Verbum Domini part 2 section 3

VERBUM IN ECCLESIA
The word of God in the life of the Church (72 onwards)

• Catechesis must be permeated by the mindset, the spirit and the outlook of the Bible and the Gospels

• A knowledge of biblical passages, events and well known sayings should thus be encouraged.

• Enable every member to realize that history of salvation is also a part of his or her own life.

• Need to approach the word with a docile and prayerful heart so that it may deeply penetrate his thoughts and feelings and bring about a new outlook in him -- 'the mind of Christ'

• Christian laity live out their specific vocation to holiness by a life in the spirit expressed in a particular way in their engagement in temporal matter and by their participation in earthly activities

• Part of authentic parenthood is to pass on and bear witness to the meaning of life in Christ... Spouses are the first to proclaim God's word to their children

• The Synod urged that every household have its Bible, to be kept in a worthy place and used for reading and prayer

• Women have an ability to lead people to hear God's word...they are messangers of love, models of mercy and peacemakers; they communicate warmth and humanity.

• Need for a prayerful approach to the sacred text as a fundamental element in the spiritual life of every believer

• Understanding Scriptures demands, even more than study, closeness to Christ and prayer.

• The prayerful reading of the Bible, personal and communal, must always be related to the Eucharistic celebration.

• To whatever degree we are united with Christ, we are united to one another, and the supernatural life of each one can be useful for the others (communion of saints).

• I urge that Marian prayer be encouraged among the faithful, above all in life of families, since it is an aid on meditating on the holy mysteries found in the Scriptures.

• The Holy Rosary ponders the mysteries of Christ's life in union with Mary. It is fitting that the announcement of each mystery be accompanied by a brief biblical text

• The Angelus allows us to commemorate daily the mystery of the Incarnate Word

• It is a Marian prayer traditionally recited at sunrise, midday and sunset. Can help us grow authentic love for mystery of incarnation

• Peace which is Christ himself, born of Mary for our salvation.

• The Synod Fathers recalled the felicitious phrase which speaks of the Holy Land as the "Fifth Gospel". How important it is that in those places there be Christian communities, notwithstanding any hardships!

• The more we turn our eyes and our hearts to the earthly Jerusalem, the more will our yearning be kindled for the heavenly Jerusalem, the true goal of every pilgrimage



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