Word Of The Lord

In this Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation, the Pope sums up the important work done by the Synod of Bishops on the Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church. The document has three major parts:

Part One: The Word of God

Benedict focuses on the ultimate reality of divine revelation as the source of the word. He highlights the role of the Trinity and how the Holy Spirit acts through the word of God. He highlights Mary as a model for all believers.

Part Two: The Word in the Church

The Church is the “home of the word,” the place where it speaks to us especially through the liturgy. The word of God gives life to the Church and plays a vital role in catechesis, pastoral activity, prayer, and the sacraments. Scripture leads us to meet and know Jesus.

Part Three: To Proclaim the Word of God to the World

Pope Benedict focuses on many ways in which the word of God is at the source of the Church’s mission. God’s word is so powerful that it changes us, and impels us to go out to others to bring them the good news.

The meaning of divine revelation

The relation of Scripture and Tradition

Our response to God’s word

How to understand the Bible

Why fundamentalism distorts Scripture

Christians and the Jewish Scriptures

How the liturgy breaks open the word

The word of God and the Eucharist

Lectio divina

Mary, our model for hearing God’s word

The word of God and the Church’s mission

How the word of God fosters social justice

The word of god and culture Dialogue with other religions