A Philippine archbishop told the Synod of Bishops that it is possible to preach the Gospel to the poor, but only as long as the preacher shares their poverty.
"The Gospel can be preached to empty stomachs, but only if the stomach of the preacher is as empty as his parishioners' (stomachs)," Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan told the Synod of Bishops Oct. 9.
The archbishop was one of several synod members who emphasized the importance of humility and solidarity with the poor as the Catholic Church attempts to strengthen the faith of its members and encourage lapsed Catholics to return.
Archbishop Villegas' speech to the synod was met with applause, said Basilian Father Thomas Rosica, who briefed reporters about what occurred in the synod hall. "The new evangelization calls for new humility," Archbishop Villegas told the synod. "The Gospel cannot thrive in pride."
Following Christ means imitating him with "a deep sense of awe and reverence for humanity," he said. "Evangelization has been hurt and continues to be impeded by the arrogance of its messengers." A fellow Filipino, Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila, also emphasized the importance of imitating Jesus' humility, which he said was seen most clearly in Jesus' willingness to become human, to suffer and to die for humanity.
Jesus' humility allowed him to demonstrate real love and concern for all people, particularly "those neglected and despised by the world," and the church must do the same, Archbishop Tagle said.
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