Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - The Church, in her proclamation of salvation, can not be separated "from the concrete conditions of people's lives, [of those] to whom she is sent. Her efforts on improving are part of her life and mission, because the salvation of Christ is comprehensive and relates to man in all his dimensions: physical, spiritual, social and cultural, earthly and heavenly. It is from this awareness that over the course of centuries, many works and ecclesial structures have arisen for the promotion of individuals and peoples." This is what the Holy Father Benedict XVI recalled in an audience on 13 November, with participants in the Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Council "Cor Unum."
The Pope emphasized that those working in the world “to witness the love of Christ, the Good Samaritan, who stoops down to the needy in body and spirit,” carry out "a mission that is placed in a constant tension between two poles: the proclamation of the Gospel and attention to the heart of man and the environment in which he lives,” specifically mentioning “two special church events” in this regard: the publication of the Caritas in veritate and the Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops on reconciliation, justice and peace. Speaking of the Church "for the development of a more just society in which all the rights of individuals and peoples are recognized and respected," Benedict XVI stressed that "it is certainly not the Church's task to intervene directly in national politics or in the construction of appropriate political structures. With the proclamation of the Gospel, the Church opens her heart to God and neighbor, and awakens consciences. With the strength of her message, she defends authentic human rights and is committed to justice. Faith is a spiritual force that purifies reason in seeking a just order, freeing it from the ever-present risk of being 'blinded' by selfishness, interests, and power.”
In his speech, the Pope also pointed out that "even the most socially advanced societies, Caritas is necessary ... not only because the human soul is always in need of material things, in addition to love, but also because there are still situations of suffering, of loneliness, of necessity, which require personal commitment and practical help." Therefore those who work within the ecclesial bodies, that manage initiatives and charitable works, should make it their objective “to show and experience the merciful face of our Heavenly Father, because in the Heart of God, who is Love, lies the true answer to the deepest longings of every human heart.”
Finally, Benedict XVI urged Christians to "keep their eyes fixed on the Face of Christ" as "only in Him who is fully God and fully man, we can contemplate the Father and experience his infinite mercy," and concluded: "It is important that the Church, involved in the events of the history and lives of humanity, becomes a channel for goodness and the love of God." (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 14/11/2009)
