The first proclamation, also known as the kerygma, constitutes the vital core of evangelization and the foundation of the Christian life. This initial announcement, simple yet profoundly transformative, lies at the heart of the ministry of the Word and has an essential purpose: facilitating an encounter with Christ. If we separate the first proclamation from the Word, it loses its essence, as it cannot stand on its own; its effectiveness lies in being a vehicle of grace and serving the living and transformative action of the Trinity.
Today, more than ever, it is a priority to revalue the first proclamation, as faith can no longer be taken for granted. Secularized and fragmented societies demand a renewed effort to ensure that the Word reaches people with clarity and relevance, enabling a genuine encounter with Christ. This encounter is not merely an emotional experience or an intellectual formation; it introduces the individual into a living relationship that gives rise to a solid and certain faith. From this starting point, the person becomes a disciple—someone who walks in the footsteps of the Master.
The First Proclamation and the Action of the Trinity
The first proclamation is neither a technique nor a method that we can master or idolize. Its effectiveness does not depend on predefined formulas; rather, it is a humble and trusting service to the action of the Trinity. At the center of this proclamation is the fundamental message: Christ loves you, walks alongside you to free you, and transforms your life through His grace. Here, grace takes a preeminent place, as it is the Holy Spirit who actualizes the presence of Christ in our contemporary world, enabling each person to encounter Him as Savior in their own time and circumstances.
To think that we «bring Christ» is a misconception. Christ is already present in the life of the other; our mission, in proclaiming the Word, is to manifest this reality and accompany others in recognizing and accepting His presence. The Holy Spirit acts while respecting human freedom, offering grace while leaving intact the capacity to choose.
The Kerygma: Heart of Christian Life
The kerygma is not a secondary or optional message; it is the axis around which all evangelizing and sacramental activity must revolve. From baptism to the simplest parish gathering, everything should be oriented toward the first proclamation and the encounter with Christ. We cannot remain solely in the ritual, moral, or doctrinal dimensions without connecting these elements to the concrete lives of people. The proclamation engages with life because Christ is not an abstract idea or a vague concept; He is life itself, communicated through lived experience.
It is crucial to remember that every baptized person is called to be a missionary in daily life. This role is not exclusive to priests or pastoral agents; every Christian, by virtue of being one, has the mission of proclaiming the kerygma through their words and actions. This proclamation cannot be relegated to specific moments or exceptional events; it must become a way of life, a permanent attitude that constantly seeks to facilitate the encounter with Christ.
Dimensions of the First Proclamation
Presence and Witness
Before proclaiming with words, the first proclamation is lived through presence. The Church must be present in the midst of society, and every Christian must reflect Christ without falling into artificial or forced attitudes. This involves recognizing and valuing all that is good, just, and true in the other, even before they explicitly accept Christ. In this mutual recognition, testimony becomes the first form of proclamation.
Dialogue and Accompaniment
In the first proclamation, dialogue is essential. It involves learning the language of proclamation and discerning what to say in each circumstance: in moments of joy or sorrow, in casual encounters or deep conversations. This dialogue requires parrhesia, the courage to speak with frankness and confidence, leaving space for God to act and surprise us with His grace.
The Risk of Institutionalism
Evangelization in the early Church did not rely on large structures; a slave could proclaim the Gospel to their master through the simplicity of their life and words. Today, however, there is a risk that organizational and institutional aspects overshadow the first proclamation. This does not mean that structures are unnecessary, but they must always serve the kerygma, not the other way around.
The Role of the Community
Although the first proclamation is personal, it is not individualistic. It takes place within the context of a community that supports, accompanies, and celebrates. Parishes, groups, and movements must orient themselves toward the kerygma, ensuring that all their activities—from an exposition to catechesis—are authentically missionary and facilitate the encounter with Christ.
From the First Proclamation to Discipleship
The first proclamation does not replace catechesis; rather, it opens the way for it. Once someone has encountered Christ, they need a process of Christian initiation that leads them to delve deeper into the mystery of faith and the sacramental life. This journey must include a mystagogical catechesis that introduces the disciple into the mystery of Christ, helping them to live and celebrate it in their daily lives.
Discipleship is not a static state but a continuous journey of conversion and learning. From the initial encounter with Christ arises the desire to follow Him, to conform one’s life to His teachings, and to proclaim Him to others. Thus, the first proclamation becomes a living cycle renewed in each generation, sustaining the Church’s evangelizing mission.
Conclusion: The Centrality of the First Proclamation
In an age where faith can no longer be assumed, the first proclamation is more necessary than ever. Everything in the life of the Church—from parish activities to the most informal encounters—must be oriented toward the kerygma, understanding that proclamation is not a one-time act but a way of life that connects with the concrete reality of people.
Facilitating the encounter with Christ is not about formulas or methods but about availability, humility, and trust in the action of the Trinity. Divine grace, acting through the Holy Spirit, makes Christ contemporary and enables us to proclaim His love with parrhesia, testimony, and dialogue. In this mission, we are all called to be missionaries, bringing the Gospel to every corner of daily life and remembering that, ultimately, the first proclamation is nothing less than the beginning of a life transformed by the encounter with Christ.
El Don Espiritual del Liderazgo Católico 
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