FOR THE word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the cleverness of the clever I will thwart." Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? [1Cor 1:18-20] ]
 
Artist: Victor Luciano Rebuffo
(1903 - 1983)
Buenos Aires, Argentina

HOMILIES

IN THIS way the Church feels that she can face the difficulties and challenges of this new period of history and can also provide, in the present and in the future, priests who are well trained to be convinced and fervent ministers of the new evangelization, faithful and generous servants of Jesus Christ and of the human family.

TODAY, IN particular, the pressing pastoral task of the new evangelization calls for the involvement of the entire People of God, and requires a new fervour, new methods and a new expression for the announcing and witnessing of the Gospel. This task demands priests who are deeply and fully immersed in the mystery of Christ and capable of embodying a new style of pastoral life, marked by a profound communion with the Pope, the Bishops and other priests, and a fruitful cooperation with the lay faithful, always respecting and fostering the different roles, charisms and ministries present within the ecclesial community. [Cf. Propositio 12. 39. ]

A LOVING knowledge of the word of God and a prayerful familiarity with it are specifically important for the prophetic ministry of the priest. They are a fundamental condition for such a ministry to be carried out suitably, especially if we bear in mind the new evangelization which the Church today is called to undertake.

THE (VATICAN II) COUNCIL tells us: All clerics, particularly priests of Christ and others who, as deacons or catechists, are officially engaged in the ministry of the word, should immerse themselves in the Scriptures by constant sacred reading and diligent study.

FOR IT must not happen that anyone becomes an empty preacher of the word of God to others, not being a hearer of the word of God in his own heart [cf. St. Augustine, Sermon 179, 1: PL 8:966], when he ought to be sharing the boundless riches of the divine Word with the faithful committed to his care, especially in the sacred liturgy. [cf. Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation 25.]

[Pope John Paul II, Pastores Dabo Vobis (I Will Give You Shepherds), On the formation of Priests in the Circumstances of the Present Day, March 25, 1992]