Dear Parishioners and Friends,
The second session of the Synod of Bishops on Synodality opened on Monday with a two-day retreat. In his address, Fr Timothy Radcliffe pointed out that some of the members of the synod may need to let go of old ways of doing things, and others may need to let go of a desire to make everything new. All of them must allow the Holy Spirit to speak! He told them that the “indestructible peace” given by the risen Christ “does not mean that we live in perfect harmony.” Differences exist, but they need not bring division.
Mary Magdalen, Peter and John found Jesus’ empty tomb on Easter Sunday. All three of them were searching for the Lord in their own way. They all loved Jesus, and each experienced the emptiness in their own way. The grief-stricken Mary reported that ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb” (Jn 20:2). Peter entered the tomb, saw the linen and absorbed the scene. John believed in Jesus’ resurrection when he saw the linen wrapped up.
They all had a role to play on that day. There was no rivalry between them. “Their mutual dependence embodies the heart of synodality”, said Radcliffe.
Many, including the synod members themselves, have many questions about the synod and the outcome. What changes will be brought about? What will be allowed or refused? Will the church be the same one we know, or a different one? These are very valid questions, but perhaps the most important one is: What will help us to live and share what Jesus taught?
The church must continue to share the treasure of faith with the faithful and the whole world. The young may be hungry for Jesus’ challenging words. Others may want to feel His presence and want to live in harmony. Some may want wide-ranging reforms, while others are afraid of even the smallest of changes. The Word of God is alive and active, and the only thing to fear is fear itself. Whatever it is that worries us, let us remember that the church is in the hands of the Lord.
God bless you.
Fr Silvio
