From the bulletin of May 2, 2021
Our first encyclical from Pope Benedict XV is called Humani Generis Redemptionem, published in 1917. Translated, that title means “the Redemption of the Human Race.” The pope begins the encyclical by quoting St. Paul (Rom 10:17), “ Thus faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.” This sets up the primary theme of the letter, which in proper preaching of the Gospel to the world. Right away, Pope Benedict notes that there are more preachers of the word than ever before, but that the “state of public and private morals” are in a terrible state, often forgetful of the supernatural, “falling away from the strict standard of Christian virtue, and that men are slipping back more and more into the shameful practices of paganism.” You could easily say the same thing about today! Since his time, the two World Wars jolted the world into a renewed interest in morality, but we’ve since then come a long way along a similar decline as what the pope was lamenting.
If there were so many preaching the Gospel, why was there so much decline? Pope Benedict XV points his finger at the quality, or lack thereof, of those doing the preaching. He points out that people can’t blame the “times” because the Apostles were living in even worse times, yet they were so successful. So, he dedicates this letter to bringing the standard of preaching back up to where it should be. To do this, he focuses on three factors: picking the right people, having the right intention, and following the right method.
First, the right person. Preaching is the responsibility of the bishops, who are successors to the Apostles. They, in turn, involve others in that mission. Just as the Apostles did not call themselves into ministry but were called by Jesus, so the pope teaches that “no one on his own responsibility [can] undertake the office of preaching. In order to fulfill that duty everyone must have a lawful mission, and that mission can be conferred by the Bishop alone.” So, he reminds bishops to be careful in who they select for priesthood and to closely regulate who they allow to preach in their diocese. He points out further that Bishops should look for those “indued with power from on high” by the Holy Spirit. In other words, Bishops should look for those who have the required knowledge and virtue, those of good character and proven understanding. What that means for the rest of us is that we should pray for men of character to come forward and that we should not be afraid to tell the bishop when we recognize serious defects of character or of knowledge in priests or in those men striving to become priests.
Secondly, the pope moves on to the purpose and intention. Benedict XV laments that too many preachers focus on popularity, by wealth, by a desire to be recognized as eloquent, or by political loyalties. Rather than focusing on the salvation of those who hear them, they are focused on pleasing them. This causes them to avoid difficult lessons that people need to hear and to avoid simple lessons that are often very beneficial though not very exciting. If we are to learn from the crucifixion of Jesus, then we should remember that what people need to hear is often very unpopular. Turning that back on ourselves, we should be careful not to reject a preacher because what he says is upsetting but also not to take too quickly to a preacher because we like what he says or because we find it exciting. The right question for both preacher and hearer is this: “does this help us to turn away from sin and grow in holiness?”
Third and finally, Pope Benedict turns to the method and preparation required. He starts by emphasizing that every priest needs knowledge of self, knowledge of God, and knowledge of his duties. He again looks to St. Paul who was both well-educated and spiritually enlightened. He then points out three qualities Paul possessed. The first is his eagerness to conform to God’s will. Men should be priests for God and no other reason. Second was his willingness to suffer for the Gospel. Priests ought to be accustomed to discomfort and ready to practice penances. Third was the spirit of prayer. A priest should love God and seek holiness. In fact, this last one is so important that Pope Benedict XV writes, “holiness of life is, without question, to be preferred to mere learning.” Like most such letters, this one concludes with asking Mary’s intercession for the Church. Let us join her in praying for holy, learned priests!
In Christ,
-Fr. Albert