Welcome to a Reflection by Rev. Timothy Radcliffe, O.P., on the final Synod document
Meditation by Rev. Timothy Radcliffe, O.P.
Meditation by Rev. Timothy Radcliffe, O.P.
Monday, 21st October 2024
Embarking on the journey to review and amend the final Synod document calls for a deep sense of responsibility. How do we approach this task?
We approach it with freedom! As St. Paul wrote in the Scriptures, ‘For freedom, Christ has set us free.’ (Galatians 5:1). Our mission is to embrace and embody this freedom – the freedom to speak our beliefs boldly, to listen without fear, and to engage in respectful dialogue. This is the freedom of the children of God, a freedom that empowers us to speak with courage, as the early disciples did in proclaiming the Resurrection in Jerusalem.
This freedom is anchored in a deeper sense of liberation, the inner freedom of our hearts as we navigate the decisions ahead. Even if we find ourselves at odds with the Synod’s outcomes, we hold onto the belief that ‘God works all for the good of those who love him’ (Romans 8:28). This faith allows us to rest in God’s love, even amidst disagreements and uncertainties. It gives us the confidence to embrace our collective identity as the Church.
The essence of our decision-making process lies in this intertwined freedom, where God’s grace intersects with our human reasoning. Just as grace perfects nature, our thoughts and choices are infused with divine guidance. We are called to engage our minds, guided by the Holy Spirit, in seeking truth and discernment.
In times of trial and persecution, like the saints before us, we are reminded to stand firm in speaking the truth with prudence and integrity. Disagreement, when approached with trust in the Holy Spirit, can lead to greater understanding and unity.
Our freedom extends beyond mere arguments or passive acceptance. It calls us to actively participate, grounded in the assurance that God’s providence is at work, leading us towards a greater purpose. As we navigate the uncertainties of life, we are reminded of Julian of Norwich’s words, ‘All shall be well; all manner of things shall be well.” God’s plan unfolds in mysterious ways, guiding us towards his Kingdom.
In the face of challenges and opposition, we are invited to hold onto a faith that transcends our own limitations, embracing a mindset that seeks unity above divisive ideologies. God’s freedom resonates within us, empowering us to claim our individual voices while acknowledging our shared identity as God’s children.
As we move forward, let us trust in God’s providence, knowing that each step we take, no matter how uncertain, is part of a larger, divine plan. Like the saints who faced trials with grace and humility, may we too embody a spirit of courage and openness as we journey together towards God’s truth.
Footnotes
[1] ‘partim quidem adducti divina virtute, partim autem dromedariorum velocitate’ (Summa theol. III q.31 a.6 ad 3).
[2] Unpublished homily for Easter Week 4, Sunday, Year A
[3] By Robert Bolt
[4] Journel of a Theologian 1946 – 1956, translated by Denis Minns OP, ATF, Adelaide, 2015, p.340. From Journal d’un théolgien 1946 – 1956, Edition du Cerf, Paris, 2000, p.271.
[5] Quoted by McVey, Dialog, p.55
[6] Written between 1945 and 1950
[7] I quote from The Splendour of the Church, trans by Michael Mason, Sheed and Ward, London and New York, 1956, p. 187
