Słuchanie i głoszenie Słowa Bożego podstawą posługi duszpasterskiej w świetle „Verbum Domini” Benedykta XVI

Abstract

Human words affect the lives of individuals, societies and the entire world. Their power is derived from the Word of God. In his exhortation Verbum Domini Pope Benedict XVI puts God’s Word in the framework of a symphony. This symphony can have both a verbal and implicit form, but it always refers to a person. Paraphrasing the famous Cartesian axiom, we might say: Dico ergo sum (I speak, therefore I am). However, in terms of the order of creation and salvation this postulate is as follows: Dicor ergo sum (I am spoken, therefore I am). We are indeed expressed by God and thus called to listen to His Word and then respond to it. The present-day lack of faith in the efficacy of the proclaimed Word leads to activist attitudes which appear to be more effective. Although the Church requires a practical approach in various areas, what it needs the most is the Word – the Logos – which brings hope against the temptations of despair. The Word of God reaches the world via preaching, the Holy Sacraments, everyday life, culture, art and the mass media. Saints and above all Our Lady have mastered the ability to listen to God’s Word, proclaim it and live by it. Therefore, imitating them should constitute the essence of preparation for the priesthood and future pastoral work. Clearly, fulfilment of the priestly ministry is a visible and audible sign of the Word of God.