We must discern the signs of the times. This is what the Gospel (Mark 13:24-32) reveals to us this Sunday when Jesus told his disciples, “Learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near.” A significant part of the discernment process involves praying for guidance on where God is leading us and how He is speaking to us. It is about understanding His will in the Spirit of the Gospel, perceiving the heart and mind of Jesus amidst the events and challenges of our times, and acquiring a fresh perspective to see clearly what our society should pursue. This process encompasses quiet prayer, listening to God, and conversing with one another.
The call for discernment is not only personal but also communal. Where is the Lord leading the Catholic Church, other Christians, our parish, and society? To address these questions, we must foster a spirit of dialogue and intentionally dedicate time to listen attentively to one another. This is what the recent Synod on Synodality has accomplished over the past three years, as Pope Francis consulted with bishops, priests, religious men and women, and laity from different parts of the world regarding the future of the Catholic Church. The synod concluded on October 26, 2024, highlighting the institution’s challenges and proposing ways for all the baptized to be involved in charting a path forward.
During the synod’s closing Mass, Pope Francis, surrounded by the summit’s global delegates, encouraged the Church to be attentive to “the challenges of our time, the urgency of evangelization, and the many wounds that afflict humanity.”
“A sedentary church that inadvertently withdraws from life and confines itself to the margins of reality risks remaining blind and becoming comfortable with its own unease,” said the Pope. “If we remain stuck in our blindness, we will continuously fail to grasp the urgency of providing a pastoral response to the many problems of our world.”
The Holy Father has illuminated for us this process of discernment. May we, as a parish, exercise this communal discernment as we move forward in the coming years.
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
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Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.
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