DAILY SEQUENTIAL EXCERPTS from The New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith – Instrumentum Laboris:
7. All these changes are contributing to a widespread disorientation which leads to forms of distrust of all that has been passed down about the meaning of life and to an unwillingness to adhere in a total, unconditional manner to what has been revealed as the profound truth of our being. This detachment from the faith is increasingly being witnessed in societies and cultures which for centuries appeared instilled with the Gospel. Increasingly considered an intimate and individual matter, faith has become a presupposition, even for many Christians, who continue to be justly concerned about the social, cultural and political implications in preaching the Gospel, but have not been sufficiently trained to keep alive their faith and their community, a faith which, like an invisible flame with its charity, nourishes and gives life to all the other actions of life. This situation, running the risk of weakening the faith, and consequently, the ability to bear witness to the Gospel, has unfortunately become a reality in most of the countries where, for centuries, the Christian faith has contributed to the upbuilding of culture and society.
9. The convocation of the Synod on the new evangelization and the transmission of the Faith is part of a determined effort to give new fervour to the faith and to the testimony of Christians and their communities. The decision to focus the synod's deliberations on this topic is, in fact, one element in a unified plan, the most recent occurrences of which have been the establishment of a dicastery for the promotion of the new evangelization as well as the proclamation of The Year of Faith. Consequently, the celebration of the Synod is expected to enliven and energize the Church in undertaking a new evangelization, which will lead to a rediscovery of the joy of believing and a rekindling of enthusiasm in communicating the faith. The question is not simply devising something new or undertaking unprecedented initiatives in spreading the Gospel, but living the faith in the spirit of it being a divine proclamation: "Mission renews the Church, revitalizes faith and the Christian identity, and offers fresh enthusiasm and new incentive. Faith is strengthened when it is given to others!" Instrumentum Laboris, “Introduction,” paragraphs 7 and 9
9. The convocation of the Synod on the new evangelization and the transmission of the Faith is part of a determined effort to give new fervour to the faith and to the testimony of Christians and their communities. The decision to focus the synod's deliberations on this topic is, in fact, one element in a unified plan, the most recent occurrences of which have been the establishment of a dicastery for the promotion of the new evangelization as well as the proclamation of The Year of Faith. Consequently, the celebration of the Synod is expected to enliven and energize the Church in undertaking a new evangelization, which will lead to a rediscovery of the joy of believing and a rekindling of enthusiasm in communicating the faith. The question is not simply devising something new or undertaking unprecedented initiatives in spreading the Gospel, but living the faith in the spirit of it being a divine proclamation: "Mission renews the Church, revitalizes faith and the Christian identity, and offers fresh enthusiasm and new incentive. Faith is strengthened when it is given to others!" Instrumentum Laboris, “Introduction,” paragraphs 7 and 9
I will walk with blameless heart within my house; I will not set before my eyes whatever is base. (Psalm 101:3, Liturgy of the Hours, Morning Prayer).
COLLECT
Grant, O Lord,
that we may always revere and love Your Holy Name,
for You never deprive of Your guidance
those You set firm on the foundation of Your love.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
Who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
One God, for ever and ever.
that we may always revere and love Your Holy Name,
for You never deprive of Your guidance
those You set firm on the foundation of Your love.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
Who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
One God, for ever and ever.
Faith – a living trust in the Person Jesus Christ – is presented in the Instrumentum Laboris as vital in addressing the concerns of present times that challenge the very constitution and identity of the human person. The Church recognizes that many Christians are rightly concerned about rectifying the ills of the age, but do not see the role that Faith has in such a transformation. It is as if human ingenuity, human prowess and collective brainstorming to develop various programs will be sufficient to create a human utopia.
Consider:
Consider:
- How integral do I view the Gift of Faith for day-to-day living?
- How does Faith assist in being put-in-communion-with the Person, Jesus Christ?
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