[64] G. Bernanos, Journal d’un curé de campagne, Paris, 1974, 135. At the same time, new difficulties are constantly surfacing: experiences of failure and the human weaknesses which bring so much pain. We are told quite clearly: “do so with gentleness and reverence” (1 Pet 3:15) and “if possible, so far as it depends upon you, live peaceably with all” (Rom 12:18). Some of these customs may be beautiful, but they no longer serve as means of communicating the Gospel. This produces a vicious circle. [54] This is in fact a grave responsibility, since certain present realities, unless effectively dealt with, are capable of setting off processes of dehumanization which would then be hard to reverse. Today, we frequently hear of a “diagnostic overload” which is not always accompanied by improved and actually applicable methods of treatment. We have a treasure of life and love which cannot deceive, and a message which cannot mislead or disappoint. We already possess a number of magisterial documents and aids on catechesis issued by the Holy See and by various episcopates. Tabby, for instance, was given a red-and-orange sunstone. It is not our own goods which we hold, but theirs”.[55]. The Gospel, radiant with the glory of Christ’s cross, constantly invites us to rejoice. Finally an evangelizing community is filled with joy; it knows how to rejoice always. The memory of the faithful, like that of Mary, should overflow with the wondrous things done by God. [20] In fidelity to the example of the Master, it is vitally important for the Church today to go forth and preach the Gospel to all: to all places, on all occasions, without hesitation, reluctance or fear. 254. [216] Along this journey of evangelization we will have our moments of aridity, darkness and even fatigue. It also happens that our hearts can tire of the struggle because in the end we are caught up in ourselves, in a careerism which thirsts for recognition, applause, rewards and status. One form of prayer moves us particularly to take up the task of evangelization and to seek the good of others: it is the prayer of intercession. This is essential, for the Church’s social thought is primarily positive: it offers proposals, it works for change and in this sense it constantly points to the hope born of the loving heart of Jesus Christ. Doubly poor are those women who endure situations of exclusion, mistreatment and violence, since they are frequently less able to defend their rights. Let us peer for a moment into the heart of Saint Paul, to see what his prayer was like. Ouvrons le débat! 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. 53. [154] Sadly, even human rights can be used as a justification for an inordinate defense of individual rights or the rights of the richer peoples. The individualism of our postmodern and globalized era favours a lifestyle which weakens the development and stability of personal relationships and distorts family bonds. 187. “Mere administration” can no longer be enough. As John Paul II once said to the Bishops of Oceania: “All renewal in the Church must have mission as its goal if it is not to fall prey to a kind of ecclesial introversion”.[25]. 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. The bishop must always foster this missionary communion in his diocesan Church, following the ideal of the first Christian communities, in which the believers were of one heart and one soul (cf. On the contrary, she rejoices and even delights in acknowledging the enormous potential that God has given to the human mind. Mystical notions without a solid social and missionary outreach are of no help to evangelization, nor are dissertations or social or pastoral practices which lack a spirituality which can change hearts. The same Spirit who inspired the Gospels and who acts in the Church also inspires the preacher to hear the faith of the God’s people and to find the right way to preach at each Eucharist. Where all seems to be dead, signs of the resurrection suddenly spring up. Here they find strength from God to bear the weariness and the suffering in their lives. What are the implications of this principle for preachers? 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”. How good it is to have this law! Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation Dei Verbum, 21-22. 92. 256. The ultimate aim should be that the Gospel, as preached in categories proper to each culture, will create a new synthesis with that particular culture. 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. [14] Encyclical Letter, Redemptoris Missio (7 December 1990), 34: AAS 83 (1991), 280. [140] Paul VI, Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Nuntiandi (8 December 1975), 17: AAS 68 (1976), 17. Here I can repeat the insightful observation of Pope Paul VI: “In the face of such widely varying situations, it is difficult for us to utter a unified message and to put forward a solution which has universal validity. [164] John Paul II, Encyclical Letter Sollicitudo Rei Socialis (30 December 1987), 42: AAS 80 (1988), 572. The way we treat others has a transcendent dimension: “The measure you give will be the measure you get” (Mt 7:2). How beautiful it is to see that young people are “street preachers” (callejeros de la fe), joyfully bringing Jesus to every street, every town square and every corner of the earth! 157. 269. Differing currents of thought in philosophy, theology and pastoral practice, if open to being reconciled by the Spirit in respect and love, can enable the Church to grow, since all of them help to express more clearly the immense riches of God’s word. On that beloved continent, where many Christians express their faith through popular piety, the bishops also refer to it as “popular spirituality” or “the people’s mysticism”. [56] On occasion these may take the form of veritable attacks on religious freedom or new persecutions directed against Christians; in some countries these have reached alarming levels of hatred and violence. 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