What is Pope Francis Doing?

 

There are people who argue against the current synod (gathering) going on in the Catholic Church now. They fear the outcome. They are afraid it is too open, that it is misguided, for a variety of reasons.

So I thought it might be good to share a quote with you from Pope Francis, from the opening of this important gathering. This is how he thinks:

"The blessing and welcoming gaze of Jesus prevents us from falling into some dangerous temptations: of being a rigid church -- a customs office -- which arms itself against the world and looks backward; of being a lukewarm church which surrenders to the fashions of the world; of being a tired church, turned in on itself."

Be sure to check out the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website to read more and follow the synod, but note that the Pope has asked for a "fast" and silence so participants have time to pray, reflect and discern without distraction.

How beautiful that the Church is being led by such an insightful, holy, Jesus-centered man. He truly is the presence of Christ in the Church in his divinely-ordained role in the place of Peter.

Some people don't like him, but I think that has more to do with the fact that he tries to follow the way of Jesus, which is hard, and in doing so, he is more open than those entrenched in their own ways.

Pope Francis wants to be inclusive while some people cling to exclusivity.

I must say, that quote really got me. I am always complaining about rigidity and how it gets in the way of love; I get impatient with Catholics who are lukewarm, and for years I have believed we need to look outward.

Hopefully this synod will be a breath of fresh air as it embraces its connection to Vatican II. The Pope is not striving for big changes, but is calling for unity. This is a time of listening to the Holy Spirit and our continued prayers are called for. The synod runs October 4-29.

The Church needs to speak with one voice and gatherings such as this will hopefully offer dissenting voices the ability to speak and be heard, knowing that they are being listened to, even if their arguments are not ultimately embraced.

The Second Vatican Council (Vatican II) is foundational to the continuance of the mission of the Church as the Holy Spirit today is the same Spirit that led the Council back in the 1960s. It is not to be dismissed or "thrown out" as some might like to see happen.

This Synod is important to all, not just Catholics, as we strive to come together in God. Here is one last quote for you:

"God, who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit, is 'the basis of all communions,' he [Cardinal Hollerich] said, and 'this God, who is love, loves the whole of creation, every single creature and every human being in a special way.'" (Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, relator general of the synod)

Unity. Listening. Prayer. Communion. Love. Christ.

It's all there. Let us all pray that the Holy Spirit can be heard and followed.

Janet Cassidy

Follow me on Facebook

janetcassidy.com