In recent days, Pope León XIV has extended a special invitation to the cardinals of the Catholic Church to gather for an extraordinary consistory during the month of June. This meeting, scheduled for the 26th and 27th, carries a profound purpose: to reflect together on how we are sharing the faith in today's world. The summons comes at a significant moment, just over a year after the passing of Pope Francis, whose pastoral legacy continues to guide the Church's path.
In his letter, written with a warm and fraternal tone, the Pontiff acknowledges the value of the work accomplished in the previous consistory and expresses his hope that this new gathering will be a space for communal discernment. This is not merely an administrative meeting, but a moment for mutual listening and seeking God's will for His people. As Christians, we know the Church is not a static institution, but a living body that constantly needs renewal in the Spirit.
The apostle Paul reminds us:
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will" (Romans 12:2, NIV).This verse precisely illuminates the spirit of this consistory: to seek together how to live and share the Gospel authentically amid the challenges of our time.
Evangelii Gaudium: A Compass for Mission
At the heart of this summons lies the apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, a document published by Pope Francis in 2013 that remains a fundamental reference for the life and mission of the Church. León XIV describes this text as "a fundamental reference point" that helps us rediscover the joy of the Gospel and focus on what is essential to our faith.
What makes this document maintain its relevance more than a decade later? Its ability to remind us that Christianity is not primarily a set of rules or doctrines, but a transformative encounter with Jesus Christ. The exhortation invites us to step out of our comfort zones and bring the Good News to every corner of society, especially to those most in need. This message resonates deeply with the words of Jesus:
"Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation" (Mark 16:15, NIV).
Pope León XIV has specifically requested "an honest assessment" of how Evangelii Gaudium has been received and applied over these years. This is not a bureaucratic exercise, but a communal examination of conscience: Have we allowed the message of evangelical joy to truly transform our communities? Or have we fallen into the temptation of complacency and lost our missionary zeal?
The Kerygma: Heart of Our Identity
One of the aspects most emphasized by the Pontiff is how Evangelii Gaudium returns us to the kerygma—that is, the fundamental proclamation of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for our salvation. In a world filled with distractions and superficial proposals, we need to constantly rediscover this core of our faith. As Peter wrote in his first letter:
"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15, NIV).
This return to the kerygma is not a step backward, but a deepening. It invites us to ask: Do our communities primarily transmit rules and traditions, or do they first and foremost proclaim the saving love of God revealed in Jesus? Do our liturgies, catechesis, and pastoral activities lead people to a genuine encounter with the living Christ? These are the questions that will guide the cardinals' reflections as they seek to renew the Church's mission of evangelization for our contemporary world.
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