(22 Sept 08 - RV) Pope Benedict says that for a bishop to properly preach the Word
of God, he must first listen to it.
The Holy Father
was speaking to recently consecrated bishops who attended a course sponsored by the
Congregations for Bishops and Eastern Churches.
Pope Benedict made note that
his meeting with the Bishops occurs both in the beginning of the Pauline Year and
on the eve of the 12th General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, which
is dedicated to the Word of God.
He said these two significant events in the
life of the Church also shed light on certain aspects of the spirituality and mission
of a bishop.
He said that Saint Paul is a teacher and the highest model for
bishops. Pope Benedict said that from his very first meeting with the Lord on the
road to Damascus, his life was led conforming himself to Christ in his persecutions
and sufferings.
Therefore, the first mission of the bishop is to progress on
the road to Gospel perfection. The first help for a bishop on this journey is the
Word of God, which unquestionable should be at the centre of the life and mission
of the bishop.
The Holy Father said to confront the great challenge made by
the secularism of contemporary society, it is necessary for a Bishop to daily reflect
in prayer on the Word of God, to effectively announce it, and to be able to explain
and defend it, and to be able to teach and transmit it.
The Course for the
newly consecrated bishops was for bishops of the Eastern Rites of the Catholic Church.