Here is something I wrote in my blog a while back shortly after the passing of John Paul II. You may find it helpful. I copied it here, as yahoo 360 is still in beta, and outside links do not always work. In addition, here is the link for Humani Generis Redemntionem.
http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/pope0258b.htm
I was doing some research early this morning on writings from the past. Pope Benedict XV has a lot of very powerful things to say. His
Humani Generis Redemptionem is particuly poignant for those who have concerns for the future.
Although it was written in 1917, it has great relevance for today.
He discusses the importance of preaching.
"Faith then cometh by hearing; and hearing by the word of Christ." [Rom. x:17] and how critical it is. He also makes a statement that time comparison's are irrelevant. "For no one can maintain that the Apostles were living in better times than ours, that they found minds more readily disposed towards the Gospel or that they met with less opposition to the law of God." Today some long for the days of old.... I think Pope Benedict XV hit that one on the head. If anything, people have more oppurtunities to accept the salvation of Jesus today, than at anyother time in history.
He then goes on to discuss the charateristics and procedures for selection of those who would preach the Word of God. There is great wisdom in his writings, beyond what I a mere layman can even think to summarize. If only all of those in Christ's church could see and hear these writings. I think its a must read for any who aspire or who are preaching the word of God.
One thing that really stands out.
"Whatever is required for admission to the priesthood, is likewise needed if one is to be considered eligible and fit for the office of preaching. "Neither doth any man take this honor to himself, but he that is called by God." [Heb. v:4] Such a vocation is easily determined." I guess it may well be for the leadership, but for the individual being called, its anything but easy for many. A high school friend of mine went down a number of paths, including some time as a rocket scientist before he knew he was being called. The same story seems to repeat itself amongst many. Yet if anything, Pope Benedict XV's writings serve to reinforce it is God's call, and not man's selection to preach his Word.
In section 16, he makes a very poignant point.
"But such zeal for God's service as that demands a soul so prepared for hardships that it will not avoid labor or trouble of any kind, and that is the second quality that was conspicuous in Saint Paul. For when the Lord had said to him: "I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake," [Acts ix:16] he so eagerly embraced suffering that he could write: "I exceedingly abound with joy in all our tribulations." [II Cor. vii:4]" This reminds me of John Paul II. The suffering he endured, yet he carried on, his zeal for God's word is a very high standard to follow, yet it is what Jesus requires.
And in section 17... Wow!!!
"What gives a man's words life and vigor and makes them promote wonderfully the salvation of souls is Divine grace: "God gave the increase." [I Cor. iii:6] But the grace of God is not gained by study and practice: it is won by prayer." This would have been of great encouragement during the time I took preseminary Greek classes years ago. Its not that study is bad, its not.... but it is truely God who is doing things, not the works of man.
Lastly in section 19... again, one of those admonishments that is exceedingly powerful.
"For our "Preacher of truth" never imagined that he should avoid such subjects, because, owing to the corruption of the age, they appeared too stern to his hearers. Therefore it is clear how unworthy of commendation are those preachers who are afraid to touch upon certain points of Christian doctrine lest they should give their hearers offense. Does a physician prescribe useless remedies to his patient, merely because the sick man rejects effective ones? The test of the orator's power and skill is his success in making his hearers accept the stern truth he is preaching. How did the Apostle unfold the subjects of which he treated? "Not in the persuasive words of human wisdom." [I Cor. ii:4] It is perfectly plain, Venerable Brethren, how important for everybody it is that they should thoroughly realize this, since we see that not a few of our sacred preachers overlook in their sermons the Sacred Scriptures, the Fathers and Doctors of the Church," and the arguments based on sacred theology, and for the most part, make their appeals only to reason." Pope John Paul II took a stand on many issues of controversy. He did not shy away, nor try to justify them with human reasoning. The Word of God was preached without apology, plain and simple, the way it is.
. I like to help people but I'm not good at it. I like to write but I'm undeducated and I make a fool out of myself more often than not. I don't know how to speak straight - whenever the pressure is put on me I begin to mumble and stutter like a babbling idiot. 
