MISSION AS A CALL TO COMPASSION

In the cover story, we are invited to realize how important it is for all of us to follow the footsteps of Pope Francis towards creating a synodal Church world-wide. What this shift to synodality might demand of us to change radically in specific areas such as ecclesiology, ecumenical dialogue, and inter-religious collaboration etc. is to be paid attention to by the theologians in the next few years. Ultimately it might amount to all the faithful joining the Pope to humbly transform the hierarchical Church into a 'Servant' Church just as Christ himself came not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45).
However at the personal level it might imply an urgent call to expanding one's compassion as well as softening of judgment. At this juncture an oft-quoted

Jewish story comes to my mind. A wise rabbi asked his pupils how they could tell when the night ended and the day began. "Could it be", asked one of the students, "when you see an animal in the distance and can tell whether it's a sheep or shepherd's dog?"

"No," answered the rabbi. Another responded, "Is it when you can look at a tree in the distance and tell whether it's a fig tree or a peach tree?"

"No," answered the rabbi. "Then when is it?" the pupils demanded. "It is when you can look on the face of any human being and see at once that it is your own sister or brother. Because if you cannot sense this truth instantly it is still night in your inner self and you have not allowed your soul to be fully awake and alert."

Wider synodality, similar to ‘wider eccumenism' we used to talk about in the Asian context, could be the next step that might imbibe us with the inner awareness that everyone we meet on earth is a beloved child of God, inspite of all the external differences.

We should recall to our minds this spiritual insight again and again whenever our limited minds are tempted to become judgmental about another person. It is difficult to grow in spiritual maturity if we continue to be harsh and judgmental in our attitudes and behaviour. Every mystical tradition invariably strives hard to share the message that there is an inverse relationship between judging and loving. It is frequently stated this way: "The more one judges, the less one loves." An honourable task for every Christian is to work at softening judgment and widening one's compassion and mercy.

"Those who mindlessly judge others condemn themselves," warns an age-old English proverb