Thursday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Our Church is currently in the middle of the “Synod on Synodality.” We are being called to “discern how the Spirit is moving through and within the Body of Christ-inside and outside of the church- so that we may continue to fulfill our mission to evangelize the world.” (Catholics Mobilizing Network) The three main themes of the synod are communion, participation, and mission. Today’s readings reflect elements of these themes, and this reminds me that God continues to call people to unity and love through the power of the Holy Spirit.
In today’s first reading Ezra the scribe calls all of the people (men, women and children) to listen to the law of the LORD. They gather together as a community listening to how God is calling them to live. It is through the communion of these people, that God shares the law and calls the people to participate in this covenant relationship. Several times the people are reminded that God’s precepts are to be celebrated. The Responsorial Psalm further explains that God’s precepts are true, just and give wisdom. The people listen and rejoice in what God is speaking to them through Ezra and the law. They gather together (communion) and participate in God’s invitation to be God’s people.
The gospel reading describes Jesus sending forth the seventy two disciples to go and build the “Kingdom of God.” Jesus is giving them a mission to spread the Good News to the world. As disciples today, we are also sent at the end of Mass. (Ite Missa Est - go you are sent.) After hearing and receiving Jesus, we are given a mission to share Jesus- and His love- with the rest of the world.
The current synod is holding a special gathering this month (October) in Rome. During this time, those attending are called to pray, listen, discuss and discern how all members of the church are called to participate in the church and its mission. The goal of this synodal process is to recognize how the Spirit is calling the church to renewal and discerning where God is calling the church into the future. The three pillars of communion, participation and mission are interconnected and vital to the Synodal Church. We are called to unity and communion with the Trinity as our foundation. Each of us is called to participate in this process with open and listening hearts. And finally, each person is sent to witness to God as our mission as we share God’s love in the world.
How are we called to participate in this Synodal Process? First of all, we are called to openness with all of our encounters. Pope Francis states, “Every encounter-as we know- calls for openness, courage, and a willingness to let ourselves be challenged by the presence and stories of others.” As we listen and hear the stories shared as part of the synodal gatherings, we are called to respectfully listen to how God may be speaking to us and the church. We are also called to share with others how God is present and a part of our daily lives. Finally, we are called to pray for the church during this time of discernment, so we may have the wisdom and courage to listen and follow where the Spirit is leading us ( our church) into the future.
As a community of faith, let us participate in supporting the synod by praying the Synod Prayer on Synodality:
We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name. With You alone to guide us, make Yourself at home in our hearts; Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it. We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder. Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions. Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life and not stray from the way of truth and what is right. All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time, in the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever. AMEN
-Marylynn Herchline