Pope Francis opened the preparatory period for the next Synod on 10 October. The Synodal Assembly will meet in Rome in 2023, but there is a two-year preparation process, which will entail much listening by Bishops and Conferences of Bishops to the People of God. At the Mass, which opened this preparatory period, Pope Francis urged the People of God to listen to one another and not to place obstacles in the way of a genuine encounter between
those participating in the Synod.
The power of true encounters is well illustrated in the Gospel text for this week. In the Gospel of Mark, Bartimaeus meets Jesus, who invites him to share with him whatever is in his heart. Bartimaeus asks to be healed from his blindness, and Jesus responds by helping him to see. Bartimaeus’ life is transformed by his encounter with the Lord.
This preparatory period for the Synod is trying to ensure that when the Bishops meet in 2023, they will truly encounter one another and the Holy Spirit. The Synod could be a transformative event for the life of the Church. Moreover, this period of preparation need not simply be an exercise for the leadership of the Church. Every member of the People of God can participate, in one way or another.
Today, perhaps ask yourself the following question:
Do you feel that your Church truly listens to your story and takes cognisance of your spiritual needs?
If the answer is no to this question, then maybe the invitation to you today is to pray for the success of this time of preparation for the Synod.
On the other hand, if the answer is yes to this question, then maybe the invitation to you is to pray that the Synod will help those whose stories (and needs) go unnoticed by the People of God.
