Weekly Meditation

The Synod of Bishops in Rome October 5 - 26 on the topic "The Word of God in the Life and Ministry of the Church"  closed with Mass celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI. Words from his homily have real implications and challenge for us all:

How many times, in the past few days, have we heard about experiences and reflections that underline the need emerging today for a more intimate hearing of God, of a truer knowledge of His Word of Salvation; of a more sincere sharing of faith which is constantly nourished at the table of the Divine Word!

All of us who have taken part in the work of the Synod will carry with us the renewed knowledge that the Church's principal task, at the start of this new millennium, is above all to nourish ourselves on the Word of God, in order to make more effective new evangelization, the announcement of our times.

...we have to understand the necessity of translating the Word we have heard into gestures of love, because this is the only way to make the Gospel announcement credible, despite the human weaknesses that mark individuals. What this requires first of all is a more intimate knowledge of Christ and an ever more docile acceptance of his Word.

        - Pope Benedict XVI

We will look forward prayerfully to Pope Benedict's document that will give us the full impact of this Synod on the Word of God for us as we are moved to read and pray the Sacred Scriptures more frequently these days.

Bishop Willliam R. Houck
President Emeritus, Catholic Extension