...the reports of the various working groups of the Synod in Rome. Lots of cautious language. In some cases this seems to mask a definite message of lobbying, especially about Holy Communion for those who have left one marriage and emarked on something new...the result conveys somehow a sense of tiredness, as if the zeal has gone out of the mission. In others there is a much greater sense of trust in the truth of the Church's unchangeable teachings on marriage.
Gleeful commentators are now announcing that the Pope will have to make a decision and the Church will split. But a Pope can't make a decision about the Eucharist and the nuptial bond that it signifies between Christ and His Bride the Church: the decision has already been mde - Christ's teaching on marriage is clear.
What is rather dreary is the evidence of bishops losing their zeal and thinking that people don't really want the fullness of the Church's teaching any more. The task of St Peter's successor is to strengthen the brethren - if he fails to do that with vigour, it won't change anything. And what needs to be changed is not the Church's teaching or the way in which it is lived out in its disciplines, but the missionary zeal among the bishops. Pope Francis talks about mission, and about teaching out to people, and about the joy of the Gospel...now he needs to take time to pray, to gather strength, and then to affirm the fullness of the Gospel message and connfirm and strengthen the brethren in it...
...and, overall, the world's bishops are open to being strengthened and encouraged. Read here for a general round-up from the Synod which takes an upbeat approach and sees good things...
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