The Messenger - October 2008 - Synod of Bishops
By Michael Drennan,SJ - 01 October 2008
It is a time of words. Some are uttered with sincerity; others sound hollow. To say ‘I give you my word for it’, is not always regarded as sufficient. Often people seek evidence to support the truth of spoken words. We have tribunals set up to try to find the truth of what happened, and many wonder how well they are succeeding.
Deep down we all want the truth. It provides a solid foundation on which to build; relationships need it for security and stability.
The term, ‘the Word of God’, is also referred to as Scripture or the Bible. Readings from it are heard at Mass and in other celebrations, such as baptisms, funerals, weddings, as well as being used in prayer groups. It is God’s Word of promise and hope, reminding us that God is faithful, that God’s Word means what it says. Through it, God teaches and reassures us, but we can struggle to believe that. Being told that God loves us - that we are important with a God-given dignity - does not automatically find acceptance.
Highlighting the Word of God in recent years has been a blessing; it nourishes, teaches and strengthens us to live in a more generous and loving way. The intention for this month draws attention to its place and importance in life and in the Church. Proclaiming the Word may have been seen primarily as the task of Bishops and priests. They have a particular role to play in this, but as the document on ‘the Church’ from the Second Vatican Council clearly states, we are all called ‘to spread and defend the faith by word and deed as true witnesses of Christ’ (#11).
We all share in the life and mission of Jesus through our Baptism, and transmitting the Word is integral to living out the gift given us. When we come to experience and accept it as good news, we want to transmit it as we do not tend to keep good news to ourselves.
This applies in a special way to those engaged more directly in the service of the Word, whether it is as parents, teachers, pastoral workers, those who run adult faith courses or readers at Mass. They carry out a valuable ministry for the Church.
The gathering of Bishops, the Synod, is to affirm them in that service. The Bishops are to support them so that they can carry out the ministry with courage. Telling the truth demands that, and proclaiming the Word of God in a less-welcoming environment requires it even more so. The message of the Gospel is not always easy, yet the call is to proclaim the Word of God as the ‘truth that sets us free’ (Jn.8:32), having the boldness of the disciples when faced with opposition after Pentecost (Acts 4:13).
The words of St. Paul remind us of the courage that is needed: ‘Proclaim the message and, welcome or unwelcome, insist on it’ (2 Tm.4:1-2). Popularity did not rate highly for Jesus in his life and teaching; he taught and lived the truth in love.
In a year that celebrates the Word of God, we look to the Bishops in their prophetic and teaching roles to lead the way, providing direction and support to those who share the mission. The Bishops as leaders are to help members of the Church to live out their call. The involvement of the members is not because of the declining number of priests and religious; it is an appreciation of their sharing in the mission through their Baptism. The Church is the gathering of God’s people; each member has a part to play; the proclamation of God’s message should be central to it.
The intention highlights the communal nature of our faith life; our lives influence each other. Attention to the Word enables all to know Jesus better, so that the quality of service is strengthened. The message is about God’s relationship with us and how we are to live in relationship with God and each other.
But the Word is more than a message, as it reveals Jesus, the living Word come among us. The Word is a person who became flesh. The call is to put flesh on the message. When the words used are in harmony with the Eternal Word this is more evident.
People need guidance and help to understand and proclaim the Word. Just as Philip helped the Ethiopian to appreciate the message that would change his life - ‘Do you understand what you are reading? How can I, unless someone guides me?’ (Acts 8: 30-31) - this opened the way for Philip to explain the passage of scripture the Ethiopian was reading.
St. Paul spoke of the need of people to proclaim, adding that ‘faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ’ (Rom.10:17). Having had the privilege of accompanying people in faith, I have become more aware of how significant the Word of God is. Contact with people who have attended courses or studied scripture is further confirmation of its importance and the key role of many people in bringing the Word to life for others.
There is a hunger for the Word; it is Good News that needs to be heard afresh by many who desire hope and meaning. May this year open it up to more people through those who exercise this ministry, supported by the Synod of Bishops in word and in deed.