Theological requests and prospects of the Apostolic Exhortation Verbum Domini

Abstract

The study summarizes the main points of the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Verbum Domini of Benedict XVI on “The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church” (2010). Reflection addresses the role of the Word of God in the Church, expanding and updating the cap. VI of the dogmatic constitution Dei Verbum. The exhortation is an important verification of the “biblical itinerary” of the post-conciliar Church. The basic lines are from the extensive work of synthesis, summarized in 55 propositions drawn up during the XII Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops (Vatican City, 5 to 26 October 2008). As a “symphony music”, the article proposes a path hermeneutical recovering the three parts of the Exhortation: 1) The “Word of God” (Nos. 6–49); 2) “the Word in the Church” (Nos. 50–89); 3) the “Word to the world” (Nos. 90–120). In conclusion, we propose some interpretations of theological and pastoral role of the Word of God for today’s man.

Keywords

• Vangelo, evangelizzare, animazione biblica, ermeneutica, lectio divina, magistero, tradizione