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The
evangelization of culture
70. My
Predecessor Paul VI widely remarked that “the split between the Gospel and
culture is undoubtedly the drama of our time”. (263) Hence the Synod
Fathers rightly felt that “the new evangelization calls for a clearly
conceived, serious and well organized effort to evangelize culture”.
(264) The Son of God, by taking upon himself our human nature, became
incarnate within a particular people, even though his redemptive death brought
salvation to all people, of every culture, race and condition. The gift of his
Spirit and his love are meant for each and every people and culture, in order
to bring them all into unity after the example of the perfect unity existing in
the Triune God. For this to happen, it is necessary to inculturate preaching in
such a way that the Gospel is proclaimed in the language and in the culture of
its hearers. (265) At the same time, however, it must not be forgotten
that the Paschal Mystery of Christ, the supreme manifestation of the infinite
God within the finitude of history, is the only valid point of reference for
all of humanity on its pilgrimage in search of authentic unity and true peace.
In
America, the mestiza face of the Virgin of Guadalupe was from the start
a symbol of the inculturation of the Gospel, of which she has been the lodestar
and the guide. Through her powerful intercession, the Gospel will penetrate the
hearts of the men and women of America and permeate their cultures,
transforming them from within. (266)
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