THE SYNODAL CHURCH

At a recent Workshop on Discernment facilitated by John Dardis SJ, he compared two images of the Church, the first as a lighthouse, strong, tall, sturdy, and distant, shining a light from a great height into the darkness. The second image, by contrast, was a group of tea light candles, each small and fragile, yet together, casting wide their flickering lights. John likened the image of the tea light candles to the Synodal Church, fragile and vulnerable yet also mobile, energised, and inclusive. As we enter this time of Advent, reflecting on Mary’s vulnerability and courage as she set out on her new path, may we draw strength from her example, as we each become a small Synodal light in this new way of being Church.

(Source: Jesuit and Ignatian Spirituality Australia)