Pope Benedict reminds us that Christian formation includes more than just book-learning:
290. We recall that in the oldest tradition of the Church, the formative itinerary of the Christian “always had an experiential character. While not neglecting a systematic understanding of the content of the faith, it centered on a vital and convincing encounter with Christ, as proclaimed by authentic witnesses.” (Sacramentum Caritatis 64) This is an experience that leads into a deep and joyful celebration of the sacraments, with all the wealth of their signs. Life is thereby gradually transformed by the holy mysteries celebrated, enabling the believer to transform the world. The term for it is “mystagogical catechesis.”
As long as “promote” liturgy as “obligation,” we’ll continue to reap the results: a perfunctory observance rather than an encounter with Christ, the living Son of God.
For deeper examination, an English translation of the 2007 document from the Aparecida Conference.
