Last week Pope Francis convened the synod of bishops in Rome to talk about Church-related issues. But a synod is more than that, it literally means to “journey with” or “walk with.” The Holy Father is inviting all of us to reflect on the “synodality” of the Church, how we as the Body of Christ, journey together with the Lord.

There are three things that Pope Francis is asking us to do during these years of the synod – to encounter, to listen, and to discern.

The “art of encounter,” said Francis, is marked by listening and seeking to understand the other. “Every encounter, as we know, calls for openness, courage and a willingness to let ourselves be challenged by the presence and the stories of others,” the pope continued.

As we encounter people, the pope is asking us, “are we listening?” And if we are we listening from the heart?

In our listening, the pope reminds us to discern. What is being said? “Do we allow people to express themselves, to walk in faith even though they have had difficulties in life, and to be part of the life of the community without being hindered, rejected or judged?”

I believe it is providential that as we begin the synod, we, as a community enter our second phase in our Parish Renewal Initiative. This is the time for us not just to renew, but to strengthen our relationship with the Lord. But we can only do that if we are willing to encounter our God in prayer, listen to Him and discover how we can journey into that relationship with God.

This is a very spiritually-fulfilling opportunity being offered to us! Two or three minutes spent with God will make a whole of difference. We do have some resources available for all of us. The Give us This Day book that contains the daily readings can be helpful. Just in time for Advent, we can provide you “blue book” written by bishop Ken Untener to guide our preparations for Christmas. And we will once again commence a few minutes of catechesis after communion as part of the parish’s Growing our Friendship with Jesus ministry.

I hope that these days of personal discernment will enable us to grow and strengthen our relationship with the Lord and with one another.