The Ecclesial Dimension of the Proclamation of the Word of God in the Light of Benedict XVI’s Apostolic Exhortation “Verbum Domini”

Abstract

The article discusses the ecclesial dimension of the proclamation of the word of God in the Church and in the world on the basis of Benedict XVI’s Apostolic Exhortation “Verbum Domini”. The Papal teaching first presents the Church as the actual and only place for proper theological hermeneutics of the word of God. The Holy Father emphasizes very strongly the constant presence of the word of God in the Church. He calls the Church the “home of the word”, whereas a privileged space for the proclamation of the word of God is the liturgy. In the liturgy of the Church the proclaimed word of God is made present and achieves the purpose for which it is proclaimed. The Pope speaks directly about the sacramentality of the word of God. This is a new expression in the teaching of the Church in so far as the word of God is concerned, as it is proclaimed in the Church’s liturgy. It allows for the use of capital letters when referring to God’s word. The meaning and value of the word of God make it possible for its proclamation to become the most fundamental and most important mission of the Church. The Pope’s teaching also leads to the conclusion that the word of God builds up the Church and strengthens it. The word of God is the Church’s strongest foundation. Without the word of God the Church would not exist, because the Logos as the Word is the Son of God who founded the Church and remains its foundation. One can say that the Apostolic Exhortation “Verbum Domini” contributes immensely to the theological field of ecclesiology. Ecclesiology as a point of departure and an end must always draw its vitality from the word of God. There is no ecclesiology without the word of God.