One of the auditors (ie observer/advisor) of the Synod is Maria Voce, the newly elected President of Focolare. Another is Michelle Moran, from the International Committee of Catholic Charismatic Renewal (I think I have that title right!). Some commentators would welcome their presence at the Synod as two of the women present - more women being present at this Synod of Bishops than at any previous Synod. The significance of their presence, though, is that they are representatives of movements in the Church which have a particular dedication to the pastoral use of Scripture. Focolare's idea of using a passage or phrase of Scripture as a "Word of Life" that members and friends try to live out in their daily lives, and then meet together so that they can share how they have succeeded or failed in this, is an example of a very immediate pastoral approach to Scripture.
I have noticed ZENIT reporting that Cardinal Marc Ouellet has suggested that Pope Benedict write an encyclical letter on the interpretation of Scripture. If Jesus of Nazareth gives an indication of how this might look in print, it would be an interesting venture!
Catholic Analysis gives a much fuller account of the first congregation of the Synod, including a long extract from Cardinal Ouellet's address. The following particularly struck me - surprise, surprise, Cardinal Ouellet is very much involved with the journal Communio to which Hans Urs von Balthasar's idea of "Marian profile" in the Church is familiar territory.
"'Convocatio, communio, missio'. Around these three keywords that translate the triple dimension (dynamic, personal and dialogic) of Christian Revelation, we will show the thematic structure of the 'Instrumentum laboris'. The Word of God convokes, it activates communion with God's plan through obedience to faith and sends the chosen people towards nations. This Word of Covenant culminates in Mary, who embraces the Word made flesh in faith, the Desired One of the nations. .....
In placing the ecclesial functions of Scriptures, Tradition and Magisterium within a Marian ecclesiology, we invite a change of the paradigm where the emphasis passes from the noetic [intellectual] dimension to the personal dimension of Revelation. The archetypical figure of Mary allows emphasising the dynamic dimension of the Word and the personal nature of faith as a gift of oneself, all while inviting the Church to live under the Word and open to all actions by the Holy Spirit".
Blog by the Sea has coverage with lots of links here.
No comments:
Post a Comment