Evangelii Gaudium Notable Quotations

A helpful note, Evangelii Gaudium focuses upon the theme of a “New Evangelization” which examines:
• Challenges today
• Proclamation
• Social Dimension & the “poor
• Spirit(Joy)-filled evangelizers

These following quotations are from the Official Vatican Text.
I wish to encourage the Christian faithful to embark upon a new chapter of evangelization.” (#1)


[T]he Lord has taken the initiative, he has loved us first (1 Jn 4:19), and therefore we can move forward, boldly take the initiative, go out to others, seek those who have fallen away, stand at the crossroads and welcome the outcast. (#24)


More than by fear of going astray, my hope is that we will be moved by the fear of remaining shut up within structures which give us a false sense of security, within rules which make us harsh judges, within habits which make us feel safe, while at our door people are starving and Jesus does not tire of saying to us: “Give them something to eat” (Mk 6:37). (#49)


To evangelize is to make the kingdom of God present in our world. … if this [social] dimension is not properly brought out, there is a constant risk of distorting the authentic and integral meaning of the mission of evangelization. (#176)


An authentic faith – which is never comfortable or completely personal – always involves a deep desire to change the world, to transmit values, to leave this earth somehow better than we found it.” (#184)


I intend to concentrate on two great issues… the inclusion of the poor in society, and second, peace and social dialogue. (#185)


Each individual Christian and every community is called to be an instrument of God for the liberation and promotion of the poor, and for enabling them to be fully a part of society. (#187)
The word “solidarity” is a little worn and at times poorly understood, but it refers to something more than a few sporadic acts of generosity. It presumes the creation of a new mindset which thinks in terms of community and the priority of the life of all over the appropriation of goods by a few. (#188)


Solidarity must be lived as the decision to restore to the poor what belongs to them (#189)


“Implicit in our Christian faith in a God who became poor for us, so as to enrich us with his poverty.” This is why I want a Church which is poor and for the poor. They have much to teach us. ( #198)


None of us can think we are exempt from concern for the poor and for social justice: “Spiritual conversion, the intensity of the love of God and neighbour, zeal for justice and peace, the Gospel meaning of the poor and of poverty, are required of everyone.” (#201)


It is essential to draw near to new forms of poverty and vulnerability, in which we are called to recognize the suffering Christ, even if this appears to bring us no tangible and immediate benefits. I think of the homeless, the addicted, refugees, indigenous peoples, the elderly who are increasingly isolated and abandoned, and many others. Migrants present a particular challenge for me, since I am a pastor of a Church without frontiers, a Church which considers herself mother to all. For this reason, I exhort all countries to a generous openness. (#210)

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