As the Universal Church is about to embark on the journey of a world-wide synod, Pope Francis invoked the Holy Spirit on the People of God so that they will be able to move forward together, to listen to one another and discern our times, in solidarity with the struggles and aspirations of all humanity. “A Synod means walking together and listening to one another but above all to the Holy Spirit.  To deepen this essential characteristic of the Church, the upcoming synod is unlike any previous one. It starts with, and involves all the faithful at local Churches across the world, promising to listen to all, especially to laypeople. That is why this Synod is a 2-year process, starting from October 10, 2021, to October 2023. In the one People of God, therefore, let us journey together, in order to experience a Church that receives and lives this gift of unity, and is open to the voice of the Spirit. This Synod is an “ecclesial moment”, not a parliament or an investigation into opinions, but “an ecclesial moment” whose protagonist is the Holy Spirit. Without the Spirit, there is no Synod.”   Vaticannews.va 10/9/2021

 

As the Universal Church is about to embark on the journey of a world-wide synod, Pope Francis invoked the Holy Spirit on the People of God so that they will be able to move forward together, to listen to one another and discern our times, in solidarity with the struggles and aspirations of all humanity. “A Synod means walking together and listening to one another but above all to the Holy Spirit.  To deepen this essential characteristic of the Church, the upcoming synod is unlike any previous one. It starts with, and involves all the faithful at local Churches across the world, promising to listen to all, especially to laypeople. That is why this Synod is a 2-year process, starting from October 10, 2021, to October 2023. In the one People of God, therefore, let us journey together, in order to experience a Church that receives and lives this gift of unity, and is open to the voice of the Spirit. This Synod is an “ecclesial moment”, not a parliament or an investigation into opinions, but “an ecclesial moment” whose protagonist is the Holy Spirit. Without the Spirit, there is no Synod.”   Vaticannews.va 10/9/2021

 

Prayer serves as a flame in the Christian life, which must never fail…like the sacred fire that was kept burning in the ancient temples. So there must be a holy fire in us too, which burns continuously, and which nothing can extinguish. Prayer does not interrupt the duties of daily life, but gives them meaning and peace. General Audience, 6/21/2021

 

“Let us take an active part in renewing and supporting our troubled societies. Today we have a great opportunity to express our innate sense of brotherhood, to be Good Samaritans who bear the pain of other people’s troubles rather than fomenting greater hatred and resentment….our solidarity finds concrete expression in service, which can take a variety of forms, in our effort to care for others.”

(Fratelli Tutti, 77, 115)

 

Only a heart that is not taken over by hastiness is capable of being moved, that is, of not allowing itself to be caught up in itself and by things to do, and is aware of others, of their wounds, their needs. Compassion is born from contemplation. During summer time, let us learn how to take a break, turn off the mobile phone to gaze into the eyes of others, cultivate silence, contemplate nature, regenerate ourselves in conversations with God.

Pope Francis on Twitter

 

Along with the importance of little everyday gestures, social love moves us to devise larger strategies to halt environmental degradation, and to encourage a “culture of care” which permeates all of society.  When we feel that God is calling us to intervene with others in these social dynamics, we should realize that this too is part of our spirituality, which is an exercise of love, and, as such, matures and sanctifies us. Laudato,Si: Papal Encyclical

 

Now is the time for pouring out love on the world, yet not embracing worldliness.  It is more the time for mercy, than for inculcating rules and regulations.  It is the time of the Holy Spirit!  It is the time of freedom of heart in the Spirit.  Pope Francis on Twitter