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Message for the beginning of Lent in line with the synod
2022-03-08

Message for the beginning of Lent in line with the synod

Synodality as a way and fruit of conversion

The consultation process that we are experiencing in preparation for the next Synod of Bishops is coming to an end. In order to respect the timetable, the date of March 31, 2022 has been chosen to end the dialogue groups. The path we have travelled together has already revealed something about ourselves and our life in the Church. We see more clearly some of our poverties in terms of communication and listening.  Moreover, questions that emerge, emotions, fears, frustrations that arise and are sometimes expressed awkwardly invite to discernment. We also see new points of reference appear while others fade away. Through this synodal process, we have also observed discomforts and doubts about the relevance of this work and its reception. 
It is good to point out that this process has probably allowed us to feel closer to what makes up "the joys and hopes, the sorrows and anxieties of the people of our time, especially of the poor and of all those who suffer" (Gaudium et Spes, Article 1). 
This synodal approach gives a new coloring to Lent, this time of conversion is a return to the essential, to openness to oneself, to others and to the Other. Let us enter into Lent with our eyes fixed on Christ and the certainty that love has already triumphed over all death and servitude and that the Risen One walks with us.
Let us be aware that our "walking together" requires an attitude of conversion as individuals and as communities.  In order to walk together, we must clothe ourselves with humility toward one another, cf. 1 Peter 5:5. In this spirit, we will be able to talk to one another, listen to one another, pray and discern together the next steps to take in order to meet the challenges of the mission. Let us enter this Lenten season to develop what is good in us: listening, dialogue, forgiveness, joy: attitudes that help us to better discern the calls of Jesus. At the beginning of Lent, let us present to God the darker side of ourselves in simplicity, trusting that the Holy Spirit will continue to fulfill the Easter promises in us.
A time of synod, a time of Lent, a time of conversion.  As long as we decide to follow Jesus, the Holy Spirit will provoke us to go beyond what limits us. He is already instilling the attitudes of Jesus that lead us out into the deep. He leads us through the discomforts that shatter the false certainties that clutter our roads. His benevolence already guides us and makes us aware that he is with us, that he loves us and urges us with Christ to choose life. 
The whole Lenten process is inscribed in these words: "I place before you life and death, blessing or curse. Choose life, therefore, that you may live." (Dt 30:15) Lent, like our synodal process, directs us to choose life, to walk, to grow together in the mission that Christ Jesus entrusts to us. This time of the liturgical year favors interiorisation and allows us to come to the truth about ourselves. We come to the light of Christ so that the works of God may be manifested in us and in the world (cf. John 3:21). Let us welcome this time of Lent and synodality as a gift of the Holy Spirit who leads us to choose to do the truth in charity in order to cultivate in ourselves an attitude of permanent conversion. 

André Inkel, pastoral worker
Diocesan respondent for the synod
 

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