Category Archives: evangelization

Pope Francis, in this and the following two sections of Evangelii Gaudium, addresses the first of five preparation principles, the “Reverence for truth.” 146. The first step, after calling upon the Holy Spirit in prayer, is to give our entire attention … Continue reading →

Pope Francis in Evangelii Gaudium offers some guidance as one prepares to preach. 145. Preparation for preaching is so important a task that a prolonged time of study, prayer, reflection and pastoral creativity should be devoted to it. Those first three … Continue reading →

What does it mean to “speak from the heart”? Is it just enthusiasm and charisma? Pope Francis suggests something deeper: enlightenment. I think the Holy Father is asking questions of the Church’s preachers. Are they aware of and formed by the … Continue reading →

Pope Francis urges a connection in preaching, not the simple presentation of ideas or even values unrelated to the people or the moment. 143. The challenge of an inculturated preaching consists in proclaiming a synthesis, not ideas or detached values. … Continue reading →

Pope Francis refers to Luke 24:13-35, the experience of the disiples walking to Emmaus, and how the Lord spoke so movingly and gracefully so as to set their hearts on fire. Let’s explore in Evangelium Gaudium this notion over the next three sections. … Continue reading →

Pope Francis offers a personal reflection on the Lord in this section of Evangelii Gaudium: 141. One cannot but admire the resources that the Lord used to dialogue with his people, to reveal his mystery to all and to attract ordinary … Continue reading →

Pope Francis in Evangelii Gaudium offers some qualities to which the good preacher might attend: 140. This setting, both maternal and ecclesial, in which the dialogue between the Lord and his people takes place, should be encouraged by … the closeness of … Continue reading →

Pope Francis in Evangelii Gaudium, speaks now of “A mother’s conversation.” Evangelizing itself–autoevangelization? No matter what you call it, Pope Francis asks up front how this notion should affect the Church’s preachers. 139. We said that the people of God, … Continue reading →

Even in the introduction to his section on preaching, Pope Francis gets specific with his advice. And there’s a lot of good advice here. 138. The homily cannot be a form of entertainment like those presented by the media, yet … Continue reading →

In Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis suggests a model for the liturgical homily. Not meditation. Not catechesis. But a dialogue between God and people. How can this be accomplished with only one person speaking? I’m curious to see: 137. It is … Continue reading →

Pope Francis calls on some New Testament references to bolster his case in Evangelii Gaudium for better and more evangelical preaching. 136. Let us renew our confidence in preaching, based on the conviction that it is God who seeks to reach out … Continue reading →

Pope Francis steals the thunder from the US Bishops a bit in this sub-section of Chapter Three that examines the homily in some detail. My pastor dove right into this section when the document came out late last year. The … Continue reading →

In Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis calls upon another proposition from the input of the 2012 synod. This small section makes me sit up and take notice, given my setting in campus ministry. I can ask myself: am I doing everything in … Continue reading →

In Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis offers a few things that will not be a surprise to his watchers. Let’s read: 133. It is not enough that evangelizers be concerned to reach each person, or that the Gospel be proclaimed to the cultures … Continue reading →

Pope Francis, in Evangelii Gaudium, states that “The entire people of God proclaims the Gospel.” Is this true? Should it be? Sections 132-134 wrap up this thought begun in EG 111. We’ll look at the Holy Father’s final theme, “Culture, thought and … Continue reading →