of power. The Church will have to initiate everyone priests, religious and laity into this art of accompaniment which teaches us to remove our sandals before the sacred ground of the other (cf. 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. In countries of other religious traditions, or profoundly secularized countries, it will mean sparking new processes for evangelizing culture, even though these will demand long-term planning. 10. But in justice, I must say first that the contribution of the Church in todays world is enormous. To accompany them would be counterproductive if it became a sort of therapy supporting their self-absorption and ceased to be a pilgrimage with Christ to the Father. The current financial crisis can make us overlook the fact that it originated in a profound human crisis: the denial of the primacy of the human person! In those places the Christian world is becoming sterile, and it is depleting itself like an overexploited ground, which transforms into a desert. The Church, which shares with Jews an important part of the sacred Scriptures, looks upon the people of the covenant and their faith as one of the sacred roots of her own Christian identity (cf. Newman, Letter of 26 January 1833, in The Letters and Diaries of John Henry Newman, vol. Everyone can share in some way in the life of the Church; everyone can be part of the community, nor should the doors of the sacraments be closed for simply any reason. [90]John Paul II, Encyclical Letter Redemptoris Missio (7 December 1990), 52: AAS 83 (1991), 300; cf. It is the willingness to face conflict head on, to resolve it and to make it a link in the chain of a new process. Th., I-II, q. [31]Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, Decree on the Pastoral Office of Bishops Christus Dominus, 11. [44], 41. And so the biggest threat of all gradually takes shape: the gray pragmatism of the daily life of the Church, in which all appears to proceed normally, while in reality faith is wearing down and degenerating into small-mindedness. Let us not allow ourselves to be robbed of hope! 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. [98] Herein lies the importance of popular piety, a true expression of the spontaneous missionary activity of the people of God. [62]Azione Cattolica Italiana, Messaggio della XIV Assemblea Nazionale alla Chiesa ed al Paese (8 May 2011). [23] The Second Vatican Council presented ecclesial conversion as openness to a constant self-renewal born of fidelity to Jesus Christ: Every renewal of the Church essentially consists in an increase of fidelity to her own calling Christ summons the Church as she goes her pilgrim way to that continual reformation of which she always has need, in so far as she is a human institution here on earth.[24]. Efforts made in dealing with a specific theme can become a process in which, by mutual listening, both parts can be purified and enriched. 243. [196] What is not helpful is a diplomatic openness which says yes to everything in order to avoid problems, for this would be a way of deceiving others and denying them the good which we have been given to share generously with others. Brimming over with joy, you sang of the great things done by God. Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, Dogmatic Constitution on the Church Lumen Gentium, 9. [128] This basically has to do with two things: a progressive experience of formation involving the entire community and a renewed appreciation of the liturgical signs of Christian initiation. Values always tend to reappear under new guises, and human beings have arisen time after time from situations that seemed doomed. [144] By her very nature the Church is missionary; she abounds in effective charity and a compassion which understands, assists and promotes. Dialogue between faith, reason and science. A few examples will suffice. Our mandate is to go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation (Mk 16:15), for the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God (Rom 8:19). In taking up this task, also among ourselves, we fulfil the ancient prophecy: They shall beat their swords into ploughshares (Is 2:4). As the bishops of the Congo have put it: Our ethnic diversity is our wealth It is only in unity, through conversion of hearts and reconciliation, that we will be able to help our country to develop on all levels.[184]. A preaching which would be purely moralistic or doctrinaire, or one which turns into a lecture on biblical exegesis, detracts from this heart-to-heart communication which takes place in the homily and possesses a quasi-sacramental character: Faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes by the preaching of Christ (Rom 10:17). Inspired by this, the Church has made an option for the poor which is understood as a special form of primacy in the exercise of Christian charity, to which the whole tradition of the Church bears witness. As Blessed Peter Faber used to say: Time is Gods messenger. Acts 4:32). Some people do not commit themselves to mission because they think that nothing will change and that it is useless to make the effort. All rights reserved. 44. Some are even no longer content to live as part of the greater Church community but stoke a spirit of exclusivity, creating an inner circle. This is our definitive, deepest and greatest motivation, the ultimate reason and meaning behind all we do: the glory of the Father which Jesus sought at every moment of his life. What we need, then, is to give priority to actions which generate new processes in society and engage other persons and groups who can develop them to the point where they bear fruit in significant historical events. Only on the basis of this real and sincere closeness can we properly accompany the poor on their path of liberation. This context demands that preaching should guide the assembly, and the preacher, to a life-changing communion with Christ in the Eucharist. To speak from the heart means that our hearts must not just be on fire, but also enlightened by the fullness of revelation and by the path travelled by Gods word in the heart of the Church and our faithful people throughout history. It is imperative to evangelize cultures in order to inculturate the Gospel. Reasons for a renewed missionary impulse [262-283], Personal encounter with the saving love of Jesus [264-267] The spiritual savour of being a people [268-274] The mysterious working of the risen Christ and his Spirit [275-280] The missionary power of intercessory prayer [281-283], II. And how much good has been done by Catholic schools and universities around the world! It consists of reading Gods word in a moment of prayer and allowing it to enlighten and renew us. Evangelical fervour is replaced by the empty pleasure of complacency and self-indulgence. 85. All around us we begin to see nurses with soul, teachers with soul, politicians with soul, people who have chosen deep down to be with others and for others. Something truly new brought about by the Spirit need not overshadow other gifts and spiritualities in making itself felt. Here we see that intercessory prayer does not divert us from true contemplation, since authentic contemplation always has a place for others. SG: You sound like my students. [28] It is a community of communities, a sanctuary where the thirsty come to drink in the midst of their journey, and a centre of constant missionary outreach. Just needs to remind everyone its Election Day and encourage others to do their part in the American experiment. [124]Paul VI, Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Nuntiandi (8 December 1975), 40: AAS 68 (1976), 31. Copyright 2022 The Philadelphia Citizen. 39, a. We should recognize that despite the present crisis of commitment and communal relationships, many young people are making common cause before the problems of our world and are taking up various forms of activism and volunteer work. This is another painful kind of desert. 62. 257. 276. 111. 2 Macc 7:21, 27), and our heart is better disposed to listen. [207], Personal encounter with the saving love of Jesus. 264. [124] Concern for the way we preach is likewise a profoundly spiritual concern. 107. In this view, the Church is perceived as promoting a particular prejudice and as interfering with individual freedom. In this agreement, you accept communications from partners which may include newsletters, exclusive event invites, discount codes and emails containing other Super Citizen Member perks. The spirit of love which reigns in a family guides both mother and child in their conversations; therein they teach and learn, experience correction and grow in appreciation of what is good. Get up to the minute entertainment news, celebrity interviews, celeb videos, photos, movies, TV, music news and pop culture on ABCNews.com. That does not mean most eligible voters will cast a ballot, for a variety of reasons. The fire of the Spirit is given in the form of tongues and leads us to believe in Jesus Christ who, by his death and resurrection, reveals and communicates to us the Fathers infinite mercy. The private ownership of goods is justified by the need to protect and increase them, so that they can better serve the common good; for this reason, solidarity must be lived as the decision to restore to the poor what belongs to them. [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. They came together, citizen soldiers, in the summer of 1942, drawn Some of these customs may be beautiful, but they no longer serve as means of communicating the Gospel. 202. New patterns of behaviour are emerging as a result of over-exposure to the mass media As a result, the negative aspects of the media and entertainment industries are threatening traditional values, and in particular the sacredness of marriage and the stability of the family.[58]. The best incentive for sharing the Gospel comes from contemplating it with love, lingering over its pages and reading it with the heart. Clearly, whenever the New Testament authors want to present the heart of the Christian moral message, they present the essential requirement of love for ones neighbour: The one who loves his neighbour has fulfilled the whole law therefore love of neighbour is the fulfilling of the law (Rom 13:8, 10). It is sad that this is the case. This is not our ambition, nor is it our mission. They are present to those enslaved by different addictions in the poorest places on earth. [191]Saint Thomas Aquinas, Summa contra Gentiles, I, 7; cf. A dialogue which seeks social peace and justice is in itself, beyond all merely practical considerations, an ethical commitment which brings about a new social situation. If we wish to adapt to peoples language and to reach them with Gods word, we need to share in their lives and pay loving attention to them. [94] We cannot demand that peoples of every continent, in expressing their Christian faith, imitate modes of expression which European nations developed at a particular moment of their history, because the faith cannot be constricted to the limits of understanding and expression of any one culture. Along these lines the Latin American bishops stated that we cannot passively and calmly wait in our church buildings;[17] we need to move from a pastoral ministry of mere conservation to a decidedly missionary pastoral ministry. But this generous trust has to be nourished, and so we need to invoke the Spirit constantly. [159] This means education, access to health care, and above all employment, for it is through free, creative, participatory and mutually supportive labour that human beings express and enhance the dignity of their lives. True openness involves remaining steadfast in ones deepest convictions, clear and joyful in ones own identity, while at the same time being open to understanding those of the other party and knowing that dialogue can enrich each side. Evangelization takes place in obedience to the missionary mandate of Jesus: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you (Mt 28:19-20). We need to remember that all religious teaching ultimately has to be reflected in the teachers way of life, which awakens the assent of the heart by its nearness, love and witness. Many manuals and programmes have not yet taken sufficiently into account the need for a mystagogical renewal, one which would assume very different forms based on each educational communitys discernment. In this perspective, ecumenism can be seen as a contribution to the unity of the human family. The wisdom literature sees almsgiving as a concrete exercise of mercy towards those in need: Almsgiving delivers from death, and it will purge away every sin (Tob 12:9). Peace in society cannot be understood as pacification or the mere absence of violence resulting from the domination of one part of society over others. Christ is our peace (Eph 2:14). 47, a. [142] To believe that the Holy Spirit is at work in everyone means realizing that he seeks to penetrate every human situation and all social bonds: The Holy Spirit can be said to possess an infinite creativity, proper to the divine mind, which knows how to loosen the knots of human affairs, even the most complex and inscrutable. 267. Yet, we find it difficult to make people see that when we raise other questions less palatable to public opinion, we are doing so out of fidelity to precisely the same convictions about human dignity and the common good. Greater possibilities for communication thus turn into greater possibilities for encounter and solidarity for everyone. [192]Second Vatican Council, Decree on Ecumenism Unitatis Redintegratio, 4. If we do not feel an intense desire to share this love, we need to pray insistently that he will once more touch our hearts. 32. [55]Saint John Chrysostom, De Lazaro Concio, II, 6: PG 48, 992D. In this way, we hold fast to a formulation while failing to convey its substance. We must leave aside any other pressing concerns and create an environment of serene concentration. The joy of the Gospel is such that it cannot be taken away from us by anyone or anything (cf. 210. The Lord says: Let us go on to the next towns that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out (Mk 1:38). She is also the one who carefully keeps all these things, pondering them in her heart (Lk 2:19). Jn 4:1-15). But in the homily they want someone to serve as an instrument and to express their feelings in such a way that afterwards, each one may chose how he or she will continue the conversation. This interest has nothing to do with shrewdness or calculation; it is profoundly religious and pastoral. Time governs spaces, illumines them and makes them links in a constantly expanding chain, with no possibility of return. With Christ joy is constantly born anew. [217]John Paul II, Encyclical Letter Redemptoris Mater (25 March 1987), 17: AAS 79 (1987), 381. 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. Hundreds of Philadelphians have dropped off their ballots with mistakes, ranging from not signing or dating them to not enclosing the secrecy envelope which means their votes will not be counted. 235. [21]Fifth General Conference of the Latin American and Caribbean Bishops, Aparecida Document, 29 June 2007, 201. Instead, it is the polyhedron, which reflects the convergence of all its parts, each of which preserves its distinctiveness. While certainly not the only institution which evangelizes, if the parish proves capable of self-renewal and constant adaptivity, it continues to be the Church living in the midst of the homes of her sons and daughters. Those wounded by historical divisions find it difficult to accept our invitation to forgiveness and reconciliation, since they think that we are ignoring their pain or are asking them to give up their memory and ideals. 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. 145. When at last you present yourself before Christ? In some people we see an ostentatious preoccupation for the liturgy, for doctrine and for the Churchs prestige, but without any concern that the Gospel have a real impact on Gods faithful people and the concrete needs of the present time. This pastoral acedia can be caused by a number of things. He simply asks that we sincerely look at our life and present ourselves honestly before him, and that we be willing to continue to grow, asking from him what we ourselves cannot as yet achieve. 92. Got a question about anything voting related? [215] Mary let herself be guided by the Holy Spirit on a journey of faith towards a destiny of service and fruitfulness. The joy of the Gospel is for all people: no one can be excluded. 229. In his mission of fostering a dynamic, open and missionary communion, he will have to encourage and develop the means of participation proposed in the Code of Canon Law,[34] and other forms of pastoral dialogue, out of a desire to listen to everyone and not simply to those who would tell him what he would like to hear. Just as the commandment Thou shalt not kill sets a clear limit in order to safeguard the value of human life, today we also have to say thou shalt not to an economy of exclusion and inequality. Being Church means being Gods people, in accordance with the great plan of his fatherly love. The Samaritan woman became a missionary immediately after speaking with Jesus and many Samaritans come to believe in him because of the womans testimony (Jn 4:39). As long as the problems of the poor are not radically resolved by rejecting the absolute autonomy of markets and financial speculation and by attacking the structural causes of inequality,[173] no solution will be found for the worlds problems or, for that matter, to any problems. Exit. 16. I began to imagine a well-lit room, draped in gold, and in it, elegantly dressed young ladies exchanging worldly compliments and courtesies. The Second Vatican Council stated that, like the ancient patriarchal Churches, episcopal conferences are in a position to contribute in many and fruitful ways to the concrete realization of the collegial spirit. We are not asked to be flawless, but to keep growing and wanting to grow as we advance along the path of the Gospel; our arms must never grow slack. 225. If we attempt to put all things in a missionary key, this will also affect the way we communicate the message. By many accounts, turnout for this midterm election may be the highest its been in several years. The Church urgently needs the deep breath of prayer, and to my great joy groups devoted to prayer and intercession, the prayerful reading of Gods word and the perpetual adoration of the Eucharist are growing at every level of ecclesial life. In many places, the problem is more that of widespread indifference and relativism, linked to disillusionment and the crisis of ideologies which has come about as a reaction to any-thing which might appear totalitarian. 96. The witness of faith that each Christian is called to offer leads us to say with Saint Paul: Not that I have already obtained this, or am already perfect; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own (Phil 3:12-13). Popular piety enables us to see how the faith, once received, becomes embodied in a culture and is constantly passed on. Let us never forget that the expression of truth can take different forms. It is the task of exegetes and theologians to help the judgment of the Church to mature. The preacher also needs to keep his ear to the people and to discover what it is that the faithful need to hear. In others, it is because in their particular Churches room has not been made for them to speak and to act, due to an excessive clericalism which keeps them away from decision-making. Daily U.S. military news updates including military gear and equipment, breaking news, international news and more. More than by fear of going astray, my hope is that we will be moved by the fear of remaining shut up within structures which give us a false sense of security, within rules which make us harsh judges, within habits which make us feel safe, while at our door people are starving and Jesus does not tire of saying to us: Give them something to eat (Mk 6:37). But it does not mean that we can weaken the distinct and specific emphasis of a text which we are called to preach. We incarnate the duty of hearing the cry of the poor when we are deeply moved by the suffering of others. The pace of this accompaniment must be steady and reassuring, reflecting our closeness and our compassionate gaze which also heals, liberates and encourages growth in the Christian life. A spirit-filled evangelization is one guided by the Holy Spirit, for he is the soul of the Church called to proclaim the Gospel. Proclaiming the Gospel message to different cultures also involves proclaiming it to professional, scientific and academic circles. [81] Meditation during the First General Congregation of the XIII Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops (8 October 2012): AAS 104 (2012), 897. The seventy-two disciples felt it as they returned from their mission (cf. Catechesis is a proclamation of the word and is always centred on that word, yet it also demands a suitable environment and an attractive presentation, the use of eloquent symbols, insertion into a broader growth process and the integration of every dimension of the person within a communal journey of hearing and response. When Jesus begins his ministry, John cries out: For this reason, my joy has been fulfilled (Jn 3:29). The same synthesis appears in the New Testament: Maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins (1 Pet 4:8). Gil Thorp comic strip welcomes new author Henry Barajas Where is your brother or sister who is enslaved? For this reason they entail a personal relationship, not with vague spiritual energies or powers, but with God, with Christ, with Mary, with the saints. [42] The other sciences also help to accomplish this, each in its own way. 271. At Pentecost, the Spirit made the apostles go forth from themselves and turned them into heralds of Gods wondrous deeds, capable of speaking to each person in his or her own language. An evangelizing community is always concerned with fruit, because the Lord wants her to be fruitful. 29. We must admit, though, that the call to review and renew our parishes has not yet sufficed to bring them nearer to people, to make them environments of living communion and participation, and to make them completely mission-oriented. We see his sensitivity in allowing a sinful woman to anoint his feet (cf. Find the latest U.S. news stories, photos, and videos on NBCNews.com. [175] I beg the Lord to grant us more politicians who are genuinely disturbed by the state of society, the people, the lives of the poor! As a consequence, many pastoral workers, although they pray, develop a sort of inferiority complex which leads them to relativize or conceal their Christian identity and convictions. Jesus sacrifice on the cross is nothing else than the culmination of the way he lived his entire life. 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. [198] The sacred writings of Islam have retained some Christian teachings; Jesus and Mary receive profound veneration and it is admirable to see how Muslims both young and old, men and women, make time for daily prayer and faithfully take part in religious services. cit., IV, 5, 24: PL 16, 463: Those who ate manna died; those who eat this body will obtain the forgiveness of their sins; Saint Cyril of Alexandria, In Joh. The papacy and the central structures of the universal Church also need to hear the call to pastoral conversion. It is true that in our dealings with the world, we are told to give reasons for our hope, but not as an enemy who critiques and condemns. We can no longer trust in the unseen forces and the invisible hand of the market. [64]G. Bernanos, Journal dun cur de campagne, Paris, 1974, 135. 217. 1 Tim 1:3-5), Paul also gives them rules for their personal lives and their pastoral activity. [11] In this category we can also include those members of faithful who preserve a deep and sincere faith, expressing it in different ways, but seldom taking part in worship. I do not want a Church concerned with being at the centre and which then ends by being caught up in a web of obsessions and procedures. Spiritual worldliness, which hides behind the appearance of piety and even love for the Church, consists in seeking not the Lords glory but human glory and personal well-being. MORE FROM THE CITIZEN ON GETTING OUT THE VOTE. Today, when the networks and means of human communication have made unprecedented advances, we sense the challenge of finding and sharing a mystique of living together, of mingling and encounter, of embracing and supporting one another, of stepping into this flood tide which, while chaotic, can become a genuine experience of fraternity, a caravan of solidarity, a sacred pilgrimage. Realities simply are, whereas ideas are worked out. 79. Benedict XVI, Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Verbum Domini (30 September 2010), 86-87: AAS 102 (2010), 757-760. This is not to opt for a kind of syncretism, or for the absorption of one into the other, but rather for a resolution which takes place on a higher plane and preserves what is valid and useful on both sides. The great men and women of God were great intercessors. Many try to escape from others and take refuge in the comfort of their privacy or in a small circle of close friends, renouncing the realism of the social aspect of the Gospel. [188]Cf. The new evangelization is an invitation to acknowledge the saving power at work in their lives and to put them at the centre of the Churchs pilgrim way. Consequently, no one can demand that religion should be relegated to the inner sanctum of personal life, without influence on societal and national life, without concern for the soundness of civil institutions, without a right to offer an opinion on events affecting society. I have always been distressed at the lot of those who are victims of various kinds of human trafficking. This entails appreciating the poor in their goodness, in their experience of life, in their culture, and in their ways of living the faith. Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, Dogmatic Constitution on the Church Lumen Gentium, 12. John Paul II, Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Familiaris Consortio (22 November 1981), 34: AAS 74 (1982), 123. [64] Called to radiate light and communicate life, in the end they are caught up in things that generate only darkness and inner weariness, and slowly consume all zeal for the apostolate. These have led to a general sense of disorientation, especially in the periods of adolescence and young adulthood which are so vulnerable to change. Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, Dogmatic Constitution on the Church Lumen Gentium, 1. Finally an evangelizing community is filled with joy; it knows how to rejoice always. The sign of this unity and reconciliation of all things in him is peace. 226. [58]John Paul II, Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in Asia (6 November 1999), 7: AAS 92 (2000), 458. All this becomes even more exasperating for the marginalized in the light of the widespread and deeply rooted corruption found in many countries in their governments, businesses and institutions whatever the political ideology of their leaders. [104] Nor is it devoid of content; rather it discovers and expresses that content more by way of symbols than by discursive reasoning, and in the act of faith greater accent is placed on credere in Deum than on credere Deum. It presumes the creation of a new mindset which thinks in terms of community and the priority of the life of all over the appropriation of goods by a few. [95]John Paul II, Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in Asia (6 November 1999), 20: AAS 92 (2000), 478-482. The Church which goes forth is a community of missionary disciples who take the first step, who are involved and supportive, who bear fruit and rejoice. 212. [146]Paul VI, Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Nuntiandi (8 December 1975), 29: AAS 68 (1976), 25. At least let us say to the Lord: Lord, I am angry with this person, with that person. Instead, they themselves take from these cultures new languages, symbols, messages and paradigms which propose new approaches to life, approaches often in contrast with the Gospel of Jesus. 69. [151], 184. It is essential to draw near to new forms of poverty and vulnerability, in which we are called to recognize the suffering Christ, even if this appears to bring us no tangible and immediate benefits. Stephen E. Ambroses classic New York Times bestseller and inspiration for the acclaimed HBO series about Easy Company, the ordinary men who became the World War IIs most extraordinary soldiers at the frontlines of the war's most critical moments. In the second chapter, we reflected on that lack of deep spirituality which turns into pessimism, fatalism, and mistrust. In our world, especially in some countries, different forms of war and conflict are re-emerging, yet we Christians remain steadfast in our intention to respect others, to heal wounds, to build bridges, to strengthen relationships and to bear one anothers burdens (Gal 6:2). The renewal of structures demanded by pastoral conversion can only be understood in this light: as part of an effort to make them more mission-oriented, to make ordinary pastoral activity on every level more inclusive and open, to inspire in pastoral workers a constant desire to go forth and in this way to elicit a positive response from all those whom Jesus summons to friendship with himself. II. [92]John Paul II, Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in Africa (14 September 1995), 61: AAS 88 (1996), 39. Hence in the evangelization of new cultures, or cultures which have not received the Christian message, it is not essential to impose a specific cultural form, no matter how beautiful or ancient it may be, together with the Gospel. [6]Paul VI, Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Nuntiandi (8 December 1975), 80: AAS 68 (1976), 75. Some take part in the life of the Church as members of service groups and various missionary initiatives in their own dioceses and in other places. For this reason, I exhort all countries to a generous openness which, rather than fearing the loss of local identity, will prove capable of creating new forms of cultural synthesis. Before taking up some basic questions related to the work of evangelization, it may be helpful to mention briefly the context in which we all have to live and work. [25]John Paul II, Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in Oceania (22 November 2001), 19: AAS 94 (2002), 390. 172. If not, well wait while you do polling places are open from 7am to 8 pm.) Welcome to the enhanced audio edition of this story, And go here for more audio articles from CitizenCast, The first duty of every citizen is to vote, BY Lauren McCutcheon and Roxanne Patel Shepelavy. 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. The dignity of the human person and the common good rank higher than the comfort of those who refuse to renounce their privileges. Because the feminine genius is needed in all expressions in the life of society, the presence of women must also be guaranteed in the workplace[72] and in the various other settings where important decisions are made, both in the Church and in social structures. 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). It corresponds to the mercy which God has shown us: Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Another aspect of catechesis which has developed in recent decades is mystagogic initiation. Read breaking headlines covering politics, economics, pop culture, and more. The Gospel is about the kingdom of God (cf. Our infinite sadness can only be cured by an infinite love. 188. Migrants present a particular challenge for me, since I am the pastor of a Church without frontiers, a Church which considers herself mother to all. Evangelization should stimulate a desire for this growth, so that each of us can say wholeheartedly: It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me (Gal 2:20). 129. I was happy to take up the request of the Fathers of the Synod to write this Exhortation. The parish is not an outdated institution; precisely because it possesses great flexibility, it can assume quite different contours depending on the openness and missionary creativity of the pastor and the community. [99], 123. An attractive image makes the message seem familiar, close to home, practical and related to everyday life. 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. [166] This loving attentiveness is the beginning of a true concern for their person which inspires me effectively to seek their good. Theres no law against bringing snacks or coffee to the good people working the polls. Ultra-Game partners with the major sports leagues and franchises to bring you officially licensed gear at down-to-earth prices. A small step, in the midst of great human limitations, can be more pleasing to God than a life which appears outwardly in order but moves through the day without confronting great difficulties. In all the baptized, from first to last, the sanctifying power of the Spirit is at work, impelling us to evangelization. Canons 460-468; 492-502; 511-514; 536-537. [65]Address for the Opening of the Second Vatican Council (11 October 1962): 4, 2-4: AAS 54 (1962), 789. The reservation of the priesthood to males, as a sign of Christ the Spouse who gives himself in the Eucharist, is not a question open to discussion, but it can prove especially divisive if sacramental power is too closely identified with power in general. Solidarity, in its deepest and most challenging sense, thus becomes a way of making history in a life setting where conflicts, tensions and oppositions can achieve a diversified and life-giving unity. If we have a lively desire to be the first to hear the word which we must preach, this will surely be communicated to Gods faithful people, for out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks (Mt 12:34). It is not by proselytizing that the Church grows, but by attraction.[13]. Who has turned the wonderworld of the seas into underwater cemeteries bereft of color and life?[178]. We see then that the task of evangelization operates within the limits of language and of circumstances. [196]John Paul II, Encyclical Letter Redemptoris Missio (7 December 1990), 56: AAS 83 (1991), 304. Christ is the eternal Gospel ( Rev 14:6); he is the same yesterday and today and forever ( Heb 13:8), yet his riches and beauty are inexhaustible. [129] Proclaiming Christ means showing that to believe in and to follow him is not only something right and true, but also something beautiful, capable of filling life with new splendour and profound joy, even in the midst of difficulties. [47] Citing Saint Augustine, he noted that the precepts subsequently enjoined by the Church should be insisted upon with moderation so as not to burden the lives of the faithful and make our religion a form of servitude, whereas Gods mercy has willed that we should be free. A special place of encounter is offered by new Areopagi such as the Court of the Gentiles, where believers and non-believers are able to engage in dialogue about fundamental issues of ethics, art and science, and about the search for transcendence. [4]Fifth General Conference of the Latin American and Caribbean Bishops, Aparecida Document, 29 June 2007, 360. The Church evangelizes and is herself evangelized through the beauty of the liturgy, which is both a celebration of the task of evangelization and the source of her renewed self-giving. It is indispensable that the word of God be ever more fully at the heart of every ecclesial activity. 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