Synodality sees the need for accompaniment!

If synodality forms part of the nature of the Church then why does she appear to not accompany her members in times of pain and suffering? One thing that impacted us during the diocesan, metropolitan and national level of consultations is about the Church’s need to accompany the lost, the last and the least of her members. Many shared during the consultations that they have been abandoned, neglected and not listened to.

It is a wake-up call! It is a call to be an image of the true nature of the Church – a Church that accompanies and listens just like the two disciples going to Emmaus where Jesus, unknown at the start, was with them listening to their stories of discouragement, dismay and abandonment. But as they continued their journey, their eyes were opened and realized that the one who listened and accompanied them was the Lord.

Yes! It may appear that the Church never accompanies her faithful. But this observation can be true to those who have not opened their hearts to the frontings of God’s abiding presence. God is ever-present. God loves and cares. He accepts and never abandons. God always accompanies his people. This is also what the Church truly signifies. The only thing that we have to do is to open our hearts to His frontings. Surely this will change our perspective in life, our decisions, our concerns and priorities. Later, this would inspire us to become instruments of accompaniment to people around us.

Let us be true to our nature as a Church and synodality helps us see the need for accompaniment. Then, we respond together.