On both sides. Initially, it is necessary for the promoters of the Christian faith to update our beliefs. It is necessary that the new theology not remain simply in university classrooms and high publications. We need the educators in the faith, the priests, and the catechists to update their training. I hear many sermons, talks, and catechesis. And I am amazed because I see that educators continue in very traditional training. There are hardly any advances. We continue as we have for many years.
First of all, the vast majority of those who attend the temple do not have excessive interest in forming themselves. They follow routinely as always. I am hearing several sermons that do not explain the readings of the Word deeply. The more the Gospel is announced, it is usually at funerals. And there it is noted that people are mostly unaware of the Message, because almost no one responds to the readings, prayers, or songs.
It is urgent that, in addition to Sunday Eucharists, we have formation groups in the parish communities. And there are very few groups. And we remain in the ritual, the obligatory. We have the phenomenon of few priests and with quite a few parishes. They do a lot by celebrating and not every Sunday. It is urgent that we prepare groups of lay people to work during the week on the knowledge and depth of the Gospel. Something similar needs to be done with songs, readings, rites… It is important to transform ourselves into living, deep communities, with a living and committed faith.
There are very interesting authors and materials that can help us, among whom are theologians who are sometimes not very accepted by the hierarchy. I dare to say that there are essential materials that, for me, are of great help in groups and that lead us to a Christian life, to more vibrant celebrations. New Year: let it not be a passing of party after party but let us build living communities from the gospel deepened and worked on in group.
Gerardo Villar
English version translated with AI