Proclaiming the gospel

Preaching, the verbal proclamation of a message, is indeed always indispensable. Very positive efforts have already been made in employing the modern means which this civilization has produced for the pupose of transmitting the Gospel message. We cannot but praise them and encourage their further development. The fatigue produced these days by so much empty talk and the relevance of many other forms of communication must not however diminish the permanent power of the word, or cause a loss of confidence in it. The word remains ever relevant, especially when it is the bearer of the power of God. This is why St. Paul's axiom, "Faith comes from what is heard," also retains its relevance: it is the Word that is heard which leads to belief. (Papal Writings, Evangelii Nuntiandi: On evangelization in the modern world, 8 December 1975).