Papal preacher: Listening to readings best way to hear Jesus speak

Published: 2008-02-22

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The best way to hear Jesus speak to humanity is by listening to the Liturgy of the Word, said the preacher of the papal household. Capuchin Father Raniero Cantalamessa, offering a Lenten meditation to Pope Benedict XVI and top Vatican officials Feb. 22, said, "During Mass, the Liturgy of the Word is nothing other than liturgically making present Jesus who preaches." The Liturgy of the Word represents the place and time in which "Jesus speaks most solemnly and surely today," he said. Father Cantalamessa said in light of the October world Synod of Bishops on the Bible, he was dedicating his four weekly Lenten reflections for the pope and Vatican officials to the word of God. "Christ is present in his word since it is he himself who speaks when the holy Scriptures are read in the church," he said, quoting the Second Vatican Council's Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy.

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