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Teaching and Learning the Love of God: Being a Priest Today
This is an inspiring collection of homilies delivered by Joseph Ratzinger (Benedict XVI) over six decades that offers deep theological and historical insights on the meaning of the life and witness of a Catholic priest today.
When, as Pope Benedict XVI, he inaugurated the "Year for Priests" in 2009, he did it in conjunction with celebrating the 150th anniversary of the death of St. John Vianney, the patron of all parish priests. Benedict's purpose for that special year is the same purpose of this book of his homilies - to deepen the commitment of all priests to interior renewal for the sake of a stronger and more incisive witness to the Gospel in today's world. "The priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus", St. John Vianney would often say. This touching expression makes us reflect with heartfelt gratitude on the immense gift which priests represent, not only for the Church, but also for humanity itself.
In today's world the lives and activity of priests need to be distinguished by a determined witness to the Gospel. These homilies are meant to help illuminate and inspire all priests to that renewed commitment to "teaching and learning the love of God." His homilies cover a wide variety of important topics on the priesthood, all deeply rooted in sacred scripture. The many topics discussed include: Acting "in persona Christi": Threefold ministry of the priest; Becoming an offering with Christ for the salvation of mankind; Giving the answer of life: St. Maximilian Kolbe; Witnessing the Joy in Christ; Being there for God's mercy; A spokesman of Reconciliation; Preparing people to receive Jesus.
When, as Pope Benedict XVI, he inaugurated the "Year for Priests" in 2009, he did it in conjunction with celebrating the 150th anniversary of the death of St. John Vianney, the patron of all parish priests. Benedict's purpose for that special year is the same purpose of this book of his homilies - to deepen the commitment of all priests to interior renewal for the sake of a stronger and more incisive witness to the Gospel in today's world. "The priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus", St. John Vianney would often say. This touching expression makes us reflect with heartfelt gratitude on the immense gift which priests represent, not only for the Church, but also for humanity itself.
In today's world the lives and activity of priests need to be distinguished by a determined witness to the Gospel. These homilies are meant to help illuminate and inspire all priests to that renewed commitment to "teaching and learning the love of God." His homilies cover a wide variety of important topics on the priesthood, all deeply rooted in sacred scripture. The many topics discussed include: Acting "in persona Christi": Threefold ministry of the priest; Becoming an offering with Christ for the salvation of mankind; Giving the answer of life: St. Maximilian Kolbe; Witnessing the Joy in Christ; Being there for God's mercy; A spokesman of Reconciliation; Preparing people to receive Jesus.
- GenresTheology
392 pages, Paperback
Published August 1, 2017
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About the author
Pope Benedict XVI
943 books935 followersOriginally
Joseph Ratzinger
, a noted conservative theologian before his election in 2005, Benedict XVI strove against the influence of secularism during his papacy to defend traditional Catholic teachings but since medieval times first resigned in 2013.
After Joseph Ratzinger served a long career as an academic and a professor at the University of Regensburg, Pope Paul VI appointed him as archbishop of Munich and Freising and cardinal in 1977. In 1981, he settled in Rome as prefect of the congregation for the doctrine of the faith, one most important office of the Roman curia. He also served as dean of the college of cardinals.
Benedict XVI reigned 265th in virtue of his office of bishop of Rome, the sovereign of the state of Vatican City and the head of the Church. A conclave named him on 19 April 2005; he celebrated his inaugural Mass on 24 April 2005 and took possession of his Lateran cathedral basilica of Saint John on 7 May 2005.
Benedict XVI succeeded Saint John Paul II, predecessor and his prolific writings on doctrine and values. Benedict XVI advocated a return to fundamental Christian values to counter the increase of many developed countries. Relativism denied objective truth and moral truths in particular; he viewed this central problem of the 21st century. With the importance of the Church, he understood redemptive love of God. He reaffirmed the "importance of prayer in the face of the activism" "of many Christians engaged in charitable work." Benedict also revived a number and elevated the Tridentine Mass to a more prominent position.
Benedict founded and patronized of the Ratzinger foundation, a charitable organization, which from the sale of books and essays makes money to fund scholarships and bursaries for students across the world.
Due to advanced age on 11 February 2013, Benedict announced in a speech in Latin and cited a "lack of strength of mind and body" before the cardinals. He effectively left on 28 February 2013.As emeritus, Benedict retained the style of His Holiness, and the title and continued to dress in the color of white. He moved into the newly renovated monastery of Mater Ecclesiae for his retirement. Pope Francis succeeded him on 13 March 2013.
(more info on Ratzinger Foundation: https://www.ewtn.com/library/Theology...)
After Joseph Ratzinger served a long career as an academic and a professor at the University of Regensburg, Pope Paul VI appointed him as archbishop of Munich and Freising and cardinal in 1977. In 1981, he settled in Rome as prefect of the congregation for the doctrine of the faith, one most important office of the Roman curia. He also served as dean of the college of cardinals.
Benedict XVI reigned 265th in virtue of his office of bishop of Rome, the sovereign of the state of Vatican City and the head of the Church. A conclave named him on 19 April 2005; he celebrated his inaugural Mass on 24 April 2005 and took possession of his Lateran cathedral basilica of Saint John on 7 May 2005.
Benedict XVI succeeded Saint John Paul II, predecessor and his prolific writings on doctrine and values. Benedict XVI advocated a return to fundamental Christian values to counter the increase of many developed countries. Relativism denied objective truth and moral truths in particular; he viewed this central problem of the 21st century. With the importance of the Church, he understood redemptive love of God. He reaffirmed the "importance of prayer in the face of the activism" "of many Christians engaged in charitable work." Benedict also revived a number and elevated the Tridentine Mass to a more prominent position.
Benedict founded and patronized of the Ratzinger foundation, a charitable organization, which from the sale of books and essays makes money to fund scholarships and bursaries for students across the world.
Due to advanced age on 11 February 2013, Benedict announced in a speech in Latin and cited a "lack of strength of mind and body" before the cardinals. He effectively left on 28 February 2013.As emeritus, Benedict retained the style of His Holiness, and the title and continued to dress in the color of white. He moved into the newly renovated monastery of Mater Ecclesiae for his retirement. Pope Francis succeeded him on 13 March 2013.
(more info on Ratzinger Foundation: https://www.ewtn.com/library/Theology...)
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 15, 2025
What can I say, it’s Ratzinger: profound yet approachable, eloquent yet clear. This collection of homilies and discourses on the priesthood from seminary to episcopacy, provides a deep reflection on the most important aspects of a priest’s journey to not only acting in persona Christi, but becoming another Christ. Highly recommend.
January 31, 2022
Profound book. An indispensable companion to any seminarian approaching the ordination day
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews