To reform the Church, we need Love and detachment

Pope Francis concluded the Synod of Bishops on Synodality, delivering a powerful message to participants, encouraging them to prioritise love of God and neighbour over personal agendas, as he emphasised the importance of detachment and unity within the Church.

Nov 03, 2023

Pope Francis at the Synod on Synodality’s closing Mass in St Peter’s Basilica on October 29, 2023. (Vatican Media)


VATICAN: Pope Francis concluded the Synod of Bishops on Synodality, delivering a powerful message to participants, encouraging them to prioritise love of God and neighbour over personal agendas, as he emphasised the importance of detachment and unity within the Church.

In his closing remarks on October 28, Pope Francis drew inspiration from the Gospel reading of the day as he stressed the primacy of this commandment as the heart of their mission. “Love the Lord God above all else and love your neighbour as yourself. That is the heart of everything,” he declared. The Pope stressed that this commandment requires both adoration and service, recognising God as the liberator from idolatry.

Referring to the dangers of idolatry, Pope Francis quoted the late Jesuit Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini, saying, “Those who worship God reject idols because whereas God liberates, idols enslave.”

He reminded the attendees that while they may have numerous ideas for Church reform, the primary and enduring reform should be to “adore God and love our brothers and sisters with His love.” He urged those present not to let their personal agendas take precedence, stating that God’s love cannot be confined to individual desires. “The way God acts is always unpredictable, and this action of God demands amazement and adoration,” he emphasised.

Furthermore, Pope Francis urged synod participants to “constantly struggle against all types of idolatry,” whether it be worldly temptations such as vainglory, self-centredness, or careerism, or even forms of idolatry disguised as spirituality, such as one’s religious ideas or pastoral skills. He cautioned against putting oneself at the centre instead of focusing on worship.

“Let us be vigilant, lest we find that we are putting ourselves at the centre rather than Him. And let us return to worship. May worship be central for those of us who are pastors,” he said, and asked that “in every diocese, in every parish, in every community, let us adore the Lord! Only in this way will we turn to Jesus and not to ourselves.”

The Synod of Bishops, which took place from Oct 4-29, ended with the publication of a synthesis document that some found lacking in addressing contentious issues within the Church. Stressing the importance of consensus in the building of a synodal Church focused on listening, the document offered no clear or concrete proposals on hot-button issues such as women’s priestly ordination, the female diaconate, priestly celibacy, or LGBTQ+ issues.

Despite the fact that these issues were repeatedly raised throughout the discussion and were featured prominently in the synod’s opening working document, the synthesis document largely called for further study and made no mention of the terms “LGBTQ,” “gay,” or “homosexual.”

Throughout the synod, participants emphasised the importance of listening and consensusbuilding, aligning with Pope Francis’ call for a discussion free from ideology and polarisation. The Pope reiterated this approach in his homily, highlighting the interconnectedness of love for God and love for one’s neighbour.

He highlighted the need to respond to the cries of those who suffer, including the poor and marginalised. The Church should be a “Church of service,” washing the feet of wounded humanity, and accompanying the frail and weak with love.

The Pope emphasised the Church’s role in bringing God to the world, especially to those whom God especially loves: the poor and the weak. He envisioned a Church that never demands an attestation of “good behaviour” but welcomes, serves, loves, and forgives, with open doors that offer mercy.

As the synod participants prepare for the second stage of the synod scheduled for October 2024 in Rome, Pope Francis expressed his hope for a more synodal and missionary Church. He thanked the participants for their contributions and urged them to continue growing in their worship of God and service to their neighbours, emphasising the consoling joy of the Gospel. — Agencies

To read the full text of the Pope’s homily, go to: https://bit.ly/40fUSLP

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