Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Manila (Agenzia Fides) - "Each of us is called to use resources responsibly in the midst of the pandemic. The global health crisis offers us the opportunity to review our lifestyle, without abusing or wasting human and natural resources", said Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, during the Eucharist which, celebrated on 4 October in Manila, marked the end of the "Season of Creation", a one-month period focused on the theme “A jubilee for the Earth”. "Especially in times of crisis we are called upon to examine our priorities in line with the logic of the Gospel", said the Cardinal, reiterating Pope Francis' invitation to put an end to the "throwaway culture". "In times of a pandemic we should listen to the call of the Season of Creation. Let us open our eyes to see how God loves us above all through other people, through creation", said Cardinal Tagle, who is also President of Caritas Internationalis.
At a recent meeting with members of the Congregation for Mission (Vincentians) in Rome, the Cardinal, who broadened this vision, said: "This Covid-19 pandemic is a good lesson for new evangelization. Some of the things we were used to doing in the Church, our sacramental services and other practices suddenly had to stop. Some doors seem to have closed because we could no longer do many of the usual activities. But the Holy Spirit opened other doors. This is an example of new evangelization".
"The gospel has remained the same as the person of Jesus, the Good News of the Father, the messenger of the Father's love for us and herald of salvation and new life. The gospel is the same, but the world is changing. We have new contexts and situations. We need new passions, new methods, and new expressions to preach the Gospel. It is a matter of discernment. It is a matter of following Jesus today and finding out how the Holy Spirit invites us to continue this mission that is always new".
"When we preach the Word of God - he added, "we do it out of love. It is not my word, but the word of God that is shared. I give the gift I received as a gift. It is an act of charity". (SD-PA) (Agenzia Fides, 6/10/2020)
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