Week One: Called to Walk Together…
For guidance on how to approach a self guided retreat, please click here.
Opening scripture
Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside.
When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’
Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly,
‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’
Jesus stood still and said, ‘Call him here.’
And they called the blind man, saying to him, ‘Take heart; get up, he is calling you.’
Gospel of Mark 10:46-49
Introduction to the theme
Synodality is a way of being church that responds to our hurting, changing world through prayerful listening and discernment. It is the everyday style of our life and mission as a Catholic community – our habits and practices, for example how we welcome strangers or resolve conflict.
Reflect on this passage from the Final Synod Document
Take a moment to let the words sink into your heart and allow yourself a moment to listen for the stirrings of the Holy Spirit. What words stood out for you in what you have read? What phrases or ideas touched you?
A question to ponder through your day…
How could this notion of journeying together by ‘deep listening’ renew your spiritual life, and maybe your own parish, community, and family?
Closing prayer
Glory be to the Father to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning,
is now and ever shall be
world without end,
Amen.
Pope Leo XIV's impromptu words at the end of the First Session of the Extraordinary Consistory, 7 January 2026:
“Let us ask ourselves: is there life in our Church?” I am convinced that there is, certainly. In recent months, if I had not experienced it before, I have certainly had many beautiful experiences of the life of the Church. But the question remains: is there life in our Church? “Is there space for something new to be born? Do we love and proclaim a God who sets us on a journey?” [or] close ourselves off and say, “Everything is already done, finished, do as we have always done”. There really is a path, and with the work of these days, we are walking together.”
Lent Reflections by week:
Want to know more about the Final Synod Document?
As we move into the implementation stage of the synodal process, here are some key resources from the School for Synodality to help guide our understanding of the Final Synod Document, including our Book Club taking it chapter by chapter with synod experts, Lectio Divina on certain passages, and our small group resources ‘A Feast For All Peoples’.