Dear friends,
Today, we celebrate the 4th Sunday of Lent, also known as Laetare Sunday or Rejoice Sunday. It sets the tone of joyful anticipation of the Easter mystery. The rose-colored vestment worn by the clergy is suggestive of this joyful tone. We are invited to reflect on the beautiful parable found only in the Gospel of Luke, the Parable of the Prodigal Son, which reflects the unconditional and abundant love of God our Father. What a privilege it is to belong to this Father. Despite our best efforts to turn away from him by our sinfulness, he continues to wait for us to return to him, always ready to meet us.
As we enter more deeply into the season of Lent, let us not forget to accompany and pray for the catechumens and candidates who will join our family fully in faith at the Easter Vigil.
Our Synod listening sessions are scheduled for this coming week. By now, you should know the dates and times by heart – Wednesday (2pm), Thursday (7pm), Sunday (1:30 pm) – and you should also know that the Pope wants to hear from everyone, all of the baptized, all of the people of God. We at Saint John’s welcome all who come to our listening sessions in a spirit of unity and discernment.
Included in this weekend’s bulletin are the materials for reflection during the Synod listening sessions: Jesus’ Appearance on the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35) and the Synod themes of Communion, Participation, and Mission.
The Road to Emmaus is a story we have heard many times, like an old friend that we know very well. Guided by the Holy Spirit, our meditation on that passage in the context of our synodal themes will no doubt elicit new thoughts to share with those we encounter at our tables during the listening sessions. I hope you will then share with others among your family and friends.
You may think of listening as a passive activity, but it is, in fact, a very dynamic activity involving two or more entities. In these sessions, you will be actively listening to the Holy Spirit speaking to your heart.
Additionally, the Body of Christ – you, me, the bishop, the Pope, each of us – will be listening to each other and sharing what the Holy Spirit speaks to us for the betterment of ourselves, our families, our parish, our Church, and our world.
This Synod is a grace-filled opportunity for the people of God to experience a conversion of heart as we journey with Jesus for a more just, inclusive, fraternal, free, equitable, and peaceful world. Communion, Participation, and Mission are not meant as empty rhetoric; we are each called to actualize these in every facet of our daily lives.
COMMUNION is about common sharing, fellowship. It is the openness to realize that all are my sisters and brothers. This is a Synod for all God’s people – not excluding anyone!
PARTICIPATION is about realizing that you are an indispensable part of God’s plan. The picture is never complete without “me” and “you.” True participation takes place only when others are given the opportunity to enter.
MISSION is going forth, also to send. It is a journey we are all called to undertake. Mission is about journeying together for a common home in which justice, liberty, equality, fraternity, love, joy, and peace are the rights of all.
The Synod is an opportune moment for every single family to come together in sharing and caring – your family at home, your family in your parish church, your expanded family in the community, all of God’s children.
I am very excited for the opportunity to invite the Holy Spirit to fan the flames of faith within us so that we may be enlightened both individually and collectively as we continue our spiritual journey.
Have a Blessed Day! With love,
Fr. John