Giving doctrine, a great work of charity

Just as aid given to those who are sick or poor is material alms, so aid given to those who are poor in doctrine is also alms: alms, spiritual charity, which we must distribute in the right way, generously, with full hands.

We must teach doctrine in order to drown evil in an abundance of good. Truth cannot be a luxury item.³⁷ We must sow good doctrine, sure doctrine, abundantly among the faithful, being convinced that what is proposed by the Magisterium as a truth of faith will remain unshakeable, and allowing and teaching freedom on what is a matter of opinion.

Clarity

Sow, my children, clearly, unambiguously. We cannot allow practical scepticism to prevail: the truth is one. Joyfully recalling the descent of the Holy Spirit,³⁸ I like to say that we must sow with the “gift of tongues”, which means always adjusting what we say to our hearers’ backgrounds, capacity and formation.

Gift of tongues

The gift is the result of the speakers’ preparation, and the love and faith they bring to their apostolic task.³⁹