The theme chosen by the Pontifical Council for the New Evangelisation of the De-Christianized Countries, for the unique encounter of the New Evangelizers with the Pope, was: “The Word of God Grows and Spreads”, with reference to the Acts of the Apostles 6:7; 12:24. I would like to share how Pope Benedict sees this Word being fulfilled even in our times. It is his main reflection during His address delivered in Pope Paul VI Hall for a gathering of more than 8,000 New Evangelizers on the evening of Saturday 15 October.

“… despite the condition of people today, we can still say with certainty, as in the early days of Christianity, that the word of God continues to grow and to spread. Why? I would like to mention at least three reasons. The first is that the power of the word does not depend above all on our action, on our means, on our “doing”, but rather on God, who hides his power behind signs of weakness, who becomes present in the gentle morning breeze (cf. 1 Kings 19:12) and is revealed on the wood of the cross. We must always believe in the humble power of the word of God and let God act!

The third reason is that the proclamation of the Gospel has truly reached the ends of the earth and, even amidst indifference, misunderstanding and persecution, many, still today, continue courageously to open their hearts and minds to accept Christ’s invitation to meet him and to become his disciples. They make not a sound but are like the tiny mustard seed that becomes a tree, the leaven that causes the dough to rise, the grain which breaks open to bring forth an ear of wheat. If on the one hand all this brings comfort and hope because it shows the ceaselessly active missionary leaven that gives life to the Church, on the other it must fill everyone with a renewed sense of responsibility to the word of God and the spread of the Gospel.”