Dear friends,
On the 29th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year B, the Scripture readings invite us to contemplate the heart of Jesus who came among us not to be served but to serve, not to seek the first place but to be the slave of all (Mark 10:35-45). This is a difficult challenge in a secular world that would have us believe otherwise.
The author of the letter to the Hebrews reveals the heart of Jesus’ love for us when he says, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin” (4:15). While Jesus understands our difficulties, he does not want us to remain there. Pray that we might be in sync with Jesus’ heart and follow in his footsteps.
Last week, I mentioned the Synod on Synodality launched by Pope Francis, “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission.” It was solemnly opened on 9 - 10 October 2021 in Rome and will conclude in October 2023. For this convocation, Pope Francis invites the entire Church to reflect on a theme that is decisive for its life and mission: “It is precisely this path of synodality which God expects of the Church of the third millennium.” This journey, which follows in the wake of the Church’s “renewal” proposed by the Second Vatican Council, is both a gift and a task: by journeying together and reflecting together on the journey that has been made, the Church will be able to learn through Her experience which processes can help Her to live communion, to achieve participation, to open Herself to mission. Our “journeying together” is, in fact, what most effectively enacts and manifests the nature of the Church as the pilgrim and missionary People of God.
I would like you become familiar with the logo created for the synod by French artist Isabelle de Senilhes on the next page.
Be Blessed!
With love, Fr. John