The 15th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops concluded this past weekend. During the final session which was held on Saturday, the Holy Father addressed some unscripted words to those who were gathered in the Synod Hall at the Vatican. During these concluding remarks, Pope Francis reminded the participants - and all of us as well - that although the final document has been prepared, the ultimate result of a Synod is not a document, but rather the Spirit who gives the Church the document so that it can work in our hearts (Unscripted remarks of His Holiness offered at the conclusion of the Synod, Saturday, 27 October 2018).
In the homily he preached at the closing mass yesterday, Pope Francis reminded the young people and all of those who were gathered that there are three important attitudes that must be adopted by those who want to be close to young people and to all of God's people. First, we must listen to one another (and to the Spirit that is living and active in our midst), then we must be neighbours to our brothers and sisters, taking care of one another. The third necessity is that we must be witnesses of the love that Jesus has shown us, witnesses of his mercy and his willingness to be close to all his beloved children (Homily, 28 October 2018).
These are challenges which are echoed in today's gospel passage. When Jesus encountered a woman who had been bent over in pain and suffering, he chose to heal her from her infirmities rather than simply watching her go by (Lk 17:10-13). Are we able to identify the struggles that our brothers and sisters must live with? Are we willing to do something about them? Are we willing to be close to our brothers and sisters in the midst of their suffering? Only then will we be able to proclaim to them the good news that Jesus wants to heal us all and remind us that we are all his beloved children.
Have a great day.
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