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Agree with you totally Mary. Vita Consecrata (25.03.1996), 94: AAS 88 (1996) 469. The task of proclamation calls for recourse to specific initiatives, for example, a full appreciation of the Bible in all pastoral projects. At times, this dialogue can be dialectical but it is always full of potential in proclaiming the Word, because of its richness in meaning. Consequently, instruction and pastoral formation inspired by the Word of God are a necessity. In this way, the Word continues its course through vibrant preaching and its many forms of evangelization, where proclamation, catechesis, liturgical celebrations and the service of charity hold a high place. 3-4, 6; BENEDICTUS XVI, Angelus (06.11.2005): LOsservatore Romano: Weekly Edition in English, 09.11.2005, p. 1. Mk 4:27)which everyone is invited to accept. The proclamation of the Word of God in the Scriptures results from the action of the Spirit. Is 11:1). As members of the Church through Baptism and sharers in Christs priestly, prophetic and royal office, the lay faithful participate in the salvific mission which the Father entrusted to his Son for the salvation of all peoples (LG 34-36) (84). The human being described in the Bible is a person capable of hearing, having a heart that hears (cf. The Introduction to the Lectionary containing the readings proclaimed during the Eucharist has the following to say on the subject: "Since, by the will of Christ himself, the new People of God is unique in the wonderful variety of its members and also in the diversity of tasks and offices which each has in relation to the Word of God: the faithful have the responsibility to listen to and meditate on it; but to explain it is the responsibility only of those who by right of sacred ordination have the task of teaching or those who have been entrusted with the exercise of this ministry. Their power is grounded in the dynamism of divine love: "God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son" (Jn 3:16; cf. In response to a growing desire, people are being introduced to a taste for the Word of God; in some cases it is a priority in relation to other demands of pastoral service. The dialogue of Christians with Muslims and members of other religions is an urgent need, providing mutual understanding and working together in promoting religious, ethical and moral values, thereby, contributing to the building of a better world. Today, we can speak of different approaches to the Bible in Europe, Africa, Asia, America and Oceania. The process requires research in the so-called "history of effects" (Wirkungsgeschichte) of the Bible on culture and on a common ethos, for which the Bible is rightly referred to and valued as the "Great Code," especially in the West. This situation urgently requires a formation centred on a reading of the Old Testament with Christ in mind, which acknowledges the bond between the two testaments and the permanent value of the Old Testament (cf. When the Holy Spirit creates harmony between the Scriptures and the community, this correlation is properly achieved. 1 Cor 15:24). The Bible - the Word of God 3 A BOOK LIKE NO OTHER Though the Bible is an old book, it repeatedly moves people to action. Bar 3:38), so that he may invite and take them into fellowship with himself" (DV 2). ORIGENES, In Genesim homiliae, 2.6: SChr 7 bis, 108. CIC can. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-ourgodiswithus_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0-asloaded{max-width:250px!important;max-height:250px!important;}}if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'ourgodiswithus_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_10',169,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-ourgodiswithus_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); Ephesians 6:10-18 details the armor of God which we can use to fight spiritual battles. Such an understanding not only creates an encounter for the person who hears in faith, but makes it a real celebration of the covenant. The contents of these submissions were routinely summarized and are now presented in this Instrumentum Laboris. In virtue of the Spirit, it grows with the reflection and study of Christs faithful into a deeply personal experience in the spiritual life. In the Middle Ages, Sacred Scripture was also the basis of theological reflection. Jn 17:8). With people being bombarded by all kinds of information technology, traditional forms of proclaiming the Word might be difficult for the hearer. may God bless us all . This requires a new outlook towards Sacred Scripture, one which sees the Bible more than a written book, but a proclamation of and testimony to the Person of Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit. post-syn, Vita Consecrata (25.03.1996), 94: AAS 88 (1996) 469-470; Litt. The Lord is close to us when we call upon His name in truth. In keeping with this conciliar teaching, canon law speaks of the ministry of the Word of God entrusted to priests and deacons as collaborators of the Bishop (81). Post-Syn. OT 4) (54). The whole Bible is about Him. It is a supernatural fact. The Word of God was relevant 1000 years ago and its life-giving, transforming power is still relevant today. In receiving the Good News, Mary is the ideal model of the obedience of faith, becoming a living icon of the Church in service to the Word. The Second Vatican Council emphasized that the Jews "should not be presented as rejected or accursed by God, as if this followed from the Holy Scriptures" (NA 4). Faithfulness to the Word of God exists when the first form of charity is realized in a respect for the rights of the human person and in defence of the oppressed and those who suffer. (85) IOANNES PAULUS II, Adhot. Therefore, the Gospels call for a discernment of what is heard (cf. The People of God is unceasingly drawing its energy from the Word. In this way, the continuous encounter with the Word is the source of her renewal and the font of "a new spiritual Spring" (8). (95) CONGREGATIO PRO CLERICIS, Directorium Generale pro Catechesi (15.08.1997), 160: Enchiridion Vaticanum 16, EDB, Bologna 1999, p. 844; Cf. A serious, attentive effort took place in the particular Churches on every continent, manifesting the extensiveness of the Word of God throughout the world. Gnostic interpretations today, based on a popularization of truths at the beginning of Christianity, require an explanation on what the Canon of Sacred Books is and how it was compiled. Hearing leads to belonging; hearing creates a bond and permits entrance into a covenant. As for the process of communication, the Apostolic Exhortation Evangellii Nuntiandi of Pope Paul VI, continues to have a timely character, particularly when it declares the primacy given to personal witness in proclaiming the Word of God and its transmission in the family and everyday experiences. On the personal level, too many of the faithful are reluctant to open the Bible for various reasons, especially because they feel it might be too difficult to understand. The People of God have a growing consciousness of the importance of liturgies of the Word of God, prompted in part by the reference and revision of them in the new Lectionary. I know, when I read that verse I loved it as well! This scripture again confirms it. The Word of God and the Service of Charity. 10. Many response to the Lineamenta raise questions on the proper way to explain to Christs faithful the charism of inspiration and the truth contained in the Scriptures. We pray for your healing from the pain youve experienced. "And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up; and he went to the synagogue, as his custom was, on the Sabbath day. Mk 4:20). IOANNES PAULUS II, Adhot. IOANNES PAULUS II, Adhort. BENEDICTUS XVI, Litt. As previously mentioned, the Books of Sacred Scripture have a direct, concrete power of appeal not possessed by other Church texts. 30. In many instances, Scripture attests that hearing is what makes Israel the People of God: "If you will obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my own possession among all peoples" (Ex 19:5; cf. This is not always easy, because of the risk of fundamentalism. When someone like a Pastor reads and preaches Gods Word to you, he is convicted and transformed by the Word and so are you. "; other questions regard the relation of Sacred Scripture to Divine Tradition and the Churchs Magisterium; still others touch upon difficult parts of the Bible, especially in the Old Testament. i am going to share this blessing with other people. The historia salutis, having completed its constitutive phase, continues its effects through time in the Church. c. In giving directives and defining dogma, the Magisterium does not intend to set limits on the personal reading of Scripture. The Bible set forth the standard by which Believers are to live their lives. Study and meetings, especially in interreligious and intercultural exchanges, urgently need to give an appreciable place to the Word of God in relation to culture and the human spirit. For the most part, these recommendations are still waiting to be implemented. Mt 7: 21-27). an interest in the Bible in the field of culture. 54. Post-Syn. This is the common task awaiting us. In other geographic areas, a problem arises more from a scarcity of means, especially Bible translations. a. Is 55:10-11). It's our manual and blueprint as believers. "Lectio Divina is a reading, on an individual or communal level, of a more or less lengthy passage of Scripture, received as the word of God and leading, at the prompting of the Spirit, to meditation, prayer and contemplation" (53). (62) BENEDICTUS XVI, Litt. Its active and effective. At times it heals us, comforts us and protects us. Towards a "wide access to sacred scripture" (DV 22) The Mission of the Church is to Proclaim the Word and Build the Kingdom of God. Moreover, the Church, like the Virgin Mary, the Temple of the Spirit, in her silent, humble and hidden life, learns to bear witness to this close relationship between the Word and Silence and the Word and the Spirit of God. We must build our missionary commitment and the whole of our lives on the rock of the Word of God. IOANNES PAULUS II, Adhort. This is a place for imperfect Christians who long to find the deepest longings of their hearts- real love, joy and peace in an ever present God. (14) Cf. The Bible becomes alive in the Peoples reading it. Note 2 on this verse says: "A seed is a container of life. Various programmes, such as the Seven Steps, are already being practiced by many particular Churches on the African continent. Thank you so much for visiting the blog. (102) Ibidem, 2, p. 524; cf. Summi Dei Verbum (04.11.1963): AAS 55 (1963) 979-995; IOANNES PAULUS II, Weekly General Audience (22.05.1985): LOsservatore Romano: Weekly Edition in English, 27.05.1985, pp. But that plan will not reach fulfilment until the Lord Jesus consigns the Kingdom to the Father (cf. Such is also the case in the Old Testament which, according to Jesus own words, refers to himself (cf. Pastoral Implications, CHAPTER V The Word of God in the many services of the Church Ministry of the Word An Experience in Liturgy and Prayer The Theological-Pastoral Foundation: Word, Spirit, Liturgy and Church The Word of God and the Eucharist The Word and the Economy of the Sacraments Pastoral Implications Lectio Divina The Word of God and the Service of Charity Exegesis of Sacred Scripture and Theology The Word of God in the Life of the Believer, PART III THE WORD OF GOD IN THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH, CHAPTER VI Towards a "wide access to sacred scripture" (DV 22) The Mission of the Church is to Proclaim the Word and Build the Kingdom of God. DV 25). DV 24) which is entirely focussed on Jesus, because "it is they [the Scriptures] that bear witness to me" (Jn 5:39). In general, the aim of the Synod is to meditate upon, present and render thanks for the great mystery of the Word of God as the supreme divine gift. 4-5. (108) BENEDICTUS XVI, Address at a Meeting of Representatives of some Muslim Communities (20.08.2005): LOsservatore Romano: Weekly Edition in English, 24.08.2005, p. 9. In certain cases, the Liturgy of the Word is serving as a form of Lectio Divina. (110) IOANNES PAULUS II, Adhort. When a baby is born, they need milk. Generally speaking, it is gratifying to see the Bible being used today as a major point of encounter in prayer and dialogue between the Church and ecclesial communities. According to St. Maximus the Confessor: "The Words of God, if pronounced by rote and not heard, have no resonance in the actions of those who merely speak them. CHAPTER VII The Word of God in serving and forming the People of God Holding Fast to Scripture (cf. The Word reveals the Mystery of the Triune God. Then the Word is addressed as a person He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. S. BERNARDUS, Super Missus Est, Homilia IV, 11: PL 183,86. 35. Truly, "this is eternal life, that they know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent" (Jn 17:3). Knowledge, understanding and practice of the Word are seen as needing consideration. In this way, the Word of God, planted by Christ as the seed of Gods Kingdom, makes its way through human history (cf. Observations were also made by individual bishops, priests, consecrated persons, theologians and members of the lay faithful. 684-7908. At present, the Church is experiencing a renewal based on the centrality of the Word of God, the great plan of the Second Vatican Council, which continues to the time of this Synod. Lectio Divina is a reading of the Bible which goes back to the beginnings of Christianity and has been a part of the Church throughout her history. Some recommend the blending of hymns and music to the communication of the Word of God and a greater appreciation of words and silence. "The study of the sacred page is, as it were, the soul of sacred theology" (DV 24). According to the Second Vatican Council, "to carry out such a task [serving the world], the Church has always had the duty of scrutinizing the signs of the times and of interpreting them in the light of the Gospel. God promises us that life when we listen and obey His Word. In addition to receiving the Word of God in personal and communal prayer, all Christians have the unavoidable responsibility to receive it in liturgical prayer. Christ dwelt for nine months in the tabernacle of Marys womb, he dwells until the end of the ages in the tabernacle of the Churchs faith. Faith receives a communication of truth from the Word through a story or doctrinal formula. Throughout the centuries the book of the Bible has entered cultures, so much so as to inspire various fields of knowledge, including philosophy, pedagogy, science, art and literature. I did not know that God was going to chase me away from worshiping these and draw me to worship him. Work remains in encouraging the lay faithfuls participation in praying the Liturgy of the Hours. Revelation is a communion of love, which is oftentimes expressed in Sacred Scripture in terms of covenant. Everywhere she encounters persons who are actively searching or simply awaiting the "Good News". 1 "T HE POWER of GOD'S WORD " by Dr. D. W. Ekstrand Introduction The Hebrew term for "word " dabar is used 394 times in the Old Testament to characterize a communication as " the word of God " & "the word of the Lord ;" as such, it is the expression of His being. Today, the technology and the means which put people in contact with the Bible are many and generally well-done, including commentaries, introductory materials to the Bible, Bibles for children and young people, spiritual books and scholarly and popular magazines on the Bible, not to mention the vast field of simple and elaborate means which serve to communicate the Word of God. In the Liturgy of the Word, maximum attention should be given to a clear, understandable proclamation of the texts and a homily based on the Word (52). At the same time, some see the need to take into consideration the real possibilities among the faithful and adapt this classic form to different situations in such a way as to conserve the essence of this reading in prayer, while highlighting its nutritive value for a persons faith. 584-586. Mt 7:21). As happened at Antioch and in the assembly of Jerusalem in the peoples listening to Barnabas and Paul (cf. Your word is truth.. People are becoming increasingly aware that the Bible cannot be read in a casual manner. Exegetical and theological study is also to appreciate the testimony from Sacred Tradition, such as the liturgy and the Fathers of the Church. The Word of God develops in the context of a series of encounters with the mans search to respond to his ultimate questions. CONGREGATIO PRO CLERICIS, Directorium Generale pro Catechesi, (15.08.1997), I, 2: Enchiridion Vaticanum 16, EDB, Bologna 1999, pp. Faith cometh by hearing. The Word of God was there from the beginning. PONTIFICIA COMMISSIO BIBLICA, Le peuple juif et ses Saintes critures dans la Bible chrtienne (24.05.2001): Enchiridion Vaticanum 20, EDB, Bologna 2004, pp. Familiarity with the Sacred Scriptures is not an easy task. Apost. God's word, an efficacious call to further commitment and deeper communion in faith with the div ine. They were transformed by the power of Gods Word and so are we. In every diocese a biblical pastoral programme, under the guidance of the bishop, can insert the Bible into the Churchs great initiatives in evangelization and catechesis. Apost. The Lineamenta responses provide the following examples: After the Second Vatican Council, the Word of God is being read more and more, primarily in reference to the Eucharistic liturgy. Youre welcome Carri. This is seen in the New Testament, which narrates and proclaims the mystery of his death, resurrection and presence in the midst of the Church, the community of his disciples called to celebrate these sacred mysteries. The basis for the relationship between the Word and charity is clearly the example of the Word-made-flesh himself, Jesus of Nazareth who "went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him" (Acts 10:38). i am from Nepal serving Lord since 2015. Some persons, especially women, work under great hardship, watch over the family, dedicate themselves to their children and, with an ardent faith, provide multiple services to their neighbours, reminiscent of the Psalms and the Gospels. Episcopal conferences, dioceses, parishes religious communities, associations and movements are involved in the great undertaking of the Word of God in a totally new manner for the past ten years. To study the Word of God carefully and with the proper method is very important. What took place then also takes place each time the Word of God is proclaimed in the liturgy. 29. Its not physical or flesh. In response to this sure promise, the Church cries out in ardent prayer: "Maranatha" (1 Cor 16:22) "Come Lord Jesus!" The People cannot exist without the Book, because it contains its reason for existence, its calling and its very identity.