listening

Over several months reflections were collected from the faithful in parishes across the diocese and put before diocesan teams and deaneries as part of the churchwide preparation process for the 2023 word Synod of Bishops on synodality.

“Words, spoken and unspoken, can have a long life span and a remarkable ability to affect others.”

Since the onset of Lebanon’s economic collapse in late 2019, the once-middle income country has now become a place where nearly 80% of the population is poor.

“Listening is the posture God takes with us. We dump out everything in our heads and hearts, mundane details and gigantic problems, and he does not become annoyed by us.”

The synodal style invites us to set aside preconceptions about what needs to be done and take time to listen more broadly, aware that the Holy Spirit “blows where he wills” and often speaks to us from unexpected quarters and in unexpected ways.

Leaders in mental health ministry at the parish and diocesan levels told attendees that this is a ministry everyone can do, because the critical task is listening to and being present to someone who is struggling.

“A shift in mindset is required, moving from viewing the laity as mere collaborators with the clergy to recognizing that the clergy and laity are ‘co-responsible’ for the Church’s well-being and action.”

“Our battles today, both in our families and in our country, suffer from a lack of hearts inclined to listen. Listening requires patience, the pope reminds us. It also requires a certain humility.”