Message of Francis for the journey of preparation for Easter: “A time of grace”, to be lived listening to Jesus, not alone, but together, like the disciples in the Gospel episode of the Transfiguration. A model for the Synod, that he must avoid “the opposite temptations of immobility and improvised experimentation”.
Vatican City () – Lent is not a time for oneself, to be lived alone, but a moment of community listening to Jesus and, precisely for this reason, the synodal path that the Church is living offers a valuable indication, says the Pope Francis in his message for Lent 2023 published today by the Vatican Press Office. It bears the title “Lenten Ascesis, a synodal path” and will be accompanied by a web itinerary created by the Dicastery for Integral Human Development, which from Ash Wednesday will renew its content every week.
Francis’ reflection is based on the Gospel page of the transfiguration of Jesus on Mount Tabor. “In this event – recalls the pontiff – we see the Lord’s response to the lack of understanding that his disciples had shown towards Him”. He refers to the harsh reproach that Jesus makes to Peter who, after professing his faith, had rejected the announcement of the passion and the cross.
The Pope explains the parallel between Lent and the Synod: “To deepen our knowledge of the Master, to fully understand and accept the mystery of divine salvation, accomplished in the total gift of himself out of love, we must allow ourselves to be led by him to a a deserted and elevated place, moving away from mediocrity and vanity. We have to embark on an uphill path that requires effort, sacrifice and concentration, like a hike up the mountain. These requirements are also important for the synodal path that, as a Church, we we have promised to do.”
He then points out that Jesus takes three disciples with him to the “retreat” on Mount Tabor: “He wants this experience of grace not to be solitary, but shared, as is our whole life of faith. We have to follow Jesus together”. Later, when they reach the top, “the three disciples were granted the grace to see him in his glory, resplendent with supernatural light. A light that did not come from outside, but was radiated by Himself”. “Also, the synodal process often seems like an arduous path, and can sometimes discourage us. But what awaits us at the end is undoubtedly something wonderful and surprising, which will help us better understand God’s will and our mission at the service of his Kingdom.
Next to the transfigured Jesus appear Moses and Elijah, who represent the Law and the Prophets. “Similarly, the synodal path is rooted in the tradition of the Church and, at the same time, open to novelty. Tradition is a source of inspiration to seek new paths, avoiding the opposite temptations of immobility and improvised experimentation”.
And precisely in light of this “personal and ecclesial transfiguration” that takes place in the mystery of Easter, the Pope suggests “two paths” to follow in a special way in this contemporary Lent of the synodal path.
The first comes from the invitation – “Listen to him” (Mt 17, 5) – that God the Father addresses to the disciples on Tabor. “Lent is a time of grace to the extent that we listen to Jesus who speaks to us.” That is why he invites us to listen carefully to the Word of God: if we cannot participate in Mass every day -Francisco suggests- “let us meditate on the biblical readings of each day, even with the help of the internet”. Jesus also speaks to us through the brothers, in the faces and in the stories of those who need help”. But also – the Pope specifies – “listening to Christ also involves listening to our brothers and sisters in the Church; that reciprocal listening that in some phases is the main objective, and that, in any case, is always indispensable in the method and style of a synodal Church”.
The second indication of Jesus, at the end of the extraordinary experience of the transfiguration, is “Get up and do not be afraid” (Mt 17, 6-8). Francis explains that it is an invitation “not to take refuge in a religiosity made of extraordinary events, suggestive experiences, for fear of facing reality with its daily fatigues, its difficulties and its contradictions.” “Lent is oriented towards Easter. The “retirement” is not an end in itself, but prepares us to live the passion and the cross with faith, hope and love, to reach the resurrection “.
“In the same way, the synodal path – concludes the pontiff – must not make us believe in the illusion that we have arrived when God grants us the grace of some strong experiences of communion. There, too, the Lord repeats to us: “Get up, do not be afraid.” Let us go down to the plain and may the grace we have experienced sustain us to be artisans of synodality in the ordinary life of our communities”.
