| "The Bishop: Servant of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the Hope of the World" MESSAGE
OF THE X ORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY
OF THE SYNOD OF BISHOPS 1. Assembled in Rome from September 30th to October 27th in the name of Christ the Lord, we, Catholic patriarchs and bishops of the entire world, have been invited by Pope John Paul II to evaluate our ministry in the Church in the light of the Second Vatican Council (1962‑1965). ... 11. Some endemic evils, when they are too long ignored, can produce despair in entire populations. How can we keep silent when confronted by the enduring drama of hunger and extreme poverty, in an age where humanity, more than ever, has the capacity for a just sharing of resources? We also must express our solidarity with the flood of refugees and immigrants, who, because of war, political oppression or economic discrimination, are forced to flee their homeland, in search of employment or in the hope of finding peace. The ravages of malaria, the spread of AIDS, illiteracy, the hopelessness of so many children and youth abandoned to life on the streets, the exploitation of women, pornography, intolerance, the scandalous perversion of religion for violent purposes, drug trafficking and the sale of arms
the list is not exhaustive! Still, in the midst of all this distress, the humble take new heart. The Lord looks at them and strengthens them. "Because they rob the afflicted, and the needy sigh, now I will arise, says the Lord" (Ps 12:6). ... 13. With our whole heart, we thank all priests, religious men and women and missionaries. Inspired by the hope which comes from God, revealed in Jesus of Nazareth, they dedicate themselves to the service of the weak and the sick and proclaim the Gospel of life. We admire the generosity of those many people who work for humanitarian goals, the persistence of those who lead international organisations, the courage of journalists who work at considerable risk for the truth and for the enlightenment of public opinion, the dedication of scientists, doctors and nurses, the daring of businessmen who create jobs in run‑down areas, the devotion of parents, social workers and teachers, the creativity of artists, and so many other peace‑makers, who seek to save lives, strengthen the family, promote the dignity of women, bring up children and preserve or enrich the cultural patrimony of humankind. We believe that, in all of these people, "grace is active invisibly" (Gaudium et spes, 22). ... 15. Just as we must struggle to free those oppressed by a poverty which is destructive, so there can be a kind of poverty which frees our energies for love and service. This is the gospel poverty which we want to practise. We should be poor before the Father, like Jesus in his prayer, his teaching and his deeds. We should be poor with Mary, remembering Gods mighty works. We should be poor in the face of our brothers and sisters, marked by a style of life which draws people to Jesus the Lord. The bishop is the father and the brother of the poor. When it is necessary, he should not hesitate to raise his voice for those who have no voice, so that their rights will be recognised and respected. In particular, he "must do everything he can so that in every Christian community, the poor feel at home" (Novo millennio ineunte, 50). It is only then, as we face the world filled with missionary dynamism, that we can speak credibly of the joy of the humble and pure of heart, the power of forgiveness and the hope that those who hunger and thirst for justice will finally be satisfied by God. ... An Appeal to Political and Economic Leaders 27. The Fathers of the Second Vatican Council, in their message to governments, dared to say : « In your earthly and temporal city, God is building his spiritual and eternal city ». That is why, recognising our own limits and our role as bishops and making no pretence to any political power, we still dare to speak to our political and economic leaders: May the common good of all persons and peoples be your motive for action. It is not beyond your mandate to join together as broadly as possible to work for justice and peace. We ask you to remember those corners of the world which receive no media coverage and where our brothers and sisters are dying from famine and lack of medicine. The persistence of gross inequalities between nations is a threat to peace. As the Pope has explicitly asked you, we ask you again to lessen the burden of external debt on the developing countries, to defend all human rights, especially the right to religious freedom. Confidently and respectfully, we ask you to remember that all power finds its meaning in service alone. Call to Youth 28. And you, young people, you are « sentinels of the morning ». It is Pope John Paul II who gave you this name. How is the Lord of history asking you to build a civilisation of love? You have a keen sense of what honesty and sincerity require. You do not want to be caught up into divisive ethnic struggles nor poisoned by the gangrene of corruption. How can we be disciples of Jesus together and put into practice Christs teachings on the Mount of the Beatitudes? The Ten Commandments written in your hearts are not superseded by these teachings. These Beatitudes give the Commandments a vitality and a radiant inspiration that can win hearts for the Truth that frees us. They say to each one of you : « You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself » (Lk 10:27). Stay united with your bishops and your priests who are public witnesses to the Truth that Jesus is Our Lord. ... |