“Two Great Tasks for ModernChurch” – Benedict XVI
Benedict XVI says he considers evangelization and ecumenism two of the greatest tasks facing the ecclesial community in the modern world.
The Pope affirmed this at an audience with participants of the 6th Ordinary Council of the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops, who are meeting to prepare the Synod's General Assembly in the Vatican in October 2008. Speaking about the "social character of hope," a theme taken from his encyclical "Spe Salvi", he said "It is my belief that the effective application of this fruitful principle is evident in the synod, in which encounter becomes communion and the solicitude for all Churches is expressed in the shared concern of all," he said. "The forthcoming General Assembly of the Synod will reflect on the 'Word of God in the Life and the Mission of the Church.'
"The great tasks facing the ecclesial community in the modern world -- and among the many I particularly stress evangelization and ecumenism -- are centered on the Word of God and, at the same time, draw there from their justification and support. Just as the Church's missionary activity finds its inspiration and its goal in the Lord's merciful revelation, so ecumenical dialogue cannot base itself on the words of human wisdom or on skilful strategies, but must be animated exclusively by constant reference to the original Word, which God consigned to his Church to be read, interpreted and lived in communion."
Apostolic experience.
Benedict XVI said that in this context, "St. Paul's doctrine reveals a particular strength." The apostle's doctrine is, the Holy Father explained, "clearly founded on divine revelation but also on his own apostolic experience which, ever and anew, made it clear to him that not human wisdom and eloquence but only the force of the Holy Spirit builds the Church in faith."
He noted that the Synod that will provide pastors of the Church with an opportunity to reflect on "the witness of Paul, the great apostle and herald of the Word of God," the Pontiff said. "May his example be an encouragement for everyone to accept the Word of salvation and to translate it into daily life, in faithful discipleship of Christ."
