The first line of the prayer given to us for the Synod states: “We stand before You, Holy Spirit as we gather together in Your name.” This image of the Holy Spirit is one which is important because it is the Holy Spirit who leads us into an encounter with truth. It was the Holy Spirit who came down upon the apostles and drove them forth into the world to carry out their ministry. Along the way there was hardship and moments of contention, but in the end the Holy Spirit continues to move the Church into this modern age and for all eternity.
Likewise, with an open heart we must ask the Holy Spirit to come down upon us. Saint Paul in his Epistle to the Corinthians reminds us that despite being many parts we become one body in Christ. It is the Holy Spirit which joins us together as one through our baptism. Despite the complexities of the body we must remain one. There is not a piece of the body that is unimportant because we need to be one. It is the Holy Spirt who we must remain open to in order that all division may cease.
As our Epistle states: “But God has so constructed the body as to give greater honor to a part that is without it, so that there may be no division in the body.” Whenever division enters into a community a cancer enters into it. Division is highlighted by an unwillingness to enter into dialogue and listening to a reason for difference. So often we go closed off to developing an openness to the Holy Spirit who desires that we discern where we ought to be headed. We must join together for the good of the Church by remaining open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. These promptings will lead us into acting with charity.
Saint Paul beautifully points out the many ways in which we have been sent forth. Some apostles, some prophets, and some teachers. We are each a part of “Christ’s body, and individually parts of it.” We each have our role to play that was begun in us at the very moment of our baptism. Through the waters of baptism we were claimed for Christ Jesus and sent forth by Him through the Great Commission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
Concerning the Synod Pope Francis has remarked, “The synodal process in a path of engagement that makes room for the Holy Spirit, and not a majority consensus like a parliament to guide the universal church.” Let each of us, no matter our role, continue to be open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, let us do what we can in order to remain one, and let us be willing to work for the good of Christ and His Church on this earth.
We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name. With You alone to guide us, make Yourself at home in our hearts; Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it. We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder. Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions. Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life and not stray from the way of truth and what is right. All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time, in the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever. Amen.
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