Kenotic Pastoring

the Action of a Church “which goes forth”

Abstract

The article studies a proposal of pastoral action in which is highlighted the kenotic character, that is, turning oneself towards meeting and service of persons. The objective of the article is to highlight that kenotic action is part of Pope Francis’ proposal in the Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, and that this can be illustrated by the theology of Urs von Balthasar. The methodology relates the authors studied, starting by verifying the theme of kenosis in the theology of Urs von Balthasar and the presence of kenosis in the life of Jesus, especially highlighted in the Last Supper. The study of the theology of Urs von Balthasar refers to the trinitarian kenosis drawn out in the kenosis of Christ and in the ecclesial kenosis, among diverse traits in the realization of Church.   The model of Jesus Is considered, in a life of service, and at the Supper with the washing of the feet. The article selects instructions from Pope Francis for the Church in our times, highlighting the neologism of making the Church “take the first step” and positioning itself as “a Church which goes forth”. It is implied that the mission is better developed in communities open to dialogue and to service in the world, in the line of synodality. It concludes that the kenotic character must stand out in the Church’s pastoral dimensio, valued by Urs Von Balthasar and translated in the pastoral orientations of Pope Francis.