Pope Francis Encourages the Church to Be a Missionary Community at Closing of Synod on Synodality
Concluding Mass on Synod’s Journey and Pope Francis’s Message
At the climax of the XVIth Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, Pope Francis presided over a concluding Mass on Sunday, October 27, in Saint Peter’s Basilica. This mass marked the culmination of a three-year journey, beginning with local and continental meetings and culminating in month-long sessions in the Vatican during 2023 and 2024, centered on the theme of Synodality.
Highlights of the Papal Homily
Distinctive elements of the celebration included the prominently featured relic—the ancient Chair of Saint Peter and Bernini Baldachin. Pope Francis noted how the chair symbolizes love, unity, mercy, and service, embodying Jesus’ teachings to the Apostle Peter. The Baldachin, or canopy, serves as a reminder of the glory of the Holy Spirit, the true focal point of the basilica.
Rediscovering Our Inner Strength
In his homily, Pope Francis drew parallels between the Gospel narrative of Bartimaeus, a blind man who cried out for help, and the inner blindness that can hold back individuals and the Church from embracing dynamic life and hope. He emphasized that, like Bartimaeus, we must recognize our personal and communal limitations and reach out to God for healing and guidance.
Calls for a Church on the Move
Pope Francis warned that a sedentary Church risks becoming blind to the realities and challenges of the world. Instead, he envisioned a Church that hears the cries of humanity and actively serves, embracing the Gospel mission as a dynamic and missionary community.
Emphasis on Walking with the Lord
The Pope encouraged the Church to emulate Bartimaeus’ example, continually seeking the Lord’s guidance and following him, even in the face of adversity. He underlined that the Church is not to act alone but to journey together, united in faith and service.
Synodal Church: A Call to Action
In his closing prayerful thanks, Pope Francis expressed gratitude for the synodal journey undertaken and urged the Church to continue with confidence. He urged us to embrace the spirit of the synodal Church—one that is baptized by the Holy Spirit and equipped to bring the light of the Gospel to the world.
Call to Arms: Taking Up the Mission
With conviction, Pope Francis encourages exercises in Christian faith and hope. Drawing strength from the Gospel narrative, he exhorts us to:
- Recall Christ’s Presence: Remind ourselves continually that the Lord is always walking alongside and through the streets of the world.
- Live with Integrity: Live our faith authentically, being vigilant to capture every moment of God’s action and the need to respond.
- Serve Without Borders: Engage in servant-leadership, embracing those in need, disregard for social boundaries or personal limitations.
Come terming this a clarion call, Pope Francis leaves us with an empowerment to reawaken our senses to living the Word.
Join the Synodal Journey
Today, Pope Francis invites us all to embrace the journey of synodality, to become like Bartimaeus, hear God’s voice, and be a mission of believers. Whether through prayer, service, or evangelization, we are called to contribute our unique gifts—let us rise and follow the Lord along the way.
With the Gospel light illuminating our path, let us walk together. Together, we can heal the world—the Church standing as a beacon of hope and love for those who cry out in the streets.
Important Links:
Notable Quotations:
- Pope Francis’s Insight on Barbacement: “We cannot remain inert before the questions raised by the women and men of today, before the challenges of our time, the urgency of evangelization, and the many wounds that afflict humanity.”
- Synodal Community: “We need not a sedentary and defeatist Church, but a Church that hears the cry of the world and gets its hands dirty in serving.”</Définitionfcape>