Daniel J. Ha,-rington, S.J.
New Testament Perspectives on the Ministry of the Word "MinistTy of the Wm¡d is a phmse whose meaning and importance may escape most Catholics. The author explores the biblical dimensions of the idea. The General Catechetical Di,¡ectoTy places the task of the catechist within the framework of the ministry of the word. The ministry of the word is described as the communication of the message of salvation, as bringing the gospel to men ( #16). It not only recalls the revelation of God's wonders in the past but also interprets human life in our own age in the light of this revelation ( # 11). Finding its nourishment and norm in Sacred Scdpture ( #14), the minis tty of the word seeks "to stir up a lively faith which turns the mind to God, impels conformance with his action, leads to a living knowledge of the expressions of tradition, and spe:JJks and manifests the true significance of the world and human existence ( #16) ." The missionaty preacher, the catechist, the homilist and the theologian today share in the ministry of the word. The catechist must make men's faith become living, conscious and active through the light of instruction ( #17) ; he must lead communities and individuals to maturity in faith ( #21). His duty is to introduce Christians to Scripture, church tradition, liturgy, private prayer, moral decision-making and dialogue with other faiths and cultures ( # #24-28). This ambitious agenda is summarized as conveying "the word of God, as it is presented by the Church, in the language of the men to whom it is directed ( #32) ." In short, the catechist is called "the interpreter of the church among those who are to be instructed ( #35) ." I find the emphasis on catechesis as a ministry of the word to be one of the soundest and richest elements in the entire 65