Lombardi editorial: in a world loved by God

(Vatican Radio) Below, please find Vatican Radio's English translation of the weekly editorial from the Director of the Press Office of the Holy See, Federico Lombardi, SJ.

In a world loved by God

We must overcome fear with faith, and look at the world with calm courage, because – though it is full of contradictions and challenges - it still remains the world that God loves. Without doubt, the Church's reflection on the need for a New Evangelization arises from an experience of alienation from the faith and the difficulties of proclaiming the Gospel in various parts of the world today. Nevertheless, the message that the Synod Fathers have presented to the Church at the end of their work and just ahead of the close of the Assembly, is not characterized by discouragement. It is rather a word of commitment and hope based on faith in God, the presence of the Risen Christ and the power of His Spirit. There is nothing pessimistic about the message: globalization, secularization, migration and changing social scenarios ought to be recognized for what they are: opportunities for evangelization.
In the message, the wide variety of topics covered by the members of the Synod are made to turn on a coherent inner vision or logic, which outlines a renewed Church, in all regions of the world, in all her parts and components - families, parishes, clergy and laity - in awareness of the Church’s mission. The message presents a Church always in dialogue with the world and its problems: with culture, science, education, art; a Church active in charity, but also in the fields of economics, labor and politics for the common good. In particular, a Church in constructive dialogue with believers of other religions, and a Church that would not be herself should she cease faithfully to look in contemplation and prayer upon the face of God, and fail to recognize this face in the poor who are always with us.
The Bishops and other members of the Synod now return to their usual places of service. They leave the Pope - who faithfully accompanied all their work - a rich contribution to consider. They also leave the whole Church, animated as she is now in this Year of Faith, to discover new ways and means of sharing with everyone the gift of faith - the most beautiful and the most precious thing there is.