EVANGELII GAUDIUM - page 127

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pointing out what shouldn’t be done, but with
suggesting what we can do better. In any case,
if it does draw attention to something negative,
it will also attempt to point to a positive and
attractive value, lest it remain mired in com-
plaints, laments, criticisms and reproaches. Pos-
itive preaching always offers hope, points to the
future, does not leave us trapped in negativity.
How good it is when priests, deacons and the lai-
ty gather periodically to discover resources which
can make preaching more attractive!
IV. E
vangelization
and
the
deeper
under
-
standing of
the
kerygma
160. The Lord’s missionary mandate includes a
call to growth in faith: “Teach them to observe all
that I have commanded you” (
Mt
28:20). Hence
it is clear that that the first proclamation also calls
for ongoing formation and maturation. Evange-
lization aims at a process of growth which entails
taking seriously each person and God’s plan for
his or her life. All of us need to grow in Christ.
Evangelization should stimulate a desire for this
growth, so that each of us can say wholeheart-
edly: “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who
lives in me” (
Gal
2:20).
161. It would not be right to see this call to
growth exclusively or primarily in terms of doc-
trinal formation. It has to do with “observing”
all that the Lord has shown us as the way of re-
sponding to his love. Along with the virtues, this
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