The Importance of Listening to the People of God
by Pope Francis
I meet you with pleasure at the beginning of a new five-year period – the ninth – the International Theological Commission . I thank the President, Cardinal Müller , for the words he addressed to me on behalf of all of you.
Your Commission was born shortly after the Second Vatican Council , following a proposal of the Synod of Bishops, that the Holy See could make use of more direct reflection of theologians from various parts of the world. The mission of the Commission is therefore to “study the doctrinal problems of great importance, especially those that present new aspects, and in this way offer his help to the Magisterium of the Church” ( Statutes, art. 1 ). The twenty-seven documents published so far are evidence of this commitment and a reference point for theological debate.
Your mission is to serve the Church, which requires not only intellectual skills, but also spiritual dispositions. Among the latter, I would like to draw your attention to the importance of listening. “Son of man – the Lord said to the prophet Ezekiel – all the words that I say to you, listen carefully and take to heart” ( Ezekiel 3:10). The theologian is first and foremost a believer who hears the Word of the living God and is in the heart and mind. But the theologian must get even humbly listen to “what the Spirit says to the Churches” ( Rev 2.7), through the various manifestations of the living faith of the people of God. He recalled the recent Commission document on ” The sensus fidei in the life of the Church . ” It’s nice, I liked it so much that document, congratulations! In fact, along with the entire Christian people, the theologian opens his eyes and ears to the “signs of the times”. It is called to ‘hear, distinguish and interpret the many voices of our time, and judge them in the light of the word of God – is the one that judges, the word of God – that the revealed truth is understood more deeply, it is better understood and can be presented in a more suitable “(Conc. Vatican Ecumenical Council. Vat. II, Const. Gaudium and Spes , 44).
In this light, within the increasingly diverse composition of the Commission, I would like to note the increased presence of women – yet not so much … They are the strawberry cake, but we want more! - Presence that becomes an invitation to reflect on the role that women can and should play in the field of theology. Indeed, “the Church recognizes the vital contribution of women in society, with sensitivity, intuition and certain unique capacities that are usually more own women and men … I am pleased as many women … offer new contributions to theological reflection “(ibid., n. Evangelii gaudium , 103 ). Thus, by virtue of their feminine genius, theologians can detect, for the benefit of all, some unexplored aspects of the unfathomable mystery of Christ, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” ( Col 2,3). I invite you to take the best advantage of this specific contribution of women to the intelligence of faith.
Another feature of your Commission is its international character, reflecting the catholicity of the Church. The diversity of viewpoints should enrich catholicity without damage unity. The unity of Catholic theologians stems from their common reference to one faith in Christ and is nourished by the diversity of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. From this foundation, and in a healthy pluralism, various theological approaches, developed in different cultural contexts and with different methods used, they can not ignore each other, but in theological dialogue should enrich and correct each other. The work of your Commission can be a witness to this growth, and also a testimony of the Holy Spirit, because He is to sow these varieties charismatic in the Church, different points of view, and He will do the unit. He is the protagonist, always.
The Immaculate Virgin, as privileged witness of the great events of salvation history, “kept all these things, pondering them in her heart” ( Lk 2:19): Women attentiveness, a woman of contemplation, woman of the proximity to the problems of the Church and people. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and with all the resources of his genius female, she has continued to get more and more into “the whole truth” (cf. Jn 16:13). Mary is thus the icon of the Church which, anxiously anticipating his Lord, progresses, day after day, in the intelligence of faith, thanks to the patient work of theologians and theologians. Mary, teacher of authentic theology, obtain for us with her motherly prayer, that our charity ‘will continue to grow in knowledge and full understanding “( Phil1,9-10). In this journey I accompany you with my blessing and I ask you please pray for me. Praying theologically, thanks.
© Libreria Editrice Vaticana 2014
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