The last two posts addressing the Lineamenta for the upcoming Synod on
the New Evangelization introduced us to the purpose behind the Synod, what the New Evangelization is
exactly, and what the Church is up against in this secular culture. The Lineamenta
concludes on a very positive note, with some direction on where to begin
discerning and concrete questions for Bishops and local Churches about
what works and what doesn’t.
Changes in society today have led to “an extensive process
of reflection and rethinking” on how to consistently approach the Sacraments of
Christian Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation) as formational
experiences and community celebrations. There is an “educational emergency”
which needs to be addressed as well, because transmitting “to new generations the basic
values for living and right conduct is becoming more arduous”—especially the
idea that every human life holds a unique dignity.
There is also a need to look at the local church and the
family. How do these sacred units contribute to the formation of future
generations and their older members? The spiritual nature of the New
Evangelization shouldn’t be forgotten either—for people “are able to evangelize
only when they have been evangelized and allow themselves to be evangelized,
that is, renewed spiritually through a personal encounter and lived communion
with Jesus Christ.”
And finally, one of the most important questions is: how do
we make the “initial proclamation” to others? The Church and her communities
are asked to discern how to present the Christian faith in the “Courtyard of
the Gentiles” today. How can we live as witnesses in a culture that refuses to
listen for the Truth?
