(…) Benedict proclaimed the priority of God. He reminded about it everywhere and to all, especially sensitizing theologians to it. His meeting with theologians on December 5, 2008, is an example. He emphasized that God for the theologian is not a hypothesis, but a living God who speaks to us, human beings! He reminded us of this vividly in his books on “Jesus of Nazareth,” insisting that Christ came to us and brought us the whole truth about God.
The second sign of the pontificate was the reminder in the encyclical ‘Deus caritas est’ that religion is not only a moral, legislative matter, but that it is a work of love, because God is love (1 Jn 4:16). God’s love has been revealed in Christ and it is the way that makes us know the God of Jesus Christ. Therefore he who does not love does not know God (cf. 1 Jn 4:8)
The third is the liturgy. In my opinion, the most important element of Christian life, emphasized by Benedict XVI, is: lex credenti lex orandi. From childhood to old age, the liturgy fascinated Ratzinger, it was evident when he celebrated the Holy Liturgy! He showed a “place” where one can be touched by God – in the beauty of the Liturgy! He emphasized the greatness of God in Eucharistic adoration.
The fourth element is charitable activity, from where the encyclical Deus Caritas Est, especially its second part, which is very practical, concerns care for one’s neighbor. Faith without works is dead (James 2:17). Like a great reminder of the Pope’s teaching of Saint James.
The fifth element of the Papal teaching, which made a great impression on me, is ‘faith in God’. I think that his whole pontificate was aimed at renewing faith in Christ! Hence the Year of Faith announced by him. In the catechesis and homilies of Benedict XVI, the element of “trust” in God is particularly emphasized! The certainty of the Church’s faith is based not on books, but on the Church enlightened by the Holy Spirit and guided by Him.
Fr. Alexandre Pietrzyk Sac
Catholic Voice No. 11/ 2013
