
The following article is adapted from the preface to “Christ Brings All Newness” by Rev. Robert P. Imbelli. The author reflects on how his priestly and theological ministry has been influenced by the Second Vatican Council. He emphasizes the importance of the council’s teachings and documents in guiding his preaching and teaching for over 55 years.
The author highlights a foundational “logic” or “depth grammar” that underlies the diverse writings of the New Testament and the tradition of the church. This logic, which he calls the logic of “novum/transformation,” celebrates the absolute newness of Jesus Christ and the radical transformation that believers are called to.
The author acknowledges that the post-conciliar church has faced failures, but he believes that these failures are not due to the council’s teachings themselves. Instead, he argues that they stem from a failure to fully embrace and proclaim the depth of Christ’s teachings. He criticizes the tendency to prioritize self-preoccupation and sin over the council’s call to holiness.
The author also discusses the theologians who have influenced his work, including John Henry Newman, Joseph Ratzinger, and Robert Barron. He appreciates their emphasis on the connection between the confession of Christ and the transformation of life, as well as their use of aesthetics to embody and communicate the truths of the faith.
The author emphasizes the importance of renewing the Catholic vision and imagination, with poets and artists playing a significant role in this task. He mentions Dante Alighieri and Johann Sebastian Bach as examples of artists whose works have shaped and guided his own faith journey.
The author concludes by discussing three dimensions of the mystery of Christ that he has focused on in his work: the Ascension, the Eucharist, and the Transfiguration. He highlights the interrelation and mutual penetration among these dimensions, emphasizing their significance in incorporating believers into Christ’s body.
The author asserts that the celebration of the Eucharist on the Lord’s Day is the richest theological event that we experience. He encourages lifting up our hearts to the Lord and giving thanks for the gifts of our being, redemption in Christ, and everlasting life in communion with God.America Magazine