
Greetings on this the Friday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Jer 26:1-9; PS 69:5, 8-10, 14; Mt 13:54-58
Synodality
the Spirit would speak where the Spirit wished to speak.
Then, only eight days after the formal close of Vatican II, the Bishop of London in Ontario made a startling announcement. His diocese was to hold a synod, to which everyone in the diocese— clergy, religious and lay—was invited. He was not concerned that the laity would be in the majority; indeed he welcomed it. He was bent on letting the people of the diocese absorb and receive the teaching of the council. And he planned to be a listening bishop. He used this phrase often for he wanted to hear the opinions of the people on how the diocese should move forward. The voice of the people mattered because he took seriously what the council had taught him about the infallibility of the people of God. His other oft-repeated remark was that the Spirit would speak where the Spirit wished to speak.
Source: https://stmikes.utoronto.ca/news/insightout-synodality-laity-pope-francis-whats-it-all-about
Rather than focusing on these topics, Francis wants to overcome the polarization in the church so it can be a true sign and instrument of communion with God and with humanity. He wants the people of God to fulfill their responsibility to announce to the world the good news of the Gospel, the love and mercy of God toward all humanity and indeed all creation. He wants the entire church to become synodal.
Source: https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2023/10/24/synod-synodality-parish-meetings-246361
Summary
Listening and watching the news in Gaza, the West Bank and all of Israel one cannot escape the absolute polarization and hardheartedness of those invested in the outcome of this war. It really is a simple and tribal approach.
- Whom do I support?
- What can I excuse?
- How can I amplify the errors of my opponent?
If you, anyone, does not subscribe and obey my own view of these events: the priests and prophets laid hold of [you], crying, “You must be put to death!
Clearly we are in a Mexican Standoff – in the Church and in the world. In fact, we can say the urgency in the Church is reflected in the world – same infection, the same disastrous outcomes are possible.
Reflection
In our sacred readings today:
- Nobody wanted to listen to Jeremiah.
- Nobody wanted to listen to Jesus.
The objections were many, and if you were able to logically counter an argument, a new objection popped up then another and another. There simply is no way to penetrate the thickness of the stubborn mind. And the result? Misery, and lots of it.
If Pope Francis cannot help us refactor how to listen to one another and allow the whisper of the Holy Spirit to come through, how can we expect it from others?
There is a proven techniques for Synodality.
Source: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/synodality-eng-methodology.pdf
Source: https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2023/10/24/synod-synodality-parish-meetings-246361
Personal Reflection
The Appearance on the Road to Emmaus.
Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning [within us] while he spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us?” (LK 24:32).
My heart burns with love of the Lord …. and conviction by the Holy Spirit! My views are often challenged by the Holy Spirit. I can feel his displeasure at some of my thoughts and some of my actions as not being in harmony with the divine will. Yes, I said that. So I enter prayer and discernment. A certain passive-passivity to the voice of the Lord knowing the refining love will preserve all justice in mercy – for me and for the targets of my displeasure.

Whoever has ears ought to hear (Mt 11:15). This instruction, or ones like it, are repeated 15 times in the Gospels.
Domination is not the answer. Listening in the Spirit is the answer.
Synodality Responses
Hear now and hear now I have made the proposition. How does it speak to you? Type in your responses if you are willing. Your comments help me — If I can’t hear you, can I really hear God?
We have to trust the Lord is listening and guiding. Elsewise: he did not work many mighty deeds there because of their lack of faith (Mt 13:58).
Sacred Readings
Full link: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/080224.cfm
First Reading
Now the priests, the prophets, and all the people heard Jeremiah speak these words in the house of the LORD. When Jeremiah finished speaking all that the LORD bade him speak to all the people, the priests and prophets laid hold of him, crying, "You must be put to death!
Responsorial
Lord, in your great love, answer me.
Gospel Acclamation
The word of the Lord remains forever; this is the word that has been proclaimed to you.
Gospel
But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and in his own house.” And he did not work many mighty deeds there because of their lack of faith.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

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