IV. TOGETHER WALKING PATHS OF HOPE FOR THE WORLD

            “We share responsibility in together walking paths of hope.” This has been the theme of this Assembly, based on the IL of the next Synod. Reading the first and fifth chapters of this document give the impression that there is an overwhelming number of challenges and tasks weighing upon the life and ministry of the Bishops. This gives rise to the question, what paths of hope for the world can the Bishops and consecrated persons journey together?

“Walking paths” is another way of speaking about being attentive and docile to the initiative and creativity of the Spirit in the Church and in the world. The Spirit continues to speak to the Churches and repeats: “Let those who have ears listen” (cf. Rev 2 and 3). The spirit continues to liberate creation from the slavery of corruption in order to share in the glorious freedom of the children of God (Rom 8: 21). Everywhere the Spirit is giving us signs of new life, of new hope, asking us to be attentive to discern them, accept them and support them. Isaiah tells us to pay attention: “Remember not the events of the past, the things of long ago consider not; See, I am doing something new!  Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? In the desert I make a way, in the wasteland, rivers” (Is 43: 18-19).

Mary, mother of Jesus and of the Church, who has walked the most mysterious path opened by the Spirit in the history of humanity, comes out now to our meeting and sings her Magnificat. It is a prophesy fulfilled, but not completely, and remembered each day by the Church as a prayer of hope. In her song are cited ancient promises and hopes. But there is a new point of departure: “Yes, from now onwards all generations will call me blessed, for the Almighty has done great things for me. (Lk 1:48-49).  Mary in the Church, and specifically in the consecrated life, invites us to accept, give thanks, and follow her journey of faith and hope.