Today is the 84th birthday of the Pope, and an opportunity for Catholics to express their affection and regard for the Holy Father.
Pope Benedict XVI
Image: Wikipedia
With the anniversary of his election coming in three days today seems to be an occasion to reflect on his achievements as a theologian and writer rather than as Pope.
His extensive output of writings, which still continues with the second volume of Jesus of Nazareth, are lucid expositions of the Catholic faith which demonstrate the range and breadth of his reading over the years, and his awareness that this is to be applied in the lives of individuals and of society as a whole.
Drawing upon the patristic tradition - not just his particular interest in St Augustine - he continues it in his magisterial style. Had he not become Pope Catholics would still have an enormous debt to Joseph Ratzinger for his exposition of the truths of the Gospel, as well as his service at the CDF.
His writings are beautifully crafted and eloquent, and imbued with that Christian common sense that is so vital, but alas, so often so rare these days.
As a priest, bishop and Cardinal, as a teacher and writer he has been, and will continue to be, a great gift to the Church, a faithful steward of Christ's mysteries.
His extensive output of writings, which still continues with the second volume of Jesus of Nazareth, are lucid expositions of the Catholic faith which demonstrate the range and breadth of his reading over the years, and his awareness that this is to be applied in the lives of individuals and of society as a whole.
Drawing upon the patristic tradition - not just his particular interest in St Augustine - he continues it in his magisterial style. Had he not become Pope Catholics would still have an enormous debt to Joseph Ratzinger for his exposition of the truths of the Gospel, as well as his service at the CDF.
His writings are beautifully crafted and eloquent, and imbued with that Christian common sense that is so vital, but alas, so often so rare these days.
As a priest, bishop and Cardinal, as a teacher and writer he has been, and will continue to be, a great gift to the Church, a faithful steward of Christ's mysteries.
Ad multos annos
1 comment:
Benedict XVI has a true gift for theological reflection. I feel like I am on a retreat and in a classroom all at the same time when reading his work, and this book is a good example of that. This is the second of two books written on Jesus Christ and is worthy of reading. I have read the book slowly, a few pages at a time. I found the first book a little easier to delve into, which is why I go about this one a bit slower. Nevertheless, I am find that it has helped me in my faith. I particularly find the Pope's use of Scripture very helpful as it helps me to make connections between the Old and New Testament.
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