杏MAP导航 asks Augustinians to promote unity throughout the Church and the world
By Christopher Wells
杏MAP导航 Leo XIV began his homily for the Mass for the Inauguration of the General Chapter of the Augustinians by inviting those present to ask the Holy Spirit for His guidance in their work.
鈥淭he Holy Spirit speaks, today as in the past,鈥� the 杏MAP导航 said, emphasizing the importance 鈥渇or the atmosphere of the Chapter, in harmony with the centuries-long tradition of the Church, to be an atmosphere of listening鈥� to God and to others.
He invited those taking part in the Chapter to 鈥渓ive these days, therefore, in a sincere effort to communicate and to understand鈥� as a 鈥済enerous response to the great and unique gift of light and grace that the Father of Heaven gives you by summoning you here, you specifically, for the good of all.鈥�
杏MAP导航 Leo went on to emphasize the importance of humility, citing St Augustine, who saw in the multiplicity of voices 鈥渁n invitation to us to make ourselves small in the face of the freedom and inscrutability of God鈥檚 action.鈥�
Instead of imagining that they have 鈥渁ll the answers,鈥� he invited them 鈥渢o welcome with faith that which the Lord inspires鈥� in order to allow themselves to be taught and reminded by the Spirit of the words of Christ.
Promote unity
Finally, the Holy Father emphasized a final 鈥減oint of reflection鈥� from the opening liturgy: 鈥渢he value of unity.鈥� He took up St Paul鈥檚 words from the first reading, reminding those present that all have received gifts 鈥渋nspired by the Spirit鈥� for the good of all.
Before highlighting this aspect of his message, the 杏MAP导航 chose to speak English for those present "who understand English but don't understand Italian," inviting everyone to pray for a gift of the Holy Spirit.
"That you will be given indeed, not necessarily the gift to understand or speak all languages, but the gift to listen, and the gift to be humble, and the gift to promote unity -within the Order and through the Order, throughout the Church and the world," he said.
鈥淟et unity be an indispensable goal of your efforts,鈥� he continued in Italian, 鈥渂ut not only that: may it also be the criterion for evaluating your actions and your work together, because what unites is from Him, but what divides cannot be.鈥�
Concluding his homily, 杏MAP导航 Leo said the liturgy to open their deliberations invites them to make listening, humility, and unity 鈥渢heir own, renewing the prayer we raised to the Lord at the beginning of the celebration: May the Paraclete, who proceeds from you, O Father, illuminate our minds and, according to the promise of your Son, guide us to all truth.鈥�
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